The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean on Earth, covering an area of about 106.4 million square kilometers. It is a significant body of water that separates the Americas and Africa, connecting several rivers and waterways on its way. These waterways have played a crucial role in shaping the history and economy of the countries that surround them. In this article, we will explore some of the major rivers and waterways that connect to the Atlantic Ocean.
Overview of Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the saltwater body of water that covers about 20 percent of the Earth’s surface. Its boundaries are defined by the Americas to the west and Europe and Africa to the east. The ocean has an average depth of about 3.9 kilometers and is the second-deepest ocean in the world. The Atlantic Ocean is known for its strong currents, including the Gulf Stream, which plays a significant role in shaping the climate of the countries that surround it.
Rivers connected to Atlantic
Several rivers and waterways are connected to the Atlantic Ocean. These include the St. Lawrence River, Amazon River, Congo River, Orinoco River, Mississippi River, Hudson River, Delaware River, and Potomac River. Let’s look at each of these rivers in more detail.
St. Lawrence River
The St. Lawrence River is a large river that flows through Canada and the United States. It connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean and is a crucial transportation route for both countries. The river is about 3,058 kilometers long and has a drainage area of about 1,344,200 square kilometers.
Amazon River
The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by volume and is the second-longest river after the Nile. It flows through nine countries in South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is about 6,400 kilometers long and has a drainage area of about 7,050,000 square kilometers.
Congo River
The Congo River is the second-largest river in Africa, after the Nile, and is the deepest river in the world, with depths of about 220 meters. It flows through the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is about 4,700 kilometers long and has a drainage area of about 4,014,500 square kilometers.
Orinoco River
The Orinoco River is the fourth-largest river in South America and is one of the longest rivers in the world. It flows through Venezuela and Colombia before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is about 2,140 kilometers long and has a drainage area of about 880,000 square kilometers.
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river in North America and is the fourth-longest river in the world. It flows through ten US states, including Minnesota, Missouri, and Louisiana, before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico, which is connected to the Atlantic Ocean. The river is about 3,730 kilometers long and has a drainage area of about 3,220,000 square kilometers.
Hudson River
The Hudson River is a river that flows through the eastern United States, connecting New York City to the Atlantic Ocean. The river is about 507 kilometers long and has a drainage area of about 35,000 square kilometers.
Delaware River
The Delaware River is a river that flows through the northeastern United States, connecting Philadelphia to the Atlantic Ocean. The river is about 660 kilometers long and has a drainage area of about 14,119 square kilometers.
Potomac River
The Potomac River is a river that flows through the eastern United States, connecting Washington, D.C. to the Atlantic Ocean. The river is about 405 kilometers long and has a drainage area of about 38,000 square kilometers.
Conclusion
The Atlantic Ocean is a vast and important body of water that connects several rivers and waterways. These rivers play a significant role in the economy, history, and culture of the countries that surround them. From the St. Lawrence River to the Potomac River, each of these rivers has its unique characteristics and importance. By understanding these waterways’ significance, we can appreciate the role they play in shaping the world around us.
