{"id":12639,"date":"2024-01-02T13:50:07","date_gmt":"2024-01-02T12:50:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=12639"},"modified":"2024-01-02T13:50:07","modified_gmt":"2024-01-02T12:50:07","slug":"what-is-the-depth-of-the-mississippi-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-is-the-depth-of-the-mississippi-river\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is The Depth Of The Mississippi River"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

The Mississippi river is one of the longest and most significant water bodies in the United States of America, running in the states of Mississippi, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Louisiana and Arkansas. It is approximately 2,203 miles long, making it the second longest river in the USA after the Missouri. The maximum width of this river is 3 miles and its average depth is roughly twice that of the corresponding width. This has made the Mississippi River quite a popular and esteemed waterway.<\/p>\n

The depth of the Mississippi River changes drastically between seasons, with altered precipitation levels influencing the waterway’s levels. For example, during the dry season, the river is often only a few feet deep, while in the wet season, its depths can go up to nearly seven or eight feet. In some areas, the water can reach depths of up to 200 feet deep. In a few rare locations, the Mississippi River has depths of up to a maximum of about 15 feet. Generally, deep-water areas are found in the lower Mississippi, with depths ranging from 20 to 70 feet.<\/p>\n

Some experts believe that the tumultuous history of the Mississippi River has led to its extreme depths. Its perennial flow has cut a deeper channel into the landscape, creating deeper waters than many other rivers. Additionally, the variety of water activities, such as steamships, barges and boats, have aided in further deepening the river.<\/p>\n

Other experts believe that the river’s extreme depths are due to the huge amounts of sediment which are carried in the waterways during especially wet season cycles. It is believed that the high levels of erosion and deposition of sediment which take place along the banks of the Mississippi River have led to the even greater levels of depth.<\/p>\n