For a long time it was believed that the longest river in the world is the Nile. However, thanks to modern technology and numerous studies by scientists, it became known that this is not entirely true. Using the data obtained from satellites, they managed to prove that the representative of the African continent is not strong, but still inferior in length to the Amazon. It should be noted that until that time she was in second place on our planet (in duration). Evidence is officially recognized, therefore, speaking of what is the longest river in the world, we can now safely mention the Amazon, which is also the most full-flowing one.
Revolutionary research
Superiority in terms of the length on the planet of the main South American artery was proved by the representatives of the "National Center of the country for space" in Brazil. For a long time they studied it using satellite data based on the calculations of the expedition of Peruvian and Brazilian scientists. The fact is that during its conduct, a new source of the Amazon was discovered, which is located not in the northern part of Peru, as previously thought, but in the mountains in the south of the state. As a result, determining what the longest river on the planet, scientists came to the conclusion that the length of the representative of South America was about 6,800 kilometers, while the same indicator of the Nile was about 6,695 kilometers. Finding out the exact length is quite problematic, since it depends on the correct definition of the source. Regardless of how it is considered for the Amazon, it will still be longer.
Location
The longest river on Earth originates in the Peruvian Andes, at an altitude of 5 thousand meters above sea level, and ends in the Atlantic Ocean. A water artery flows through the territory of countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil. It should be noted that in its basin is half of the twenty largest rivers in the world. Quite interesting is the fact that most of the Amazon is located on Brazilian territory, whose population speaks Portuguese.
general description
At its core, the longest river on Earth is a whole system consisting of coastal forests and smaller water arteries. The total length of all its waterways is more than 25 thousand kilometers, while the basin area is 7.2 million square kilometers. Together with it, about a fifth of all the freshwater reserves of the planet flows into the Atlantic Ocean . The volume of infusion is so huge that the composition, color and salinity of ocean waters change at a distance of more than 300 kilometers from the coast. The Amazon is born by the merger of Maranon and Ucayali. The area of its inner delta is more than 100 thousand square kilometers.
The place with the greatest depth of the Amazon, which is 135 meters, is located next to the port of Obitus. This value can be compared with the average of the Baltic Sea. In dry periods of the year, the longest river on Earth covers an area of about 110 thousand square kilometers with its waters. This indicator increases more than three times in the rainy season. Moreover, if in the first case the width of the river is up to 11 kilometers, then in the second it can spill over 40 kilometers. Two-thirds of the total length of this waterway is navigable. Moreover, even ocean-going ships that rise along the mouth to the city of Manaus, located 1,690 kilometers from its beginning, can even enter here. It should be noted that the largest river island on the planet, known as Marajo, is located on the Amazon.
Name Origin
Speaking about the name of the longest river in the world, one cannot but mention the origin of this name. Most historians and researchers are confident that it was given by the Spanish conquistadors. Indeed, when these European conquerors landed on the South American continent, they often had to engage in battle with the locals. Among the natives, along with men, women fought fearlessly. With their fury and courage, the Indian women reminded the Spaniards of the legend of the Amazons of ancient times. The imagination of the conquistadors was so amazed that they named the local aquatic artery just like that. It should be noted that some historians believe that in reality only men who were mistaken for women because of long hair were at war. Be that as it may, the name of the longest river on the planet was invented by the Spaniards at that time.
Flora and fauna
The local flora simply amazes the human imagination with its diversity. As of today, scientists have been able to thoroughly study less than one third of its parts. At the same time, one cannot but note the fact that approximately 25% of all the medicinal components of plant origin used in world medicine are extracted in local forests. The fauna is also quite diverse. About 1,500 species of fish live in the Amazon. One of the most unusual species is a bull fish, reaching five hundred kilograms in weight and four meters in length. In addition, about 250 species of mammals and 1800 species of birds are found here (including on the banks). One of the most striking representatives of the local fauna was pink freshwater dolphins that can hunt even in a flooded forest. One cannot but note the large number of piranhas - predatory fish, which have become a real embodiment of horror due to cinema.
Water shafts
One of the main attractions, which is famous for the longest river on Earth, is the famous gigantic water shafts that are located in its mouth, near the small town of Belene. They reach a height of five meters and roll upstream. This process occurs during the ocean tides and is accompanied by a strong roar. The shafts are so strong that they can be felt even at a distance of 1400 kilometers from the mouth of the Amazon.
Visit
The air temperature on its shores all year round is in the range from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius. Along with this, autumn is considered the best time of year to visit the Amazon. As for the most unfavorable period, it is considered spring, which falls in the rainy season. Around September, the water recedes and exposes the local forests and beaches.
conclusions
Summing up, it should be noted that disputes between experts regarding what is the longest river on the planet are ongoing. In this regard, there is no doubt that the allegations and evidence made by Brazilian scientists will be challenged. Be that as it may, the length of the Nile has also changed lately. True, unlike the Amazon, the main African waterway has somewhat decreased. The once-longest river in the world was shortened due to the construction of the Aswan Dam with the Nasser reservoir, which began in 1960.