River Severn

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/river-severn

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How long is the River Severn?354 km (220 miles)
2. How high is the River Severn?610 m (2,000 ft)
3. How big is the River Severn?11,419 km² (excluding River Wye and Bristol Avon)
4. What is the average flow rate?107 m³/s (at Apperley, Gloucestershire)
5. Where does the River Severn start?The river starts high up on the Plynlimon massif in the Cambrian Mountains. Its source is 610 metres above sea level. The steep hill gives the river a strong flow at first.
6. Why is the Severn Estuary special?The Severn Estuary is special because it has the second‑highest tidal range in the world. Freshwater from the river mixes with salty sea water, creating mudflats, saltmarshes and sandbanks. These places are home to many birds and sea animals.

Hydrology: The scientific study of the movement, distribution, and management of water on Earth.
Geomorphology: The study of the origin and evolution of terrestrial (and other planetary surface) features.
Intertidal Zone: The area that is covered by water at high tide and exposed at low tide.
Tidal Range: The difference in height between high tide and low tide.