Today, the Amazon is the longest river in the world. It is located in South America, in the territories of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It is worth noting that the Amazon holds many other geographical records.
Origin of the Name
As is known, in ancient Greek mythology, there were myths about the Amazons – a mythical tribe consisting only of women. However, the Greeks, naturally, did not know about the existence of South America. When the New World was discovered by Europeans, the conquistadors thought they had discovered the Amazons. The first mention of them dates back to 1539.
In 1542, Francisco de Orellana discovered the Amazon River but initially wanted to name it after himself. However, after his expedition encountered the Amazon women in battle, Francisco, impressed by what he saw, decided to name the river after them.
In fact, there was no special female tribe in South America. It is believed that either women from indigenous tribes fought alongside men, forming special female squads, or the Spaniards simply encountered a tribe where even men had long hair.
Nature of the Amazon
Around the Amazon, which is estimated to be 9 million years old, a unique ecosystem has developed. Its basis consists of tropical forests. It is believed that the forests around the Amazon make up about 50% of all the world’s tropical forests, which is why they are often called the “lungs of the planet.”
Even at night during the winter, the temperature here never drops below 20°C. The climate of the Amazon is characterized by a huge amount of rainfall. About 4000 mm of precipitation can fall in a year.
One of the most notable plants in these forests is lianas. They are thin but very long stems that often wrap around other trees. There are also many species of palms, about 800 species.
Among the animal inhabitants, anacondas stand out – the largest snakes on the planet. They often hunt in the water. There have been cases where they managed to defeat crocodiles.
Also, in the forests of the Amazon, you can find capybaras – the largest rodents on Earth. The length of the animal can reach 1.35 meters, and the height can reach up to 60 cm. The weight of some individuals exceeds 60 kg.
Perhaps the most famous inhabitants of the Amazon itself are piranhas. These fish are dangerous predators that hunt in packs. An adult individual can easily bite off a person’s finger.
However, most species of piranhas are not dangerous to humans. They hunt in huge shoals, often attacking other fish. There have even been cases of cannibalism when piranhas ate their wounded comrades.
Interesting Facts about the Amazon River:
Fact #1
Every second, the Amazon discharges about 220,000 cubic meters of water into the Atlantic. This makes it the most voluminous river on Earth. In comparison, the Congo, which ranks second in this indicator, has a water discharge of only 41,800 cubic meters per second, which is 5 times less than that of the Amazon.
Fact #2
Also, the greatest South American river has the largest basin. Its area reaches 7.18 million square kilometers, which is comparable to the area of Australia.
Fact #3
The Amazon has a huge number of tributaries, 20 of which are longer than 1,500 km. The largest of them are Jurua, Purus, Issa, and Japura.
Fact #4
Ships can navigate the Amazon for 4,300 km, almost to the Andes mountain range. Ocean ships can reach the port of Manaus, which requires covering about 1,700 km.
Fact #5
The area of the Amazon Delta exceeds 100,000 square kilometers. It contains the Marajo Island with an area of 40,000 square kilometers. It is considered the largest river island on the planet. However, it is partially washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, so its record status is disputed.
Fact #6
In 2011, a grand geographical discovery was made. It turns out that under the Amazon, at a depth of 4 km, there is another river! Its length is estimated at 6,000 km, making it the longest underwater river in the world. It was named the Hamza, in honor of one of the Amazon researchers.
The water in the Hamza differs in high salinity. The speed of the river’s current is only a few centimeters per year.
Fact #7
The Amazon rainforest is often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” because it produces approximately 20% of the world’s oxygen. The vast expanse of trees absorbs carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, helping to regulate the Earth’s climate.
Fact #8
The Amazon River Basin is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Scientists estimate that the Amazon rainforest harbors about 10% of the world’s known species.
Fact #9
During the wet season, the Amazon River can expand to over 30 miles (48 kilometers) in width in some places, flooding vast areas of the surrounding forest and creating temporary habitats known as “várzea” and “igapó.”
Fact #10
The Amazon River has a unique tidal phenomenon called the “pororoca,” which occurs when the tidal bore travels upstream against the current for hundreds of kilometers, creating waves that can reach up to 4 meters (13 feet) high.
Fact #11
The Amazon River is a lifeline for indigenous communities living along its banks, providing water for drinking, fishing for food, and transportation. These communities have developed rich cultural traditions and knowledge systems closely tied to the river and the surrounding rainforest.
Fact #12
The Amazon River has significant economic importance, serving as a vital transportation route for goods and commodities. It facilitates trade between remote communities and urban centers, supporting industries such as agriculture, forestry, and mining.
Fact #13
The Amazon River is under threat from deforestation, illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development. These activities contribute to habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and environmental degradation, posing a significant risk to the health of the river and its surrounding ecosystem.
Fact #14
Efforts are underway to protect the Amazon River and its rainforest basin through conservation initiatives, sustainable development projects, and indigenous land rights recognition. Conservation organizations, governments, and local communities are working together to safeguard this invaluable natural resource for future generations.
Fact #15
The Amazon River has inspired countless explorers, scientists, writers, and filmmakers to study and document its biodiversity, cultural richness, and ecological importance. Its sheer size, biodiversity, and cultural significance continue to captivate people around the world, making it one of the most iconic rivers on the planet.