List of rivers of Jordan facts for kids

Jordan is a country in the Middle East. It has many rivers and streams, which are like natural waterways. This article lists the main rivers in Jordan. They are grouped by where their water ends up, like the Dead Sea or the Red Sea. You'll notice that smaller streams, called tributaries, are listed under the bigger rivers they flow into. Many of these rivers only flow during certain times of the year, especially after rain.

Rivers Flowing into the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a very salty lake located between Jordan and Israel. It's the lowest point on Earth! Several rivers and streams flow into it.

The Jordan River and Its Branches

The Jordan River is the most important river flowing into the Dead Sea from the north. It also forms part of Jordan's western border. Here are some of the rivers and streams that join the Jordan River, listed from north to south:

• Jordan River
  • Yarmouk River
    • This is the largest river that flows into the Jordan River.
    • It forms part of Jordan's northern border with Syria and Israel.
    • It joins the Jordan River just south of the Sea of Galilee.
  • Wadi al-'Arab
  • Wadi Ziqlab
• Wadi al-Yabis (also known as Chorath in ancient times)
  • Wadi Kafranja
    • This stream flows near the city of Ajloun.
  • Zarqa River (known as Jabbok in the Bible)
    • This is the second largest river that flows into the Jordan River.
    • It joins the Jordan River about halfway between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.
    • Wadi Zulayl or Dhuleil
  • Wadi Shu'ayb or Sha'eb
  • Wadi al Gharabah
    • Wadi ar-Ramah
    • Wadi al Kafrayn
      • Wadi as-Seer

*This stream is known as the "Valley of the Orchards." *It flows near Jordan's capital city, Amman.

Streams Directly into the Dead Sea

Some rivers and streams flow straight into the Dead Sea without joining the Jordan River first:

• Wadi Zarqa Ma'in
• Wadi Mujib (also known as Arnon in the Bible)
  • Wadi al-Haydan
  • Wadi an-Nukhaylah
  • Wadi al-Hafirah
• Wadi ash-Shuqayq
• Wadi al-Karak
• Wadi Arabah (also called Wadi al-Jayb)
  • This is a long valley located south of the Dead Sea.
  • It also forms the southern border between Jordan and Israel.
  • Wadi al-Hasa (known as Zered in the Bible)
  • Wadi al-Fidan
  • Wadi al-Buwayridah
  • Wadi Musa
    • This stream flows through the town of Wadi Musa.
    • It also passes by the ancient city of Petra, famous for its rock-cut buildings.

Rivers Flowing into the Red Sea

The Red Sea is another important body of water. Jordan has a small coastline on the Gulf of Aqaba, which is part of the Red Sea.

• Wadi Yitm
  • Wadi Rum
    • This area is famous for its stunning desert landscapes.

Rivers in the Syrian Desert

The Syrian Desert covers a large part of eastern Jordan. Many of the waterways here are "wadi"s, which are dry riverbeds that only fill with water after heavy rain.

• Wadi Sirhan
  • Far Wadi al-Abyad
  • Wadi Fakk Abu Thiran
  • Wadi al-Fukuk
  • Wadi al-Hasah
  • Wadi al-Gharra
  • Wadi Ba'ir
  • Wadi al Makhruq
  • Wadi al Jashshah al Adlah
  • Wadi Rijlat
  • Wadi al Ghadaf
  • Wadi al Janab

Qa al-Jafr

A "qa" is a type of flat, muddy area that can become wet after rain.

• Wadi Abu Safah
  • Wadi al-Buraykah
• Wadi Abu Tarafah
• Wadi Abu 'Amud
• Wadi al-Jahdaniyah
• Wadi Kabid
• Wadi al-'Unab