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When do the highest and lowest water levels usually occur at Kinshasa and Brazzaville?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Physical map of the Congo River basin and its drainage network in Central Africa, showing rivers, major tributaries, elevation gradients, cities, international boundaries, and the approximate boundary of the Ituri Forest. Swamps and flood-prone areas are marked in blue, with symbols indicating waterfalls, rapids, and dams. An inset locator map shows the basin's position within Africa.
Congo River

At Kinshasa and Brazzaville, the Congo River experiences a specific hydrological regime characterized by two high-water periods and two low-water periods throughout the year:1

  • High levels: The main maximum occurs at the end of the year, with a secondary maximum in May.1
  • Low levels: The major low level occurs during July, while a secondary low level occurs during March and April.1

The low level observed in July is primarily attributed to a multi-month drought in the southern portion of the Congo basin and the delayed arrival of floodwaters from the Ubangi River, which typically do not reach the area until August.1