# Geological Features of the Mississippi River Valley
The Mississippi River valley has exposed St. Peter Sandstone bedrock formed 458-455 million years ago. Today, the bedrock valley floor is buried up to 110 meters beneath alluvium.
## Geological History and Formation
In 2007, movement of the earth's crust over a volcanic hotspot was suggested as the cause for the Mississippi embayment's formation. Sedimentary sequences cover deep Precambrian crystalline basement rocks mainly known from northern boreholes. Up to 3000 feet of Late Jurassic salt deposits underlie Mississippi, forming during Pangea's breakup.
The Mississippi cuts through 500 million year old sedimentary rocks, revealing spectacular bluffs between St. Anthony Falls and Hastings. Bedrock sits below surface soil layers, ranging from a few to hundreds of feet deep. It is consolidated and solid rock unlike the loose, overlying material. Groundwater fills voids in sediment and rock.
## Current Challenges and Utilization
Jackson, Mississippi’s water infrastructure has been impacted by generation's neglect. Barge traffic relies on the Mississippi River to transport goods, recently challenged by drought exposing jagged bedrock. Cannel coal among Mississippi River gravels was used by Native Americans, evidenced in artifacts.
Businesses selling taxable goods need a state business license and sales tax permit. Nitrogen and phosphorus from Midwest farms causes Gulf of Mexico’s Dead Zone. Dredging is not expected to reach the 500-550 foot deep bedrock.
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