Yellowstone River
1110.43 km | 689.99 mi
Length can differ from official measure!
Kategorie 3
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The Yellowstone River is the longest undisturbed river in the United States, stretching approximately 1,114 km through Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota. It originates in the Rocky Mountains of northwestern Wyoming, specifically at Younts Peak, and flows through the Yellowstone National Park area before emptying into the Missouri River. The river traverses diverse landscapes, from alpine valleys to vast prairie and deep canyons such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Its drainage basin covers approximately 181,300 km², and it is fed by tributaries such as the Lamar and Bighorn Rivers. The Yellowstone River is known for its ecological importance, providing habitat for numerous species such as trout, whitefish, and various bird species. It plays a pivotal role in regional water supply and irrigation, particularly in Montana, where it is used for agriculture.
The riverbed consists of a mixture of gravel, sand, and volcanic rock, which characterizes its clear water quality and dynamic flow. The flow varies greatly depending on the season, with high water levels in spring due to snowmelt and lower levels in autumn. The river is also geologically interesting, showing traces of volcanic activity and erosion from the Yellowstone Caldera region.
Historically, the river was a lifeline for indigenous peoples like the Crow and later served as a landmark for explorers like Lewis and Clark. Today, it is an important ecosystem that, despite human use, remains largely free of dams, thus preserving its natural dynamics.
Its drainage basin covers approximately 181,300 km², and it is fed by tributaries such as the Lamar and Bighorn Rivers. The Yellowstone River is known for its ecological importance, providing habitat for numerous species such as trout, whitefish, and various bird species. It plays a pivotal role in regional water supply and irrigation, particularly in Montana, where it is used for agriculture.
The riverbed consists of a mixture of gravel, sand, and volcanic rock, which characterizes its clear water quality and dynamic flow. The flow varies greatly depending on the season, with high water levels in spring due to snowmelt and lower levels in autumn. The river is also geologically interesting, showing traces of volcanic activity and erosion from the Yellowstone Caldera region.
Historically, the river was a lifeline for indigenous peoples like the Crow and later served as a landmark for explorers like Lewis and Clark. Today, it is an important ecosystem that, despite human use, remains largely free of dams, thus preserving its natural dynamics.
