Power sources of the Amazon River, its description

Amazon is a river with the largest pool in the world, it flows through the territory of South America. In this article, we will review the regime and food 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 unit fought with the tribe of the Amazons, so the river received this name. Modern historians believe that it was most likely Indian women or the Indians themselves with long hair.

River tributaries

By right, the Amazon is considered the most full-flowing river in the world and carries to the ocean 20% of the total fresh water. The water flow is so powerful that, pouring into the Atlantic Ocean, it changes its color and salt composition for another 320 km. The main sources of supply of the Amazon River are its tributaries to the north (Khavari, Gualaga, Tokantin, Ucayali, Hingu, Hutagi, Rio Preto, Teffe, Madeira, Aofi and Purus) and southern (Maronha, Trombetas, Santiago, Uatuma, Pastaca, Negro, Nalo, Yapur and Putumayo). Their total number is about 200, half of which are navigable. The location of the tributaries in different hemispheres explains the high water content of the river, since floods occur at different times of the year: on northern tributaries - during the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere (this is approximately October-April), in the southern hemisphere during the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere (April-October ). Thus, it turns out that the Amazon's power supply sources fill it with water all the year round.

Rain season

Rains begin in early March and go three months (until the end of May). In fact, the rains are important secondary sources of supply of the Amazon River after the tributaries. Under the influence of heavy rainfall, the river spills and leaves the banks. At this time, the water level can rise by 20 meters, which leads to many kilometers of flooding around. 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 on the contrary, as it were, "pressed" deeper. Most likely, this happens under the pressure of powerful ocean tides. According to eyewitnesses, during the sea tide in the mouth a water shaft is formed, whose height sometimes reaches 4 meters. Its strength is felt even at a distance of 1000 km from the delta. The mixing of sea water with the river attracts at the mouth of sharks that rise along the river and meet even at a distance of 3500 km from the ocean.

Flora and fauna of the Amazon

Rains as sources of supply of the Amazon River are very important for the adjacent tropical forests, because water is the basis of life not only for plants, but also for animals. There is always a warm, stable climate (the temperature is 25-28 ° C, at night not below 20 ° C), thanks to which 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. Such rare animals as anaconda, jaguar, boa, tapir, freshwater dolphin, arachnid monkey, caiman crocodile, sloth, armadillo live here. Among the birds the most famous are the hummingbird, toucan, numerous species of parrots. As for insects, they can not be counted here: only butterflies are more than 1800 species, mosquitoes - more than 200. Pisces are represented by piranhas, tukunar, piraruku, piraiba, etc.

Thus, it can be concluded that the Amazon River feeds in two ways: through its numerous tributaries, and also through the rainy season. This huge river carries a significant supply of fresh water, which is of great importance for South America.