description Pilcomayo Overview
The Pilcomayo is a river of the Río de la Plata basin whose watershed is shared by Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay. It rises in the Bolivian Andes and runs across the Gran Chaco, with parts of its lower course forming or influencing the Argentina-Paraguay boundary before flowing toward the Paraguay River. Its very high sediment load causes channel migration, flooding, and the gradual infilling of the lower basin, making the river a subject of trinational water management.
help Pilcomayo FAQ
Which countries share the Pilcomayo River watershed?
The watershed is shared by Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay. The river rises in the Bolivian Andes and then crosses the Gran Chaco region.
Does the Pilcomayo form an international border?
Parts of its course help define the boundary between Argentina and Paraguay. The river and its channels are not always stable, so the border relationship is more complicated than a single permanent channel.
Which larger river basin does the Pilcomayo belong to?
The Pilcomayo belongs to the Río de la Plata basin. Its lower system drains toward the Paraguay River, although sedimentation and channel changes make the connection complex.
Why is the lower Pilcomayo difficult to map?
Heavy sedimentation and the river's very low gradient can cause it to overflow, shift channels, and create temporary wetlands. Those processes are especially important in the flat Gran Chaco portion of the river.
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