London, the capital city of England, is known for many things – the iconic Big Ben, the majestic Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye to name a few. However, one aspect that often gets overlooked is the river that flows through it.
The River Thames is not only an important landmark but also a vital part of London’s history. But what is the biggest river in London? Let’s find out.
The River Thames
The River Thames is a major river that flows through Southern England and is the second-longest river in the UK. It stretches for 215 miles from its source in Gloucestershire to its mouth at the North Sea. The river has played a significant role in London’s development and has been used for trade, transport, and tourism.
The Tidal Thames
The section of the River Thames that runs through London is known as the Tidal Thames. This part of the river experiences significant tides and can rise by as much as 7 meters during high tide. The Tidal Thames extends from Teddington Lock to where it meets the North Sea.
The Width of River Thames
When it comes to determining which is the biggest river in London based on width alone, there isn’t a clear answer. The River Thames varies greatly in width depending on where you are along its course. At its narrowest point at Teddington Lock, it measures only 20 meters wide while at its widest point near Dartford, it measures over 300 meters wide.
Flow Rate
Another way to determine which is the biggest river in London would be by measuring its flow rate. The flow rate refers to how much water flows through a particular section of a river per second.
According to recent data from the Environment Agency’s National Hydrological Monitoring Programme (NHMP), the mean flow rate of water at Kingston upon Thames is 65.8 cubic meters per second. This makes the River Thames the largest river in London in terms of flow rate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there isn’t a straightforward answer to what is the biggest river in London based on width alone, the River Thames takes the crown when it comes to flow rate. Regardless of its size, the River Thames remains an important cultural and historical landmark in London and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.