Aerial view of the Amazon Rainforest, near Manaus, the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas.
Source: Flickr
Author: Neil Palmer/CIAT
licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.
Via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
AMAZON RIVER: THE WORLD'S GREATEST WATERWAY
The mighty Amazon River is more than just a river; it's a colossal, liquid artery sustaining one of the planet's most vital ecosystems. Its sheer scale, biodiversity, and impact on the global environment truly earn it the title of the world's greatest waterway. Prepare to have your mind stretched by these fascinating facts!
👑 The Unmatched King of Rivers
When you think of the Amazon, think immense. While the Nile River is often cited as the longest, recent detailed studies using satellite imagery and mapping suggest the Amazon might actually be slightly longer, putting it in a fierce competition for the longest river in the world at approximately 6,992 kilometers (4,345 miles).
However, where the Amazon reigns supreme, undeniably, is by volume.
Discharge Dominance:
The Amazon's mouth discharges more water than the next seven largest independent rivers combined. It pumps a staggering average of 209,000 cubic meters (7.4 million cubic feet) per second into the Atlantic Ocean. This is so much freshwater that it perceptibly dilutes the ocean's salinity for over 160 kilometers (100 miles) offshore!
The Moving Ocean:
During the wet season, the Amazon can be over 40 kilometers (25 miles) wide in some places. It is so deep and wide that large ocean-going vessels can navigate upstream as far as the city of Iquitos, Peru, nearly 3,700 kilometers (2,300 miles) from the Atlantic.
🌎 A Trans-Continental Giant
The Amazon drainage basin, also called the Amazonia, is colossal—it covers about 40% of the South American continent.
Countries Crossed:
While the vast majority of the river and its basin lie in Brazil and Peru, the Amazon's vast network of tributaries flows through or touches a total of nine countries: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana (or just its drainage basin).
A Unique Origin:
The Amazon’s source is found high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, with the accepted source being the snow-capped peak of Nevado Mismi. It flows entirely west to east, crossing the entire continent before reaching the Atlantic.
🐠 The World's Biodiversity Hotspot
The Amazon rainforest, which the river runs through, is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, and the river itself is an incredible biological treasure trove.
Riverine Life:
It's estimated that there are over 3,000 recognized species of fish in the Amazon, with many more yet to be discovered. This is more fish species than the entire Atlantic Ocean!
Unique Creatures:
The Amazon is home to extraordinary animals like the fearsome Piranha, the massive Arapaima (one of the largest freshwater fish), and the highly endangered Amazon River Dolphin (or Boto), which is uniquely pink.
The "Flying River":
The moisture generated by the Amazon's trees is so massive that it creates vast "flying rivers"—masses of water vapor that are carried by winds, influencing rainfall as far south as Argentina. The river system is a crucial element of the global climate system.
The Amazon River is a true natural wonder, a powerhouse of water and life that deserves its title as the world's greatest waterway. It is a constant reminder of the immense power and beauty of our planet.
Grateful thanks to Google Gemini for its great help and support in creating this blogpost and Flickr,
Neil Palmer/CIAT and WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
No comments:
Post a Comment