Introduction
The Mississippi River is one of the world’s most iconic rivers. It is a major river system that flows through 10 U.S. states and eventually drains into the Gulf of Mexico. But why is the Mississippi River not mixed with the waters of the Gulf of Mexico? To answer this question we must take a look at the various features of the Mississippi River and examine the geography, hydrology, and ocean currents of the Gulf of Mexico.
Mississippi Delta
One of the main factors for the lack of mixing between the Mississippi River and the Gulf is the shape of the Mississippi Delta. The delta is the area where the river flows into the Gulf. It is composed of numerous small streams and distributaries that drain into the Gulf of Mexico. The delta itself is quite large, extending from the city of St. Louis in the north to the city of New Orleans in the south. Because of its size, the delta area disrupts the flow of freshwater from the Mississippi River into the Gulf of Mexico.
River Discharge
The size and shape of the delta is not the only factor preventing the mixing of water from the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The amount of water that the Mississippi River discharges into the Gulf is also a factor. The discharge rate of the Mississippi River is on average 208,000 cubic meters per second. This is quite a large amount of water and the shear force of this discharge creates a barrier that pushes Gulf water away from the mouth of the river.
Currents
In addition to its size and shape, the currents of the Gulf of Mexico also play a role in the lack of mixing between the two bodies of water. The currents in the Gulf form in a circular pattern, pushing the freshwater from the Mississippi River outwards and away from the mouth of the river. The currents push the river water into the separate coastal areas surrounding the Gulf, thus preventing it from mixing with the saltwater.
Salinity Levels
The salinity levels of the two bodies of water contribute to the lack of mixing. The Mississippi River has a salinity of 0.0% while the Gulf has a salinity of 3.5%. This difference in salinity between the two bodies of water means that they will not mix together as easily as two bodies of water with a more similar salinity.
Temperature Difference
The temperature of the water also contributes to the lack of mixing of the two bodies of water. The average temperature of the Gulf of Mexico is 77° Fahrenheit, while the temperature of the Mississippi River is considerably lower at 68° Fahrenheit. This temperature difference creates a barrier that prevents the two bodies of water from mixing together.
Conclusion
As we can see, the Mississippi River does not mix with the Gulf of Mexico due to several factors, including the shape of the delta, the amount of water discharged by the river, the ocean currents, the different salinity levels, as well as the temperature difference between the two bodies of water. By understanding these factors, we can gain a better understanding of why the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico do not mix.
Effects of Non-Mixing
The lack of mixing has a variety of effects on both bodies of water. In the Gulf of Mexico, the lack of mixing creates a decrease in the nutrient levels of the water. This lowers the productivity of the marine ecosystems that rely on these nutrients for sustenance. In the Mississippi River, the lack of mixing causes the water to become stagnant, reducing its oxygen levels and adversely affecting the ecosystem that depends on the river for its survival.
Pollution From the River
The pollution from the Mississippi River also has a negative effect on the Gulf of Mexico. The pollutants from the river work their way into the Gulf, introducing contaminants and creating an unhealthy environment. The Gulf of Mexico is also vulnerable to oil spills and other pollutants that are introduced into the water due to human activities.
Prevention of Pollution
In order to prevent further pollution in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River, various regulations have been put into place. These regulations seek to limit the amount of pollutants that are released into the environment and protect the health of the ecosystems in both bodies of water.
Economic Implications
The lack of mixing has economic implications as well. In the Gulf of Mexico, the decrease in nutrient levels has led to a decrease in the productivity of fisheries, leading to a decrease in profits for fishing industries. In the Mississippi River, the lack of oxygen has made it difficult for some species to survive, resulting in a decrease in the population of sport fish and other aquatic species that are important to local economies.
Efforts to Increase Mixing
In recent years, there have been efforts to increase mixing between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. These efforts include the construction of dams and other structures to increase the flow rate of the river, as well as the introduction of oxygen-rich freshwater into the Gulf. These measures have had varying degrees of success and the debate over the best methods for increasing mixing continues.
Future of the Mississippi River
The future of the Mississippi River is uncertain, but efforts to protect the health of the river are ongoing. Various environmental organizations are working to reduce the amount of pollution flowing into the river and the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, new technologies are being developed to increase the mixing of the two bodies of water, leading to a healthier environment for all.
