Rivers shape landscapes, support cities, and supply water to millions, but some also hide remarkable depths far below the surface. Unlike oceans or lakes, they are always in motion, carving their surroundings over time. A river’s deepest point often forms through erosion in narrow gorges or tectonic activity beneath the riverbed.
Factors such as riverbed geology, seasonal water volume, tectonic shifts, and human-built structures like dams influence depth. The depth of a river affects how it moves sediment, generates hydropower, and supports unique aquatic life adapted to high-pressure, low-light environments.
In this gallery, we explore some of the world’s deepest rivers and their effect on the ecosystem. Click on to get started.