Goascorán River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goascorán River |
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Goascarán river on the Salvadoran border
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Native name | Río Goascorán (Spanish) |
Countries | |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | La Paz (Honduras), Honduras |
River mouth | Pacific Ocean El Salvador, Honduras 0 m (0 ft) 13°24′38″N 87°49′08″W / 13.41056°N 87.81889°W |
Length | 130 km (81 mi) |
Basin features | |
Basin size | 2,081 km2 (803 sq mi) |
The Goascorán River, also called Río Goascorán, is an important river in Central America. It flows through two countries: Honduras and El Salvador. For much of its journey, this river forms a natural border between these two nations. It starts in the mountains of Honduras and travels south until it reaches the Pacific Ocean.
Contents
About the Goascorán River
The Goascorán River is a significant waterway in Central America. It is about 130 kilometers (80 miles) long. This makes it one of the longer rivers in the region. The river's path helps shape the land it flows through.
Where the River Starts
The Goascorán River begins its journey in the La Sierra mountain ridge. This mountain area is located in Honduras. The water from these mountains flows down to form the river.
The River's Journey
From its source in the mountains, the Goascorán River flows mostly southward. It travels for about 120 kilometers (75 miles). Along its way, it passes by the city of Goascorán. This city is named after the river itself.
Reaching the Ocean
The river's long journey ends when it flows into La Unión Bay. This bay is part of the Gulf of Fonseca. The Gulf of Fonseca is an inlet of the vast Pacific Ocean. The river's water mixes with the ocean here.
A Natural Border
A big part of the Goascorán River's importance comes from its role as a border. It marks the boundary between El Salvador and Honduras. Rivers often serve as natural borders. They help define where one country ends and another begins. This river has been a key feature in the geography of both nations for a long time.
The River's Basin
The area of land that drains into the Goascorán River is called its basin. This basin covers about 2,081 square kilometers (803 square miles). Rain that falls anywhere in this large area will eventually flow into the Goascorán River. This includes water from smaller streams and rivers that join it.
See also
In Spanish: Río Goascorán para niños