Question

Why does the Red River flow north, and the Mississippi River flow south??

Answer 1

Why not?

Water flows from higher levels to lower levels. Map directions have no influence on the ways rivers flow.

Answer 2

@ Ms.Sue. I know the map directions have to influence on how the river flows... that's not what I'm asking.

Answer 3

The source of the Red River is south of its mouth. It flows down hill to the north to reach its mouth. The source of the Mississippi is north of its mouth and flows down hill to its mouth.

The Nile River in Africa and the Rhine River in Europe flow north. The Amazon and Missouri Rivers flow east.

All rivers start on higher ground and flow down hill.