Why Do Rivers Flow? Earth's Bulge Causes Uphill Flow

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SUMMARY

The discussion explains that rivers, such as the Mississippi River, appear to flow "uphill" due to the Earth's equatorial bulge. This bulge, caused by the Earth's rotation, results in the river's source at 50 N latitude being approximately 5 km closer to the Earth's center than its mouth at 30 N latitude. However, the gravitational potential remains constant across the surface, meaning rivers do not flow uphill. Instead, centrifugal force influences the water, directing it outward along the curvature of the Earth.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Earth's rotation and its effects on gravitational potential.
  • Basic knowledge of river dynamics and hydrology.
  • Familiarity with the concept of centrifugal force.
  • Geographical awareness of latitudinal differences and their implications.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of Earth's rotation on ocean currents and river systems.
  • Explore the concept of gravitational potential and its implications in fluid dynamics.
  • Learn about the physics of centrifugal force in rotating systems.
  • Investigate the geographical features of the Mississippi River and its hydrological characteristics.
USEFUL FOR

Geographers, hydrologists, physics students, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of river flow and the effects of Earth's physical characteristics.

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Because the Earth bulges near the equator, the source of the Mississippi River ( at about 50 N latitude),although high above sea level, is about 5 km closer to the center of the Earth than its mouth ( at about 30 N latitude). How can the river flow "uphill" as it flows south ?
 
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The eath's bulge is due to its rotation. The surface actually is roughly at the same gravitational potential so no, rivers do not flow uphill.
 
centrifugal force acts on the water in the river the same way it acts on the surface of the Earth so while the river may in fact be flowing away from the center of the Earth it is flowing toward the outside of a spinning circle.
 

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