Missouri - this is one of the longest rivers in North America, the largest right tributary of the Mississippi.In the language of one of the tribes that once lived on its banks, the name means "big river and cloudy."This fully confirms the name of her character, because even after being hit Mississippi in it keeps water from Missouri changed color to the ocean.
Geographical location
As noted above, the Missouri River is a tributary of the Mississippi.It flows in a southeasterly direction, crossing several states - Montana and South Dakota and North.Moreover, it defined its natural borders of Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.It should be noted that a small portion of the river is located in the territory of two provinces of Canada.
General description
According to official data, the total length of the waterway is equal to 3970 kilometers.Water it is quite cloudy.This is due to the fact that a strong flow washes away the rock.Even this has not deterred hundreds of thousands of tourists each year who come to it for recreation and entertainment.Missouri River is characterized by frequent floods that could have catastrophic consequences (the last one was about sixty years ago).The average amount of deposits that it brings, is 220 million tonnes.The major cities that are located on its banks are in Kansas City, Omaha, Sioux City, Pierre, Bismarck and Jefferson City.This waterway is suitable for navigation (including for major river ships to the port of Sioux City).With regard to the total area of the basin, it is 1370 square kilometers, in other words, almost 17% of the entire US.
origins and the course of
Missouri River, the source of which is located in the eastern spurs of the Rocky Mountains, formed by the merger of three waterways (Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin) at a height of 4132 meters above sea level.Nearby is the world famous National Park Yellowstone.In the upper reaches, the section length of 16 kilometers, formed sills, the drop height which reaches 187 meters.After the release of the deep crevices in the deep valley of the river crosses the plateau of the same name.On this site in it due to dams it built a whole chain of reservoirs.Characteristic features of the lower reaches of the Missouri - is unstable and sinuous track, as well as frequent floods.
Water regime
characteristic for the upper reaches of snow, and for the lower and middle - mostly rain power.Water regime is very variable.The water level in the lower reaches during the spring flood can climb to 12 meters.If the maximum water flow per second at this time reaches 19 thousand cubic meters, the summer does not exceed 170 cubic meters.To control the runoff of the Missouri and its tributaries many complex built large reservoirs.In addition, they provide irrigation and improve navigation conditions.Average water flow at the mouth is about 2.25 thousand cubic meters per second.The largest tributaries, which has the Missouri River are those waterways, Jefferson, Kansas, Osage, Yellowstone, Platte and Milk.
Flora and fauna
A variety of flora and fauna growing rapidly downstream.The most common species of flora on the banks of the waterway became maple, ash, willow, sycamore and cottonwood.Missouri River is the habitat of more than 150 species of fish.In addition, it found a large number of species of invertebrates.According to biologists, this is due to the high concentration of dissolved it in water precipitation.On the banks there are more than 300 species of birds and otters, beavers, muskrats, minks and raccoons.It should be noted, and the fact that some of the fauna found nowhere else in the world, therefore, are included in the state register of animals like endangered.
economic importance
According to historical data, the first time the Missouri River was investigated in 1673 a group of scientists headed by Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliat.Starting from the time of the civil war in the country, it plays an important role in transportation.There go the barge with gravel, fertilizer, wheat, and other materials and products.Facilities in the twentieth century, a chain of reservoirs contributed to the economic development of the region.On the other hand, its construction has resulted in serious environmental problems here and to the deterioration of water quality.Whatever it was, it is now in the valley of the river created excellent conditions for the development of agriculture and industry.
tourist attraction and cultural significance
Numerous studies indicate that the first inhabitants of the valley of the Missouri were about twelve thousand years ago.In the history of local shores inhabited by 10 different Indian tribes.Who is in the vicinity of the river there is undeveloped places, so travelers from around the world can be found everywhere.They are attracted not only an excellent infrastructure for recreation, but also to preserve Yellowstone.Specific words deserves reservoir "Canyon Ferry", from which the water falls from a height of 187 meters.In general, in the pool, there are more than a hundred man-made reservoirs, each of which has its own characteristics.
great cultural significance and has a waterway for the Americans.The most famous work, related to it, was the movie "The Missouri Breaks", directed by Arthur Penn shot.Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson, who took part in it in 1972 and 1975, were awarded the "Oscar" for best male leading roles.
Entertainment
first settlers appeared on the banks of the river in the era of the French expedition.Since that time, there was conducted active construction.Today, along the course of a large number of tourist centers, each of which offers its occupations recreation.The most popular of them were hiking, fishing, photography and a tour navigation.Guides offer tours to local attractions, the program which also includes a visit to the North American farms.Difficult terrain, which is surrounded by Missouri River, the most interesting overcome on horseback, mountain bike or ATV.The most popular among paragliders extreme uses rental and down the river on inflatable boats.
