Where Do River Systems Come From?
Some rivers start from springs, which are the most common type of river source in humid climates. Springs occur as groundwater rises to the earth’s surface and flows away. Other rivers are initiated by run-off from melting glaciers located high in the mountains.
river source
The source of a river or stream is the original point from which the river flows. It may be a lake, a marsh, a spring or a glacier. This is where the stream starts. The source is the farthest point of the river stream from its estuary or its confluence with another river or stream.
What is the source of a river system?
The place where a river begins is called its source. River sources are also called headwaters. Rivers often get their water from many tributaries, or smaller streams, that join together. The tributary that started the farthest distance from the river’s end would be considered the source, or headwaters.
