Breaking the “Rule” ~ Rivers flow South..

Rivers are wondrous bodies of water that can measure miles across and thousands of miles in length. Many rivers have headwaters and tributaries in the mountains, and it can be tempting to think of all rivers as flowing south from northern peaks. As a result, many people have asked, “why do rivers flow south?” We will answer that question, dispel some myths, and provide you with one of the most prominent river in Africa that flows in another direction.

Why Do Rivers Flow South?

The idea that all rivers flow south is mistaken thinking that often stems from people thinking that water flows towards the south because they equate the direction with “down.” Otherwise, they might have a river with a south flow near them. Another mistaken belief that some people have is that rivers obtain their water from the ocean. In the case of the Nile River, looking at a map might make one think that the river obtains its water from the sea.

However, if you consider the nature of water, you can easily determine the truth of the situation. That is precisely what we’re going to explore in the next situation.

What Determines the Way a River Flows?

Gravity is the ultimate determining force in terms of water flow. Water will flow downhill from the highest point to the lowest point using the path of least resistance. Sometimes, that will make the water flow to the east, west, or north instead of south.

Aside from gravity, you have to consider the area’s topography when trying to determine a river’s course. Sometimes a river will flow southward and run into a large mountain range. Instead of flowing directly over that mountain, the water would take a path around it. Once again, that new path would greatly depend on the terrain, erosion over time, and more.

Rivers change the way they flow all the time due to changes in terrain. Many rivers around the world do not flow south. In fact, one of the most famous river in the African continent does not flow south. Rivers can flow east, west, north, and south.

The Nile River was once considered the longest river globally, and it’s the longest in Africa.

Now you know how to respond when someone asks, “why do rivers flow south?” Quite simply, they don’t all flow south. Plenty of other rivers flow in directions other than south, and you can find plenty of examples.

All in all, rivers flow downhill toward the lowest point, which can be any direction, depending on the landscape...!!

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