Mendihuaca River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mendihuaca River |
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The mouth of the Mendihuaca River
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| Country | Colombia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | El Boquerón Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia 11°13′09″N 73°59′02″W / 11.21917°N 73.98389°W |
| River mouth | Caribbean Sea Playas Mendihuaca, Magdalena, Colombia 0 m (0 ft) 11°16′30″N 73°51′32″W / 11.27500°N 73.85889°W |
| Length | 12.6 km (7.8 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 60 km2 (23 sq mi) |
The Mendihuaca River (in Spanish: río Mendihuaca) is a beautiful river in northeastern Colombia. It starts high up in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range. This river then flows down from the mountains. Finally, it empties its waters into the big, blue Caribbean Sea.
Contents
Where the River Starts and Ends
The Mendihuaca River begins its journey in a place called El Boquerón. This area is located within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. These mountains are very tall and important in Colombia.
Flowing to the Sea
From its mountain source, the river travels about 12.6 kilometers (7.8 miles). It flows through different landscapes. The river's average water flow is about 2.5 cubic meters per second. This is like filling a small swimming pool every few seconds.
Meeting the Caribbean Sea
The Mendihuaca River finishes its journey at Playas Mendihuaca. This is a beach area in the Magdalena Department of Colombia. Here, the river's fresh water mixes with the salty water of the Caribbean Sea. This meeting point is called the river's mouth.
Why the River is Important
Rivers like the Mendihuaca are very important for many reasons. They provide fresh water for plants, animals, and people. Rivers also create homes for many different kinds of wildlife. The land around the river, called its watershed, is also very special.
Protecting the River's Home
The area where the river starts, its watershed, is facing some challenges. People are cutting down too many trees near the river's source. This is called deforestation. Trees are very important because their roots hold the soil in place. They also help keep the water clean.
How Deforestation Harms the River
When trees are cut down, the soil can wash away easily. This soil can then get into the river, making the water muddy. It can also harm the plants and animals that live in and around the river. Protecting the trees helps keep the river healthy for everyone.
See also
In Spanish: Río Mendihuaca para niños
