Tabasara River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tabasara River |
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 Location of mouth
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| Native name | Rio Tabasara (Spanish) |
| Country | Panama |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | 8°01′43″N 81°42′02″W / 8.0286°N 81.7006°W |
The Tabasara River is an important river located in the country of Panama. Rivers like the Tabasara are natural flowing watercourses. They usually flow towards an ocean, sea, lake, or another river. The Tabasara River is known for the Barro Blanco dam. This dam was built on the river and started making electricity in 2017.
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Discover the Tabasara River
The Tabasara River flows through a beautiful part of Panama. Rivers are like the veins of the Earth. They carry water from higher places down to lower areas. This water is essential for many plants, animals, and people. The Tabasara River helps shape the landscape of the region it flows through.
Where is This River?
The Tabasara River is found in the Central American country of Panama. Panama is famous for its canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The river's mouth, where it flows into a larger body of water, is located at specific geographic coordinates. These coordinates help scientists and explorers pinpoint its exact location on a map.
The Barro Blanco Dam: Making Electricity
One of the most notable features of the Tabasara River is the Barro Blanco Dam. A dam is a large barrier built across a river. Its main purpose is to hold back water. This creates a reservoir, which is like a large artificial lake. The Barro Blanco Dam was built to generate electricity. This process is called hydroelectric power.
What is a Gravity Dam?
The Barro Blanco Dam is a type of structure called a gravity dam. A gravity dam is a very strong and heavy dam. It uses its own weight to hold back the huge amount of water in the reservoir. Imagine a very thick wall leaning against the water. The dam's weight pushes down into the ground. This keeps it stable and prevents the water from pushing it over. This design makes it very strong and safe. The Barro Blanco Dam began producing electricity in 2017. This means it started sending power to homes and businesses.
Why Rivers Matter
Rivers like the Tabasara are vital for many reasons. They provide fresh water for drinking and farming. They also support many different types of plants and animals. Rivers are home to fish, birds, and other wildlife. They can also be used for transportation and recreation, like boating. Dams built on rivers, like the Barro Blanco, can also provide clean energy. This helps power our homes and schools without burning fossil fuels.
See also
In Spanish: Río Tabasará para niños
- List of rivers of Panama
- List of rivers of the Americas by coastline
