Kazabazua River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kazabazua River |
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The Kazabazua River disappearing underground.
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| Other name(s) | Rivière Kazabazua |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Outaouais |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Gatineau River Kazabazua 45°56′53″N 75°58′23″W / 45.94806°N 75.97306°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Gatineau River→ Ottawa River→ Saint Lawrence River→ Gulf of Saint Lawrence |
| River system | Ottawa River drainage basin |
The Kazabazua River is a cool river located in western Quebec, Canada. It is a tributary of the Gatineau River. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river.
The river gives its name to the nearby village of Kazabazua. The name of the river comes from the Algonquin language. It has been spelled many different ways over time. The name is thought to come from the word kachibadjiwan. This means "hidden current." This is because the Kazabazua River actually goes underground for a short distance before coming back to the surface! After that, it flows through some fast-moving water called rapids. It even passes under a natural stone bridge.
What Makes the Kazabazua River Special?
The area around the Kazabazua River has interesting geology. The ground contains a type of rock called marble. This marble has tiny crystals of graphite and grossular garnet inside it.
Over time, the river's water has slowly worn away this marble. This process is called erosion. It has created a karst stone bridge. This bridge is a natural arch made of rock. You can also see gneiss rock mixed in with the marble. This shows how different rocks wear away at different speeds.
Fun Activities on the River
Both the Kazabazua River and the Picanoc River flow right through local towns. People use these rivers for many fun activities.
Some popular things to do include:
Many cottages and homes are built along the riverbanks. This shows how much people enjoy being close to the water.
Protecting the River's Health
Keeping the Kazabazua River clean is very important. There have been concerns about pollution affecting the river. This pollution can come from different sources. If the water is not clean, it can harm the people who live nearby. It can also hurt the many visitors who come to enjoy the area.
About one-third of the local watershed flows into the Kazabazua River system. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a single river or lake. When water levels in the rivers rise, the Kazabazua and Pontiac rivers can sometimes flow backward into Lac Shea. This means any pollution in these rivers could end up in the lake.
Scientists study animals in the Kazabazua and Picanoc rivers. They look at delicate aquatic animals, like the wood turtle. Protecting the river helps keep these special creatures safe and healthy.
