List of rivers of Antarctica facts for kids
Antarctica is a land of ice, but it also has rivers! These aren't like the big rivers you might see in other parts of the world. In Antarctica, rivers are actually meltwater streams. This means they are formed when ice and snow melt, usually during the warmer summer months.
These streams are very important for the plants and animals that live in Antarctica's ice-free areas. They carry water to lakes and ponds, creating small oases in the frozen landscape.
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What Are Antarctic Rivers Like?
Antarctic rivers are unique because they are mostly made of melted ice. They often flow for only a short time each year when the temperatures are warm enough. Some of these rivers are quite short, while others can be many kilometers long. They play a key role in the continent's water cycle.
The Longest Rivers in Antarctica
Even though Antarctica is covered in ice, it has some surprisingly long meltwater streams. These rivers are often found in areas called "dry valleys," where there isn't much snow or ice cover.
Onyx River: Antarctica's Longest River
The Onyx River is the longest river in Antarctica. It is about 32 kilometres (20 mi) long! This impressive meltwater stream flows from the lower part of the Wright Glacier. It ends in Lake Vanda, a large lake in the Wright Valley. The Onyx River flows only during the Antarctic summer, which is from November to March. During the rest of the year, it freezes solid.
Jemmi Creek: The Second Longest
Jemmi Creek is another important meltwater stream. It is found on James Ross Island. This creek is about 10.3 kilometres (6.4 mi) long, making it the second longest river on the continent. Jemmi Creek gets its water from the main ice cap on James Ross Island. It flows into Brandy Bay, passing through a large pond along the way.
Other Interesting Antarctic Streams
Many other meltwater streams flow across Antarctica. Each one has its own unique features and story.
Alph River: A Journey Through Lakes
The Alph River is a small river located in an ice-free area of Victoria Land. It starts from Trough Lake and flows through several other lakes, including Walcott Lake, Howchin Lake, and Alph Lake. What's really cool about the Alph River is that it eventually flows *under* the Koettlitz Glacier! This is called a subglacial flow, meaning it goes beneath the ice to reach McMurdo Sound.
Adams Stream: A Glacier's Runoff
Adams Stream is a meltwater stream that is about 800 metres (2,600 ft) long. It flows from the front of the Adams Glacier. This stream empties into Lake Miers, which is located in the Miers Valley. It's a great example of how glaciers contribute to the water systems in Antarctica.
Rezovski Creek: Near a Research Base
Rezovski Creek is a 500 metres (1,600 ft) long meltwater stream on Livingston Island. It drains water from the Balkan Snowfield. This stream is special because its different branches surround the old buildings of the Bulgarian St. Kliment Ohridski Base. The lower part of Rezovski Creek forms a lagoon called the Grand Lagoon. Its mouth is a place where boats can land to service the Bulgarian Base. It was named after a river in Bulgaria.
