What are the primary characteristics that define the Amazon River in terms of its global significance?

The Amazon River is recognized as the world's largest river by discharge volume of water and is either the longest or second-longest river system globally, a title it disputes with the Nile River. It plays a crucial role in global hydrology, representing about 20% of the total riverine discharge into the world's oceans.

What is the origin of the Amazon River's name, and what are the different theories behind it?

The name "Amazon" is believed to have originated from Francisco de Orellana's 16th-century expedition, during which his forces were attacked by native warriors, some of whom were women. This encounter reminded Orellana of the mythical Amazon warriors from Greek mythology. An alternative theory suggests the name might derive from the Tupi word 'amassona,' meaning 'boat destroyer,' though this claim lacks strong citation.

What is the geological history of the Amazon River's formation and its current course?

Geological studies suggest that millions of years ago, the Amazon River flowed eastward towards the Pacific Ocean. The formation of the Andes Mountains blocked this path, causing the river to reverse its flow and eventually carve its current eastward course to the Atlantic Ocean. This process also led to the transformation of a vast inland sea into the freshwater ecosystem of the Amazon basin.

How did pre-Columbian societies interact with and shape the Amazon River basin's environment?

Pre-Columbian societies in the Amazon basin developed complex settlements, often on elevated mounds. They actively altered the forest's ecology through selective cultivation and the use of fire, creating nutrient-rich 'terra preta' soils that supported large populations and complex social structures. These practices may have influenced regional climate and forest ecology.

Who were some of the key European explorers associated with the Amazon River, and what were their contributions?

Vicente Yáñez Pinzón was the first documented European to sail the Amazon in 1500, initially naming it 'Río Santa María del Mar Dulce.' Francisco de Orellana later made the first documented journey from the Andes to the Atlantic, baptizing several tributaries and giving the river its current name. Pedro Teixeira was the first European to travel the entire length of the river upstream.

What role did scientific exploration play in understanding the Amazon River in the 18th and 19th centuries?

From the 18th century through the first half of the 19th century, numerous scientific expeditions explored the Amazon. Notable figures like Charles Marie de La Condamine, Alexander von Humboldt, Johann Baptist von Spix, Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius, Henry Walter Bates, and Alfred Russel Wallace contributed significantly to the zoological and botanical understanding of the region.

How did the rubber boom impact the development and population of cities along the Amazon River?

The international demand for natural rubber during the rubber boom significantly boosted the economic development of Amazonian cities. For instance, Iquitos in Peru transformed into a cosmopolitan center, with its population growing from 200 in 1851 to 20,000 by 1900, driven by foreign companies involved in rubber extraction.

What was the significance of steam navigation in opening up the Amazon basin in the 19th century?

The authorization of steam navigation on the Amazon in 1850, spearheaded by the Viscount of Mauá, marked a crucial step in developing the region's interior. Initial services connected major cities like Pará and Manaus, gradually expanding to tributaries and smaller streams, facilitating commerce and economic exploitation.

What were the goals and outcomes of Brazil's 20th-century development programs in the Amazon basin, such as Operation Amazon and the National Integration Program (PIN)?

Brazil's 20th-century development programs, like Operation Amazon and the National Integration Program (PIN), aimed to integrate the Amazon basin into the national economy and encourage settlement. Operation Amazon promoted large-scale agriculture and ranching through incentives, while PIN involved relocating families from northeastern Brazil and building infrastructure like the Trans-Amazonian Highway. However, these programs faced challenges, with many settlers unprepared for the rainforest ecosystem and significant portions of the infrastructure falling into disrepair.

What is the current debate surrounding the Amazon River's length compared to the Nile River?

There is an ongoing debate about whether the Amazon or the Nile is the world's longest river. While historically the Nile was considered longer, recent studies, including one by Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE) in 2008, suggest the Amazon might be longer, with reported lengths varying significantly due to measurement challenges and differing definitions of source and mouth points.

What are the primary sources considered for the Amazon River's origin?

For many years, the Apurímac River's headwaters on Nevado Mismi in Peru were considered the most distant source. However, a 2014 study proposed that the Mantaro River's headwaters on the Cordillera Rumi Cruz, also in Peru, are the true most distant source, making the Amazon potentially longer than previously thought.

Describe the geographical features of the Upper Amazon, also known as the Solimões.

The Upper Amazon, or Solimões as it's known in Brazil, begins after the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers. This section runs primarily through Brazil and Peru, forming part of the border between Colombia and Peru. It is characterized by extensive floodplains and numerous tributaries, with the river itself often dividing into anabranches or multiple channels separated by islands.

What defines the Lower Amazon, and what is the significance of the 'Meeting of Waters' near Manaus?

The Lower Amazon begins where the Rio Negro meets the Rio Solimões. The 'Meeting of Waters' is a notable phenomenon where these two rivers flow side-by-side for several kilometers without mixing due to differences in temperature, speed, and water composition. Below this point, the river widens significantly as it approaches the Atlantic Ocean.

What are the different measurements and disputes regarding the width of the Amazon River's mouth?

The width of the Amazon's mouth is debated due to the complex geography of the region, including the Pará River and Marajó Island. If the Pará estuary and Marajó's ocean frontage are included, the mouth can be considered about 325 km wide. More conservative measurements, focusing on the main channel or excluding the Pará, result in widths ranging from 180 km down to about 15 km.

Why are there no bridges spanning the entire width of the Amazon River?

There are no bridges across the entire main stem of the Amazon River primarily because the sparsely populated rainforest region through which it flows has limited need for such crossings. While engineers could theoretically build bridges due to the river's width, the lack of major roads and cities on its banks means ferries are generally sufficient for transportation.

What is the approximate size of the Amazon River's drainage basin, and how does it compare globally?

The Amazon basin is the largest drainage basin in the world, covering approximately 7,050,000 square kilometers (2,720,000 square miles). This vast area represents about 40% of the South American continent, highlighting the river's immense hydrological influence.

How does the Amazon River's discharge volume compare to other major rivers worldwide?

The Amazon River's average discharge is exceptionally high, estimated between 206,000 and 230,000 cubic meters per second. This volume is greater than the combined discharge of the next seven largest independent rivers globally, and it accounts for about 20% of the total freshwater entering the world's oceans.

What is the 'pororoca,' and how does it relate to the Amazon River's mouth?

The 'pororoca' is a phenomenon occurring at the Amazon River's mouth during the Atlantic's high tide in the late northern hemisphere winter. It is a tidal bore, characterized by a leading wave that can be up to 7.6 meters high and travel inland for hundreds of kilometers, significantly impacting the river's lower reaches.

What geological processes shaped the Amazon River's basin and led to the formation of the Amazon rainforest?

The formation of the Andes Mountains played a crucial role in shaping the Amazon basin. The tectonic uplift associated with the Andes blocked the river's westward flow, creating a vast inland freshwater lake that eventually drained eastward, giving rise to the Amazon River and the extensive rainforest ecosystem.

What is 'terra preta,' and what is its significance in the Amazon's history?

'Terra preta,' meaning 'Indian dark earth,' refers to areas of unusually fertile, dark soil found in the Amazon basin. These soils were created by pre-Columbian indigenous populations through practices like the addition of charcoal and organic waste. The existence of terra preta indicates advanced soil management techniques that supported large, complex societies.

What are some of the major challenges currently facing the Amazon River and its basin?

The Amazon River faces significant challenges, including the impact of illegal gold mining on indigenous communities like the Yanomami, severe droughts leading to increased water temperatures and wildlife deaths (like the Amazon river dolphin), and the potential environmental consequences of numerous dams planned for its tributaries, which could disrupt fish migration and nutrient flow.

Which are considered the most significant tributaries of the Amazon River based on their discharge volume?

The Madeira River is the most significant tributary by average annual discharge, contributing about 15% of the Amazon's total flow. Other major tributaries in terms of discharge include the Negro River (14%), Japurá River (9%), Marañón River (8%), and Tapajós River (6%).

What is the 'Meeting of Waters' phenomenon, and where does it occur?

The 'Meeting of Waters' is a natural phenomenon where the dark, acidic waters of the Rio Negro flow alongside the sandy, sediment-rich waters of the Rio Solimões (the upper Amazon) for several kilometers without mixing. This occurs near Manaus, Brazil, creating a visually striking boundary between the two distinct river systems.

What is the 'Hamza River,' and where is it located in relation to the Amazon River?

The 'Hamza River' is a large underground aquifer discovered parallel to the Amazon River. Its existence was announced in 2011, suggesting a significant subterranean water system beneath the Amazon basin, though its exact nature and connection to the main river are subjects of ongoing study.

What are some of the notable mammals found in the Amazon River system?

The Amazon River system is home to several unique mammals, including the boto, or Amazon river dolphin, known for its color change with age and use of echolocation. Other significant species include the tucuxi dolphin, the Amazonian manatee (a vulnerable herbivore restricted to freshwater), and the giant otter, a top carnivore facing population decline.

What types of reptiles inhabit the Amazon River, and what are some notable examples?

The Amazon River basin hosts various reptiles, including the anaconda, one of the world's largest snakes, which primarily inhabits shallow waters. Additionally, species of caimans, which are crocodilians related to alligators, and numerous species of turtles are found within the river and its surrounding habitats.

How does the Amazon River's fish diversity compare to other global river systems?

The Amazon River boasts exceptional fish diversity, serving as the center of diversity for neotropical fishes. With over 5,600 known species as of 2011, and approximately fifty new species discovered annually, it represents a significant portion of the world's freshwater fish biodiversity. Many of these species, like the neon tetra and angelfish, are popular in the aquarium trade.

What is the significance of the Arapaima (pirarucu) in the Amazon River ecosystem?

The Arapaima, known locally as 'pirarucu,' is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, reaching lengths of up to 4.6 meters. It is a significant species in Amazonian fisheries and represents a key part of the river's diverse ichthyofauna.

What are some of the challenges faced by the Amazon rainforest's biodiversity due to human activities?

The Amazon rainforest's biodiversity faces challenges from human activities such as the construction of dams, which can disrupt fish migration and nutrient flow, and deforestation, which leads to habitat loss. These factors, coupled with pollution and climate change, threaten the delicate ecosystem and the survival of countless species.

What is the 'casiquiare canal,' and why is it notable?

The Casiquiare canal is a unique natural river channel that acts as a distributary of the upper Orinoco River, flowing southward to connect with the Rio Negro, which in turn flows into the Amazon River. It is notable for being the largest river system on Earth that links two major, distinct river systems, forming a natural bifurcation.

What is the typical annual flooding pattern of the Amazon River and its tributaries?

The Amazon River and its tributaries experience seasonal flooding, with different branches flooding at different times. For instance, the Rio Negro typically starts flooding in February or March and recedes by June, while the Madeira River's flood cycle occurs about two months earlier than most others. The main Amazon River's floodwaters can rise over 9 meters, inundating vast areas of the surrounding 'várzea' or flooded forests.

How navigable is the Amazon River, and what are the limitations for different types of vessels?

The Amazon River is highly navigable. Large ocean steamers can reach Manaus, located 1,500 km upstream from the mouth. Smaller ocean vessels with a draft of up to 5.5 meters can navigate further to Iquitos, Peru, 3,600 km from the sea. Beyond that point, smaller riverboats can ascend even higher, with navigation limited by rapids and smaller channels in the upper reaches.

What is the 'sediment load' of the Amazon River, and where is it typically measured?

The Amazon River carries a significant sediment load, estimated at 754 million tons per year, as measured at the Óbidos gauging station. This load contributes to the river's characteristic muddy appearance and influences the Atlantic Ocean's salinity, pH, and sedimentation patterns in the vast plume generated by its discharge.

What are the main microbial groups found in the Amazon River's water column?

Recent metagenomic studies have identified several dominant microbial groups in the Amazon River's water column. These include Actinomycetota, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Thermoproteota, providing insight into the river's pristine ecosystem's microbial composition.

What is the significance of the 'terra preta de índio' in the context of Amazonian history and ecology?

'Terra preta de índio' refers to areas of dark, highly fertile soil created by indigenous peoples in the Amazon. This practice, believed to have started around 11,000 years ago, made land sustainable for large-scale agriculture, supporting significant populations and complex societies. Its ecological effects may also explain regional rainfall patterns.

How does the Amazon River's discharge contribute to the Atlantic Ocean's characteristics?

The Amazon River discharges an enormous volume of freshwater into the Atlantic Ocean, estimated at up to 300,000 cubic meters per second during the rainy season. This freshwater plume extends far into the ocean, influencing its salinity, pH, light penetration, and sedimentation over a vast area, sometimes reported as up to 2,500,000 square kilometers.

What are the main reasons cited for the lack of bridges across the Amazon River's main channel?

The primary reasons for the absence of bridges across the main Amazon River are the low population density and limited road infrastructure in the vast rainforest region it traverses. While the river's width is bridgeable, the economic and logistical necessity for such large-scale structures is generally lacking, with ferries serving as the primary means of crossing.

Which countries does the Amazon River flow through or form a border with?

The Amazon River flows through Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. It also forms part of the border between Colombia and Peru, and its vast basin encompasses territories of several other South American countries.

What is the 'casiquiare canal,' and what makes it unique?

The Casiquiare canal is a natural river channel that connects the Orinoco River system to the Amazon River system via the Rio Negro. It is unique as the largest known river bifurcation on Earth, linking two major river basins and allowing water to flow between them.

What is the approximate average depth of the Amazon River in its lower reaches?

In its lower reaches, the Amazon River has an average depth ranging from 20 to 50 meters (66 to 164 feet), with some areas reaching depths of up to 100 meters (330 feet). This considerable depth allows for navigation by large vessels far inland.

What is the 'pororoca,' and what are its characteristics?

The 'pororoca' is a tidal bore that occurs in the Amazon River's estuary, particularly during the high tide of the Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by a powerful wave, sometimes reaching up to 7.6 meters (25 feet) in height, that travels upstream for hundreds of kilometers, creating significant turbulence and erosion.

What role did the uplift of the Andes Mountains play in the Amazon River's geological history?

The tectonic uplift of the Andes Mountains, beginning around 15 million years ago, played a critical role in shaping the Amazon River. This uplift blocked the river's original westward flow towards the Pacific, causing it to reverse direction and form a vast inland lake that eventually evolved into the modern Amazon River flowing eastward to the Atlantic.

What are some of the fish species found in the Amazon River that are popular as aquarium specimens?

The Amazon River is home to numerous fish species popular in the aquarium trade, including the neon tetra and the freshwater angelfish. These species are part of the region's immense fish diversity, with many new species still being discovered.

What is the significance of the 'Meeting of Waters' in relation to the Amazon and Rio Negro rivers?

The 'Meeting of Waters' is a significant natural phenomenon where the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimões (the upper Amazon) converge near Manaus. The distinct colors and temperatures of the two rivers cause them to flow side-by-side for several kilometers without mixing, creating a unique visual and hydrological boundary.

How has the Amazon River's course potentially changed over geological time?

Recent geological studies suggest that the Amazon River may have originally flowed westward, possibly as part of a larger transcontinental river system connecting to Africa. The uplift of the Andes Mountains is believed to have reversed this flow, leading to the river's current eastward path to the Atlantic and the formation of the Amazon rainforest.

What is the 'Amazon plume,' and what impact does it have on the Atlantic Ocean?

The 'Amazon plume' refers to the vast area of freshwater discharged by the Amazon River into the Atlantic Ocean. This plume covers a significant portion of the ocean surface, affecting its salinity, light penetration, and sedimentation, demonstrating the river's immense influence on marine environments.

What are the primary challenges faced by the Yanomami tribe in the Amazon basin?

The Yanomami tribe, an indigenous group of approximately 30,000 people in the Amazon basin, faces challenges in preserving their land, culture, and way of life. These threats stem from illegal gold mining activities, malnutrition, and the spread of diseases like malaria, highlighting the environmental and social pressures within the region.

What is the 'Amazonia National Park,' and where is it located?

Amazonia National Park is a protected area located in Brazil. It is situated within the Amazon basin, contributing to the conservation efforts for the region's rich biodiversity.

What is the approximate average discharge of the Amazon River at its estuary?

The average annual discharge of the Amazon River at its estuary is estimated to be between 206,000 and 230,000 cubic meters per second, based on data from 2003 to 2015. This immense flow underscores its status as the world's largest river by volume.

What is the significance of the 'Meeting of Waters' near Manaus?

The 'Meeting of Waters' is a natural phenomenon where the dark Rio Negro and the sandy Rio Solimões flow side-by-side without mixing due to differences in temperature, speed, and water composition. This occurs near Manaus, Brazil, and is a notable hydrological feature of the Amazon River system.

What are the main microbial groups identified in the Amazon River's water column?

Metagenomic studies have identified Actinomycetota, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Thermoproteota as the most important microbial groups inhabiting the Amazon River's water column, reflecting the unique microbial life within this ecosystem.

Amazon River Wiki: The Amazon's Arteries: A Journey Through Earth's Greatest River

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

A Lifeline of South America

The Amazon River, known natively as Amazonas in Portuguese and Río Amazonas in Spanish, is a major river in South America. It is the longest river in the world and the largest by discharge volume of water.

Unmatched Discharge

The Amazon's average discharge is greater than that of the seven largest rivers of the world combined. At the mouth, its discharge is so great that it affects salinity and currents in the Atlantic Ocean.

Geographic Significance

Flowing through the heart of South America, the Amazon basin is the largest drainage basin in the world, supporting unparalleled biodiversity and playing a critical role in global climate regulation.

Geography

Countries and Cities

The river traverses three countries:

Peru: Originating in the Andes, with cities like Iquitos.
Colombia: Bordering Peru and Brazil, with Leticia.
Brazil: Where most of its course and basin lie, featuring major cities such as Tabatinga, Tefé, Itacoatiara, Parintins, Óbidos, Santarém, Almeirim, and Macapá.

Source and Mouth

The river's source is identified as the Apurímac River, originating from Nevado Mismi Peak in the Arequipa Region of Peru, at an elevation of 5,220 meters (17,130 ft). It empties into the Atlantic Ocean in Brazil, forming a vast delta.

Dimensions

Length

The precise length of the Amazon is subject to debate, with estimates ranging from approximately 3,750 km (2,330 mi) to as much as 6,400–6,500 km (4,000 mi) when considering its longest tributaries.

Basin Size

The Amazon basin, including the Tocantins River, is the largest drainage basin globally, spanning an immense area of 6,743,000 to 7,000,000 km² (2,603,000 to 2,700,000 sq mi).

Width and Depth

The river's width varies significantly, from a minimum of 700 meters (2,300 ft) in its upper reaches to 10–14 km (6.2–8.7 mi) in its lower sections, expanding to 340 km (210 mi) at its estuary. Average depths range from 15–45 meters (49–148 ft), reaching up to 150 meters (490 ft).

Flow & Discharge

Average Discharge

The Amazon's average discharge is approximately 206,000 to 215,000 cubic meters per second (7,300,000 to 7,600,000 cubic feet per second) when excluding the Tocantins River. Including the Tocantins, this figure rises to about 230,000 m³/s (8,100,000 cu ft/s).

Discharge Extremes

The river's flow fluctuates seasonally. Minimum recorded discharge is around 180,000 m³/s (6,400,000 cu ft/s), while maximums can reach up to 340,000 m³/s (12,000,000 cu ft/s), showcasing its immense power and variability.

The Amazon Basin

Vast Ecosystem

The Amazon basin is the largest drainage basin on Earth, covering approximately 7,000,000 square kilometers (2,700,000 square miles). It is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, hosting a significant portion of the planet's species.

Ecological Importance

This vast region is crucial for global climate patterns, acting as a massive carbon sink and influencing weather systems across continents. Its intricate network of rivers and rainforests forms a complex and vital ecosystem.

Key Cities

Peruvian Hub

Iquitos, located in Peru, is a major city situated on the Amazon River, accessible only by water or air, highlighting the river's role as a primary transport route.

Border Cities

Leticia (Colombia) and Tabatinga (Brazil) are neighboring cities situated on opposite banks of the Amazon, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the region.

Brazilian Metropolis

Manaus, located at the confluence of the Rio Negro and Solimões River (which form the Amazon), is a major industrial and port city, showcasing the river's economic importance.

River Ports

Other significant Brazilian cities along the Amazon include Santarém (at the mouth of the Tapajós River), Óbidos (known for its narrowest point), Itacoatiara, Parintins, Almeirim, and Macapá near the delta.

Major Tributaries

Left Bank Tributaries

Notable tributaries joining from the left (north) include the Marañón, Napo, Putumayo, Japurá, and the expansive Rio Negro, which famously meets the Solimões (Amazon) without mixing immediately.

Right Bank Tributaries

Significant tributaries from the right (south) include the Ucayali, Javary, Juruá, Madeira (one of the largest), Xingu, and Tocantins rivers, each contributing immense volumes of water and sediment.

The River's Course

Andean Origins

The journey begins high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, with the Apurímac River often cited as the most distant source, flowing from Nevado Mismi Peak.

Transcontinental Flow

The river winds its way eastward, forming borders and flowing through Peru, Colombia, and extensively through Brazil, covering thousands of kilometers.

Key Points Along the Way

Major points of interest and cities mark its path:

Source: Nevado Mismi, Peru (~6575 km from mouth)
Pucallpa: Major Peruvian port city (~4939 km)
Iquitos: Largest city solely accessible by water in Peru (~3690 km)
Leticia: Colombian border city (~3145 km)
Manaus: Brazilian metropolis at the confluence with Rio Negro (~1437 km)
Mouth: Atlantic Ocean, Brazil (~0 km)

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Amazon River" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about amazon_river while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Amazon River Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Information

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional geographical or hydrological advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official geographical surveys, hydrological data, or seeking advice from qualified experts. Always refer to authoritative sources for critical geographical information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Amazon's Arteries

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 🌍

💧 A Lifeline of South America

🌊 Unmatched Discharge

🗺️ Geographic Significance

Geography 🗺️

🇵🇪🇨🇴🇧🇷 Countries and Cities

⛰️ Source and Mouth

Dimensions 📏

➡️ Length

🌳 Basin Size

↔️ Width and Depth

Flow & Discharge 🌊

📊 Average Discharge

📉 Discharge Extremes

The Amazon Basin 🌳

🌐 Vast Ecosystem

🌿 Ecological Importance

Key Cities 🏙️

📍 Peruvian Hub

🇨🇴🇧🇷 Border Cities

🇧🇷 Brazilian Metropolis

🇧🇷 River Ports

Major Tributaries ➡️

🔗 Left Bank Tributaries

🔗 Right Bank Tributaries

The River's Course 🛤️

⛰️ Andean Origins

🇵🇪➡️🇨🇴➡️🇧🇷 Transcontinental Flow

🏙️ Key Points Along the Way

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Information

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Lifeline of South America

Unmatched Discharge

Geographic Significance

Geography

Countries and Cities

Source and Mouth

Dimensions

Length

Basin Size

Width and Depth

Flow & Discharge

Average Discharge

Discharge Extremes

The Amazon Basin

Vast Ecosystem

Ecological Importance

Key Cities

Peruvian Hub

Border Cities

Brazilian Metropolis

River Ports

Major Tributaries

Left Bank Tributaries

Right Bank Tributaries

The River's Course

Andean Origins

Transcontinental Flow

Key Points Along the Way

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Information