Question 1

What happens to rainwater after it falls to the ground?

Accepted Answer

Rainwater can soak into the ground, run over the surface, or be taken up by plants. It might also evaporate back into the air or flow into rivers and streams.

Question 2

Why do we need rain for rivers?

Accepted Answer

Rain provides the water that fills up rivers. Without rain, there wouldn't be enough water in rivers for animals and people to use.

Question 3

How does water travel from the ground to a river?

Accepted Answer

Water can flow over the ground in streams or get filtered through the soil. It then joins bigger streams and rivers.

Question 4

What is a watershed?

Accepted Answer

A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains to the same river or lake. It's like a big bowl catching water from rainfall.

Question 5

How do plants use rainwater?

Accepted Answer

Plants soak up rainwater through their roots. They use it to grow, and it helps them make food from sunlight.

Question 6

What is evaporation?

Accepted Answer

Evaporation is when water turns into a gas and goes up into the air. It's like when a puddle dries up and disappears.

Question 7

How do rivers help animals?

Accepted Answer

Rivers provide animals with water to drink and places to live. Many fish and insects live in rivers, and birds often nest nearby.

Question 8

Why do rivers flow downhill?

Accepted Answer

Rivers flow downhill because of gravity. Gravity pulls everything, including water, towards the ground.

Question 9

What is a river's source?

Accepted Answer

A river's source is where the river starts. It can begin in mountains, hills, or even from a spring.

Question 10

What is a river's mouth?

Accepted Answer

A river's mouth is where it ends, usually flowing into a lake, sea, or ocean. It's like where the river finds its home.

Question 11

Why do some rivers have waterfalls?

Accepted Answer

Waterfalls happen when rivers flow over a sudden drop in the land. It's like a step, but made of rock.

Question 12

How do rivers change the land?

Accepted Answer

Rivers can wear away rocks and soil, changing the shape of the land. Over time, they carve out valleys and canyons.

Question 13

How do humans use rivers?

Accepted Answer

Humans use rivers for drinking water, farming, and moving goods in boats. Rivers have been important for travel and trade for a long time.

Question 14

Why are riverbanks important?

Accepted Answer

Riverbanks hold the river in place. They also provide a place for plants and animals to live.

Question 15

What is a flood?

Accepted Answer

A flood happens when a river overflows its banks and water covers the land. It can happen after lots of rain or when snow melts.

Question 16

What is a tributary?

Accepted Answer

A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a bigger one. It's like a helper that feeds the main river.

Question 17

How do rivers start?

Accepted Answer

Rivers can start from rain, melting snow, or springs. These sources provide the water that gathers and flows downhill.

Question 18

What do rivers carry along with water?

Accepted Answer

Rivers carry rocks, soil, leaves, and sometimes even tree branches. They can also carry small fish and insects.

Question 19

Why is clean river water important?

Accepted Answer

Clean river water is safe for people and animals to drink. It helps keep plants healthy, too.

Question 20

What can we do to keep rivers clean?

Accepted Answer

We can pick up trash, avoid putting harmful chemicals on the ground, and plant trees to keep rivers clean. Everyone can help protect rivers and the animals that live there.

The Journey of Water: From Rainfall to River Systems - 20 FAQs Explained Simply