6 rivers in the world that flow backwards: The rare phenomenon explained

dharasuta
Thursday, November 13, 2025

Rivers, typically flowing downhill, can surprisingly reverse course due to tides, floods, engineering, or ancient geological shifts. From Cambodia's TonlÃ© Sap's annual monsoon reversal to Chicago's man-made flow change and the Amazon's ancient geological shift, these backward flows reveal Earth's dynamic forces. Even the Hudson and Thames experience daily tidal reversals, showcasing nature's power.