Chinese Scientist Identifies Congo River’s Source Using Satellite Technology
(MENAFN) A Chinese researcher has employed satellite-based remote-sensing technology to accurately identify the source of the Congo River, Africa’s second-longest waterway, and measured its total length at 5,260 kilometers—exceeding previous estimates.
The Congo River, known for its vast water resources and second in size on the continent only to the Nile, has been the focus of numerous expeditions and geographic studies since the 1800s.
Although the Chambeshi River in Zambia has long been recognized as the most distant tributary, the river's exact point of origin has remained a topic of scientific debate. Past records have reported its length as being between 4,320 and 4,700 kilometers, according to Liu Shaochuang, a researcher with the Aerospace Information Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
To resolve these inconsistencies, Liu analyzed satellite imagery of the Congo and its network of tributaries. He also undertook two field expeditions to the region believed to be the river’s starting point. His work identified the precise source at 31.22 degrees east longitude and 9.19 degrees south latitude, at an altitude of 1,771 meters.
Rivers are vital for human survival. As a Chinese proverb puts it, "When drinking water, one should remember the source," a principle that drives Liu’s commitment to uncovering the origins of the world’s major rivers.
"Different literature often cites conflicting lengths for the same river, sometimes differing by hundreds or even thousands of kilometers. Key factors affecting measurements include the source's location, data sources and measurement methods," stated Liu.
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