headstreams
upper river branches
Headstreams are the small streams that combine to form a larger river.
They originate in the upper reaches of a watershed, often from springs, snowmelt, or rainfall runoff: The headstreams of the Missouri rise in the Rocky Mountains.
Also called headwaters when referring to the general source area rather than the individual streams themselves.
Stream entering larger river
- brookSmall flowing watercourse
- creekNarrow natural watercourse
- rivuletVery small stream
- rillVery small stream
spring · watershed · confluence · channel · drainage · catchment · runoff · freshwater
Point of origin
- fountainheadOriginal source of something
- springsCoils, sources, or leaps
- birthplaceLocation of one's birth
- beginningInitial stage of something
genesis · inception · cradle · provenance · roots · starting point · wellspring · feeder
Tall natural landmass
- glacierSlow-moving ice mass
- alpineOf high elevations
- highlandElevated, mountainous land
- valleyLow ground between heights
ravine · gorge · slope · elevation · ridge · summit · upland · foothill
Pure and untouched
- crystalOrdered-atom solid
- untouchedNot contacted or affected
- clearWithout obstruction or fog
- cleanFree of soil
fresh · unpolluted · unspoiled · pure · unblemished · clarity · transparency · filtered
tributary
Stream entering larger river
rill · spring · watershed · confluence · channel · drainage · catchment · runoff · freshwater · flow
source
Point of origin
- fountainheadOriginal source of something
- springsCoils, sources, or leaps
- birthplaceLocation of one's birth
beginning · genesis · inception · cradle · provenance · roots · starting point · wellspring · feeder · nascence
mountain
Tall natural landmass
valley · ravine · gorge · slope · elevation · ridge · summit · upland · foothill · escarpment
pristine
Pure and untouched
clean · fresh · unpolluted · unspoiled · pure · unblemished · clarity · transparency · filtered · natural
expedition
Organized exploratory journey
navigate · scout · map · compass · trailblazer · pioneer · uncharted · frontier · quest · journey