River Severn | River Thames

An introduction to Rivers

All rivers start at the highest point in an area. As the river flows downstream, it gains more water from other streams, rivers, springs, added rainfall, and other water sources.

What is a river?

A river is freshwater flowing across the surface of the land, usually to the sea.

The River Channel

Rivers flow in channels. The bottom of the channel is called the bed and the sides of the channel are called the banks.

Where do rivers begin?

Rivers begin at their source in higher ground such as mountains or hills, where rain water or melting snow collects and forms tiny streams.

Find out more about the different sources of rivers.

How are rivers formed?

When one stream meets another and they merge together, the smaller stream is known as a tributary. It takes many tributary streams to form a river.

How do rivers grow?

A river grows larger as it collects water from more tributaries along its course.

Where do rivers end?

The great majority of rivers eventually flow into a larger body of water, like an ocean, sea, or large lake. The end of the river is called the mouth.

What do rivers provide?

Most settlements were built along major rivers. Rivers provide us with food, energy, recreation, transportation routes, and of course water for irrigation and for drinking.

source of rivers