Rivers

A river (also called a wabi) is a natural flow of fresh water that passes through a channel or valley it has carved out over time, moving in a downward direction. River water comes from rainfall, melting snow and ice, and underground springs. It eventually flows into the sea, a lake, another river, or an ocean; some rivers end in swamps or disappear into the ground.

Rivers are part of the water cycle. They move water, sediment, rock, and organic matter across the land. As a result, they shape the landscape: they carve out valleys, and they build river plains and deltas at the mouth.

Parts of a river

A typical river is usually divided into three sections. The upper section (the source) is where the water begins, usually in mountains; there the gradient is steep and erosion is strong. The middle section is where the river widens and begins to meander. The lower section is where the flow slows and sediment is deposited, usually ending in a delta or river mouth (where fresh and salt water meet). The area of land through which all water flows into a single river is called a drainage basin.

Human use

Ancient civilizations in Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and China arose on river plains because of fertile soil and reliable water. Today rivers are used for irrigation, drinking water, fishing, boat transport, and hydroelectric power generation through the construction of dams. This use has led to disputes between countries that share a river, especially when dams are built upstream.

Rivers of Somalia

Somalia has two perennial rivers: the Shabeelle and the Jubba. Both originate in the highlands of Ethiopia and flow through southern Somalia, where irrigated agriculture is widespread. The Jubba flows into the Indian Ocean; the Shabeelle turns south and usually ends in swamp and marshland near the Jubba, though in years of heavy rainfall it can reach it.