The Connection Between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River
Lake Michigan and the Missouri River are two significant bodies of water in the United States. Despite being separated by hundreds of miles, these two bodies of water are still linked. The connection between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River plays an essential role in the ecosystem and economy of the regions surrounding them.
This article will explore the physical and hydrological linkage between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River, the historical perspective of their connection, the impact of human activity on their connection, the importance for wildlife, and the economic significance of the connection.
Understanding the Watershed of the Great Lakes and Missouri River
The Great Lakes and Missouri River are separate watersheds, but their drainage basins are interconnected. The Great Lakes region covers parts of the US and Canada and is the largest freshwater system globally, containing 21% of the world’s surface freshwater. Meanwhile, the Missouri River is the longest river in North America, running for over 2,300 miles through ten states before emptying into the Mississippi River.
Due to the interconnectedness of these watersheds, water from the Great Lakes can flow into the Mississippi River and into the Gulf of Mexico. This connection plays an essential role in the water cycle, as water from Lake Michigan can ultimately end up in the Gulf of Mexico, and vice versa.
The Physical Linkage Between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River
The Chicago River physically connects Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River basin. In 1900, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal was constructed, which allowed for the reversal of the Chicago River’s flow, directing it into the Mississippi River basin. As a result, water from Lake Michigan could flow into the Mississippi River basin and vice versa, leading to the interconnectivity of these two bodies of water.
The connection between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River also extends to other water bodies in the region, such as the Illinois River and the Des Plaines River. These rivers also connect to Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River basin, further exemplifying the interconnectivity of the water systems in the region.
The Hydrological Connection Between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River
The hydrological connection between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River is due to the water cycle and the interconnectedness of their drainage basins. When it rains over the Great Lakes region, water flows into Lake Michigan and is then directed towards the Mississippi River basin through the Chicago River and other connecting waterways.
The hydrological connection also plays a role in maintaining water quality, as pollutants in one body of water can ultimately affect the other. Therefore, it is essential to manage the water quality and flow between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River to ensure the health of the ecosystems and surrounding communities.
The Role of the Chicago River in the Connection Between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River
The Chicago River plays a crucial role in the connection between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River. The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, which allows for the reversal of the Chicago River’s flow, was constructed to address the sewage problems in Chicago at the beginning of the 20th century.
Today, the Chicago River’s flow is managed to ensure that water from Lake Michigan does not flow into the Mississippi River basin during times of low water levels. This management is essential to maintain the health of the aquatic ecosystems surrounding these water bodies and to ensure the safety of communities that rely on the water for various purposes.
The Historical Perspective of the Connection Between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River
The connection between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River has a long history. Indigenous communities in the Great Lakes region and along the Missouri River basin have long understood the importance of water’s interconnectedness.
The construction of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in the early 20th century marked a significant moment in the connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River basin. While the canal was constructed to address sewage issues, it had broader implications for the interconnectedness of water systems in the region.
The Impact of Human Activity on the Connection Between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River
Human activity has had a significant impact on the connection between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River. The construction of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and the reversal of the Chicago River’s flow had unintended consequences, such as the introduction of invasive species into the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basin.
Human actions, such as pollution and climate change, also affect the quality and quantity of water flowing between these two bodies of water. It is crucial to manage human activities to ensure the health of the ecosystems and communities that rely on these water bodies.
The Importance of the Connection Between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River for Wildlife
The connection between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River is vital for wildlife, as it allows for the movement of species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basin. The interconnectivity of these water systems is essential for the conservation of aquatic ecosystems, as well as the preservation of species that rely on them for survival.
The restoration and management of these water bodies are crucial to ensure the continued health and survival of wildlife in the region. The connection between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River provides opportunities for conservation efforts that benefit both bodies of water and the surrounding ecosystems.
The Economic Significance of the Connection Between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River
The connection between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River is essential for the economy of the regions surrounding them. The Great Lakes and Mississippi River basin are significant shipping routes, with goods moving through these water systems to various locations around the world.
The connection between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River also provides opportunities for recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, and swimming. These activities contribute to the local economy, providing jobs and income for communities in the region.
The Challenges in Managing the Connection Between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River
Managing the connection between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River is not without its challenges. The introduction of invasive species, pollution, and climate change are significant challenges for water management in the region.
Additionally, managing the flow of water between these two bodies of water is complex, as it involves multiple states, jurisdictions, and agencies. Coordination and collaboration among these entities are necessary to ensure the continued health of these water bodies and the surrounding ecosystems.
Conclusion: Maintaining the Connection Between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River
The connection between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River is essential for the ecosystem and economy of the regions surrounding them. To maintain this connection, it is crucial to manage the flow and quality of water between these two bodies of water.
Managing the connection also requires collaboration and coordination among multiple agencies and jurisdictions. By working together, we can ensure the continued health and survival of these water bodies and the ecosystems and communities that rely on them.
References and Further Reading on the Connection Between Lake Michigan and the Missouri River
- Great Lakes Commission. (n.d.). Great Lakes. Retrieved from https://www.glc.org/
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (n.d.). Missouri River. Retrieved from
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2019). The Watershed Approach. Retrieved from
- U.S. Geological Survey. (2019). Chicago Area Waterway System. Retrieved from
