Geography
4ES
2.1.
Where do rivers go?
Mexico not only has land diversity, you can also
find variety in the sea. There is much to be found
and discover, from slopes to watersheds, these sea
features are an important part of our nation’s natural
setting. The landforms have effects on the way a river
flows and the velocity its current may have.
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. A river is freshwater flowing
across the surface of the land, usually to the sea.
Rivers begin at their source in higher ground such as
mountains or hills, where rainwater or melting snow
collects and forms tiny streams.
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. The
rainwater that falls on top of the mountains forms
natural water channels, it rapidly moves down
towards the valleys. The river water ends in lakes,
lagoons, or some times in the sea. The regions that
receive water from rain, small rivers and unite main or
principal rivers are called hydric or hydrologic causes.
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. The
rivers grow bigger when tributaries (smaller streams)
join the main river.