Rivers
Earth's 8 Largest Rivers
Master D.M.Lee | 7/20/2023
Nile River
Banks of the Nile at Cairo, Francis Frithca. 1857, printed 1870 MMA 1973.608.1.26
The Nile River is the longest river in Africa and the world, stretching approximately 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles). It flows through eleven countries, including Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, and has been a lifeline for civilizations throughout history.
Amazon River
Amazonas State, Francisco Chaves
The Amazon River is the largest river by discharge volume and the most extensive river system in the world. It spans across South America, with its basin covering approximately 7 million square kilometers (2.7 million square miles), and is known for its exceptional biodiversity and dense rainforest.
Yangtze River
Dusk on Chang Jiang (Yangtze), Andrew Hitchcock
The Yangtze River, also called the Chang Jiang, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest river in the world. It flows through China, providing a vital waterway for transportation and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. It is also home to the critically endangered Yangtze River dolphin, or baiji.
Mississippi River
"Rounding a Bend" on the Mississippi, Frances Flora Bond Palmer, 1866, MMA 63.550.47
The Mississippi River is one of the most significant rivers in the United States, running for approximately 3,730 kilometers (2,320 miles). It has played a pivotal role in the country's history, serving as a major trade route, inspiring literature and music, and shaping the development of cities such as New Orleans and St. Louis.
Yenisei River
The bank of the Yenisei River near Krasnoyarsk - Public Domain
The Yenisei River is the largest river system flowing into the Arctic Ocean. It stretches for about 5,539 kilometers (3,445 miles) across Siberia in Russia. The Yenisei River is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including the stunning Stolby Nature Reserve, and is an important source of hydroelectric power.
Yellow River
The Yellow River Breaches its Course, ~ c12th, Ma Yuan, Beijing Palace Museum
The Yellow River, also known as the Huang He, holds great historical and cultural significance in China. It is often called the "Mother River of China" due to its role in the country's early civilization. The river has a distinct yellow color due to the loess sediments it carries, and it has been prone to devastating floods throughout history.
Ob-Irtysh River
March evening. The sun fell across the Ob river Dmitry Karyshev
The Ob-Irtysh River is a major river system in Russia and Kazakhstan. It is formed by the merging of the Ob River and the Irtysh River, flowing through vast Siberian landscapes. The Ob-Irtysh River is crucial for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and transportation in the region.
Parana River
Confluence of the Iguazu and Parana rivers, Puerto Iguazu, Misiones, Argentina, PhillipC
The Parana River is the second-longest river in South America, after the Amazon River. It flows through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, and is a vital transportation route for cargo ships. The Parana River forms the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, which are among the world's most spectacular waterfalls.
These rivers offer fascinating insights into the diverse natural wonders and cultural histories of the regions they traverse.