What do we call the beginning of a river?

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

Answer: (C)

The term used to describe the beginning of a river is "source." This is where the river originates, often arising from springs, melting snow, or rainfall in the mountains or other high areas. The source serves as the starting point for the river, which will flow downstream, sometimes joining with other bodies of water along its journey.

In contrast to the source, the channel refers to the physical path that the river flows through, including the banks and bed. A delta is formed at the mouth of a river where it meets a larger body of water, such as an ocean or lake, and is characterized by sediment deposition. The mouth of the river is the endpoint where it releases its water. Understanding these terms helps paint a clearer picture of a river's lifecycle from its origin to where it ultimately flows.