How are Rivers Formed?

A natural stream of freshwater flowing downhill from its source in the mountains to meet an ocean or a lake is known as a river. The river water is confined to a channel or a stream bed.

The rivers are formed when group of springs and streams known as headwaters having their origin in the mountains flow down to form a large stream or springs. The stream bed of a river lies between the banks of a river. The large streams are called as a river while the smaller one’s are called as creeks, brooks, rivulets or tributaries. The rivers form the major component of the water cycle. The water in a river is accumulated from precipitation of ground water and also through the release of stored water in natural reservoirs such as glaciers.

Formation of Rivers

Every river in this universe has a point of origin and the gravity plays a significant role in the direction of the flow of a river. In areas where the climate is humid, the point of origin of the rivers is from springs. The points of origination of rivers are the marshes, lakes, and melting glaciers.

One of the sources of water that replenish the rivers is either the melting snow or the rainwater. This process is known as the precipitation.

Another major source of river water is the rain. When it rains heavily in the hills, the water trickles down the steep slopes and flows onto a riverbed. Initially, the water from the hills flows in an evenly distributed fashion and is called as surface run-off. When this water flow travels a certain distance, it begins to flow in parallel rills and also gathers momentum. Soon these parallel rills unite to form a stream. As the rills converge with the stream a brook is formed. This brook flows through a valley. The volume of the water in a brook becomes constant when it gains sufficient volume of groundwater. The brook becomes a river when the water level in the brook increases.

Types of Rivers

The rivers are classified on the basis of the sediments it carries. The sediment carried is controlled by factors such as climate, geology and the stream gradient. Here are a few classifications of the rivers.

Youthful River - A youthful river has a steep gradient and very few tributaries. A youthful river is bound to flow quickly and swiftly. A few examples of youthful river include Trinity River and Brazos in the USA, and Ebro River in Spain.

Mature River - A mature river is less steep and flows slowly compared to the youthful river. There are many tributaries that feed a mature river. The sediment deposit is also less. Examples of mature river include St.Lawrence River, Ohio River and River Thames.

Old River - An old river has a low gradient and is depended on flood plains is known as old river. Some of the world famous old rivers include the Ganges, Nile, and Euphrates.

Rivers have been one of the sources of food, water and transport since pre-historic times. The rivers aid the cultivation of crops by supplying water. Historians claim navigation of rivers date back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Rivers of the world are the major source of fresh water and they sustain their own food chain.