1 \u2013 Rivers begin at their source in higher ground such as mountains or hills , where rain water or melting snow collects and forms tiny streams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2 \u2013 As the river flows downstream , it gains more water from other streams , rivers , springs , added rainfall , and other water sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3 \u2013 A river is freshwater flowing across the surface of the land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4 \u2013 The great majority of rivers eventually flow into a larger body of water , like an ocean , sea , or large lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5 \u2013 Most settlements were built along major rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 \u2013 Rivers are used for drinking water , irrigation , bathing , washing , as a source of food , transporting goods , transporting people , disposing waste , making hydropower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7 \u2013 Other animals use the river for food and drink. Birds eat small fish from the river. In Africa , animals such as antelopes , lions and elephants go to rivers for water to drink. Other animals such as bears catch fish from rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8 \u2013 Many rare plants and trees grow by rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9 \u2013 River valleys and plains provide fertile soils. Farmers in dry regions irrigate their cropland using water carried by irrigation ditches from nearby rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10 \u2013 Fast flowing rivers and waterfalls are widely used as sources of energy , watermills and hydroelectric plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
11 \u2013 Rivers carry water and nutrients to areas all around the earth. They play a very important part in the water cycle , acting as drainage channels for surface water. Rivers drain nearly 75 % of the earth\u2019s land surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n