The Mississippi River and the Great Lakes
The Mississippi River and the Great Lakes are two of the most prominent water bodies in the United States. The Mississippi River is the longest river in North America, stretching 2,320 miles from its source in Minnesota to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. The Great Lakes, on the other hand, are a group of five freshwater lakes located in the northeastern part of the United States and the southeastern part of Canada. They are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. Many people wonder if the Mississippi River is connected to the Great Lakes, and in this article, we will explore the answer.
The Geography of the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes
The Mississippi River and the Great Lakes are separated by a distance of about 600 miles, and they are not directly connected. The Mississippi River flows southwards from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, while the Great Lakes are located in the northeastern part of the United States and southeastern part of Canada. The Great Lakes are connected to each other by a series of channels and locks, and they eventually drain into the St. Lawrence River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Watersheds of the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes
The Mississippi River and the Great Lakes have different watersheds. The Mississippi River watershed covers 31 US states and 2 Canadian provinces and drains into the Gulf of Mexico. The Great Lakes watershed covers parts of 8 US states and 2 Canadian provinces and drains into the St. Lawrence River. Because of the difference in watersheds, the water in the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes does not naturally flow into each other.
The Physical Connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes
There is no natural physical connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. However, there are several man-made waterways that connect the two. The most prominent of these is the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, which was constructed in the early 20th century. The canal connects the Chicago River, which flows into Lake Michigan, to the Des Plaines River, which flows into the Illinois River. The Illinois River, in turn, drains into the Mississippi River.
The Lock and Dam System on the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has a lock and dam system that allows boats and barges to navigate through the river. The system consists of 29 locks and dams that control the water level and allow boats to pass through. The lock and dam system also helps to prevent flooding along the river.
The Efforts to Connect the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes
There have been several efforts to connect the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes over the years. One of the earliest proposals was the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which was completed in 1848. The canal connected the Illinois River to Lake Michigan, which was a major transportation route for goods and people. Other proposals over the years have included building a canal through the Chicago Portage, which is a narrow strip of land between the Chicago River and the Des Plaines River.
The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal: A Connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes
The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is the only man-made waterway that connects the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. The canal was built in the early 20th century to address the problem of sewage and pollution in the Chicago River. The canal not only solved the pollution problem but also provided a direct connection between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River.
The Environmental Impact of Connecting the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes
There are concerns about the environmental impact of connecting the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. One of the major concerns is the spread of invasive species. The Great Lakes have been invaded by several non-native species over the years, and there are fears that connecting the two water bodies could allow these species to spread further.
The Economic Benefits of Connecting the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes
Connecting the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes could have significant economic benefits. It would provide a direct transportation route for goods between the two water bodies, which could reduce transportation costs and increase efficiency. It could also create new opportunities for trade and commerce.
The Navigation and Transportation on the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes
The Mississippi River and the Great Lakes are important transportation routes for goods and people. The Mississippi River is used to transport agricultural products, coal, and other raw materials from the Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico. The Great Lakes are used to transport a variety of goods, including iron ore, coal, and agricultural products.
The Current State of the Connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes
The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal remains the only man-made waterway that connects the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. There are ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species through the canal, including the installation of electric barriers to prevent fish from passing through.
Conclusion: The Importance of the Connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes
While the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes are not directly connected, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal provides a crucial link between the two. Connecting the two water bodies could have significant economic benefits, but there are also concerns about the environmental impact. As efforts continue to prevent the spread of invasive species, the connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes remains an important topic of discussion.
