What is the difference between rivers and creeks

Some of that rainwater and precipitation also trickles into the groundwater supply, which can then seep into local waterways, according to National Geographic. The rivers, streams and creeks that meander across Earth's surface eventually flow into the world's oceans. This happens because the oceans are at sea level, and gravity pulls the water to lower elevations, USGS reports. Along the way, the water in our rivers creates vital habitat for all manner of plants and animals.

In Illinois alone, hundreds of species are dependent on creeks, streams and rivers to meet their requirements for survival, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. We also, of course, rely on rivers for recreation — a place for fishing, boating or simply relaxing. While rivers often unite people because they are important for everything from transportation to food to recreation, they are also natural dividing lines, often serving as borders between countries and, here in the America, between states, according to NASA's Earth Observatory.

Part of our nation's southern border with Mexico is formed by the Rio Grande, and much of Illinois' boundaries with neighboring states are formed by rivers. Our western border with Iowa and Missouri is formed by the Mississippi River, which is the longest river in the state at miles, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The Ohio River forms part of Illinois' southern border with Kentucky, and the Wabash River forms part of the state's southeastern border with Indiana.

Though creeks are said to be smaller than rivers, there are some creeks in the world that are larger than rivers. Creek: Creek is often smaller and shallower than a river. River: River flows in channels, and have one or more branches. Creek: Creek does not have any branches, it is on most occasions, a branch of a river.

River : Rivers can be used to generate power, and they are good means of transporting large and heavy objects downstream. Creek: Creeks are more often not large enough to generate power or to be used for transportation. Sign up for our emails tailored to your interests by selecting the proper categories. Stream vs. Naturalist's Response So, we enter into the somewhat nebulus topic of stream classification.

First order streams : the smallest streams that have no tributaries. It joins a lake or another river too at times. A creek on the other hand is a small stream. A creek can also be a narrow channel between islands.

Geographers define creek as small rivers or rivulets. It is important to know that river is part of hydrological cycle. A creek on the other hand is described as a shallow tributary to a river.