Rio Grande River System Quiz
Border geography, basin, water issues (10 questions).
Rio Grande River System Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The Rio Grande is one of the principal rivers in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Rising in the Colorado Rockies, it flows south through New Mexico before turning southeast to form the long border between Texas and Mexico, eventually emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.
Key Takeaways
- It creates the entire border between Texas and four Mexican states (Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas).
- It is the 4th or 5th longest river system in North America.
- Major cities along the river include Albuquerque, El Paso, and Ciudad Juárez.
- The river is heavily dammed (e.g., Elephant Butte, Amistad, Falcon) for irrigation and flood control.
- Due to heavy water usage, the river often runs dry before reaching the sea (the “forgotten river” stretch).
Frequently Asked Questions
What states does the Rio Grande flow through?
In the United States, it flows through Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. It also borders the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.
What is the Rio Grande called in Mexico?
In Mexico, the river is known as the Río Bravo or Río Bravo del Norte.
Where does the Rio Grande end?
It empties into the Gulf of Mexico, near Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas.
Why does the Rio Grande sometimes run dry?
The river faces severe water stress due to heavy agricultural diversion for irrigation, municipal use, dams, and persistent drought conditions in the Southwest.
Is the Rio Grande navigable?
For most of its length, it is not navigable by large commercial vessels due to its shallow depth, sandbars, and dams. It is primarily used for irrigation and recreation.
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