GLOBE Ireland Classroom Resource:

Introduction to

Rivers

Introduction To Rivers

What is a river?

A river is a natural stream of freshwater that flows across land towards a body of water at a lower elevation such as an ocean, sea, lake, or another river.

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Some rivers are always flowing, while others only flow when there is sufficient rainfall/precipitations.

Where do rivers start?

Headwaters: The starting point or source of a river.

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Rivers typically start at high elevations (mountainous regions) and flow downhill until they dry up, disappear underground, or enter a large water body (loch, sea, or ocean).

Where do rivers get their water?

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The water in rivers comes from precipitation (e.g., rain, fog, or snow) or from melting glaciers.

What is groundwater?

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• Groundwater is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand and rock.
• It is stored in and moves slowly through geologic formations of soil, sand and rocks called aquifers

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• The area where water fills the aquifer is called the saturated zone (or saturation zone). The top of this zone is called the water table. The water table may be located only a foot below the ground’s surface or it can sit hundreds of feet down

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In hilly or mountainous regions water from precipitation or melting glaciers flows downhill and collects in natural depressions (low points).

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This happens both above and below ground.

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Where the landscape is flat, this can result in lochs. But as soon as there is an incline, water will start running downhill - giving rise to streams and rivers.

How do rivers form?

Pigeon Pot Caves, Fermanagh

Cuilcagh Mountains, Fermanagh

Shannon Pot, Cavan

The River Shannon: Source to Sea

Source: visitcarrickonshannon.ie

Middle reaches

River mouth, Clare

The role of rivers in nature

Humans and rivers

• Rivers have always been vital for human survival and progress.
• Over 5000 years ago, some of the world’s first great civilisations — like those in ancient Egypt, China, India, and Mesopotamia — grew and thrived along rivers.
• Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth were all built along the River Boyne 5-6,000 years ago (before the Egyptian pyramids!)

Click HERE to access a short video about river valley civilisations.

Rivers are an important source of fresh water for humans.

We use fresh water for:

Besides being a source of fresh water, what other uses or benefits do humans get from rivers?

More reasons why rivers �are important to humans

Top threats to rivers

Rivers in Ireland

Cultural importance of rivers

• Irish rivers are full of folklore and legend – in mythology they are often a boundary between this world and the otherworld, symbolising life and transformation.
• Rivers are often depicted as entities with their own personalities and stories:
• The River Boyne was named after the goddess Boann, known for her tragic and transformative journey which led to the river's creation.
• The Irish names of rivers can tell us about their characteristics:
• The River Liffey was previously known as "An Ruirthech" meaning "The Stampeding One" because of its tendency for unpredictable currents and fast flooding

Historical importance of rivers

• Rivers are integral to Ireland's natural and cultural heritage
• The earliest settlements (5000–6,000 years ago) were built along rivers – such as Newgrange along the River Boyne
• Rivers were used to transport both goods and people, and river water was used for washing and cooking

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Are Irish rivers healthy?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in charge of monitoring the health of Irish rivers.

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View the EPA website for published reports and information about your local river!

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How do we measure river health in Ireland?

How the EPA classifies river health – Ecological Status

Sources of river pollution in Ireland

Learn about your local river catchment on this EPA map!

Click HERE to access Catchments.ie

Download the Catchment Report for the following information:

• Catchment overview
• Water quality (surface & groundwater)
• Biggest issues (e.g., high NO₃) and pressures (e.g., agriculture)
• Priority sites for action and protection

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Local Authorities Water Programme (LAWPRO)

• LAWPRO works on behalf of Ireland's 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality through catchment assessments and community engagement.
• They are the main funders for river-based projects.
• They were established by the EPA to fulfill requirements under the European Union Water Framework Directive.
• LAWPRO coordinates local authorities and other public bodies in the implementation of the River Basin Management Plan.

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We need citizen scientists!

About 25% or 791 of Ireland’s rivers/streams (mostly small streams ) are not currently being monitored by the EPA. This means that citizen scientists can make in important contribution by studying small streams near them.

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Why are small streams important?

• Spawning for salmon & trout
• Nursery habitat for fish
• Water for livestock
• Supply water to larger rivers
• Supports life
• Tourism & recreation
• They are beautiful (blue spaces are good for

mental well-being)

Now let’s assess the quality of your local river/stream!

Explore this resource by Streamscapes!

Click HERE to access the resource

Listen to podcasts on Irish waterways

Additional resources & links

Included in the presentation:

• Video on how streams form: https://youtu.be/Sv16XOnNKeU?si=jyUOV-ZjpLx5puGc
• Short video about river valley civilisations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqB1qp8LFaA
• EPA factsheet on Irish river health (2023): EPA-River-Monitoring-Factsheet.pdf

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Additional resources:

• EPA (2022)_Ireland’s National Water Framework Directive Monitoring Programme 2019-2021. Accessible here: https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/freshwater--marine/EPA_WFD_MonitoringProgramme_2019_2021-(1).pdf
• EPA (2024). Water Quality in 2023: An Indicators Report. Accessible here: https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/freshwater--marine/EPA-Water-Quality-Indicator-Report-2023-web-11June2024.pdf
• Video about how scientists know where the Shannon starts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovmz3rVthVM
• Overview of rivers and European Directive to promote ecosystem health- https://youtu.be/xOExg4B9tRY?si=bxZ99XBUhllUtksT

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THANK YOU!

Aileen Bright

087 361 1525

abright@eeu.antaisce.org