November 16, 2023
Researchers from ETH Zurich, Switzerland, have discovered one of the darkest rivers in the world in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They believe the river, called Ruki River, may be the blackest large blackwater river in the world. Extensive research has shown that the river derives its blackness from organic matter that originates from forest vegetation and dissolves in rainwater that finally makes its way into the river. Ruki has four times more organic compounds than its source, the Congo River.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Nile River, which is the world’s longest river, is approximately 6,650kms long and flows through 11 countries.
ACTIVITY: Riveting Rivers
Why are these rivers special?