Why is the Mississippi river so good?


Why is the Mississippi river so good? 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.


Is the Mississippi river a dead zone?

The Gulf of Mexico dead zone is an area of hypoxic (link to USGS definition) (less than 2 ppm dissolved oxygen) waters at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Its area varies in size, but can cover up to 6,000-7,000 square miles.


How long would it take to swim down the Mississippi river?

The average person can swim as fast as one to two miles per hour or at an average speed of 1.5 miles per hour. If a person were to swim the entire 24-hour day without stopping, they would cover 36 miles. It would take 65 days to swim the entire Mississippi River at this pace.


Has the Mississippi river ever dried up?

The worst-ever dry period occurred in the late 1500s. However, the dry years of 2021 and 2022 exceeded the 1500's drought length. This means the last 22 years are the driest in 1,200 years.


What is the deepest hole in the Mississippi river?

The natural deepest hole in the entire Mississippi Drainage is off Algier's Point (opposite Jackson Square), where it dives to 250 feet deep. Most Rivergator sections are at least 90% wilderness and no more than 10% industry.


Can you swim in the Mississippi river?

Stretches of the Mississippi River within the park corridor exceed water quality standards for mercury, bacteria, sediment, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyl), and nutrients. Unfortunately, these impairments can make the water unsuitable for fishing, swimming, and drinking.