Ever wondered how short a river can be? Prepare to be amazed as we journey through the top 10 shortest rivers in the world, some shorter than a football field!
From the Reprua River’s 18-meter stretch to the Roe River’s intriguing Guinness World Record controversy, we’ll uncover fascinating facts about these tiny yet significant waterways.
Stay tuned as we reveal the surprising locations and unique characteristics of these rivers. Let’s dive in!
Top 10 Shortest Rivers in the World
1. Reprua River
The Reprua River, located in the Gagra District of Abkhazia, holds the title of the shortest river in the world. With a length of just 18 meters, it’s a fascinating geographical feature.
Most Interesting Facts: The Reprua River flows from the Voronya cave and empties into the Black Sea, covering its entire course in a matter of seconds.
2. Tamborasi River
The Tamborasi River in Sulawesi, Indonesia, is another incredibly short river. It measures only 20 meters long and 15 meters wide, emptying into the Sea of Flowers at Bone Bay.
Most Interesting Facts: Despite its short length, the Tamborasi River is quite wide, making it look more like a beach than a river at its mouth.
3. Kovasselva River
The Kovasselva River in Norway is a mere 22 meters long. It flows from Lake Kovassvatnet to the sea, located on Hitra, the seventh-largest island in Norway.
Most Interesting Facts: The Kovasselva River is located on an island known for its rich wildlife, including deer and a variety of bird species.
4. Ombla River
The Ombla River in Croatia is a small river that empties into Rijeka Dubrovaka Bay of the Adriatic Sea. Its length is about 30 meters (98 feet) long.
Most Interesting Facts: The Ombla River is sourced from a large karst spring, and despite its short length, it’s considered a significant landscape feature in Croatia.
5. Jezernica River
The Jezernica River in Slovenia is one of the shortest rivers in the world. Located on the Wild Lake, a karst lake and spring with an underground water source, Jezernica is barely 55 meters long.
Most Interesting Facts: The Jezernica River is part of the larger Idrijca river system and is sourced from a lake that’s considered a natural monument in Slovenia.
6. Roe River
The Roe River in Montana, USA, is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the world’s shortest rivers. The Roe flows 61 meters between Giant Springs and the Missouri River.
Most Interesting Facts: The Roe River’s recognition as the shortest river came after a campaign by local primary school students, demonstrating the power of community engagement.
7. D River
The D River in Oregon, USA, was once recognized as the shortest river in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records, with a length of 440 feet during extreme high tides. However, this title was later contested by the Roe River.
Most Interesting Facts: The D River connects Devil’s Lake to the Pacific Ocean and is the site of two annual kite festivals due to its steady winds.
8. Rio Los Patos
Rio Los Patos in the Dominican Republic is another short river, measuring only 61 meters in length. Despite its short length, it is a popular tourist attraction due to its beautiful surroundings.
Most Interesting Facts: Rio Los Patos is unique because it’s both a river and a beach, making it a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
9. Aril River
The Aril River in Italy, also known as Ri, is 175 meters long, making it one of the shortest rivers in Europe. It is famous for its crystal clear waters and the picturesque town of Scoglio della Regina.
Most Interesting Facts: The Aril River, despite its short length, is known for its high water flow rate. It’s also home to the Scoglio della Regina, a beautiful waterfall that adds to the river’s charm. The river’s surroundings are rich in biodiversity, making it a significant ecological spot.
10. Posesorski Canal
The Posesorski Canal in Poland is a man-made river and is considered one of the shortest rivers in the world. It is approximately 240 meters long and serves as a drainage canal.
Most Interesting Facts: Despite being man-made, the Posesorski Canal plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem. It helps prevent flooding in the area and maintains the water balance in the surrounding land.
These rivers, despite their short lengths, are fascinating geographical features that contribute to the diversity and richness of our planet’s landscapes.
Table of shortest rivers in the world
| River Name | Length | Country | Weblink |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reprua River | 18 meters | Abkhazia | Link |
| Tamborasi River | 20 meters | Indonesia | Link |
| Kovasselva River | 22 meters | Norway | Link |
| Ombla River | 30 meters | Croatia | Link |
| Jezernica River | 55 meters | Slovenia | Link |
| Roe River | 61 meters | USA | Link |
| D River | 440 feet | USA | Link |
| Rio Los Patos | 61 meters | Dominican Republic | Link |
| Aril River | 175 meters | Italy | Link |
| Posesorski Canal | 240 meters | Poland | Link |
Understanding River Classification
Strahler’s Stream Order Classification System
When we talk about rivers, it’s essential to understand how they are classified. One popular method is Strahler’s stream order classification system. This system, proposed by Arthur Newell Strahler, a professor of geosciences at Columbia University, classifies streams and rivers into 12 different orders based on their tributaries.
The Role of Tributaries in River Classification
Tributaries are smaller streams or rivers that feed into a larger stream or river but do not flow directly into the ocean. The Strahler system classifies first and second-order flows as those that feed into larger flows and have no other flows to feed them. These are often referred to as headwater streams, which make up more than 80% of the world’s waterways.
Differentiating Between Streams and Rivers
Streams ranked fourth through sixth are considered medium-sized and are fed by other streams. Streams ranked above sixth are fed by multiple tributaries and are considered rivers. For instance, the Mississippi River is classified as an 8th-order current, while the Amazon River, which carries more water than any other waterway in the world, is classified as a 12th-order current. You can learn more about this classification system here.
This differentiation between streams and rivers is crucial when discussing the shortest rivers in the world, as it helps us understand why some waterways are considered rivers despite their short lengths.
The Concept of Shortest Rivers
What Qualifies a River as the “Shortest”?
When we think of rivers, we often envision long, winding waterways. But what qualifies a river as the “shortest“? The answer lies in the river’s length from its source to its mouth. The shortest rivers are those with the smallest distance between these two points.
However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t diminish their ecological or geographical significance. In fact, these tiny rivers often hold unique characteristics and fascinating histories.
The Role of the Guinness Book of World Records
The Guinness Book of World Records has played a significant role in identifying and validating the world’s shortest rivers. For instance, the Roe River in Montana was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s shortest river, with a length of just 61 meters. This recognition came after a campaign by local primary school students, demonstrating that even the smallest rivers can make a big splash in the world of geography. You can learn more about the Roe River and its Guinness World Record here.
Understanding the concept of the shortest rivers helps us appreciate the diversity and complexity of our planet’s waterways, from the mightiest rivers to the most humble streams.
FAQ
What are the 5 shortest rivers in the world?
The five shortest rivers in the world are the Reprua River (18 meters), Tamborasi River (20 meters), Kovasselva River (22 meters), Ombla River (30 meters), and Jezernica River (55 meters). These rivers, despite their short lengths, are significant geographical features in their respective regions.
What is the shortest river in the whole world?
The shortest river in the world is the Reprua River in Abkhazia, with a length of just 18 meters. This river is a unique geographical feature, flowing from the Voronya cave to the Black Sea in mere seconds.
Which country has the shortest river?
Abkhazia, a region in the South Caucasus, is home to the shortest river in the world, the Reprua River. Despite its short length, the Reprua River is an important part of the local ecosystem.
What is the second smallest river?
The second smallest river in the world is the Tamborasi River in Indonesia, measuring only 20 meters in length. It’s unique for its width, which makes it look more like a beach at its mouth.
Which is the shortest river in the US?
The shortest river in the US is the Roe River in Montana, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the world’s shortest rivers at 61 meters. The Roe River flows between Giant Springs and the Missouri River, a journey that takes just a few seconds.
