The Colorado River covers 1,450 miles and provides water to the majority of the western United States, an area of the country that receives a very little rainfall and so is therefore extremely reliant on this water source. The river starts in Rocky Mountain and flows through seven western states (Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, and California), and two countries, the United States and Mexico to provide water for over 30 million people (Zielinski). The Colorado River must contend with vastly different climates and geography on its journey to the Gulf of Mexico from the Rocky Mountains (Society).
Major Tributaries to the Colorado RiverThe Colorado River is fed by five large tributaries in its journey from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico (Society).
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Colorado River Headwaters, & GeographyThe source of the Colorado River is high in the Rocky Mountains surrounded by steep terrain and unpredictable weather patterns (Triedman).
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Climate, Water Usage & Protected LandThe Colorado River provides water for seven states and two countries (Society). However, each state uses the majority of their water allocation for agriculture. Consequently, because the water is heavily used, it is also very well protected (Bureau of Reclamation).
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This video was moved per suggestion in the rubric:
Below is a video that illustrates the journey of the Colorado River from the Rocky Mountains down to Mexico:
Below is a video that illustrates the journey of the Colorado River from the Rocky Mountains down to Mexico: