Patuca River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Patuca River |
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Patuca River
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 Location of mouth
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| Country | Honduras |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | 15°47′N 84°15′W / 15.783°N 84.250°W |
| Length | 500 kilometres (310 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 23,900 square kilometres (9,200 sq mi) |
The Patuca River is a major waterway in northeastern Honduras. It is formed southeast of Juticalpa where the Guayape and Guayambre rivers meet. The Patuca is the longest river in Honduras. It is also the second largest river in all of Central America.
This important river stretches for almost 500 kilometres (310 mi) (about 310 miles). The area of land that its water drains, called its basin, covers about 23,900 square kilometres (9,200 sq mi) (about 9,200 square miles).
Contents
The Patuca River's Journey
The Patuca River starts in the central mountains of Honduras. It begins where the Guayape and Guayambre rivers join together. From there, it flows towards the northeast.
The river twists and turns as it makes its way to the lower lands of the Mosquito Coast. Finally, it empties into the Caribbean Sea at a place called Patuca Point.
Exploring the River's Challenges
The Patuca River is known for a difficult section of rapids. These rapids are so strong that they are sometimes called "El Portal del Infierno," which means "The Gates of Hell." These fast-moving waters can be dangerous for people traveling on the river.
When there is a lot of rain, the Patuca River can flood. During these floods, the river can become several miles wide. Its main branch, the Guayape River, also gets very wide almost every year. In the dry season, you might even be able to walk through some parts of the Guayape River where the water is only waist-deep.
Gold Mining Along the Patuca
The Patuca River is also known for areas where people search for gold. In the parts of the river upstream from the Mosquitia jungle, groups of people look for gold deposits. They use special methods to find gold that has settled in the riverbed. This type of gold mining is called placer gold mining.
Building Dams for Power
For many years, there have been plans to build dams on the Patuca River. These dams would help create hydroelectric power. This is a way to make electricity using the force of moving water.
History of Dam Projects
Two earlier attempts to build dams on the Patuca River were stopped. The first project was abandoned in the late 1990s. This happened after Hurricane Mitch caused a lot of damage in the area.
The second project was stopped in 2007. A financial crisis made the company, Taiwan Power, decide to withdraw.
Current Dam Construction
In 2011, the Honduran government approved a new project. A Chinese company called Sinohydro began building the first of three planned dams on the river. These dams are important for providing electricity to the region.
The Patuca River was also featured in a book. It appeared in the novel The Codex by Douglas Preston.
See also
In Spanish: Río Patuca para niños
