Amazon River

The largest river – Amazon flows in South America. Its length is 7100 km and is comparable only to the Nile ( 6650 km ). The Amazon is formed by a combination of the Maranion and Ukayali rivers. The river flow fills many large and small tributaries. Leaking near the equator, the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean, forming a delta of 100 thousand square meters. km – the largest on the planet. Its width is 320 km. Here is the largest river island on the planet – Marajo, almost coinciding with Switzerland in area.

A fifth of the total number of effluents to the oceans comes from the Amazon. It brings only suspended particulate matter in its waters 900 million tons per year. The flow is full throughout the year. When water rises caused by rainy seasons, the river spills over large spaces, becomes wide up to 50 km and in some places forms impenetrable swamps. Most of the Amazon is in Brazil, as well as in Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador. To the Andes Mountains, the navigable riverbed is almost 4.5 thousand km away. Ocean vessels can enter only 1.7 thousand km to the port of Manaus. Many ports have been built along the river. Among them are Obidus, Belen, Iquitos and others. According to the calculations of scientists of the Brazilian University, the river is 9 million years old, and the age of forests around – 100 million. The river is so wide that the first travelers took it overseas. Only one bridge was built across the Amazon and not even over the main rudder.

History of the opening of the Amazon

It is believed that the Amazon was discovered by the Spaniard F. Orellana. A conquistador with a squad in western South America saw a river. He decided that she was entering the Pacific Ocean and set off with the flow. The detachment crossed South America in a wide place on the continent, making it the very first of all Europeans, and found itself in the Atlantic Ocean. In 1542, during the journey, the Spaniards met the Amazonian tribe, and began a battle with them. Scientists are sure that these are not Amazons, but Indians with long hair. Therefore, the conquistadors thought that they were militant women. Orellana decided to give the river her name, but after the battle he changed to « Amazon ». For the first time from the delta to the beginning of the source, Amazon was overcome in 1639 by a traveler from Portugal P. Teixeira. The former is with him K. Akunya was the first to describe the river, the surrounding banks, fauna and flora.

Flora and fauna

Scientists believe that Amazonia is the planet’s genetic fund – so diverse and rich in its animal and plant world. Among the studied and identified species for every 10 square meters. km of the jungle surrounding the river, on average, there are 750 tree species, 1,500 species of flowers, 2.5 million species of insects, 125 – mammals, 400 – birds and many invertebrates. Today, a significant part of the species is not described or investigated. In the jungle surrounding the river, 3 thousand types of fruits are growing. Half of the creatures living on the planet live around the Amazon. Swimming in the river is dangerous – there are many crocodiles and the famous piranhas live.

In the rainforest, 800 species of palm trees grow. Among animals, copybars, bumps, – river dolphins are often found. On the river you can see the wonderful giant plant – Victoria Regia water lily, which can withstand the weight of a person.

The climate in the jungle of Amazonia is hot and humid. In river waters, 2 thousand species of fish live. Among them is a giant Arawan, rare tambaki, lepidosyrene. The sounds of « singing » fish – hara and catfish are often heard above the river. Amazon is the birthplace of some aquarium fish. For example, a scalar and guppy. The tropical forests of the Amazon – are one of the main sources of oxygen on the planet, produce the fifth. The jungle is overgrown with powerful lianas and so thick that you literally have to cut the road through them.

Interesting facts

• Scientists at a depth of 4 km near the Amazon discovered the giant underground river Hamza ( is an unofficial name used by the scientific community ), similar in length, and a width of 400 km.
• During the tide, a huge wave appears on the river, going against the tide sometimes up to 1000 km.
• In 2011. The Amazon was recognized as one of the seven great natural wonders of the world.
• Even today, Amazonia has little studied.
• Martin Strel from Slovenia sailed the entire length of the river in 2 months, overcoming 80 km per day. On foot along the entire river was British Ed Stafford in 859 days.
• The Amazon is approximately equal to Australia.
• The river pours such a giant amount of water into the ocean that desalrates it within a radius of 150 km from the point of infusion.
• Entire civilizations appeared and disappeared on the banks of the river over the period of its history. So far, about 50 tribes that do not come into contact with the world live in Amazonia.