Mississippi Rivers & Water Quiz
Mississippi River, tributaries, wetlands (10 questions).
Mississippi Rivers & Water Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Dive into the hydrology of North America’s most iconic waterway with these quick study notes on the Mississippi River. This section covers key facts about its vast network of tributaries, the crucial role of its wetlands, and its immense impact on the geography and ecology of the central United States.
Key Concepts
Source at Lake Itasca, flowing ~2,340 miles to the Gulf of Mexico, it’s the second-longest river in North America.
Drains 31 states and 2 Canadian provinces, with major tributaries like the Missouri and Ohio Rivers creating a massive basin.
The Mississippi River Delta boasts extensive wetlands, vital for biodiversity, flood control, and natural water filtration.
Supports diverse ecosystems, provides migratory bird habitat, and is crucial for commercial navigation and agriculture.
Key Takeaways
- The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in North America and fourth-largest drainage basin globally.
- Its basin covers over 40% of the continental United States, spanning 31 states and 2 Canadian provinces.
- The Missouri River is its longest tributary, making the Missouri-Mississippi system the fourth longest in the world.
- The river’s delta wetlands are critically important for a diverse array of wildlife and provide natural defenses against storm surges.
- Human modifications like levees and dams have significantly altered the river’s natural flow and its connection to floodplains.
- It plays a pivotal role in the continent’s hydrological cycle, economic activity, and cultural history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the source of the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River originates at Lake Itasca in Clearwater County, Minnesota. From there, it flows generally south for 2,340 miles (3,766 km) to the Gulf of Mexico.
Which two major rivers are the largest tributaries of the Mississippi?
The two largest tributaries of the Mississippi River are the Missouri River, which joins near St. Louis, Missouri, and the Ohio River, which joins near Cairo, Illinois.
Why are the wetlands of the Mississippi River Delta important?
The wetlands of the Mississippi River Delta are crucial for several reasons: they provide habitat for a vast array of wildlife, act as a natural buffer against hurricanes and storm surges, filter pollutants, and support commercial fisheries.
How many U.S. states are within the Mississippi River Basin?
The vast Mississippi River Basin drains all or parts of 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, encompassing over 1.2 million square miles.
What is the overall length of the Mississippi River system?
While the Mississippi River itself is about 2,340 miles long, the combined Missouri-Mississippi River system is approximately 3,767 miles (6,062 km) long, making it the fourth-longest river system in the world.
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