Language
Country/Area
No result found
How big is the Amazon River? It has enough water to swallow seven of the largest rivers in the world!
The Amazon River, this magnificent river flowing through South America, is not only famous for its huge volume of water, but also the largest river in the world. It is estimated that the Amazon River discharges about 215,000 to 230,000 cubic meters of water per second. This staggering amount is enough to exceed the seven largest rivers in the world combined. This makes the Amazon basin one of the largest in the world, covering an area of approximately 7,000,000 square kilometers, larger than any other river basin.
The volume of water in the Amazon shows its importance in nature. The river's flow accounts for 20% of the global river discharge into the ocean.
The Origin of Amazon
In decades of research, the source of the Amazon River has been considered to be the upper reaches of the Apurimac River in Peru. Over time, through in-depth exploration of the geology and re-evaluation of the river's flow, scientists have discovered that the Amazon River was formed with its own unique geological history. The Amazon River, which originally flowed westward, changed its direction due to the formation of the Andes Mountains, and eventually flowed into the Atlantic Ocean, forming the spectacular river channel we see today.
Aboriginal civilization
Before the arrival of Europeans, the Amazon was the cradle of a thriving indigenous civilization. Archaeologists have discovered that humans settled in this fertile land as early as 7,500 years ago. The development of agricultural technology in these ancient societies allowed them to maintain large populations and build complex social structures.
The soils of the Amazon are enriched by indigenous farming and clearing techniques, allowing sustainable agriculture to flourish in the forest.
European exploration and colonization
Beginning in 1500, with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, the Amazon became a new hotspot for exploration and exploitation. Explorers such as Michael Orellana named the various tributaries of the Amazon and examined them in detail. His adventures not only increase our understanding of the Amazon, but also uncover the myths and business opportunities of this mysterious land.
Developments and challenges in modern times
Since the 20th century, the Amazon region has experienced dramatic changes. As the Brazilian government promotes agricultural and infrastructure development, the natural environment of the Amazon has been severely damaged. Today, more and more dam projects are underway that could have irreversible impacts on local ecology.
Scientists worry that dam construction in the Amazon basin will contribute to the collapse of the ecosystem, leading to major social and environmental challenges in the coming decades.
The future of the Amazon
In today's society, the fate of the Amazon River not only affects South America, but also has an impact on the environment of the entire earth. As climate change and human activities challenge this natural wonder, the protection of the Amazon River has become the focus of global attention.
What will the future hold for this river and its surrounding ecosystem? Is this a question worth pondering?
