Which term describes the upper part of a river where the water originates, usually in highland areas?

Which term describes the upper part of a river where the water originates, usually in highland areas?

• A. Source
• B. Headwaters
• C. Mouth
• D. Delta

Answer: (B)

Headwaters describe the upper part of a river where its water begins, typically in highland or mountainous areas. In this region, rainfall and snowmelt feed small streams that converge to form the early channels of the river, giving it a steep gradient and rapid flow. This contrasts with the river’s end point, where it empties into a larger body of water and may form a delta at the mouth. While “source” can refer to the origin in a general sense, headwaters specifically highlight the network of starting streams at the river’s uppermost part.

Headwaters describe the upper part of a river where its water begins, typically in highland or mountainous areas. In this region, rainfall and snowmelt feed small streams that converge to form the early channels of the river, giving it a steep gradient and rapid flow. This contrasts with the river’s end point, where it empties into a larger body of water and may form a delta at the mouth. While “source” can refer to the origin in a general sense, headwaters specifically highlight the network of starting streams at the river’s uppermost part.