What is River source?
[[File:Stream Source, Red Dell Beck - geograph.org.uk - 9862.jpg|thumb|A stream source in [[Cumbria]], [[England]]]] The '''source''' of a [[river]] or [[stream]] is the original point from which the river flows. It may be a [[lake]], a [[marsh]], a [[spring (water)|spring]] or a [[glacier]]. This is where the stream starts. The source is the farthest point of the river stream from its [[estuary]] or its [[confluence]] with another river or stream. Rivers are usually fed by many [[Tributary|tributaries]]. The farthest stream is called the '''head-stream''' or '''head water'''. There is sometimes disagreement on which source is the head water, hence on which is the true source. A lake fed by many rivers is sometimes called the source of the bigger river flowing out of it. For example, [[Lake Victoria]] is often called the source of the [[Nile]], as the rivers that flow into it have names of their own. Headwaters are usually in mountains. Glacial headwaters are made by melting of [[glacier]]s. The source is where a river begins, and the [[river mouth]] is where it joins the sea. The mouth may be in the form of a [[river delta]]. The joining of a streams is called a [[confluence]]. == Related pages == *[[Fountain]] {{geo-stub}} [[Category:Rivers]]