RIVERS What do you know about rivers Do

RIVERS

• What do you know about rivers? • Do you know where rivers come from? • Do you know any rivers in your local area? • What types of animals would you find in or near a river? • Is there anything you would like to know about rivers?

WHERE DO RIVERS COME FROM? • Does water flow up or down when you turn on a tap? • Yes, water always flows down! And rivers are the same – they always flow down from high land down to low land.

• The place where a river begins is called the source. • The source of a river is often in high ground, like a mountain. Glenealo river in the Wicklow mountains

WHERE DOES IT GO THEN? • From the source of the river the water travels down the mountain. • As it flows down the water very slowly breaks away earth, soil and rocks to create a path down the mountain. This is called erosion. Eglish River, Bluestack Moutains

• What do you think forms when a river flows over a steep slope or cliff in a hill? • That’s right – a waterfall! Powerscourt Waterfall, Co. Wicklow

• A river continues to grow bigger as it continues it’s journey, as other smaller rivers join it. • These rivers are called tributaries. The smaller river Bann joins the Slaney river.

• A river finishes it’s journey when it flows into the sea. • The place where the river meets the sea is called the mouth of the river. The mouth of a river, where it flows into the sea.

WILDLIFE • Many animals, fish and birds live in or around rivers. Otters Salmon Kingfisher Trout Swans Heron Ducks

QUIZ Water always flows… Up Down Across

The start of a river is called it’s… Source Mouth Tributary

When a river breaks away soil and rocks to make a path it is called… Breaking Eating Erosion

A small river that joins a bigger river is called a… Stream Tributary Lake

A river finishes it’s journey at the… Mouth Eye Ear

Which of these animals might you find near a river? Deer Otter Fox

• Can you think of any rivers near you? • Try drawing the journey of the river from source to mouth on a map. • And next time you explore a river or stream keep a sharp eye out for some of the local wildlife.