{"id":9812,"date":"2023-11-26T16:35:56","date_gmt":"2023-11-26T15:35:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=9812"},"modified":"2023-11-26T16:35:56","modified_gmt":"2023-11-26T15:35:56","slug":"how-wide-is-the-mississippi-river-at-davenport-iowa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/how-wide-is-the-mississippi-river-at-davenport-iowa\/","title":{"rendered":"How Wide Is The Mississippi River At Davenport Iowa"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Introduction to Mississippi River<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world, stretching over 2,320 miles throughout the US. It is the chief tributary of the largest river system in the US and originates in northern Minnesota. Notably, the river runs through 10 states down to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. In the 19th century, the Mississippi played a decisive role in the destiny of America when the nation was expanding east to west. The Mississippi River has historically and culturally been a vital part of America, and has enabled the transportation of bulk commodities for over two centuries. <\/p>\n

Width of Mississippi at Davenport, Iowa<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River has always been wide, and the width at Davenport, Iowa is no different. It is among the widest rivers in the US and currently, the width at Davenport, Iowa, is 2,443 meters (8,015 feet). Apart from being wide, the Mississippi River is incredibly deep as well, reaching depths of up to 50 feet (15 meters) in some areas. This is primarily due to the large number of inland rock outcroppings and sand bars that have been dislodged from the banks over time and continued to move down the river, giving it an uneven bottom. As the Mississippi River continues to be used for transportation and commerce, it will continue to grow larger and wider, making its way to the Gulf of Mexico. <\/p>\n

The Importance of the Mississippi<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River is a critical component of American life and culture. By providing transportation routes and waterways to the commercial and agricultural heartlands, the Mississippi River serves as the country’s economic backbone and plays a substantial role in boosting fortunes. For example, the US Army Corps of Engineers manages the Mississippi basin with the goal of controlling the annual flooding in order to protect the central portion of the US, while also allowing the river’s continued use for navigation. Additionally, the Mississippi River provides the crucial connection that brings industry, tourism and resources to the southern states. People will always be dependent on the Mississippi for its water and transportation resources, as well as for connecting landmasses. <\/p>\n

Structure of the Mississippi River<\/h2>\n

The Mississippi River has a unique structure that has evolved over time. The Mississippi River is divided into three distinct parts in terms of size and water sources. The upper part is closest to its source and is primarily comprised of freshwater from northern states. The middle section of the Mississippi River is characterized by a variety of lakes, oxbows and swamps which allocate itswaters from the Tippah and Tennessee Rivers. The lower section consists of the Gulf of Mexico where the river drains into its mouth. This portion is chlorinated due to an increased presence of salt in the water. This structure is as a result of sedimentation which occurs over time as the Mississippi collects waters from smaller rivers. <\/p>\n

The Mississippi’s Impact on American Lives<\/h2>\n