The largest river continent is Mississippi. However, the Mississipi-Missuri-Jefferson river system on water consumption is only the tenth in the world and is only 16.2 thousand m 3 / s. Mississippi collects his waters from the central and great plains of North America, as well as some of the rivers with Appalachi (Ohio River) and Cordiller (River Arkansas) flow into it. The word "Mississippi" translated from the languages \u200b\u200bof the Indians who inhabited these places means "Water Father". Indeed, this greatest river of the continent still has great value For residents of modern North America. However, Mississippi is a restless river. Subtropical climatic belt in which Mississippi proceeds, despite all its favorable agriculture And people living and one is very bad feature - natural disasters are regularly happening, associated with sharp drops of temperatures, especially during the off-season. Fast air warping in these latitudes in the spring-summer period leads to a sharp and intensive melting of snow in the mountains. Water flows rushed into the river and put on Mississippi. Multiple on this river there were catastrophic floods. Today, floods tend to avoid. Mississippi regulated by the system of artificial dams and canals that help to remove water in the event of a threat of floodings, however, the area continues to remain dangerous. So, subject to hurricanes from the Atlantic South-East, the continent still risks to be in the flood zone. An example of this is a hurricane Katrina, which happened in August 2005. Hurricane broke through the city dam New OrleansLocated in the mouth of Mississippi, who retired the city from the ocean water, and led to a catastrophic flood. However, the construction of artificial protective structures is still largely allowed to reduce the damage from natural disasters.
Rivers of the mainland flowing from the slopes of the mountains also have significant hydropower potential. Therefore, large hydroelectric power plants were built on such rivers as Colombia and Colorado flowing from Cordiller in the Pacific Ocean, such as the Grand Coule Power Station on Colombia (the largest in the USA) or unique hydraulic constructions - Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Colorado is also unique as another famous monument in nature, a large canyon. In the mountains, the Colorado River washed a canyon, going to a depth of 1800 meters. This monument of nature is unique primarily for geology, since the gorge-educated river is a natural geological section mountain breedsopening the last 1.5 billion years of the history of the formation of the mainland.

North America has a greater length from north to south, while the mainland turns out to be located in almost all climatic belts of the planet, except equatorial. This, in turn, leads to a variety of inland waters.

Mode and nature of the nutrition of North America

Climatic belts	Nutrition	Flood	Examples
Subexvatorial	Rainy prevails	Summer float due to arrival in summer wet Equatorial aerial mass And, as a result, the rainy season	Very large rivers
Tropical	River feed rains and melting in spring in snow cordillera	Floor in spring for mountain riverswhen snow melts, and summer for rivers in the east of the mainland due to the influence of monsoon	Very large rivers
Subtropical	Rain food and snow - for mountain rivers	Forewide spring-summer because of melting of snow and the arrival of rains from the ocean	Rio Grande, Mississippi, Colorado, Arkansas, Ohio
Moderate	Mixed: summer underground and rain, winter - underground, spring - snow; Mountain rivers also glacier	The flood is spring because of active melting of snow and glaciers in the mountains	Missouri, Upper Mississippi, Colombia
Subarctic	The snow prevails, also underground and short summer - rain	Female summer - when snow comes	Yukon, McCenzie

Lakes

On the square of the lakes, North America is inferior only to Eurasia. Due to its geographical position, part of the mainland is located in northern climatic belts, where the amount of precipitation exceeds evaporation due to low temperatures during the year. Wherein northern regions planets have repeatedly turned out under the cover of the glacier during the time ice periods. This is exactly the last such glacier and there was a modern relief of the North of the Continent. The moisture remaining after the glacier due to weak evaporation is preserved here in the form of swamps, lakes, as well as perennial Murzlota. We can observe a similar picture on the example of the seven domestic waters of Eurasia. In this way, most of Lakes North America is located in the north and has ice origins. The largest of these lakes are a big bearish and a big slave lake. Interesting fact is that the "big slave lake" is an incorrect translation with of English language. The fact is that the lake is called the name of the people living here "Slave" or more correctly "Slavey" (Slave), because of the confusion with the word "slave" (slave, slave) The name of the lake was on many languages \u200b\u200bof the world translated incorrectly, but in them rooted. Also, the Great American Lakes and Lake Winnipeg also have ice origins, although the brand of great lakes has a tectonic origin, however, the formed deflection has yet occurred, including under the pressure of the glacier. Great American lakes include lakes: Top, Michigan, Huron, Ontario, Erie. The diagram shows the mechanism of formation of lakes by a glacier. It can be seen from it, as the glacier covered almost all this territory for another 14 thousand years ago, and the Great Lakes themselves were formed not earlier than 7 thousand years.

Geography of North America
Click to enlarge

North America, the third largest continent of the world, includes 6 countries (some sources include countries in North America Central America and CaribbeanHowever, in our directory, they were rendered to a separate section for clarity). In addition, North America includes the world's largest island - Greenland.

Located in the North and Eastern Hemisphere, the region borders in the north with the Northern Arctic Ocean, in the East - with the Atlantic Ocean, in the south-east - with Caribbean Morce and the Mexican Bay, and in the West - with Safety ocean.

Mountains, foothills, and plains of North America

Alaskan Ridge

The data of the mountains of the south-central part of Alaska extend from the Alaska peninsula to the border with the territory of Yukon (Canada). Here is the highest point of all of North America - Mac-Kinley Mountain (height - 6 194 m).

Coast Ridge

Mountains located along the coast of the Pacific Coast of California, Oregon, Washington. They also extend along the western border of British Columbia in Canada, and the southern tip of Alaska, right up to the Kenai Peninsula and the island of Kodiak.

Great plains

The great plains of North America descend east of the rocky mountains, and stretch to the border of the Canadian shield, and western borders Appalachy. This land, overall, smooth, with large areas without trees and valleys with shallow rivers. Small hills and mountains are found in the Ozark Plateau (Missouri), as well as in the Boston mountains and the mountains of Woshito to the north-west of Arkansas and East Oklahoma. Sandy hills and remains cover the territory of the north-central part of Nebraska.

Mountains Appalachi

Appalachi, having a length of about 2,600 km, stretch from Central Alabama (USA) up through the states of New England and Canadian provinces New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Quebec.

Of the significant chains of the Appalachi Mountains, you can allocate: Cumberland (Tennessee), Blue Ridge (Virginia), Alleganiza (Pennsylvania state), Katskill (New York), Green Mountains (Vermont), White Mountains (New Hampshire State) .

The highest point is Mount Mitchell in North Carolina (height - 2,037 m.).

Canadian Shield

Region-plateau, located in Eastern and Northern Canada, as well as in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Great Lakes in North America, consisting mainly of an uneven and rocky surface, and large areas of coniferous (evergreen) forests. In addition, the northern regions located along the northern polar circle are represented by a rocky frozen tundra. The highest elevation, presumably - 500 meters.

Cascade mountains

Mountain chain extending from Northeast California through Oregon and Washington. The main vertices include Mount-Hood, Reiner, and Saint Helens.

Continental watershed

In North America, the western continental watershed is an imaginary line passing through a row of mountain peaks throughout North America, and which divides the continent into two main waterborne areas.

Adlantic lowland

This large area in the southern and southeastern United States extends to the continental shelf, and, in general, is characterized by plains with forests. different types. Coastal areas contain the mouths of rivers and rivers, swamps, fop, and the like.

Rocky Mountains

Rocky Mountains have a length of about 3,000 km., They extend from american state New Mexico, then through the Western United States, and on up to the most northern Borders British Columbia in Canada.

The largest mountain chains in this chain include: Absamer, Baer River, Bourgee, Big Bell, Big Horn, Biteruts, Canadian, Clearwater, Columbia, France, Guadalupe, Laremi, Lemli, Lewis, Lost River, Medicin Bow, Monasi, Auhi, Persell , Sacramento, Sonmon River, San Andres, Sangra de Cristo, Saudch, Showshon, Stons, Stylotter, Swan, Tatons, Unita, Wallaua, Wallch, Uyand River, Wyoming, Zuni.

The highest point of the Rocky Mountains is Mount Elbert, located 15 kilometers from Lidville, Colorado. Its height is 4,399 meters.

Sierra Madre.

Sierra Madre includes two major mountain chains and one smaller. Western Sierra Madre passes in parallel to the Mexican Ocean coast, some of its vertices exceed 3,000 meters. Eastern Sierra Madre runs parallel to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, some of its peaks also exceed 3,000 meters. South Sierra Madre is located in the South Mexican states of Germero and Oaxaca.

Ridge Brooksa

Mountains in Northern Alaska. Highest point - Mount Isto (height - 2,760 m).

Rivers North America

Hundreds of rivers and their tributaries proceed through North America. Below will be listed and described some, the largest and significant of them.

Brazos

This Texas River originates in the northern part of the state in Studolle district, and flows south, in Brazoria district, and, more - in Gulf of Mexico. Its length is 1,351 km.

Colorado

Berving Start B. Rocky Mountains In the northern part of Colorado, this river flows to the southwest, and ends in the California Gulf. Its length is 2,333 km. Over the centuries, the river has formed a lot of canyons on their arguing path. The most famous of them is Grand Canyon, in Northern Arizona. Along the entire path of the river there are 30 power plants, as well as dozens of dams and tanks.

Colombia

This wide, fast-flowing river begins in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in the south-east of British Columbia in Canada, then flows south through Washington, then forms a natural border between Washington and Oregon. It ends in the Pacific Ocean, its length is 1,857 km. The development of hydroelectric energy in the river basin brought inexpensive electricity to residents of the Pacific North-West, but strongly affected the spawning of salmon and the migration of local fish.

Mackenzi.

This is the most long river Canada, and it shares the Northwest Territories. She flows mainly to the north-west to the Bay of McCenzie and the sea of \u200b\u200bBeaufort. This river of historical significance was opened by Alexander Mackenzie, and dense green forests grow along its path, and dozens of lakes are located. Its length is 1,800 km. If you combine it with its tributaries - with slave, writing, and finles, its total length will be 4,240 km., What makes it the second along the length of the North America by the River Mississippi / Missouri system (whose length is 6 236 km.) .

Mississippi

This is the main river of North America and the United States, with a length of 3,765 km. It flows from the Northwest Minnesota south to the Gulf of Mexico, near the city of New Orleans. This is an important transport artery, and if it is connected to its main tributaries (Missouri and Ohio rivers), it will be the third largest river system in the world, with a length of 6 236 km.

Missouri

This river originates in South Montane in the Rocky Mountains, and first flows to the north, then southeast, through the heart of the United States, ending in the Mississippi River, north of St. Louis, Missouri. This is the longest river in the United States (4 203 km.).

Ohio

Educated by the merger of the rivers of Allegine and Mononghahil in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Ohio River flows, as a rule, to the southwest. It forms a natural border between Ohio and West Virginia, between Ohio and Kentucky, as well as part of the border with Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. It ends in the Mississippi River in Illinois, her length is 1,569 km.

River of St. Lawrence

This river flows to the northeast of Lake Ontario, and flows into the Bay of St. Lawrence. Its length is 1,225 km., And they can walk deep-water vessels between the Atlantic Ocean and Great Lakes. It includes several artificial channels, locks and dams, and it is considered one of the most important trade paths on the planet.

Rio Grande

This is one of the longest rivers of North America (length - 3,034 km.), It begins in the mountains of San Juan in South Colorado, then flowed south through New Mexico. It forms a natural border between the state of Texas and Mexico, when it flows southeast to the Mexican bay. In Mexico, the river is known as Rio Bravo del Norte. The water of this river used by both countries as a drinking, are becoming increasingly polluted as settlementssurrounding the path of the water of the river, increase in size, and relieve more impure and pesticides into the water.

Fraser.

This river in British Columbia in Canada begins in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, then flows into different areas (Mainly south), then finally turns to the West, and ends in the Georgia Strait, south of Vancouver. Her length is 1,368 km.

Churchill

This river occurs in the central part of Canada, originates in North-West Saskatchewan, then flows east to Manitoba, and further in the hacks of the bay. It proceeds through a number of lakes, and is known to the rapid flow. Her length is 1,609 km.

Yukon

This river originates in the southwestern part of the territory of Yukon Canada, and then flows to the north-west across the border in Alaska. This massive river, then, continues the path to the southwest through the Central Alaska, and ends in the Bering Sea. Despite its length (2,035 km.), And for the fact that for the most part this river It is navigable, it freezes from October to mid-June.

After South America And Eurasia North America is located $ 3 $ place for the wealth of inner waters. In the mainland, many full-water rivers and lakes, mountain and coat glaciers, as well as underground water And swamps. One of their largest planet rivers - Mississippi with the influx of Missouri and the largest lake system are located on this continent. Glaciers are inferior here only by Antarctician glaciers.

Internal waters are distributed over the territory of the mainland extremely unevenly. For example, a weakly developed river network is characteristic of the southwestern part of the mainland, and in the south-east, on the contrary, it is very thick. North America's rivers are distributed between the basins of $ 3 of the oceans, but their main part carries their waters to the Atlantic and the Northern Arctic Ocean, because the main watershed is shifted towards the Pacific Ocean. The region of the internal flow on the mainland is insignificant and occupies part Big Basin, as well as a small area in the north of Mexican Highlands. Rivers have predominantly rain or mixed food.

The rivers of the Arctic Icetic and Atlantic Oceans are equible and carry their waters in wide and deep river valleys. North America's rivers have a significant annual stock $ 8,200 $ km. The height of the layer of the flow in the large pool reaches several centimeters, there are already $ 100 $ cm in the approalaces, and in the north-west, the Cordiller comes to $ 200 cm.

The lakes, like rivers, are unevenly distributed, and most of them are in the north. Within the Canadian Crystal Shield, large and deep glacial and glacial and tectonic lakes were formed.

Five Great American Lakes are located on the southern outskirts of the shield:

1. Top lake;
2. Michigan;
3. Huron;
4. Ontario.

The volume of water in these lakes is more than in the Baltic Sea. Apart from Baikal, the largest and freshwater lake is the top, its area is $ 82.4 $ thousand km. The depth of the lake is $ 393 m. Lakes with each other are connected by rivers. Stormy Niagara connects Erie and Ontario. Huron and Erie connects a small Saint Claire River, a lake with the same name and the Detroit River. Going down steps to the Atlantic Ocean, they give him their waters across the River of St. Lawrence. From the northern glacier lakes to the largest are a large bearish, a large slave lake, Athastka, etc. Lakes of the indoor basin belong to the "relic", their basins are preserved from the Quaternary period. Among such selfless lakes are big Salt Lake In the large pool. The lake has salinity from $ 137 $ - $ 300 $ PROMILL.

Significant area is modern glaciation. The covering glaciers of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago have an area of \u200b\u200bmore than $ 2 $ million km. From mountain glaciers to Cordillera Alaska and Canada accounts for $ 75 $%. Thousands of small and large lakes cover Canada's tundra.

Note 1.

Inner waters North America is ensured very well, they are only distributed on the territory of the mainland unevenly and belong to the basins of $ 3 $-oceans. The largest pool of the Atlantic Ocean. Lakes mainly have glacial and tectonic origins and focused mainly in the north of the continent.

Pacific Pool River

Rivers flowing from the western slopes of Cordiller, carry their waters in the Pacific Ocean. They take their beginning in deep and narrow gorges. From the ocean they separate the distance of no more than $ 150 $ km, so they are short and very stormy. In the northern part of the coast, due to a sufficient amount of moisture, the rivers are full-flowed, and with the progress of south along the coast, many in the summer breathe. The rapid flow ensures their hydropower reserves. Of all the rivers of the Pacific Pool, Colorado, Colombia, Yukon are the largest. Rivers are in different climatic belts, Therefore, they differ from each other with power and regime.

Colorado proceeds through the territory of the United States and Mexico and flows into the California bay, forming an extensive delta. The length of the river is $ 2330 $ km, and the pool area is $ 640 $ thousand km. This is $ 7 $ in the biggest pool of North America. Colorado takes $ 25 $ significant tributaries, among which the Green River River is the largest in length and water consumption. Climatic conditions Colorado Basin Various and Temperatures are changing from + $ 49 $ degrees in desert areas up to - $ 46 $ degrees in winter in the Rocky Mountains. The amount of precipitation in the river basin is also different from $ 15 $ - $ 1000 $ mm per year. The river with its canyons and waterfalls attracts many tourists, and a multi-day alloy along the river is the most popular tourist program.

The next River of the Pacific Ocean is Colombia. The river flows in the north-west of the mainland and has ice meals, and its beginning takes in the Rocky Mountains in the Canadian Province of British Columbia. The river collects water from an area of \u200b\u200b$ 670 $ thousand km. The area of \u200b\u200bits pool is comparable to France. Colombia in length is $ 12 $ river. Big river bias - $ 40.9 cm / km and powerful flow Create a huge energy potential. The river system of Colombia has built more than $ 400 $ dams that allow producing electric energyand used for irrigation. Dams make it possible to adjust the river flow and improve shipping conditions.

The fifth along the length of the river North America is Yukon. Its length is $ 3187 $ km. The river in Lake Atling begins, which is located in the Canadian province of British Columbia and carries its waters to the north-west, towards Alaska. Forming a delta, the river flows into the bay Norton Bering Sea. About the river itself and, especially, its influx of Klondike became known since the golden fever. The river basically has the flat nature of the flow and only at the origins of the nature of the mountain. River feeds on the melting of snow, and the ice station begins from the second half of October and lasts until the beginning of May. Most of the year Yukon is under the ice.

River Basin of the Atlantic Ocean

Most a large number of Rivers flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Rivers of this pool long with large quantity tributaries. Among them allocated Mississippi And her influx of Missouri. Mississippi is a watercourse system formed as a result of a merge $ 3 $ -s big rivers. The territory with which Mississippi collects water occupies $ 1/6 part of the mainland. The water regime of the river depends on the fluctuation of annual climatic indicators, for example, in upper current It is associated with thawed snow and rainwater, and in the lower flow the role increases rain food. In the upper course of the river, there are many thresholds and carpets in connection with which it will be uncomfortable, despite the fact that it is wide enough here. Water is distinguished by transparency. In winter, Mississippi is covered with ice. Truly the majestic spectacle is formed after Missouri's sign in the main river. Milometer in width powerful streams, without mixing, flow in one channel for $ 150 $ - $ 180 $ km. Along the left shore flows relatively clean Mississippi, along the right muddy Missouri. Gradually, water is mixed and acquired a yellowish color. Missouri blurs loose rocks and carries great amount Sand, clay, yla. The volume of water in Mississippi increases the Ohio River, the width of which at the place of the imposition reaches $ 2 $-km. Ohio makes the Mississippi Rod to a winding with a lot of islands.

The lower course of the river falls on subtropical latitudes, so never freezes. For Mississippi, catastrophic floods are characterized, the reasons for which the flip of floodplains and the reduction of forests became. Water river, waving, can be shown entire villages. When pushing into the Mexican Bay of Mississippi forms a $ 300 $ width delta, the third part of which is busy with swamps and lakes. Mississippi is associated with the name of Mark Twain, who in his work "Adventure Geclberry Finn" described the journey along the river. The river is considered to be a jazz cradle. On the banks of the river, in New Orleans, the famous jazzman Louis Armstrong was born.

Rivers of the Northern Ocean Basin River

Note 2.

The largest river Northern Basin. is an Mackenzi., the length of which is $ 4241 $ km. The river originates from a big slave lake, whose depth is $ 614 m Mackenzie carries its waters to the north-west and flows into the sea of \u200b\u200bBeaufort. The River is named after the Scottish traveler A. Mackenzie, who opened it at $ 1789. The pool area of \u200b\u200b$ 1.8 million square meters. The river basin includes and large lakes Canada. The terrain at which the river flows is strongly wetrated. In general, the nutrition of the river is mixed, but rain and snow prevails. By the nature of the flow of the River is flat. The melting of snow causes flood in the spring-summer period. The main tributaries include Liard, Arctic-Red River, saw, big bear. During $ 200 $ km Mackenzi shipadan.

In this article we will tell about the main rivers and lakes of North America. In particular, you will learn about the peculiarities of the nutritional of the largest natural watercourses. What is called most big Lake continent? Where is it located? What is the longest river North America? Answers to all these questions you will find in our article.

North America: General features of hydrography

Continent is very rich water resources. According to the total annual flow, it ranks third in the world, far exceeding Africa, Australia and Antarctica. The rivers of North America are very different from each other along the length, the area of \u200b\u200btheir pools, water, and the nature of the power. Many of them have tremendous energy potential.

Water resources are distributed extremely unevenly through the territory of this mainland. In some regions there is an acute shortage of fresh water. This, above all, belongs to Mexico and the southern states of the United States.

The main watershed of the continent is the mountain chain of the Cordiller, which stretched from Alaska in the north to Panama is the cereal in the south. She divides the river pools of the quiet and atlantic oceans. But the watershed between the Atlantic and Northern Arctic oceans The relief is practically not allocated.

Rivers North America

What features are characteristic of the rivers of this continent? Most of them are distinguished by flat nature and smooth flow (Mississippi, Missouri, Mackenzie and others). Bright representatives Classic mountain rivers on the mainland - Colombia and Colorado. Their valleys are narrow and rocky, in many places they are complicated by waterfalls, canyons and cramped. The world-famous Canyon of the Colorado River reaches a depth of 1800 meters.

Northern America's rivers are different. So, in the northern parts of the mainland, snow nutrition prevails. Accordingly, the flood in these rivers is observed in the summer when the whole area river basin Fully released from snow cover. For medium of moderate latitudes, nutrition is characteristic mixed type (Summer rain, underground winter, and in the spring - snow). The rivers of the southern regions of the mainland are powered mainly by rainwaters.

Many of the rivers of North America are experiencing huge environmental burden as a result economic activity man. Communal Stoki. large cities, discharges industrial waste, demolition residue mineral fertilizer From the fields - all this negatively affects the state of natural watercourses of the continent.

To the largest rivers of North America (over time) include:

1. Mississippi (3770 km).
2. Yukon (3185 km).
3. Rio Grande (3034 km).
4. Colorado (2334 km).
5. Brazos (2060 km).
6. Colombia (2000 km).
7. Mackenzie (1738 km).
8. St. Lawrence (1197 km).
9. Churchill (856 km).
10. Nelson (644 km).

Mississippi

This is the longest river of North America. Mississippi is very often called the American Volga, because this river system has a huge transport and economic importance For the USA.

The river has the third largest waterborne pool in the world. Its area is more than 2.9 million square meters. km. Large pools on the planet only have Congo and Amazon. Mississippi begins within the staff of Minnesota, then flows mainly to the south and flows into the Gulf of Mexican, forming a huge delta. This is the most important transport artery, which in the XIX century served as a kind of "corridor" for Western US expansion.

Mississippi main tributaries: Missouri, Ohio, Arkansas and Red River. The channel of this river winding and sometimes unpredictable, for which famous writer Mark Twain nicknamed her "the world's first in the world" in one of his works.

Mackenzi.

Mackenzie - Samea north river North America (may the reader for this tautology forgive us) and the largest within Canada. Her mouth is located on the 69th degree northern latitude, far beyond the polar circle. Despite such a "frosty" geographical position, most of the paths of this river system are shipping.

Mackenzie's main tributaries: Pyl, Liard, Karkaju, Ruth. The valley of the river is very wettering and covered spruce forest. Mackenzie feeds in the main rain and thawed snow waters. In the lower and middle course, the riverbed of the river from five to eight months has been joining the ice shell.

St. Lawrence

The river of St. Lawrence is relatively short, but very complete. She follows from Ontario lake and flows into the eponymous bay, forming Fiord impressive sizes. The width of the river in the area of \u200b\u200bthe mouth reaches 130 kilometers! In this place is cold and salty water The ocean is actively mixed with a warmer and fresh river.

The River of St. Lawrence has a huge strategic and transport value. It walks large vessels, tankers and cruise liners from the Atlantic to the basin of the Great Lakes. The banks of the river are tightly populated and well mastered. In its pool, 20 million people live in its pool.

Yukon

Yukon is a large river flowing in the northwestern part of the mainland. She originates on the territory of Canada, but flows mainly by the expanses of the American state of Alaska. Almost nine months a year (from October to June), her channel was jerked with ice. The river flows into the Bering Sea, forming an extensive delta with several powerful sleeves.

The main tributaries of Yukon: Teslin, Pelley, Tanana, Koyukuk, Klondike. Before the merger from Pelly, the river flows into a deep and picturesque mountain valley, forming many rocky thresholds. In its lower current, the Yukon has a flat nature.

Colorado

The Colorado River originates in the Rocky Mountains, on the northern slopes of the Albert massif. Next, it flows in the south-west direction, crossing the plateau with the same name, after which it flows into the California Bay. Within Arizona River formed Grand Canyon - a beautiful miracle of nature.

True, it is worth noting that last time Colorado came to the California Bay only in 1998. The reason for this lies in the active use of the water of the river by the person, in particular, for the needs of agriculture and hydropower.

About 13 million people live in the Colorado River Basin today. Here are located such cities as Phoenix and Las Vegas. To master the shores of this river people started in mid XIX. century. The first settlers were Mormons. Detection of gold deposits at the top of the river basin contributed to the process of its active development.

The Colorado River is one of the most attractive US objects in terms of tourism. These species are very developed here. active restAs rafting, walking tourism, water skiing and fishing.

Lake North America

If you carefully look at the map of North America, you can make one curious conclusion: almost all major lakes are located in the northern part of the mainland. This is a logical explanation: all these reservoirs have a glacial origin. The remaining glacier water has been transformed into the swamps, lakes and many years of permanent.

However, not all lakes continent were formed by a glacier. Thus, such water bodies like Nicaragua, Managua or a large salty lake were formed in the Kordiller tectonic deflection.

The largest lakes of North America:

1. Top.
2. Michigan.
3. Huron.
4. Big bear.
5. Big slave.
6. Winnipeg.
7. Ontario.
8. Nicaragua.
9. Big salty.

Great Lakes

The group of the Great Lakes is located in the central part of the mainland, in the United States and Canada. Together with the river of St. Lawrence, they form a single water system - the world's largest reservoir fresh water about 23 thousand square kilometers.

The group most often ranked five large lakes: top, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. The biggest among them is the top. Moreover, it is the largest freshwater reservoir of our planet.

An interesting feature: the water level in great lakes is changed stepwise: as it approaches the Atlantic, it gradually decreases. The difference in these levels between Lakes Erie and Ontario is most noticeable. It was here that the most powerful Niagara Falls was formed, whose height reaches 60 meters.

Large salted lake

The lake is within the Big Basin - a huge small-handed area of \u200b\u200bthe mainland. The name of the reservoir is no coincidence - water in it is really salted. In some years, the salinity of the lake reaches 300 ppm. The area of \u200b\u200bthe big salt is very volatile. So, over the past 150 years, it ranged from 1000 to 6,000 square kilometers.

On the south-east coast is big City Salt Lake City. From the English language, its name is translated: the city has a salted lake.

Big bear lake

Big bearish is the largest faceless (interior) lake in North America. It is located in the north of the Lavrentin hill. The reservoir intersects the polar circle.

On the shores of this huge lake only two settlements - Deene and Rady Port. In 1930, uranium ore deposits were found here. Subsequently, uranium mined in these places was used for making atomic bombs, dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

On the territory of the United States of America there are huge stocks of fresh water consisting of lakes and rivers. The most famous and large reservoirs of the country are Lakes Upper, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich is 246,000 sq. Km. As for the rivers, their significantly more than lakes and they occupy more large square territory.

1,735 kilometers

(Snake river) opens up dozen longest US rivers. Snake is the largest flow of the Columbia River. Its length is about 1735 kilometers, and the pool area is 278 450 sq. Km. Snake takes his beginning in the West, in the Wyoming Staff. It takes place in the territory of 6 states in the field of mountain plans. It has a huge number of tributaries, the largest is a pallet with a length of 270 km. Snake is a shipping river. Its main nutrition is due to snow and rainwater.

2,000 kilometers

Located in North America. Presumably received its name in honor of the eponymous ship, at which the captain of Robert Gray made a trip - he was one of the first who opened and passed the whole river. Its length is 2000 kilometers, and the area of \u200b\u200bthe pool is 668,127 square meters. km. It has more than 60 tributaries, the largest of which are: Snake, Willamett, Kutny and others. Blows in the Pacific Ocean. Pouring Columbia glaciers, due to which it has a large amount of water and pretty fast current. More than a dozen hydroelectric power plants are erected on its territory. Like Snake, Colombia is shipping.

2 102 kilometers

- One of the largest US rivers is the most full flow of Mississippi. Its length is 2102 kilometers, and the area of \u200b\u200bthe pool is 528 100 square meters. km. The pool is formed by the merger of two rivers - Allegey and Monongahil, originating in the Apalachian mountains. The main tributaries - Maiyami, Maskingham, Tennessee, Kentucky and others. The strongest floods are observed on Ohio, which have a catastrophic character. The river meals occurs due to ground, rainwater, as well as at the expense of rivers flowing into it. In the pool Ohio built one of largest hydroelectrics countries.

2 190 kilometers

(Red River) - one of the longest American rivers, is one of the largest inflows of Mississippi. It received its name because of clay lands in the watershed of the river. The length of Red River is about 2190 kilometers. It was formed from the confluence of two small Texas Rivers. Southern Red River was overclosed in the 40s of the dam to prevent destructive floods. Red-River is located lakes Tehomo, resulting from the installation of the dam, and about. Cado, next to which the largest cypress forest on Earth is located. The river nutrition is rain and soil.

2,334 kilometers

Located in the southwest of the United States and is one of the largest and beautiful rivers Not only countries, but also in the world. The total length of its length is 2334 kilometers, and the area of \u200b\u200bthe pool - 637 137 square meters. km. The beginning of Colorado takes from the rocky mountains, and in the California Gulf connects with the quiet ocean. Colorado has more than 25 tributaries, the biggest are needle river, Green River, Hila, Little Colorado and others. This is one of the most controlled rivers in the world: it has 30 large dams. The first of them was built in 1907 and formed Powell reservoir. In the waters of Colorado, there are about 50 species of fish.

2,348 kilometers

One of the longest rivers and the largest inflows of Mississippi. His origin takes on the Rocky Mountains, Colorado. Its length is 2348 kilometers, and the area of \u200b\u200bthe pool is 505,000 square meters. km. It crosses four states: Arkansas, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma. The biggest tributaries of Arkansas - Siemarrock and Salt-Forc Arkansas. Arkansas is a shipping river and is a water source for local residents. Due to the rapid flow in the mountainous areas, the river has become popular among tourists who want to do extreme swimming.

3,057 kilometers

(Great River) - the largest and most long river of North America. It is located on the border of the two states of the United States and Mexico. Mexican name - Rio Bravo. Rio Grande takes his beginning in Colorado, San Juan mountains and flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The most important and big tributaries - Rio-Kurchos, Pekos, Devils River. Despite its sizes, Rio Grande is not shipping, since it has been much crushed. Because of the crosses, some types of fish and animals are under the threat of disappearance. Rio Grande in some areas can rear and form small reservoirs, such as lakes. The main nutrition is rain and snowy water, as well as mountain keys. The length of the Rio Grande is 3057 kilometers, and the area of \u200b\u200bthe pool is 607,965 sq. Km.

3,184 kilometers

(Big River) Opens the top three longest US rivers. Yukon occurs in the area of \u200b\u200bAlaska (USA) and in the north-west of Canada. He is a tributary of the Bering Sea. Its length is 3184 kilometers, and the area of \u200b\u200bthe pool - 832,000 sq.m. It takes its mark in the lake march, and then moves to the border with Alaska, sharing the staff into two equal parts. Its main tributaries are Tanan, Pelley, Koyukuk. Yukon is shipping throughout three months oldSince the rest of the year it is covered with ice. The big river is in the mountainous terrain, so it is overflowed by the thresholds. In its waters, valuable species of fish are found like salmon, pike, Nelma, Harius. The main nutrition of the Yukon is snowy water.

3,767 kilometers

(Big I. muddy river) - The longest river of North America, as well as the largest influx of Mississippi. Missouri takes his beginning in the Rocky Mountains. It occurs in the territory of the 10 states of the United States and captures 2 Canadian provinces. The river extended 3767 kilometers and formed a pool of 1,371,010 square meters. km. What is one sixth of the United States. It was formed by the merger of Jefferson Rivers, Gallatin and Madison. Missouri takes about one hundred large tritokovThe mains are Yellowstone, Platt, Kansas and Ogeage. Missouri water turbidity is explained by washing with a powerful stream of rock rivers. It feeds on the river with rain and snow waters, as well as the waters of the tributaries. Currently is shipping.

3,734 kilometers

Is self main River In the USA, and also ranks third in the world (in a merger with the tributaries of Missouri and Jefferson) in length after Amazon and Nile. Formed from the merger of the rivers Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin. Its origin is the Lake ITASK. It takes part 10 US states. Unite with its main influx of Missouri, forms the length of more than 6,000 kilometers. The eigen length of the river is 3734 kilometers, and the area of \u200b\u200bthe pool - 2,981,000 sq. Km. Mississippi food is mixed.