What is the geography surrounding the Mississippi river?

The geology and physical geography of the Mississippi drainage area are essentially those of the Interior Lowlands and Great Plains of North America. Fringes also touch upon the Rocky and Appalachian mountain systems and upon the rim of the Canadian (Laurentian) Shield to the north.

What are the geographical features of Mississippi?

The Gulf Coastal Plain covers most of Mississippi. In the north it includes the Red Clay Hills (with reddish-orange soil) and Holly Springs National Forest. The coastal area includes Gulf Island National Seashore, with 160 miles of maritime forests, bayous, and sandy beaches.

What are some fun facts about the Mississippi river?

10 Breathtaking Facts About the Mississippi River

  • The Mississippi River Is the Third-Largest River Basin in the World.
  • The River’s Widest Point is Over 11 Miles Across.
  • It’s Where Water-Skiing Was Invented.
  • Two People Have Swum the Entire Length of the River.
  • It’s Home to 25% of All North American Fish Species.

What is the Mississippi river climate?

Climate. During winter, mean monthly temperatures in the Mississippi basin range from 55 °F (13 °C) in subtropical southern Louisiana to 10 °F (−12 °C) in subarctic northern Minnesota. Mean monthly temperatures in summer range from 82 °F (28 °C) in Louisiana to 70 °F (21 °C) in Minnesota.

What country is the Mississippi river in?

United States

Mississippi River
Nickname(s) “Old Man River,” “Father of Waters”
Location
Country United States
State Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana

What type of landform is the Mississippi river?

alluvial plains
Other landforms include the Mississippi River, which forms much of the state’s western border; alluvial plains of rivers, with their oxbow lakes, meander scars, and terraces; drowned river valleys such as Back Bay of Biloxi; and the chain of barrier islands that define the Mississippi Sound.

What are 5 interesting facts about Mississippi?

Quick Facts

  • Capital: Jackson.
  • Population: 3 million.
  • Nickname: The Magnolia State.
  • Key Cities: Biloxi, Jackson, Hattiesburg, Gulfport.
  • Postal Abbreviation: MS.
  • Major Industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, mining, fishing.
  • Size: 48,430 sq. miles.
  • Lowest point: Gulf of Mexico at sea level.

Is the Mississippi river dry?

Entire channels of the Mississippi River are caked dry. Rocks, riverbeds and islands of the St. Croix and Minnesota rivers are visible for the first time in decades. Dozens of streams are at their lowest recorded levels since at least 1988, or even the Dust Bowl.

How old is the Mississippi River?

Therefore, the Mississippi River is less than 40 million years old.

Does the Mississippi river have mountains?

The total catchment of the Mississippi River covers nearly 40% of the landmass of the continental United States. The highest point within the watershed is also the highest point of the Rocky Mountains, Mount Elbert at 14,440 feet (4,400 m).

What is the physical geography of the Mississippi River?

Physiography. The geology and physical geography of the Mississippi drainage area are essentially those of the Interior Lowlands and Great Plains of North America. Fringes also touch upon the Rocky and Appalachian mountain systems and upon the rim of the Canadian (Laurentian) Shield to the north.

Is the Mississippi River the longest river in North America?

The Mississippi River is the longest river of North America. How much of North America does the Mississippi River drain? The Mississippi River and its tributaries drain all or part of 31 U.S. states and two provinces in Canada, an area of approximately 1.2 million square miles (3.1 million square km), or about one-eighth of the entire continent.

How many miles long is the Mississippi River trough?

The combined waters then enlarged the great north-south trough along which the lower Mississippi now flows. Some 1,000 miles (1,600 km) long, this trough is 25 to 200 miles (40 to 320 km) wide and bounded by escarpments rising up to 200 feet (60 metres) above the valley floor.

Why is the Mississippi River important to North America?

Introduction to the River. The Mississippi River is one of the world’s major river systems in size, habitat diversity and biological productivity. It is also one of the world’s most important commercial waterways and one of North America’s great migration routes for both birds and fishes.