Book 19, Question 1
Where Does a River Begin?
Most rivers begin as tiny trickles, so small you could step right across them! Rain and melting snow soak into the ground, then seep back out at a spring or run downhill. The place where a river starts is called its source.
More fun facts
- The place where a river starts is called its source.
- Most sources are in mountains or other high ground, where lots of rain falls.
- Rivers can also start from lakes, marshes, glaciers or springs bubbling out of the ground.
- Water from rain and melting snow flows downhill to start the river.
- Small creeks and streams join together to become bigger rivers.
Sources: BBC, U.S. Geological Survey
Questions kids ask
What is the start of a river called?
Its source. Most sources are in mountains or other high ground, but some are lakes, marshes, glaciers or springs.