South Arkansas River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Arkansas River |
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The confluence of the South Arkansas River (bottom) with the Arkansas River.
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 38°29′53″N 106°19′53″W / 38.49806°N 106.33139°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Arkansas 7,001 ft (2,134 m) 38°31′16″N 105°58′40″W / 38.52111°N 105.97778°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Arkansas—Mississippi |
The South Arkansas River is a beautiful river in the state of Colorado, USA. It flows for about 24.5-mile-long (39.4 km), which is like traveling a little over 39 kilometers. This river is a "tributary," which means it's a smaller river that flows into a bigger one. In this case, the South Arkansas River flows into the much larger Arkansas River.
The South Arkansas River
The South Arkansas River starts high up in the mountains of southern Colorado. It's an important part of the natural landscape, bringing water through valleys and connecting different parts of the environment. Rivers like this are vital for plants, animals, and even people who live nearby.
Where Does It Start?
The journey of the South Arkansas River begins near a place called Monarch Pass. This pass is located in the Sawatch Range, which is a group of very tall mountains. Imagine snow melting high up on these mountain peaks; that's often where rivers like this get their start. The water slowly trickles down, forming small streams that eventually join together to create the river.
Its Journey
As the South Arkansas River flows, it travels through different types of land. It winds its way down from the high mountains, often through valleys and forests. The water moves downhill, following the path of least resistance. Along its path, the river helps shape the land around it, slowly carving out its own channel over many years.
Joining a Bigger River
After its journey, the South Arkansas River reaches its end point. It joins the Arkansas River just south of a town called Salida, Colorado. When two rivers meet like this, it's called a "confluence." The water from the South Arkansas River then becomes part of the Arkansas River, continuing its journey all the way to the Mississippi River. This shows how all rivers are connected, forming a huge network across the land.
