The Amazon is a river with the largest pool in the world, it flows through the territory of South America. In this article, we will consider the regime and nutrition of the Amazon River. It was discovered by the European Francisco de Orellana, who in 1542 crossed the mainland in its widest part. Here, according to Francisco, he, along with his squad, fought with the Amazon tribe, so the river received this name. Modern historians believe that these were most likely Indian women or Indians themselves with long hair.
Tributaries of the river
By right, the Amazon is considered the deepest river in the world and carries 20% of the total fresh water to the ocean. The water stream is so powerful that, pouring into the Atlantic Ocean, it changes its color and salt composition for another 320 km. The main sources of food for the Amazon River are its northern tributaries (Havari, Guallaga, Tokantin, Ukayali, Hingu, Hutagi, Rio Preto, Teffe, Madeira, Aofi and Purus) and southern (Maronya, Trombetas, Santiogo, Uatum, Pastac, Rio Negro, Nalo, Yapura and Putumayo). Their total number is about 200, half of which are navigable. The location of the tributaries in different hemispheres explains the full flow of the river, since floods occur at different times of the year: in the northern tributaries during the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere (approximately October-April), in the southern ones during the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere (April-October ) Thus, it turns out that power sources of the Amazon River fill it with water year-round.
Rain season
Rains begin in early March and last three months (until the end of May). In fact, rains are important secondary sources of nutrition for the Amazon River after tributaries. Under the influence of heavy rainfall, the river spills and overflows. At this time, the water level may rise by 20 meters, which leads to many kilometers flooding of the surroundings. Sometimes the flood lasts 120 days, after which the river recedes, and the banks return to their former borders.
The mouth of the Amazon
The mouth of this tropical river forms the largest delta in the world, and its width reaches 325 km. It is interesting to note that its delta does not protrude into the ocean, like other rivers, but rather, as it were, “is pressed” deep into. Most likely, this happens under the pressure of powerful ocean tides. According to eyewitnesses, during a tide at the mouth, a water shaft forms, the height of which sometimes reaches 4 meters. Its strength is felt even at a distance of 1000 km from the delta. The mixing of sea water with river attracts sharks at the mouth, which rise along the river and are found even at a distance of 3,500 km from the ocean.
Amazon Flora and Fauna
Rains as sources of food for the Amazon River are very important for the adjacent tropical forests, because water is the basis of life not only of plants, but also of animals. There is always a warm, stable climate (temperature is 25-28º, at night not lower than 20º), due to this there is a huge variety of plants and animals. It should be noted that only 30% of the fauna has been studied to date - more than 1800 species of birds, 1500 fish, more than 250 species of mammals. Rare animals such as anaconda, jaguar, boa, tapir, freshwater dolphin, arachnid monkey, Caiman crocodile, sloth, armadillo live here. Among the birds, the most famous are hummingbirds, toucans, and numerous species of parrots. As for insects, they simply can’t be counted here: there are more than 1800 species of butterflies and more than 200 species of mosquitoes. Fish are represented by piranhas, tukunar, pyraruku, piraiba, etc.
Thus, we can conclude that the Amazon River is fed in two ways: through its many tributaries, and also thanks to the rainy season. This huge river carries a significant supply of fresh water, which is of great importance for South America.