Where does the Nile River originate and what is its elevation?
The Nile River originates from a small stream named Rukarara in the highlands of Rwanda within Nyungwe National Park. This source rises at an elevation of 2,539 meters above sea level.
Questions about Nile
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How long is the total distance of the Nile River to the Mediterranean Sea?
Satellite imagery confirmed that the Nile River travels 7,088 kilometers from its source to reach the Mediterranean Sea. Academics from Waseda University identified this source through research conducted in 1969 and refined it using satellite data in 2009.
Which countries share the Nile Basin and how many species live there?
Eleven countries including Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Eritrea, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo share the Nile Basin. Over 800 fish species inhabit the Nile Basin with 128 species found directly within the river itself.
When was the Aswan High Dam completed and how much power does it generate annually?
The Aswan High Dam was completed in 1970 after construction began in 1960. Electrical generators at the dam produce about 10 billion kilowatt hours per year.
What historical events caused mass extinction of vertebrates in Lake Victoria?
The introduction of the Nile perch to Lake Victoria in the 1950s caused the extinction of over 500 cichlid species. This event marked the first mass extinction of vertebrates observed by scientists.