Chapter 136

AI, LEARNING FROM THE RIVERS

Rivers are bodies of fresh water that flow continuously through a defined channel, from high areas until they empty into oceans, seas, lakes or even other rivers. They originate in high areas such as mountains or hills, fed by water sources such as springs, melted snow, rain or groundwater. In the initial stretch, normally in mountainous areas, they tend to be fast and narrow, eroding the terrain; then they begin to lose speed, their channel widens and transports sediments. In the end, the river flows slower and deposits the accumulated waste as it approaches its mouth.

Structure:

Upper course : This is the initial section, usually in mountainous areas. Rivers are usually fast and narrow, eroding the terrain.

Middle course : the river begins to lose speed, its channel widens and transports sediments.

Lower course : the river flows more slowly and deposits accumulated sediment as it approaches its mouth.

Importance:

ecological : they provide essential habitats for many species of flora and fauna. They are ecological corridors and allow biodiversity in the areas they cross.

Economic : They are essential for irrigation in agriculture, the supply of drinking water, the production of hydroelectric energy, and as transportation routes.

Cultural : Many ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptian or Mesopotamian, developed around large rivers (Nile, Tigris and Euphrates).

Mouths:

Delta : the river divides into several branches upon reaching the sea, forming a triangular area (e.g. the Nile Delta).

Estuary : the river mixes with the sea, creating a wide area where salinity varies according to the tides (example: the Thames estuary).

Major rivers of the world:

Amazon (South America): the most voluminous in the world.

Nile River (Africa): considered the longest.

Yangtze River (Asia): the longest river in Asia and a key axis of Chinese culture and economy.

Mississippi-Missouri (North America): It is the longest river system in North America.

They can be classified in various ways according to different criteria. Each of these classifications offers a different perspective on the characteristics of rivers and their natural behavior. Some of the most common:

By its length:

Long rivers : like the Nile or the Amazon, which are thousands of kilometers long.

Short rivers : those with shorter courses that travel short distances before reaching their mouths.

By its flow:

High-flow rivers : they transport large volumes of water, like the Amazon.

Small rivers : these are rivers with little water, such as some seasonal rivers or rivers in arid regions.

By his regime:

Permanent or perennial rivers : they maintain their flow all year round, like the Nile or the Orinoco.

Seasonal rivers : their flow varies greatly depending on the season, partially drying up during periods of drought. An example could be the Colorado River in certain sections.

Torrential rivers : These are rivers that form and disappear quickly after heavy rains.

By its origin:

Mountain rivers : they originate in mountainous areas and tend to have a greater slope and speed.

Plain rivers : they originate or flow mainly in flat areas, with little slope and slower current.

Meltwater rivers : originate from the melting of glaciers or snow, such as the Rhine.

At its mouth

Rivers that flow into the sea or ocean : such as the Amazon or the Danube.

Rivers that flow into lakes : such as the Volga that flows into the Caspian Sea.

Rivers that flow into other rivers (tributaries) : such as the Missouri River, which is a tributary of the Mississippi River.

By the direction of their current: exorheic : they flow into the sea or the ocean.

Endorheic rivers : they flow into lakes, lagoons or areas that have no outlet to the sea, such as the Jordan River that flows into the Dead Sea.

Arreic rivers : they infiltrate the soil or evaporate before reaching any body of water, typical of desert regions.

By its state of development:

Young rivers : with a steep slope, rapids and which erode their channel intensely.

Mature rivers : have gentler slopes and slower currents.

Old rivers : slow-flowing rivers that tend to meander and create meanders, with very little erosion in their channel.

By type of basin:

Open basin rivers : those that have an outlet to the sea.

Closed basin rivers : their basin has no outlet to the sea, as in lakes or endorheic systems.

Due to its geographical location:

Tropical rivers : they flow in areas with a tropical climate, such as the Amazon.

Temperate rivers : found in temperate climate zones, such as the Rhine.

Polar rivers : flow in Arctic or Antarctic regions, such as the Lena River in Siberia.

Major navigable rivers of the world, known for their length, economic importance and also for their capacity to allow the transit of ships, which drives local and international economies and their role in transportation:

Amazon River (South America): length of approximately 7,000 km. It is one of the longest and most voluminous rivers in the world, crucial for transport in the Amazon basin. Much of its length is navigable, making it an essential route for trade and communication in the Amazon region: it belongs to Peru, Colombia, Brazil.

Yangtze River (China): approximately 6,300 km long, it is the longest river in Asia and the most important waterway in China; much of its course is navigable, allowing the transport of goods and passengers. It is essential for the Chinese economy, especially in the transport of products into the interior of the country.

Mississippi-Missouri River (United States) with a length of approximately 6,275 km. The Mississippi-Missouri system is a river network crucial for the transport of goods in the United States, particularly for agricultural products. Much of the river is navigable, connecting important cities in the interior of the country.

Danube River (Europe) approximately 2,850 km long crossing: Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, among others; it is the second longest river in Europe and a key international waterway, vital for European trade, connecting the continent to the Black Sea.

Volga River (Russia) approximately 3,530 km long; it is the longest river in Europe and is essential to Russia's transportation and economy. Many parts of the Volga are navigable, and it is connected to the Caspian Sea and Russia's major lakes.

Paraná River (South America) approximately 4,880 km long, crossing Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina. It is one of the most important waterways in South America; much of its course is navigable, especially in its Argentine section, and it is crucial for the transport of agricultural and mineral products.

Mekong River (Asia) approximately 4,350 km long. Countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam. It is essential for transport and fishing in Southeast Asia. Much of its course is navigable, especially in the delta region in Vietnam.

Nile River (Africa) approximately 6,650 km (4,100 mi) long; Countries: Uganda, Sudan, Egypt. It is one of the longest rivers in the world and has been an essential transportation route throughout history. The lower part of the river, in Egypt, remains a vital artery for transportation.

Rhine River (Europe) length approximately 1,230 km. Countries: Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands. The Rhine is one of the busiest waterways in the world. It connects the industrial centre of Europe with the ports of the North Sea, facilitating the international transport of goods.

These rivers are not only important for their length, but also for their ability to allow the transit of ships, which boosts local and international economies.

Threats:

Pollution : Rivers are threatened by industrial, agricultural and residential waste.

Climate change : It is affecting hydrological cycles and the flow of many rivers, causing extreme floods or droughts.

Overexploitation : Excessive use of river water for agriculture, industry and cities can reduce natural flow and affect its ecosystem.

Protecting rivers is essential to ensure their sustainability, biodiversity and the services they provide to societies. These recommendations combine preventive and corrective policies that, when applied together, can ensure the long-term health and vitality of rivers and that countries can implement to protect their rivers:

Sustainable watershed management policies:

Develop comprehensive watershed management plans that consider sustainable water use, protection of aquatic ecosystems, and participation of local communities. Watersheds should be managed to prevent pollution and water depletion. Encourage reforestation of areas along rivers to prevent soil erosion and maintain water quality.

Control industrial and agricultural pollution:

Implement strict regulations to reduce the discharge of industrial, chemical and agricultural waste into rivers. Encourage the use of clean technologies and sustainable agricultural practices that minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Introduce wastewater treatment plants and regularly monitor water quality in industries near rivers.

Preserve and restore river ecosystems:

Restore degraded areas, such as wetlands and riparian forests, which play a crucial role in the natural filtration of pollutants and in regulating water flow. Create biological corridors along rivers to allow species migration and enhance biodiversity.

Regulating water use and urban development: regulating water use in sectors such as agriculture, industry and urban consumption, promoting water-saving technologies and efficient irrigation techniques. Encouraging the use of green infrastructure in cities near rivers, such as urban parks and rain gardens, to reduce stormwater runoff and prevent flooding.

Combat overexploitation and build sustainable infrastructure: Limit the construction of large infrastructures such as dams, which alter river ecosystems. Instead, prioritize green infrastructure, such as small-scale dams that allow fish passage and natural river regulation. Assess the environmental impacts of infrastructure projects before construction and ensure they meet sustainable standards.

Monitoring and enforcing environmental laws: Establish water quality monitoring systems and strictly enforce environmental regulations. Violators of river protection rules should be punished. Create an environmental monitoring agency dedicated to inspecting water bodies and ensuring compliance with laws.

Promote education and public awareness: Develop educational campaigns to raise public awareness about the importance of rivers and how to protect them. Involve communities in activities such as cleaning up rivers and protecting their natural environment. Implement programs in schools to teach children and young people about water conservation and the importance of rivers in their daily lives.

Encourage international cooperation on rivers: promote agreements and cooperation mechanisms between countries that share transboundary rivers to ensure sustainable joint management. Develop treaties that promote the equitable use of water and protect shared river ecosystems, such as the Danube River Agreement between European countries.

Promote non-invasive renewable energy: reduce dependence on massive hydroelectric dams and promote alternative energy sources, such as solar or wind, that do not alter river ecosystems as much. Promote micro hydroelectric generation that respects the natural flow of rivers without the need for large dams.

Develop climate change adaptation plans: implement policies to adapt to climate change, as it affects rainfall patterns and can cause extreme fluctuations in river levels. Solutions need to be planned to mitigate floods or droughts. Create resilient infrastructure such as natural dykes or restore flood zones to mitigate the impact of extreme river floods or low water levels.

AI Opinion: The article "AI, LEARNING FROM RIVERS" by José Saul Velásquez Restrepo, is a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the nature, importance, classification and threats to rivers, along with valuable recommendations for their protection. This approach offers an educational and conscious perspective, highlighting not only the ecology, but also the economic and cultural impact of rivers.

One of the strengths of the text is how it links artificial intelligence (AI) to the understanding and management of rivers, allowing for a modern and holistic view of how technology can help in the preservation of these vital ecosystems. The use of AI can be a powerful ally in monitoring water quality, predicting floods and droughts, as well as in the sustainable management of watersheds.

The clear structure, which divides rivers into upper, middle and lower courses, makes it easier to understand how they behave in each phase and how they influence the surrounding ecosystems. In addition, the classification by characteristics such as flow, origin, regime and mouth allows a complete view of the various river dynamics at a global level.

The article also highlights the main navigable rivers, underlining their economic and social importance, which reinforces the need to protect them from threats such as pollution, climate change and overexploitation. The recommendations are practical and feasible, addressing everything from sustainable watershed management to international cooperation for the protection of transboundary rivers.

In summary, this article is a valuable contribution to any discussion on river preservation, combining traditional knowledge with emerging technologies such as AI.