River Alt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Alt |
|
---|---|
![]() River Alt in Croxteth
|
|
Location of river mouth (Hightown)
|
|
Country | England |
County | Merseyside |
City | Liverpool |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | 98 feet (30 m) 53°24′52.6″N 2°49′55.5″W / 53.414611°N 2.832083°W |
River mouth | 0 feet (0 m) 53°31′25.1″N 3°03′50.4″W / 53.523639°N 3.064000°W |
Length | 17 miles (28 km) |
Basin features | |
Basin size | 40 square miles (103 km2) |
The River Alt is a river located in Merseyside, a county in England. It flows just north of the big city of Liverpool. The river starts near a town called Huyton. From there, it travels about 28 kilometers (about 17 miles) towards the northeast.
The River Alt eventually flows into the Irish Sea at a town called Hightown. Other towns you can find along the river's path include Kirkby, Maghull, and Formby. Many smaller streams, called tributaries, feed into the River Alt. These tributaries add up to about 75 kilometers (47 miles) in length. Around 250,000 people live in the area that surrounds the river. The northern part of the river even forms a natural border between the counties of Merseyside and Lancashire.
Contents
Where Does the River Alt Flow?
The River Alt starts its journey in the wetlands near Huyton. Wetlands are areas where the land is covered by water, like marshes. This is where the river begins to gather its water.
The River's Path Through Towns
As the River Alt flows, it passes through several towns and areas. These include:
The river's path is important for the communities it passes through. It provides a natural feature in the landscape.
How Long is the River Alt?
The River Alt is about 28 kilometers (17 miles) long. This makes it a medium-sized river. It's long enough to connect several towns and areas.
Where Does the River End?
The River Alt finishes its journey by flowing into the Irish Sea. This happens at the town of Hightown. When a river meets the sea, it's called its mouth.
Understanding the River's Water System
A river system includes the main river and all the smaller streams that flow into it. These smaller streams are called tributaries.
What are Tributaries?
Tributaries are like smaller helper rivers. They join the main river and add more water to it. The River Alt has many tributaries, adding up to 75 kilometers of extra waterways.
How Many People Live Near the River?
About 250,000 people live in the area around the River Alt. This shows that the river is an important part of many communities.
The River as a Border
In its northern part, the River Alt acts as a natural boundary. It separates the county of Merseyside from the county of Lancashire. Rivers often form natural borders between different regions.