How big is the watershed of the Mississippi River?
The extent of the watershed reaches 32 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. The area of the watershed covers 40% of the landmass of the continental United States. The Mississippi River watershed is the fourth largest in the world.
Where does the Mississippi River start and end?
The Mississippi-Missour River combination is the fourth longest in the world. Starting at the source at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, the Mississippi River flows south for 3,730 km (2,320 miles). The basin empties into the Gulf of Mexico, about 160 km (100 miles) downstream from New Orleans. Detailed map of the Mississippi Watershed.
How does the USGS track the Mississippi River?
The USGS has created a database of this area which indicates the direction of waterflow at each point. By assembling these directions into streamflows, it is possible to trace the path of water from every point of the area to the mouth of the Mississippi in the Gulf of Mexico.
How many Canadian provinces drain water into the Mississippi River?
Two Canadian provinces drain water into the Mississippi River. What are the names of these provinces? Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, 2012 Map the Mississippi Watershed! Teacher Notes:
The Mississippi River watershed is the fourth largest in the world, extending from the Allegheny Mountains in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the west. The Amazon for comparison drains about 7.1 million square kilometers (2.7 million square miles).
How many people live in the Mississippi River basin?
A January 2000 study published by the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee states that close to 15 million people rely on the Mississippi River or its tributaries in just the upper half of the basin (from Cairo, IL to Minneapolis, MN).
Is the Mississippi River the largest river in the world?
The Mississippi River is one of the world’s major river systems in size, habitat diversity and biological productivity.
What are the tributaries of the Mississippi River?
During a meandering 2,350 mile journey south to the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River is joined by hundreds of tributaries, including the Ohio and Missouri Rivers. Water from parts or all of 31 states drains into the Mississippi River, and creates a drainage basin over 1,245,000 square miles in size.
Is the Mississippi River the second largest river in the world?
Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative. Known as “America’s River,” the Mississippi River is North America’s largest river, flowing over 2,300 miles through America’s heartland to the Gulf of Mexico. It is the centerpiece of the second largest watershed in the world.