Rivers play a crucial role in various aspects of human life and the environment. They are pivotal for generating hydroelectric power, a significant renewable energy source, where dams and turbines harness water flow to produce electricity.
Floods can cause serious damage to property and crops.
When it rains heavily,the river may overflow its banks and flood its surrounding land.
Provides Hydroelectric Power
Source of RENEWABLE ENERGY
Turbines are connected to generators which produce electricity.
The water is released in a controlled manner converting potential energy into kinetic energy to turn turbines.
The water level behind the dam is raised, creating more potential energy.
Large volumes of water are trapped behind the dam, creating a resevoir.
Dams are built across rivers with fast-moving water.
Means of TRANSPORT
As River Nile flows through many countries, it is an importanttransport route for the people living along the Nile. While peopletravel by long narrow boats called feluccas, they also use boatsto transport goods such as bricks and sugar cane to the markets.
Rivers were commonly used to transport logs from forests. [LOG DRIVING]
In areas where there are no roads, or land travel is difficult, rivers provide an alternative way of transport.
Fertile Soil for FARMING
Every June to October, River Nile floods its banks along the lower course of the river, making the soil fertile for farming. This annual flooding benefits the people of Egypt greatly, and they choose to live along its banks to benefit from the fertile land.
These sediments are rich in nutrients and provide fertile soil; good for farming.
When a river overflows and floods its banks, it deposits the sediments it is carrying on the floodplain.
Source of WATER
for INDUSTRIES
Water is used in factories to cool machines and manufacture food products.
for DRINKING
The Egyptians built Aswan High Dam to ensure they have a steady supply of water throughout the year.
for FARMING
As more land away from the river banks is needed to grow crops, the Egyptians built a network of canals to channel water from the Nile to irrigate the farmland.
In areas with little rainfall, water from the river is channelled through man-made canals to supply water to farms. [IRRIGATION]
Water from the rivers are used to water crops.
Source of FOOD
for ANIMALS
for PEOPLE
Lake Victoria (1 of River Nile's sources) provides fish for its neighbouring countries.
Fishing is the main human activity in some countries along the River Nile e.g. Tanzania and Congo.
