What are the 2 Biggest Rivers in the US?
The United States is home to numerous rivers, each with its unique characteristics, importance, and impact on the environment and human settlements. Among these, two rivers stand out as the longest and most significant: the Mississippi River and the Missouri River. In this article, we will delve into the details of these two mighty rivers, exploring their lengths, courses, and significance.
The Mississippi River: The Longest River in the US
The Mississippi River is the longest river in the United States, stretching approximately 2,320 miles (3,734 kilometers) from its source in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to the Gulf of Mexico. [1] It flows through or along the borders of 10 states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
The Mississippi River is a vital transportation artery, supporting commercial navigation and recreational activities. It is also a significant source of hydroelectric power, with numerous dams along its course. The river’s watershed covers approximately 40% of the continental United States, making it a vital component of the country’s ecosystem. [2]
The Missouri River: The Hardest Working River in the US
The Missouri River is the second-longest river in the United States, stretching approximately 2,341 miles (3,770 kilometers) from its source in the Rocky Mountains of Montana to its confluence with the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri. [3] It flows through or along the borders of seven states, including Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri.
The Missouri River is often referred to as the "Hardest Working River in the Nation" due to its numerous hydroelectric dams, which generate a significant portion of the country’s electricity. [4] The river’s watershed covers approximately 15% of the continental United States, making it a vital component of the country’s ecosystem.
Comparison of the Two Rivers
| Mississippi River | Missouri River | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2,320 miles (3,734 km) | 2,341 miles (3,770 km) |
| States | 10 | 7 |
| Watershed | 40% of the continental US | 15% of the continental US |
| Hydroelectric Power | Significant | Significant |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mississippi River and the Missouri River are the two longest and most significant rivers in the United States. The Mississippi River is the longest river in the country, stretching over 2,300 miles from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The Missouri River, on the other hand, is the second-longest river, stretching over 2,300 miles from its source in Montana to its confluence with the Mississippi River in Missouri.
Both rivers play a vital role in the country’s ecosystem, supporting commercial navigation, recreational activities, and hydroelectric power generation. Their watersheds cover a significant portion of the continental United States, making them essential components of the country’s environment.
References:
[1] United States Geological Survey (USGS). (n.d.). Mississippi River. Retrieved from https://water.usgs.gov/edu/major-rivers/mississippi.html
[2] National Park Service. (n.d.). Mississippi River. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/mississippi-river.htm
[3] United States Geological Survey (USGS). (n.d.). Missouri River. Retrieved from https://water.usgs.gov/edu/major-rivers/missouri.html
[4] U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (n.d.). Missouri River. Retrieved from https://www.usace.army.mil/Missouri-River/