River sourced by a glacier in the Swiss Alps - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "River sourced by a glacier in the Swiss Alps," is a classic geography question that tests your knowledge of major European landmarks. These types of clues are a staple in crosswords, requiring solvers to connect a place name with its defining characteristics. Let's break down how to approach this clue and explore the fascinating story behind the river.

Clue Analysis

The clue provides three distinct pieces of information:

1. "River": The answer is a proper noun for a specific river.
2. "in the Swiss Alps": This narrows the geographical location considerably. We are looking for a river that begins in the famous mountain range within Switzerland.
3. "sourced by a glacier": This is a key detail. While many rivers are fed by glacial melt, this clue points to a river whose origin is directly tied to a specific glacier.

Combining these facts, we're searching for a well-known river that starts its journey as meltwater from a glacier in Switzerland.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, several strategies can lead you to the answer:

1. Direct Geographical Knowledge: If you're familiar with European geography, you might immediately cycle through the major rivers originating in the Alps, such as the Rhine, Po, Danube, and the correct answer. The clue's specifics help distinguish it from the others.
2. Mental Mapping: Try to visualize a map of Central Europe. Picture the Swiss Alps as a high point from which several major rivers flow. The Rhine flows north, the Po flows into Italy, and another major river flows south through France to the Mediterranean. This process of elimination can be very effective.
3. Using Crossings: If direct knowledge fails, rely on the grid! Getting even one or two crossing letters can be a game-changer. For example, if you have _ H _ N _, the possibilities become much more limited, and the answer might click into place.
4. Word Association: The phrase "Swiss Alps" might bring to mind Lake Geneva. Knowing which major river flows through Lake Geneva is another path to the solution.

Background Context

The river in question is the Rhone. Its journey begins dramatically at the Rhone Glacier in the Swiss canton of Valais. From there, it flows westward, feeding into and exiting Lake Geneva.

After leaving Switzerland, the Rhone enters France, turning south and becoming a major commercial waterway. It passes through significant cities like Lyon and Avignon before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea in a large delta known as the Camargue. The river has also lent its name to one of the world's most famous wine-producing areas, the Rhone Valley.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect example of a straightforward, knowledge-based question. It rewards solvers who have a good grasp of world geography but remains accessible through logical deduction and the use of crossing letters. By breaking the clue down into its core components, you can effectively pinpoint the correct European river.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This is a major European river.
2. Hint 2: It flows through both Switzerland and France.
3. Hint 3: It empties into the Mediterranean Sea.
4. Hint 4: A famous wine region in France is named after this river.