Some human activities are harmful to rivers. Improved homework resources designed to support a variety of curriculum subjects and standards. River Definition. It is 5,468km long. channel A groove in the land. : a large natural flow of water that crosses an area of land and goes into an ocean, a lake, etc. The concept of channeled surface flow, however, remains central to the definition. There are deltas on the Nile River, the Amazon River, the Mekong River, the Mississippi River and the Danube River. To cross over a mature river, people use bridges. A mature river makes a riverbed that is U-shaped. In its lower course the river flows even more slowly. The grassy islands of the Okavango delta are the home of elephants, lions and flamingos. A flowing body of water that is smaller than a river is called a stream, creek, or brook. A watershed is a tract of land drained by a river and its tributaries. : a river up the course of which the tides are noticeable for a considerable distance The source of a river or stream is the original point from which the river flows. The Ohio River gives water for food crops. When people learned to build and use boats, rivers supplied a cheap and easy way to travel. A river is a stream of water that flows through a channel in the surface of the ground. As more little streams run in, the main stream gets bigger, until it forms a river. Modern usage includes rivers that are multichanneled, intermittent, or ephemeral in flow and channels that are practically bankless. Hydroelectric dams, such as the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, harness the swift flow of rivers to create great amounts of electricity. A river and its tributaries make up a river system. As the rivers travel downhill they begin to erode the ground taking small bits of soft rock and soil. A wide slow river is called an 'old river'. It drops still more solid material. Narewka River runs through a nature reserve in Poland. A boat giving trips to the public passes a moored private boat. river. People and animals need fresh water to drink, so they often live by the side of a river. By continuing to use this site, you consent to the terms of our cookie policy, which can be found in our. A levee, or levée, is a raised bank of a river.A levee (European name: dike) offers protection against floods. A delta is an area positioned at the end of a river (adjacent to an ocean, sea or lake), made up of the silt carried by the currents of the river and deposited as the water loses speed. A rill is a very small channel of water, caused mainly by runoff water that eroded the soil. The passage where the river flows is called the river bed and the earth on each side is called a river bank. The river can sometimes run through deep wide underground caverns. [ rĭv ′ər ] A wide, natural stream of fresh water that flows into an ocean or other large body of water and is usually fed by smaller streams, called tributaries, that enter it along its course. The same safe and trusted content for explorers of all ages. The shape of the mouth depends on the conditions of the sea where it flows. 8. dam A barrier that is built to hold back water or divert its flow. Some of this material builds up to form sandbars and islands. River waters are always flowing toward a larger body of water, like an ocean or a sea. river - a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek); "the river was navigable for 50 miles" A river is freshwater flowing across the surface of the land, usually to the sea. Below is a list of some articles and categories to help you research different topics for school homework help , homeschooling and general education . Rivers sometimes have dams to hold the water for people to drink, or to make electricity. Soil, gravel and sand begin to sink to the bottom. Rivers give water for drinking, bathing and washing clothes. Run-of-the-river System - In a run-of-the-river system the turbines are spun by the natural flow of the river. A watershed is the area of land that drains water into a river. It is about 2,600 miles (4,200 kilometers) long. Imagine a peaceful, flowing river. Britannica does not review the converted text. Rivers are usually fed by many tributaries.The farthest stream is called the head-stream or head water. The passage where the river flows is called the river bed and the earth on each side is called a river bank. River bed definition: A river bed is the ground which a river flows over. Rivers can be long or short, wide or narrow and they often join together on their way downstream to make bigger rivers. confluence The place where two streams or rivers meet. Waterfalls are most often found in a young river. The headwaters of the Arkansas River have rapids. A wool weaving factory on the Klyazma River. Search the Kids Internet . 7. The start of a river only counts when lava is in form source or head water. Yenisei River – this river starts its merry way in Mongolia and flows through Russia to the Kara Sea in the Arctic Ocean. Rivers carry freshwater to people, plants, and animals all across Earth. Many kinds of fish, clams, molluscs and other sealife live at estuaries. In its middle course the river flows down gentler slopes. The water in rivers is "fresh water" that has come from rain, snow and from underground streams. A river system is a way of describing the larger networks of streams, lakes and rivers that are part of a larger river's network of tributaries and distributaries; for example, multiple rivers, including the Ohio, Red and Missouri rivers empty into the Mississippi River, serving as tributaries and are part of the Mississippi River's system. River originating in central Africa and flowing north to the Mediterranean Sea, with its delta in Egypt (see also Egypt). They provide people with a method of transport and water power. Find out more about the name River at BabyNames.com. The main stream of the river gets broken into many parts that spread out into a triangle shape like the Greek letter delta. As it flows over the flat land the river becomes wider and slower. It gets larger and slower. The Grand Canyon, formed by the Colorado River in the United States, and the great gorge of the Zambezi below Victoria Falls in Africa, show the changes a river can make in Earth’s surface. The Niger rises in Guinea 150 miles (240 kilometers) from the Atlantic Ocean. The Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend, Arizona, The River Cam from the Green Dragon Bridge, Cambridge (Britain), Melting toe of Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. In other places, where there are caves, the small underground streams run together to form a river. A watershed boundary, also called a drainage divide, marks the outer-most limit of a watershed. Cities need huge amounts of water every day for use in homes and factories. Flash flooding caused by a large amount of rain falling in a short amount of time. Many cities and towns are built on the banks of mature rivers. The city of Florence was built beside the Arno River. Compare salt water and fresh water through an experiment where kids can learn about the density of salt vs. fresh water. Kids Definition of river 1 : a natural stream of water larger than a brook or creek 2 : a large stream or flow a river of mud Then they return the water to the river at overheated temperatures. These systems have the advantage of not creating a huge lake and flooding the area above the dam. Some rivers have very large basins while others of equal length drain much smaller basins. Rivers often have beautiful scenery. It cuts through the land and picks up soil and gravel. The place where the river flows out into a bigger body of water is called the 'mouth' of the river. Rivers can be used to give power to turn machinery such as water. The fresh water of the river mixes slowly with the salt water, becoming brackish water – somewhat salty water. These chemicals get into the groundwater and then can enter a river. The first dikes were built in ancient Mesopotamia.The levees they used were earth walls and gave protection against the meltwater. In its upper course the river flows rapidly. A river is a large natural stream of water that flows over land. Kids encyclopedia facts Use the search form above to search for facts in the Kiddle encyclopedia (Kpedia). Even though rivers hold only a tiny fraction of Earth’s total water, they have always been essential to human civilization. When people eat fish taken from polluted streams, the pollution passes into their bodies and can cause cancer or other health problems. Some material is carried all the way to the mouth—the place where the river enters the sea. Over thousands or millions of years, the river creates canyons and deep valleys in this way. bed The ground at the bottom of the river. It is 5,554km long. Two elephants have been taken to a river to drink and take a bath. Underground water flowing out of the Katafygi Vatsinidi Caves, Peloponnese, Greece, Exploring the Ouysse River which flows from the Vitarelles Cave, France, Rapids on the Kyzyl-Koba underground river in Crimea, The River Styx runs out of the Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, US. They can prevent frequent flooding, which causes problems for people who live near rivers. It sweeps over small rocks and boulders, and makes big turns around hills and mountains. We’ve been busy, working hard to bring you new features and an updated design. A new, third level of content, designed specially to meet the advanced needs of the sophisticated scholar. Related to Rivers: Braided River, Drainage Basin, Estuary, floodplain, meander, oxbow lake, rapids, riffle, river delta, river island, They also shape the land by carving out valleys and canyons. Sometimes, an area is created called a delta. Industries also dump harmful chemical waste into rivers. An old river often floods across the land after there is lots of rain at the headwaters. A river is a flowing, moving stream of water. delta An area of sediment (in the shape of a fan) that builds up at the mouth bank land along the side of a river the river bank He owns a chateau on the banks of the River Loire. The earliest civilizations, including those of Mesopotamia and Egypt in the Middle East and the Indus Valley in what is now Pakistan, developed near rivers. "Moon River" is a song by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini. It is the third longest river on the continent, after the Nile and the Congo. Leisure activities on the River Avon at Avon Valley Country Park, Keynsham, United Kingdom. After translating an article, all tools except font up/font down will be disabled. Some rivers flow from hills where there is no snow, but lots of rain. The moving water and the material it carries wear away even more rock and soil. The Nowitna is an old river with meanders and ox-bow lakes. ‘the Mekong River’ ‘river pollution’ ‘Global warming could devastate lakes, streams, rivers and wetlands throughout the United States.’ ‘In river valleys, water that seeps from canals and fields provides groundwater that can be pumped for various purposes or the water may return to … A river is a ribbon-like body of water that flows downhill from the force of gravity. Lakes and rivers provide us with a fresh water source, and it is so important to preserve this. What might you find there? Many painters, story-tellers and poets have painted or written about rivers. An old river slowly builds up its banks on either side; the high banks are called levees. While many underground rivers flow gently, some underground rivers flow fast and have rapids, particularly after heavy rain. Rivers give water for factories that make cloth, steel and many other products. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that joins a larger or main river. Some rivers flow underground through caves. The kids hunted for crabs in the muddy creek. Choose a language from the menu above to view a computer-translated version of this page. Rivers can be used for transporting people, crops and other goods by boat. Many farms that keep animals such as dairy cows, horses and sheep are along mature rivers because the animals can drink from the river every day. Cargo containers waiting for transport from North River Port, Moscow. Dams are built across rivers to store water and make electric power. A river begins on high ground or in hills or mountains and flows down from the high ground to the lower ground, because of gravity. Where a river flows out to the sea, it sometimes flows very slowly through sandy or muddy land, making lots of little islands as it flows. Often located in mountains, the source may be fed by an underground spring, or by runoff from rain, snowmelt, or glacial melt. A river begins as a tiny trickle of water on high ground. Take a minute to check out all the enhancements! People still depend on rivers for much of their water supply. Encyclopedia > River delta Article Content River delta. bank The land at the side of the river. Large factories built alongside rivers use enormous amounts of water for cooling and other purposes. Many underground rivers flow out through a cave mouth to become an ordinary river. Include some small river animal toys and plants for kids to build their own play dough river. An old river often meanders (twists and turns), and sometimes, after a flood, it leaves lakes behind which are called ox-bows or billabongs. The world’s two longest rivers, the Amazon and the Nile, are about the same length, but the basin of the Amazon is more than twice as large. Rivers are freshwater bodies of water, meaning that they have a very low concentration of salt or no salt at all. The area of land that is drained by a river and its tributaries. Another source of river pollution is the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides (insect-killing substances) on surrounding land. A river may begin in mountains where there is snow. Rivers have always been of great use to humans. Even though rivers hold only a tiny fraction of Earth’s total water, they have always been essential to human civilization. Yellow River – this is the 6th longest river in the world, but the 2nd longest in China. Eventually the creek grows into a river. Water from a river can come from rain, melting snow, lakes, ponds, or even glaciers. The Soča River begins in the mountains of Slovenia. Some rivers only flow after there has been rain near the head water. Where do you think the river ends? There are two types of levee: Riverdikes and seadikes.The seadike was invented in Holland in 1277.. The melting snow runs together to form a small stream that runs down the mountain. Cities are often near the mouth of a river. The Severn River flowing through farmland. A river receives water from the smaller streams that flow into it. It can usually be drunk safely by people unless it is too dirty because of mud or human pollution. As a result, they have less overall impact on the environment. A river usually ends by flowing into an ocean, a lake or a bigger river. These streams are called tributaries. River is name that's been used by parents who are considering unisex or non-gendered baby names--baby names that can be used for any gender. A river is a stream of water that flows through a channel in the surface of the ground. Clearwater River in Alberta is a "mature river". They provide people with a method of transport and water power. A river is a large natural stream of water that flows over land. Corn, rice, fruit, cotton, hay, tobacco and sugar are some of the crops that are grown near old rivers. The area that a river system covers is called a basin. They are also classified as a flowing body … A river is a course of water that flows to another water source such as an ocean, lake or even another river. Pollution does not just affect the creatures that live in the water. Nile River delta, as seen from Earth orbit. Old rivers are the most useful type of river for growing crops. The Nile proper is formed by the joining of the Blue Nile, which flows from Ethiopia, and … We hope you and your family enjoy the NEW Britannica Kids. Flowing northeastward in a great arc, it enters Mali and approaches the fringe of the Sahara. An estuary is a wide, funnel-like mouth of the river. A river can be wide and deep, or shallow enough for a person to wade across. Many of the world's largest cities and harbours are at estuaries. The Nile is an example of a wave-dominated delta that has the classic Greek letter delta (Δ) shape after which river deltas were named. This material may build up to form a piece of land called a delta. Accessible across all of today's devices: phones, tablets, and desktops. Usually a river feeds water into an ocean, lake, pond, or even another river. A river begins on high ground or in hills or mountains and flows down from the high ground to the lower ground, because of gravity. To share with more than one person, separate addresses with a comma. When this happens, it is called the delta of the river. The river source, also called the headwaters, is the beginning of a river. Sometimes the underground water trickles or gushes out of the ground to form a small spring of water. It is much wider than a young river, but not as wide as an old river. If there is a strong tide where the river meets the sea, the river forms an estuary. The part of the river that is near the source is called a 'young' river. A river is the path that water takes as it flows downhill towards the ocean. A river begins as a small stream, and gets bigger the farther it flows. Dams are also used to control the flow of rivers. Lots of animals live in or by rivers and people often find them a good place to live too. Deltas are often made into wildlife reserves. Large riverboats called barges still carry grain, coal, and minerals. A delta is This river in Northern Australia only runs after heavy rain. Deltas are often places that are not good for towns or farms but are very good for birds and other wildlife and fishing. As a river flows towards its mouth, the countryside around the river often changes from hilly to flat. Rivers flow along these grooves, cutting through the rock. Floodplains provided fertile soil for crops, and the system called irrigation allowed people to use rivers to water their fields. It might be very deep and run fast. A young river is often in a V-shaped river bed, and flows quickly downhill over stones, and around big rocks. The unnaturally hot water disturbs the ecology of the river and kills fish. It may be called a stream, a brook, or a creek. It may be a lake, a marsh, a spring or a glacier.This is where the stream starts. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples The source of a river may be a lake where lots of water from small streams gathers when it rains or snows. The Niger is the principal river of western Africa. The middle part of a river is called a mature river. Kids.Net.Au - Encyclopedia > River delta . Underground rivers form in places where there are lots of cracks in the rocks above, so that in rainy weather, the water runs down and collects in small underground streams. A river is a moving body of water that flows from its source on high ground, across land, and then into another body of water, which could be a lake, the sea, an ocean or even another river.