Rivers flow downhill — Geography, 4–6 years
Water in a river moves from higher ground towards lower ground. Geography, 4–6 years.
Water follows the slope
Rain and melting snow can gather into streams and rivers. The water is pulled downhill, from higher land towards lower land, because the ground is sloping. Small streams may join to make a larger river, which can continue towards a lake or the sea.
Why rivers have a direction
If water stayed wherever rain landed, puddles would spread randomly and many places would flood. The slope of the land gives water a route to follow, carrying it away from higher ground. This explains why a river has a source, a flowing course and a lower end called its mouth.
A cup, a slope and a stream
Place a tray at a slight angle and pour 100 millilitres of water near its higher end. The water runs down the tray and gathers at the lower edge. Add another 100 millilitres higher up: the two flows join, like a small stream joining a river.
Rivers do not always look steep
It is reasonable to think a river cannot flow downhill if its surface looks flat. A very gentle slope may be hard to see, especially across a wide river or a long distance. The water can still be moving lower overall, even when a nearby part looks almost level.
Rivers in everyday life
People use rivers as sources of water, routes for boats and places to make some kinds of energy. River banks can also provide homes for plants and animals. Knowing that water flows downhill helps people decide where bridges, paths and flood warnings are needed.
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