Atabapo River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atabapo River |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Countries | |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Length | 280 km (170 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 13,000 km2 (5,000 sq mi) |
The Atabapo River is an important river located in South America. It flows through two countries: Venezuela and Colombia. For a large part of its journey, this river actually forms the natural border between these two nations. It is also a key part of the much larger Orinoco River basin, which is one of the biggest river systems in the world.
Contents
The Atabapo River: A Border River
The Atabapo River is about 280 kilometers (174 miles) long. It starts in the Guiana Highlands and flows generally northwest. As it travels, it creates a natural boundary between Venezuela and Colombia. This means that if you were standing on one side of the river, you would be in one country, and on the other side, you would be in the other!
Where is the Atabapo River?
The river is found in the southern part of Venezuela and the eastern part of Colombia. It flows through areas that are often covered in dense rainforests. The lands around the Atabapo River are home to many different kinds of plants and animals, making it an important natural habitat.
The Orinoco River Connection
The Atabapo River is a tributary of the Orinoco River. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river. The Orinoco River is one of the longest rivers in South America, and it eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean. This means that the water from the Atabapo River travels a long way before reaching the sea. The Atabapo joins the Orinoco near the city of San Fernando de Atabapo in Venezuela.
Life Along the River
For people living in this region, the Atabapo River is very important. It provides water for daily life and is often used for transportation. Small boats travel along the river, connecting communities and helping people move goods. The river also supports local ecosystems, providing a home for fish and other wildlife. Understanding rivers like the Atabapo helps us learn about geography, borders, and the natural world.
See also
In Spanish: Río Atabapo para niños
