The Ramparts (Mackenzie River) facts for kids
The Ramparts are a special part of the Mackenzie River in Canada. They are a series of fast-moving water, called rapids, inside a narrow canyon. This area makes it tricky for boats to travel along the river.
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What are The Ramparts?
The Ramparts are rapids located in a canyon about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) long. This canyon is found on the Mackenzie River in the Northwest Territories of Canada. The river, which is usually very wide, becomes much narrower here.
Where are The Ramparts Located?
You can find The Ramparts on the Mackenzie River. They are in the Northwest Territories, a large area in northern Canada. The only other rapids on this river, called the Sans Sault Rapids, are about 56 kilometers (35 miles) upstream.
How Wide is the River Here?
In most places, the Mackenzie River is almost 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide. But when it reaches The Ramparts, it squeezes down to just over 100 meters (328 feet) wide. This narrow section makes the water flow much faster, creating the rapids.
Who Explored The Ramparts?
Long ago, early explorers from the North West Company reported that ancient Indigenous people, sometimes called "eskimo," traveled up the river to The Ramparts. They came to this area to find flint, which is a type of stone. They used flint to make tools for hunting and daily life.
How Does Climate Change Affect The Ramparts?
Scientists have studied how climate change is affecting The Ramparts. They found that lower water levels in the river are making it harder for boats to pass. Sometimes, the water in the shipping channel at The Ramparts can drop below 1.2 meters (3.9 feet). This is too shallow for the large tugboats that carry goods on the river.
