When it comes to the Mississippi River, it is the fourth longest river in the United States and many people associate it with the rugged beauty of its basin and the historical significance it holds. Yet among all the adjacent tributaries that flow into the Mississippi, one river stands out – the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande is notably missing as a tributary to the Mississippi. While this may seem like a simple geographical question, the reason for its absence has intriguing origins.
The Rio Grande begins its journey in south-central Colorado and flows down towards the Southwestern United States, where it then turns to traverse the length of the Mexican-American border. After making its southward turn, the Rio Grande continues its course over 2,000 miles until it reaches its destination—the Gulf of Mexico, where it merges with the sea. In a sense, for the Rio Grande, the Mississippi River is something of a long-lost sibling, as the two are both part of the same watershed.
Simply put, the absence of the Rio Grande’s participation in the Mississippi’s hydrological system is due to continental collisions that occurred some 250 million years ago. This event split the continent of Pangea, the ancient supercontinent composed of Earth’s separate landmasses, into two different continental plates. As a result, the southernmost part of the Mississippi basin was carved off and isolated, thus preventing them from sharing common waters. This then caused the Rio Grande to be perpetually separated from the Mississippi
Geographic analysts often discuss the Rio Grande situation in terms of its various ramifications. For instance, the loss of a financial resource is considered, as the Rio Grande’s eventual tributary status could’ve potentially granted the Mississippi access to huge mineral resources. Additionally, it’s been predicted that lacking the Rio Grande’s contribution, the Mississippi’s watersheds would eventually become more drained and exposed to further exploitation.
Today, local, state and even federal governments all over the Southern United States are trying to reconcile this lost connection. The leading proposition involves the construction of a so-called ‘Grand Canal.’ This ambitious endeavor seeks to provide the missing tributary to the Mississippi by linking the Rio Grande and its basin to the river.
Over the years, a large array of environmental groups have come out in opposition to the canal project, citing potential environmental and financial concerns associated with it. Despite these express reservations, the project continues to be debated in many regional political circles.
Implications for the Ecosystem
Adding the Rio Grande to the Mississippi River’s tributary network could have a huge ecological impact. The influx of nutrient-rich freshwater would create a fertile area, with specific habitats preferred by several species of plants and wildlife. Such an influx of resources could result in an explosion in biodiversity, the amount of species of plants and animals, in the area.
In addition to the increased variety of wildlife, experts also warn of the potential harm of non-native species encroaching on the ecosystem. There are worries that certain opportunistic species may spread more quickly with the greater availability of resources, leading to the displacement of native species. All of this could drastically reduce the effectiveness of the Mississippi’s current system of flood control.
Furthermore, a newly established tributary network would bring many of the same water-regulation issues that are currently afflicting states like Texas and New Mexico. With ever-diminishing resources, these states may be inclined to implement restrictions on the original use of the Rio Grande. This could add another layer of complexity to the already contentious political climate between the United States and Mexico over the water rights of the Rio Grande.
Despite the dire implications of its absence, the Rio Grande will remain the great river: stubbornly independent while streaming towards the Gulf of Mexico.
Environmental Impact
The environmental aspects of adding a new tributary to the Mississippi River must be considered in-depth. Experts warn that an influx of nutrient-rich freshwater could improve conditions for some species, but also give an advantage to opportunistic species, resulting in displacement of native species. Moreover, if water is taken from the Rio Grande to divert it to the Mississippi, the runoff could lead to the depletion of the agricultural and groundwater resources that the region relies on.
Though the environmental effects of a tributary would be substantial, they need to be weighed against other consequences of its absence. For example, the lack of a tributary has driven the issue of water rights between countries and states that own portions of the river basin to the forefront. Without the necessary infrastructure, states are often unable to maintain enough water to satisfy the needs of their citizens.
Human Intervention
Many experts look to advanced technology to renegotiate the link between the Mississippi and the Rio Grande, proposing an artificial waterway, or canal, to connect the two. The construction of such a canal would be a significant feat since the natural flow of the Rio Grande and the Mississippi run in opposite directions, requiring a great deal of engineering prowess to reverse the flow and link the two rivers. While the engineering undertaking is substantial, the costs associated with the construction of a canal makes it an expensive and time consuming endeavor.
The canal endeavor is further complicated by the political intricacies that surround the environmental and financial costs of such a project. As many parties are involved, such as the Texas, New Mexico and US Federal governments, it is a slow and arduous process that could take decades. As such, the chances of a successful canal project are uncertain.
Ethical Issues and Solutions
The Rio Grande provides critical resources to the land and people in the Southwest, and political challenges remain in setting water rights between the two countries. As such, in exploring a broader range of ethical implications and solutions, it is crucial to consider how decisions made by both public and private entities could potentially increase or diminish individual rights, access and fairness. This can be achieved by exploring preventive measures, such as alternative water sources, more efficient water management techniques, or simply modifying existing laws and regulations, to ensure that these countries are given fair access to the resources.
In doing so, the governments of Texas, New Mexico and the USA can take responsibility for the resources of the Rio Grande and preserve the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Rio Grande is a uniquely situated river, having been severed from the Mississippi watershed during a continental collision some 250 million years ago. Despite the old-world drama, there are still many contemporary issues concerned with the creation of a canal to link the two rivers. Although a tributary of the Mississippi would introduce new species to the area, it may could also deplete local resources and affect the water rights of certain states. The notion of a canal introduces both economic and political consequences and need to be considered in the context of the broader ethical implications and solutions.
