what is the amazon river famous for

• When it’s the wet season, the Amazon River can reach over 190 km in width. That’s seriously wide.
• This river is so massive that it is apparently responsible for one-fifth of the freshwater that reaches the Oceans – wow that’s amazing!
• There is not one single bridge that crosses the river. Why? Well, it runs through rainforests, so boats are your only option here!

Full Answer

Why is the Amazon River the longest river in the world?

The Amazon River supplies more fresh water to the world’s oceans than any other river. It also has the more tributaries than any other river and the world’s largest watershed. Though a National Geographic article published in 2007 offers some evidence that the Amazon is the longest river in the world,...

What is the biodiversity of the Amazon River?

The Amazon river forms one of the largest biodiversity areas in the world as it is the location of the tropical rainforest, the Amazon. It is home to 2.5 million different insect species, 2,200 fish species, tens of thousands of plant species, and 2,800 species of birds and animals. The waters support a diverse range of wildlife.

Where is the source of the Amazon River?

In the late 1600s Czech Jesuit Father Samuel Fritz, apostle of the Omaguas, established some forty mission villages. Fritz proposed that the Marañón River must be the source of the Amazon, noting on his 1707 map that the Marañón "has its source on the southern shore of a lake that is called Lauricocha, near Huánuco.".

Who was the first European to explore the Amazon River?

The first European to explore the Amazon, in 1541, was the Spanish soldier Francisco de Orellana, who gave the river its name after reporting pitched battles with tribes of female warriors, whom he likened to the Amazons of Greek mythology. Although the name Amazon is conventionally employed for...

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What are 5 facts about the Amazon river?

15 Facts About the Amazon River That'll Blow Your MindThe Amazon River originates in Peru. ... The Amazon River System meanders through nine South America countries. ... A Slovenian athlete once swam almost the entire length of the Amazon River, in 66 days. ... The Amazon River provides 20% of the ocean's fresh-water supply.More items...•

Why is the Amazon so famous?

Amazon is the largest and most successful retailer in the western world because they built the best customer experience. Customers expect 3 core things when they buy products online: Large Selection: Consumers always want to find the product they are looking for and, of course, this product should be in stock.

What is the biggest thing in the Amazon river?

In the waters The biggest water-dwelling mammal, and probably the biggest mammal in the Amazon altogether, is the Amazonian Manatee. A distant relative of the elephant, the Amazonian Manatee can grow up to 2.8m and weigh up to 540kg, with the female usually larger than the male of the species.

What is the Amazon basin famous for?

Not only does the Amazon encompass the single largest remaining tropical rainforest in the world, it also houses at least 10% of the world's known biodiversity, including endemic and endangered flora and fauna, and its river accounts for 15-16% of the world's total river discharge into the oceans.

What is unique about Amazon?

What makes Amazon unique is that the company has never been content to "stay in its lane." The company began as an online retailer and is now a (perhaps the) powerhouse in cloud computing operations.

Why is it called Amazon?

At the time, website listings were alphabetized, so he wanted a word that started with "A." When he landed on the word "Amazon," the name of the largest river on the planet, he decided that was the perfect name for what would become earth's largest bookstore.

Can you swim in the Amazon river?

0:366:00Is it safe to swim in the Amazon River? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlaces. We are in the mouth of the Amazon River also known as the Amazon basin.MorePlaces. We are in the mouth of the Amazon River also known as the Amazon basin.

Why does Amazon River create monsters?

0:1810:55Why Does the Amazon River Create Monsters? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe amazon has been creating murderers and monsters for over 60. Million years. And here is proof ofMoreThe amazon has been creating murderers and monsters for over 60. Million years. And here is proof of how dangerous the world once was what are those vertebrae. They don't look very threatening.

What is the most common animal in the Amazon river?

Monkeys. For many, monkeys are the highlight of a visit to the Amazon rainforest. Monkeys are the most closely related animal to humans and are found everywhere in the forest.

Can you drink Amazon River water?

Yes, there is a lot of water in the Amazon River basin, but it's no longer safe to drink. CONAPAC has been providing clean water systems to our Adopt-A-School partners since 2008. However, not all communities in our program are large enough to need a permanent centrally located water treatment plant.

What lives in the Amazon river?

The Amazon is one of Earth's last refuges for jaguars, harpy eagles, and pink river dolphins, and it is home to sloths, black spider monkeys, and poison dart frogs. It contains one in 10 known species on Earth, 40,000 plant species, 3,000 freshwater fish species, and more than 370 types of reptiles.

Why is the Amazon river called the king of water?

The Amazon River is called the 'King of Waters' because it is the largest river by discharge volume of water in the world. and disputed as the the second largest river in the world. It is located in South America and with a length of 6,400 km.

What is Amazon's secret to success?

Customer obsessed is different and better than being competitor obsessed. Customer obsession is key to Amazon's success. Carr explains to us that Amazon is a customer-obsessed company, not a competitor-obsessed company.

Why Amazon is the best company?

Amazon India ranked #1 in the list of Best Companies to Work For in India, as part of a survey conducted by Business Today. The survey highlighted aspects such as growth and learning opportunities, clarity of company goals, and flexibility at work that were strong in the fabric of Amazon's work culture.

What makes Amazon different from its competitors?

Amazon offers its consumers greater ease of use over other retail e-commerce web-sites. It's superior search and query, recommendations based on past purchases, one-click ordering at check-out, multiple consumer reviews and ratings, and most recently dash buttons for automatic re-ordering are key differentiators.

How is Amazon so big?

It's a conglomerate, ripe for the picking by the trustbusters. And the lion's share of its profits comes not from the sale of products on its website but primarily from Amazon Web Services, which provides cloud computing resources to businesses and other institutions, and secondarily from online advertising.

Where is the Amazon River located?

The Amazon River is located in the northern portion of South America, flowing from west to east. The river system originates in the Andes Mountains...

How long is the Amazon River?

Most researchers believe that it is at least 4,000 miles (6,400 km) long. However, no definitive measure is available because no one is entirely su...

Why is the Amazon River famous?

The Amazon is well known for a number of reasons. It is the greatest river of South America and the largest drainage system in the world in terms o...

What animals live in the Amazon River?

About 2,500 fish species have been found within the Amazon system, but many more remain unidentified. Among the more important commercial species a...

Where is the Amazon River located?

The Amazon River is located in the northern portion of South America, flowing from west to east. The river system originates in the Andes Mountains of Peru and travels through Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Brazil before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Roughly two-thirds of the Amazon’s main stream is within Brazil.

How long is the Amazon River?

Most researchers believe that it is at least 4,000 miles (6,400 km) long. However, no definitive measure is available because no one is entirely sure where the Amazon ends and begins. Given the complexity of the river system, much of which is in remote areas, researchers have proposed several locations in Peru as its source. As to its end point, the Amazon has three outlets to the Atlantic Ocean: two on the northern side of Marajó Island in Brazil and one to the island’s south that joins the Pará River. Scientists have typically selected one of the northern outlets, since the Pará is an estuary of the Tocantins River, which is technically separate from the Amazon.

Why is the Amazon River famous?

The Amazon is well known for a number of reasons. It is the greatest river of South America and the largest drainage system in the world in terms of the volume of its flow and the area of its basin. While there is some debate about its length, the river is generally believed to be at least 4,000 miles (6,400 km) long, which makes it the second longest river in the world after the Nile River in Africa. The Amazon is also famous for the rainforest found along its shores. The Amazon Rainforest represents about half of Earth’s remaining rainforest and is the world’s largest biological reservoir, home to more than a million species.

What is the Amazon rainforest?

The Amazon Rainforest represents about half of Earth’s remaining rainforest and is the world’s largest biological reservoir, home to more than a million species. Read more about the Amazon Rainforest.

Which is longer, the Nile or the Amazon?

Amazon River, Portuguese Rio Amazonas, Spanish Río Amazonas, also called Río Marañón and Rio Solimões, the greatest river of South America and the largest drainage system in the world in terms of the volume of its flow and the area of its basin. The total length of the river—as measured from the headwaters of the Ucayali - Apurímac river system in southern Peru —is at least 4,000 miles (6,400 km), which makes it slightly shorter than the Nile River but still the equivalent of the distance from New York City to Rome. Its westernmost source is high in the Andes Mountains, within 100 miles (160 km) of the Pacific Ocean, and its mouth is in the Atlantic Ocean, on the northeastern coast of Brazil. However, both the length of the Amazon and its ultimate source have been subjects of debate since the mid-20th century, and there are those who claim that the Amazon is actually longer than the Nile. ( See below The length of the Amazon .)

How far does fresh water dilute the ocean?

This immense volume of fresh water dilutes the ocean’s saltiness for more than 100 miles (160 km) from shore. Central and Northern Andes and the Amazon River basin and drainage network Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

What is the name of the area that is subject to flooding?

The extensive lowland areas bordering the main river and its tributaries, called várzeas (“floodplains”), are subject to annual flooding, with consequent soil enrichment; however, most of the vast basin consists of upland, well above the inundations and known as terra firme.

Why is Rio Amazonas called Rio?

The name Rio Amazonas was reportedly given after native warriors attacked a 16th-century expedition by Francisco de Orellana. The warriors were led by women, reminding de Orellana of the Amazon warriors, a tribe of women warriors related to Iranian Scythians and Sarmatians mentioned in Greek mythology . The word Amazon itself may be derived from the Iranian compound *ha-maz-an- " (one) fighting together" or ethnonym *ha-mazan- "warriors", a word attested indirectly through a derivation, a denominal verb in Hesychius of Alexandria 's gloss "ἁμαζακάραν· πολεμεῖν. Πέρσαι" (" hamazakaran: 'to make war' in Persian"), where it appears together with the Indo-Iranian root *kar- "make" (from which Sanskrit karma is also derived).

What is the Amazon River?

The Amazon was initially known by Europeans as the Marañón, and the Peruvian part of the river is still known by that name today. It later became known as Rio Amazonas in Spanish and Portuguese, and Amazon River in English.

How many people lived in the Amazon basin in 1850?

The population of the Brazilian portion of the Amazon basin in 1850 was perhaps 300,000 , of whom about two-thirds were Europeans and slaves, the slaves amounting to about 25,000. The Brazilian Amazon's principal commercial city, Pará (now Belém), had from 10,000 to 12,000 inhabitants, including slaves.

What is the largest drainage basin in the world?

The Amazon basin is the largest drainage basin in the world, with an area of approximately 7,000,000 square kilometres (2,700,000 sq mi). The portion of the river's drainage basin in Brazil alone is larger than any other river's basin.

How much of the Amazon River flows into the ocean?

At an average discharge of about 209,000 cubic metres per second (7,400,000 cu ft/s; 209,000,000 L/s; 55,000,000 USgal/s)—approximately 6,591 cubic kilometres per annum (1,581 cu mi/a), greater than the next seven largest independent rivers combined—the Amazon represents 20% of the global riverine discharge to the ocean. The Amazon basin is the largest drainage basin in the world, with an area of approximately 7,000,000 square kilometres (2,700,000 sq mi). The portion of the river's drainage basin in Brazil alone is larger than any other river's basin. The Amazon enters Brazil with only one-fifth of the flow it finally discharges into the Atlantic Ocean, yet already has a greater flow at this point than the discharge of any other river.

What is the largest river in the world?

The Amazon River ( UK: / ˈæməzən /, US: / ˈæməzɒn /; Spanish: Río Amazonas, Portuguese: Rio Amazonas) in South America is the largest river by discharge volume of water in the world, and the disputed longest river in the world.

Which country is the Amazon River?

The river systems and flood plains in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela, whose waters drain into the Solimões and its tributaries, are called the "Upper Amazon". The Amazon proper runs mostly through Brazil and Peru, and is part of the border between Colombia and Perú.

What is the Amazon River Dolphin?

The Amazon River dolphin is one of just a few river dolphins on Earth. Michel VIARD / Getty Images. The Amazon River Dolphin ( Inia geoffrensis ), also known as the pink river dolphin or boto, is one of just four species of "true" river dolphins.

Why are there no bridges on the Amazon River?

10 The lack of bridges is due, in part, to the seasonal changes in the Amazon River bed. During the rainy season, the Amazon River can rise over 30 feet, tripling the width of the River in some places. The Amazon's soft river banks erode as with the seasonal inundation of rainwater, making previously sturdy areas into unstable floodplains. 11 Any bridge to cross the Amazon River would need to be incredibly long to have sure footing. There are also few roads connecting to the Amazon River, with the Amazon River itself used for most people's transportation needs. 12

What are some interesting facts about the Amazon River?

12 Fascinating Facts About the Amazon River. Liz is a marine biologist, environmental regulation specialist, and science writer. She’s previously studied Antarctic fish, seaweed, and marine coastal ecology. The Amazon River is unparalleled to any other river on Earth. The massive volumes of water the Amazon carries feed ...

What oceans does the Amazon River move into?

The Amazon River releases so much freshwater into the Atlantic Ocean , it alters sea level in the Caribbean. As freshwater leaves the mouth the Amazon, it gets picked up by the Caribbean Current, which carries the water to the Caribbean islands.

How much freshwater does the Amazon River release?

The River releases around 200,000 liters of freshwater into the ocean every second. Together, this freshwater flow accounts for nearly 20% of all river water that enters the sea. 2. 3. And the Second Longest River on Earth. At about 4,000 miles long, the Amazon River is the second-longest river in the world.

How long does a Dorado catfish live?

The dorado catfish can grow to be over six feet long and migrates over 7,200 miles to complete its life cycle. 6. 7.

Why are dolphins killed?

The dolphins are also killed by fishermen for use as bait to catch catfish. In recent years, fisherman have switched from catching the "capaz" catfish ( Pimelodus grosskopfii) to the "mota" ( Calophysus macropterus ), the latter of which is easily attracted by Amazon River dolphin bait. 5. 6.

How does deforestation affect the Amazon rainforest?

An interrupted hydrological cycle will increase the amount of water running off the surface and increased water levels. Losing the Amazon rainforest would speed up climate change, provoke wildfires, and lead to unpredictable rain patterns and droughts, all of which would have dire consequences for human life.

What is the habitat of the Amazon River Dolphin?

Along with the Orinoco, the Amazon is the main habitat of the boto , also known as the Amazon river dolphin, the largest river dolphin measuring up to 2.6 m in length. Also present in the Amazon waters are piranhas, carnivorous fish that congregate in large schools and attack animals and sometimes even humans.

Why was Amazon named Amazon?

The name Amazon was adopted after a battle between Francisco de Orellana and the Pira-tapuyas peoples. It was customary for this Indigenous group that women fought alongside the men.

What is the second longest river in the world?

Amazon River. The Amazon River is the second-longest river in the world after the Nile and the largest river in South America. It is the lifeblood of the world’s largest ecosystem that spans about two-fifths of the South American continent. Running about 6,400 km from the headwaters of the Apurímac river system, ...

How far is the mouth of the Amazon River?

The mouth of the Amazon is measured from Cabo do Norte to Punto Patijoca in northern Brazil, a distance measuring 325 km. This distance is inclusive of the ocean outlet and front of Marajó Island. A tidal phenomenon, known as the tidal bore, occurs here where the tide starts as a roar and progresses in speed up to 24 km per hour with a breaking up to 4 m high. Due to the tidal bore, the Amazon River does not have a true delta. The ocean carries away the silt brought in by the river making it impossible for the formation of a delta.

What is the development of the Amazon basin?

There is a massive road construction program that integrates the Northern region with the rest of Brazil, providing an alternative escape route from the crowded and drought-stricken Northeast.

What is the largest biodiversity area in the world?

The Amazon river forms one of the largest biodiversity areas in the world as it is the location of the tropical rainforest, the Amazon. It is home to 2.5 million different insect species, 2,200 fish species, tens of thousands of plant species, and 2,800 species of birds and animals. The waters support a diverse range of wildlife.

What are the animals that live in the Amazon?

Some of the most well-known animals from the region are the jaguar, ocelot and the three-toed sloth. The waters of the Amazon are also teaming with life, and some estimates place the number of fish species as high as 5,000.

What was the interior of the Amazon Basin?

The interior of the Amazon Basin saw little development until the 20th century, and the area remained largely inaccessible and uncultivated. Since then, a network of highways has been built linking major cities and allowing greater access to available resources.

Why is the Amazon River important?

The importance of the Amazon River is not defined solely by its size. It is the life-blood of an incredibly vast and diverse rain forest. This tropical rain forest is the largest in the world. It overlaps the boundaries of nine countries and the wildlife is so abundant that an estimated one-third of the world’s animal species can be found there.

Which river supplies the most fresh water to the oceans?

The Amazon River supplies more fresh water to the world’s oceans than any other river. It also has the more tributaries than any other river and the world’s largest watershed.

How long did Martin Strel swim?

A man named Martin Strel swam the entire length, yes all 6,400km, of the Amazon River in 2007. He swam like crazy for about 10 hours a day for 66 days. That was brave!

How long is the Amazon River?

The Amazon River runs through the north of the rainforest and it is about 6,400km. Just to give you an idea of how long that really is, it is about 5,800km to fly from the UK to America and the Amazon River is longer than that! Unbelievable.

How many species are there in the Amazon River?

How many species are there in the Amazon River? Well, there are over 3,000 known species in the river, but they are always discovering new species.

Why did the Amazon River get its name?

But why did he call it this? Apparently, he and his men came across a tribe of fierce women and it reminded him about the story from ancient Greece about Amazons who were warrior women. So he called it the Amazon, maybe to warn travelers to come about these fierce women!

Why is the River Sea called the River Sea?

Because it is so massive, it is sometimes called The River Sea.

Which river runs through the Amazon rainforest?

The Amazon River. The Amazon River runs right through the Amazon Rainforest, and way beyond! This is one mighty river, and we’ve got some cool facts for you to learn more about this giant of a river. The Amazon River is in South America but it’s so long that it also runs through Guyana, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.

Who was the first European to sail into the Amazon River?

Here’s a little history lesson for you. Vicente Yanez Pinzon was the first European to sail into the Amazon River in 1500. The first European who traveled the entire length of the Amazon River was Francisco de Orellana in 1542. He gave the river its name.

What river flows through Vietnam?

The Mekong River forms a border between East Asia and Southeast Asia. It passes through or borders the countries of Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, China, and Myanmar. Some 60 million people rely on the Mekong River. It supports one of the largest and most diverse fishing industries in the world. Some of the common species found in the Mekong include giant river carp, freshwater stingray, Siamese giant carp, and giant catfish.Aside from being a source of food, the Mekong is considered to be second of all rivers in terms of biodiversity importance, behind the Amazon.

What is the Orinoco River?

The majority of the river is in the country of Venezuela, but it also cuts into Columbia. This river is the fourth largest river in the world by discharge volume. Historically this river was a main means of transportation, and still offers passage through Venezuela. The region is also important for its rich diversity of plants and animals, including Orinoco crocodiles, river dolphins, giant river otters, the giant anaconda and more than 1,000 fish species.

Why is the Nile River important?

It is the sole reason such prominent cities were able to be established in the area, and it offered irrigation and the possibility of fertile soil to ancient Egyptian civilizations.

What river is Varanasi on?

The Indian city of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges River. Editorial credit: Roop_Dey / Shutterstock.com

What is the Amazon known for?

The Amazon is also famous for being a rich and biodiverse ecosystem. Both the river itself and the shores along its edges are full of a variety of important plant and animal species, many of which can only be found in this region.

What is the longest river in Australia?

Murray river is Australia’s longest river, and is located in the south-eastern part of the country. It measures 2508 kilometres long, and passes through New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. As Australia is a dry and arid country, water sources such as the Murray are highly important. This river provides water for roughly 1.5 million homes across Australia,and is also used as an irrigation source for local farms.

What is the Mississippi River?

The Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America and measures roughly 3730 kilometers in length . This wide and winding river is an impressive sight to see, and it passes through or borders ten different U.S. states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. As such, it is one of the world’s most important commercial water sources, providing power for many nearby cities. Its sheer size also means it is a habitat for a range of animals, and is a migratory line for many species of birds and fish.

What is the name of the tidal bore that occurs at times in the estuary, prior to?

A tidal bore called the pororoca occurs at times in the estuary, prior to spring tides. With an increasing roar, it advances upstream at speeds of 10 to 15 miles (16 to 24 km) per hour, forming a breaking wall of water from 5 to 12 feet (1.5 to 4 metres) high. At the Óbidos narrows, the flow of the river has been measured at 7,628,000 cubic feet ...

Where does the rain come from in the Amazon basin?

The main influx of atmospheric water vapour into the basin comes from the east. About half of the precipitation that falls originates from the Atlantic Ocean; the other half comes from evapotranspiration from the tropical forest and associated convectional storms. Rainfall in the lowlands typically ranges from 60 to 120 inches (1,500 to 3,000 mm) annually in the central Amazon basin (e.g., Manaus). On the eastern and northwestern margins of the basin, rainfall occurs year-round, whereas in the central part there is a definite drier period, usually from June to November. Manaus has experienced as many as 60 consecutive days without rain. Moreover, in 2005 the Manaus region experienced a devastating drought, which caused parts of the river to dry up; this made transportation difficult, depleted drinking supplies, and left millions of rotting fish in the riverbed. Such extreme periods of drought are uncommon to the Manaus region, but fluctuations in the river’s level—thought to be related to climatic events and continued deforestation in the area—have continued to be of concern. The dry season is not sufficiently intense to arrest plant growth, but it may facilitate the onset and spread of fires, whether arsonous or natural. To the west the Andes form a natural barrier that prevents most of the water vapour from leaving the basin. The influence of mountains on rainfall is indicated by the high levels of precipitation in the upper piedmont and by the cloud-steeped Andean flanks, which feed the rivers that form a large part of the Amazon system. The highest amounts of precipitation, up to 140 inches (3,500 mm), are recorded in the upper Putumayo along the Colombian border.

How many floods does the Amazon River have?

The upper course of the Amazon has two annual floods, and the river is subject to the alternate influence of the tributaries that descend from the Peruvian Andes (where rains fall from October to January) and from the Ecuadoran Andes (where rains fall from March to July).

How is the rise and fall of the Amazon River controlled?

The rise and fall of the water is controlled by events external to the floodplain. The floods of the Amazon are not disasters but rather distinctive, anticipated events. Their marked regularity and the gradualness of the change in water level are due to the enormous size of the basin, the gentle gradient, and the great temporary storage capacity ...

What mountain range blocks warm moist air?

Learn how the Andes Mountains block warm moist air, causing persistent heavy rainfall on their eastern slopes that feeds the Amazon River.

How many days has Manaus been without rain?

Manaus has experienced as many as 60 consecutive days without rain. Moreover, in 2005 the Manaus region experienced a devastating drought, which caused parts of the river to dry up; this made transportation difficult, depleted drinking supplies, and left millions of rotting fish in the riverbed.

How much rain does the Amazon rainforest get?

Rainfall in the lowlands typically ranges from 60 to 120 inches (1,500 to 3,000 mm) annually in the central Amazon basin (e.g., Manaus). On the eastern and northwestern margins of the basin, rainfall occurs year-round, whereas in the central part there is a definite drier period, usually from June to November.

How many dams are there in the Andes?

The river is characterized by 20 hydroelectric dams constructed in the Andes with most of the power generated exported to Brazil or used locally in Ecuador and Peru. The construction of dams on Marañón River has been vehemently opposed because they disrupt the major source of Amazon River and destroy habitat and migration of fish.

How many countries are there in the Amazon River?

The river has a total length of 4,345 miles, and it is shared by four South American countries: Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Colombia. Amazon River originates from Rio Mantaro drainage and leaves Andean plain surrounded by floodplains. The river then runs through Brazil and Peru and forms part of the border between Peru and Colombia.

Where is the Amazon River?

It rises to the north of Lima, Peru and flows through the Andean Valley before cutting through the jungle Andes and flowing into the Amazon Basin. Marañón River covers a distance of 1,079 miles from its source in Peru to the Amazon Basin. The river is characterized by 20 hydroelectric dams constructed in the Andes with most of the power generated exported to Brazil or used locally in Ecuador and Peru. The construction of dams on Marañón River has been vehemently opposed because they disrupt the major source of Amazon River and destroy habitat and migration of fish. Most of the villages along the banks of Marañón River depend on the river for their livelihood. The river is also an important transport route that connects different villagers.

What is the land around Putumayo used for?

The land around Putumayo was used for rubber production during the Amazon rubber boom in the 19th century. Today, Putumayo River is a major transport route with the entire length of the river being navigable by boat. Cattle farming are also a major industry on the banks of the Putumayo River.

How do dams affect rivers?

The construction of dams along the rivers have affected the flow of water and led to the destruction of natural habitats for most of the reptiles and fishes. The dams have also interrupted the migration and movement of these water animals. Pollution is also a major threat to the rivers with most of the industrial wastes finding their way to the rivers. These pollutions also affect the water life and the quality of water accessible by the household. Overfishing has threatened some fish species in these rivers hence conservation efforts have been initiated to control and preserve the rivers.

What are the two main water systems in Ecuador?

The rivers at the La Sierra are narrow and flow rapidly over the slopes. The rivers in Ecuador form two water systems; Esmeraldas River and Guayas.

What are the major regions of Ecuador?

Ecuador has four major geographical regions including La Cost (the coast), La Sierra (the Highlands), La Amazonia, and La Region Insular which includes the Galapagos Islands. La Sierra, which consists of the Andean mountains, is a watershed which runs to the east and the Pacific. The rivers in Ecuador are formed in the La Sierra ...

Overview

Watershed

Etymology

History

Course

Geology

Flora and fauna

Major tributaries

Exploration and Naming

Course of The Amazon

Amazon Biodiversity and Ecosystem

• The Amazon river forms one of the largest biodiversity areas in the world as it is the location of the tropical rainforest, the Amazon. It is home to 2.5 million different insect species, 2,200 fish species, tens of thousands of plant species, and 2,800 species of birds and animals. The waters support a diverse range of wildlife. Along with the Ori...

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Developing The Amazon Basin

Threats and Ecological Concerns