River Bifurcation

01/28/24

“What is it called when rivers split into two?”

Water is transported over a long distance with rivers. But sometimes, something may happen when a river splits into two separate streams in a process called River Bifurcation. River bifurcation may be artificial or naturally occurring.

River Confluences

01/25/24

“What is it called when two rivers merge into one larger river?”

Rivers are mighty streams of water. Civilizations have risen and fallen in their proximity. When two rivers meet, they can form into a larger river. The geographic point is called a River Confluence and can be found worldwide, from the Tigris and Euphrates in Southern Iraq to the Amazon river in Brazil.

River Tributaries

01/24/24

“What is it called when a smaller river feeds into a larger one?”

Rivers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are large, some are small. However, they all feed into a larger body of water. While main rivers might drain into an ocean, smaller rivers may feed into a larger river. These are called River Tributaries, and are found throughout the world, from the Nile to the Amazon. 

River Drainage Basins

01/22/24

“What is the area drained by a river?”

Rivers drain into other bodies of water such as lakes or oceans. The areas that rivers ultimately drain into are called River Drainage Basins and are important part of geographic analysis.