Pascua River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pascua River |
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Pascua River in the Aysén Region
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| Country | Chile |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | O'Higgins/San Martín Lake |
| River mouth | Baker Channel, Pacific Ocean |
| Length | 62 km (39 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 14,760 km2 (5,700 sq mi) |
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The Pascua River is a river in the Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Region of Chile. Even though it's not very long, it has the seventh-largest drainage basin (the area of land where all water flows into it) in Chile. This is because its source is the huge O'Higgins/San Martín Lake.
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Exploring the Pascua River
The Pascua River was first explored in 1898. A German explorer named Hans Steffen discovered it. He found the river around Christmas time. In Chilean Spanish, "Pascua" often means Christmas, which is how the river got its name.
The river starts in the northern part of O'Higgins/San Martín Lake. It begins as a small stream. This area is surrounded by tall, steep mountains. Some of these mountains are over 1,000 meters high. Glaciers (large sheets of ice) from these mountains flow down to the lake or the river.
The River's Journey
The Pascua River flows very quickly. It forms many rapids, which are parts of the river where the water moves very fast over rocks. It then creates a waterfall as it drops into a smaller body of water called Chico Lake.
After leaving Chico Lake, the river forms another waterfall. It rushes so furiously that boats cannot travel on its waters. Later, the "Quiroz River" joins the Pascua River from the left side. The Quiroz River comes from a glacier with the same name.
When the Quiroz River joins, the Pascua River becomes wider. It flows through a valley about 10 kilometers wide. In this wider valley, the river forms large meanders (bends or loops in the river). You can also find some marshy (wetland) and peaty (made of decayed plants) areas here.
After flowing for 62 kilometers, the Pascua River reaches its end. It forms a wide delta (a landform created by sediment deposits at the mouth of a river). This delta empties into the Baker Channel, which leads to the Pacific Ocean. Before reaching the channel, the river rushes through one last area of rapids.
Protecting the Pascua River
The Pascua River has a lot of potential to create hydroelectric power. This means its strong flow could be used to generate electricity. There was a plan by a company called Endesa to build two very large power dams on the river.
However, this plan caused a lot of discussion and disagreement. Many people and government officials were against it. They were worried about the serious damage it could cause to the natural environment and wildlife in the area. Because of these concerns, the project faced strong opposition.
Gallery
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Total flow of Pascua River at different seasons
See also
In Spanish: Río Pascua para niños
