A river is a large, natural stream of flowing water. Rivers are found on every continent and on nearly every kind of land.

Where are rivers usually located?

The source of a river is usually found in high places such as hills or mountains. A river can have more than one source. Some rivers begin where a natural spring releases water from underground. The source of the River Thames is a spring.

Where are rivers and streams located in the world?

Streams and rivers can be found everywhere—they get their start in the headwaters, which may be springs, snowmelt or even lakes. Then they travel often great distances to their mouths, often ending in the ocean. The characteristics of a river or stream change during the journey from the source to the mouth.