Dramatic Confluences

Confluences occur wherever two streams come together. If the gradient is low (i.e., nearly level) and the properties of the two streams are very different, the confluences may be characterized by a dramatic visible distinction as the mixing occurs only slowly. This map -- based on an EarthPorm article -- shows some of the most dramatic examples from around the world -- just ten that stand out, among the millions of confluences on the planet.

Explore the map to see where these confluences occur, and descriptions of the rivers involved -- each situation is unique. Notice that the satellite imagery in some cases is not as dramatic as the photographs that are shown, for two basic reasons. Either the satellite imagery represents a part of the electromagnetic spectrum in which the distinctions are not as visible, or the timing of the satellite imagery does not match seasonal effects that are involved in some of these cases.