Rivers

The source of a river is where a river begins its journey. Melting snow or water from an underground spring may be the source of the river as a tiny stream. Flowing rapidly downhill and wearing down the rocks as it cuts a steep valley in the mountains, the stream can be joined by smaller streams and rivers called tributaries. The stream becomes bigger and wider. As a result of heavy rain the river may cut a new path and leave an oxbow lake behind. Flowing towards the sea, the river widens on the flatter ground. When it bursts its banks in heavy rain it leaves rich alluvium on the plain near the estuary, or mouth, where it flows into the sea or ocean.

Let's follow a river on the map.

Examine the map which shows some of the rivers of the world.

Activity: Check with the above map and link the river with its location.

1. The Murray-Darling is in 

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