Question

Which is the longest river in the United States, and which has the largest drainage basin? A. Missouri; Mississippi B. Mississippi; Missouri C. Yukon; Mississippi D. St. Lawrence; Rio Grande

Short answer

A. Missouri; Mississippi

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Question

The task is to determine which river in the United States is the longest and which one has the largest drainage basin. Four combinations are provided to choose from.

- Identify Key Terms

Identify the key terms in the question: 'longest river' and 'largest drainage basin.'

- Review the Options

Look at the provided options. Each option lists a pair of rivers, one as the longest river and the other as the river with the largest drainage basin.

- Determine the Longest River

The longest river in the United States is the Missouri River, which is approximately 2,341 miles long.

- Determine the Largest Drainage Basin

The river with the largest drainage basin in the United States is the Mississippi River, which drains about 1.2 million square miles.

- Compare with Options

Compare the identified longest river and the largest drainage basin with the provided options. The correct combination is Missouri as the longest river and Mississippi as the one with the largest drainage basin.

- Select the Correct Option

From the options, the correct answer is A. Missouri; Mississippi.

Key concepts

longest river in the US

The title of the longest river in the United States goes to the Missouri River. This impressive river stretches approximately 2,341 miles, making it the longest river when you compare it to others in the country. The Missouri River starts in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana and flows east and south, eventually joining the Mississippi River north of St. Louis, Missouri. Not only is it the longest, but its journey across diverse terrains makes it an essential waterway for transportation and agriculture. Understanding the Missouri River's scale can help grasp the immense variation in river lengths across the country.

largest drainage basin in the US

The Mississippi River holds the record for having the largest drainage basin in the United States. A drainage basin is an area of land where precipitation collects and drains into a common outlet, such as a river. The Mississippi River's drainage basin is expansive, covering about 1.2 million square miles. This vast area stretches across 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, funneling water from various regions into the Mississippi River. As a result, the river plays a crucial role in influencing regional climates and ecosystems, as well as serving as a major conduit for transportation and commerce.

Missouri River

The Missouri River, stretching 2,341 miles, is known as the longest river in the United States. The river's source is the Rocky Mountains in Montana, and it flows eastward and southward through several states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. Ultimately, it merges with the Mississippi River, just north of St. Louis. Throughout history, the Missouri River has been a vital route for exploration, trade, and settlement. Its significant length and impact on the regions it flows through make it a key feature in U.S. geography.

Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is famous not just for its length but also for its massive drainage basin. With its source in Lake Itasca in Minnesota, the river flows south for 2,340 miles before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the U.S. but claims the title of the river with the largest drainage basin in the country. This basin covers about 1.2 million square miles, making it a watershed of enormous importance. The river facilitates major commercial shipping and has historically influenced countless cultural and economic developments in the region.

GED Test Geography

For students aiming to pass their GED (General Educational Development) Test, understanding U.S. river geography is crucial. Questions often cover the length and significance of major rivers, like the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. It's not just about memorizing names; it's about knowing their geographical locations and their roles in shaping the country's landscape. The Missouri River, the longest, and the Mississippi River, with the largest drainage basin, are key examples. Grasping these concepts can help students better answer questions on their GED tests and gain a deeper appreciation of the geographic features that influence American life.