According to the United States Geological Service what is the name

Subject : Geography

Question: According to the United States Geological Service, what is the name of the longest river in the world?

Expert Verified Solution: 

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Nile River is often considered the longest river in the world. However, there is ongoing debate between the Nile River and the Amazon River regarding which is the longest.

Explanation:

Nile River:

The Nile River, located in northeastern Africa, flows through countries such as Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt. The generally accepted length of the Nile is about 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles). It has traditionally been recognized as the longest river in the world for centuries. The Nile has two major tributaries: the White Nile and the Blue Nile, which converge in Sudan and then flow northward into Egypt and eventually into the Mediterranean Sea.

Amazon River:

The Amazon River in South America is also a strong contender for the title of the longest river. The Amazon flows primarily through Peru and Brazil, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Its length is estimated to be around 6,400 kilometers (3,976 miles), but recent studies suggest it could be longer if measured from its most distant source in the Andes Mountains. Some measurements claim the Amazon could exceed the length of the Nile, potentially reaching up to 7,000 kilometers (4,345 miles) when including its tributaries and sources.

Controversy and Measurement Challenges:

Measuring the length of a river is inherently challenging because it involves determining the precise starting point, measuring the course, and accounting for tributaries. Different organizations and researchers use varying criteria and methods, which is why there is no universally agreed-upon answer. The USGS acknowledges both rivers’ claims and highlights the difficulties in making a definitive determination.

Current Consensus:

The consensus, as traditionally maintained by most geographical references and the USGS, recognizes the Nile as the longest river, with the Amazon being a close second or possibly the longest based on different measurement criteria. Despite the ongoing debate and research, the Nile remains officially recognized by most institutions as the longest river due to its historical measurements.

The Nile River is traditionally considered the longest river in the world, according to the USGS and many other sources, but the Amazon River is also a significant contender, with some studies suggesting it could be longer depending on measurement methods.