Meet North America's strange rivers that flow both ways and scientists can't explain why

A new study reveals how nine rivers and lakes across the Americas defy this simple flow pattern. (Image: Canva)

Rivers run only in one direction, as we all learned when we were young. They flow downhill and reach the sea after merging with others. But some rivers have decided to make their own rules. Nine rivers and lakes in the Americas defy this simple pattern of flow, says a recent study.

When Geography Does Not Apply to Rivers

Siegel and Sowby studied rivers that bifurcate. But unlike typical river branches, these divisions do not reunite. Instead, they drain into entirely different basins, puzzling hydrologists and geographers.

An example is the Casiquiare River in South America. It runs between the Amazon and the Orinoco, two vast watersheds. It flows into the Rio Negro after branching off from the Orinoco. After flowing for 200 miles of lush rainforest, it joins the Amazon.

A hydrological wormhole between rivers is what it is called by experts. It has an incredibly small 0.009% slope. Yet due to an incomplete river catch, it still drains tremendous amounts of water. Scientists admit they still don't have a clue about how everything operates.

Waterways That Run Both Ways

Wayambo River is in Suriname either flowing west or east. Its route depends on rainwater and locks in water. It passes regions for mining of bauxite and gold, and its routes were traced in 1717 by the first Dutch discoverers. Oil production even influences its well-being near this stream. Even monitoring for pollutants is practically untraceable because it also runs unpredictably with varying stream movement.

The Echimamish River in Canada, more northwards, puzzles experts. In Cree, it is called "water that flows both ways." It runs away from the point in between but unites the Hayes and Nelson Rivers. Flat ground and beaver dams complicate, creating confusion.

More Baffling Water Bodies

Lakes with two exits were also studied. There are creeks that drain into the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These unusual systems call our knowledge of rivers into question.

The professionals assert there is plenty to discover yet. These rare flows remind us nature isn't always predictable.