Why do rivers flow?
Rivers flow because water always runs downhill, pulled by gravity.
Pip’s answer
- Rivers flow because water always runs downhill, pulled by gravity.
- Rain and melting snow start high up on hills and mountains.
- Little streams join together and grow into one big river. Swoosh!
- Wow-ee, most rivers travel all the way to the sea!
Try it together
Can you wiggle your hand like a river flowing?
For grown-ups
Rivers flow downhill because of gravity. Rain and melting snow collect in high areas and run downhill in small streams, which join to form bigger rivers. Most rivers eventually flow into the sea or a lake, shaping valleys along the way.
Ask your child: Where do you think our nearest river ends up?
More questions kids ask
- 🌊Why is the sea salty?
- ⛰️Why are there mountains?
- 🌤️Why is the sky blue?
- 🌅Why are sunsets orange?
- 🌈Why are there rainbows?
- ❄️Why is it cold in winter?
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