The Rewa River: Viti Levu's Vital Artery
An exploration of Fiji's longest and widest river, tracing its course from the highlands to the sea and its profound impact on the island's geography and life.
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Geographical Significance
Length and Width
The Rewa River stands as Fiji's longest and widest river, a dominant feature on the island of Viti Levu. Its extensive network shapes the landscape and influences the region's hydrology significantly.
Course and Drainage
Originating from the slopes of Tomanivi, Fiji's highest peak, the Rewa River embarks on a southeastern journey. It flows for approximately 145 kilometers before emptying into Laucala Bay, a significant body of water located near Fiji's capital, Suva. This extensive course means the Rewa River basin encompasses roughly one-third of Viti Levu's total landmass, underscoring its importance in the island's ecosystem.
Source and Headwaters
From the Highlands
The Rewa River's journey begins in the elevated terrain of Viti Levu. Its headwaters are situated on the slopes of Mount Tomanivi, the highest point in Fiji. This high-altitude origin dictates the river's initial gradient and the character of its upper reaches, carving through volcanic highlands before descending towards the coast.
Feeding the Flow
Major Confluences
The Rewa River's substantial volume is significantly augmented by its major tributaries. The Wainibuka River and the Wainimala River are critical contributors, merging with the Rewa to increase its flow and carrying capacity. Several other rivers also join its course before it reaches the sea, contributing to the complexity of its watershed.
The River's Mouth
Deltaic Formation
As the Rewa River approaches the Pacific Ocean, it forms a significant delta. This deltaic region is characterized by a network of many mouths through which the river discharges into Laucala Bay. Such deltas are typically rich in alluvial soil, deposited over millennia, creating fertile land.
Human Habitation
Villages and Towns
The fertile alluvial soils of the Rewa River delta have historically supported numerous Fijian villages. The town of Nausori is the only urban center situated directly on the riverbanks. This proximity highlights the river's central role in the region's development and settlement patterns. The Rewa Bridge, an important piece of infrastructure, crosses the river at Nausori, connecting communities and facilitating transport.
Fiji's River Network
A Prominent Waterway
Within the archipelago of Fiji, the Rewa River is a paramount geographical feature. It is recognized as one of the nation's most significant rivers, alongside others such as the Ba, Dreketi, Navua, and Sigatoka rivers. Its status as the longest and widest underscores its ecological and hydrological importance across Viti Levu.
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References
References
- The New Encyclopรยฆdia Britannica Volume 10, Micropรยฆdia, 1988, pg.11 (Britannica Online)
- The Rewa Delta Villages Need Help. Fiji Sun, 2015-01-14
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. As the source article is designated as a stub, further details may exist beyond this presentation.
This is not professional geographical or hydrological advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation. Always refer to official geographical surveys, academic research, or consult with qualified experts for specific applications or detailed analysis.
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