Chixoy River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chixoy River |
|
|---|---|
| Native name | Río Chixoy (Spanish) |
| Other name(s) | Río Negro, Río Chixoy, Salinas River |
| Country | Guatemala |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Quiché Department, Guatemala 2,000 m (6,600 ft) 14°59′07″N 91°13′09″W / 14.985389°N 91.219165°W |
| River mouth | Confluence of Usumacinta River & Pasión River 160 m (520 ft) 16°28′52″N 90°32′35″W / 16.481060°N 90.543121°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 12,150 km2 (4,690 sq mi) |
The Chixoy River is an important river in Guatemala. It has a few different names depending on where you are along its path. In its upper parts, in the highlands of Huehuetenango and El Quiché, it is known as the Río Negro.
The river changes its name to Río Chixoy after it reaches the Chixoy hydroelectric dam. Here, two other rivers, the Río Salamá and Rio Carchela, join it. From the dam, the Río Chixoy flows north. It forms the border between the Alta Verapaz and El Quiché regions.
The river then reaches the border with Mexico. For about 113 kilometers (70 miles) along the border, it is called the Salinas River. Finally, the Salinas River meets the Río la Pasión. Together, they form the mighty Usumacinta river, which eventually flows into the Gulf of Mexico.
Chixoy River Facts
The Chixoy River has the highest water flow in all of Guatemala. It discharges about 551 cubic meters (19,458 cubic feet) of water every second. This large amount of water makes it a great spot for building dams.
Hydroelectric Dams
A hydroelectric dam uses the power of flowing water to create electricity. The Chixoy River is very important for generating power in Guatemala.
Chixoy Hydroelectric Dam
The Chixoy Hydroelectric Dam was built on this river. Its high water flow was the main reason it was chosen for the dam. This dam helps provide electricity to many homes and businesses in Guatemala.
Future Dam Plans
Guatemala's National Institute for Electricity (INDE) is planning to build another hydroelectric dam on the Chixoy River. This new dam is called the Xalalá hydroelectric dam. It is planned to be built in the Ixcán area, in El Quiché.
See also
- Chixoy hydroelectric dam
- In Spanish: Río Chixoy para niños
