The Amazon River stands apart from all other rivers on the planet. Its immense water flow sustains the Amazon rainforest, presents insurmountable challenges to bridge construction, and even measurably elevates sea levels in the Caribbean. Beyond its significance as a global freshwater source, the Amazon’s geological history, extraordinary biodiversity, and profound influence on human civilization solidify its position as one of Earth’s most captivating locations.
The Amazon River used to flow in the opposite direction
Originally, from 65 to 145 million years ago, the Amazon River’s flow was westward, emptying into the Pacific Ocean, a direction contrary to its present course. This westward flow was enabled by a highland region where the Amazon’s mouth is now located. However, the uplift of the Andes Mountains to the west ultimately caused the Amazon to change direction.
It has the greatest water volume of any river on Earth
The Amazon River is the world’s greatest river in terms of freshwater discharge. Every second, it pours approximately 200,000 liters of freshwater into the ocean. This immense outflow represents almost 20% of the total freshwater that all rivers combined contribute to the ocean.
This river is the second longest globally
The Amazon River, stretching approximately 4,000 miles, ranks as the world’s second-longest river, surpassed only by the Nile River’s 4,132-mile expanse. Following the Amazon in length is the Yangtze River, which is a mere 85 miles shorter.
It influences sea levels in the Caribbean
The vast quantities of freshwater discharged by the Amazon River into the Atlantic Ocean have a measurable impact, raising sea levels in the Caribbean Sea. This occurs as the freshwater exiting the Amazon’s delta is captured by the Caribbean Current and transported towards the Caribbean islands. Simulations estimate that the Amazon’s freshwater input elevates Caribbean sea levels by approximately 3 centimeters on average.
This is the habitat of the Amazon River Dolphin
The Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), also called the pink river dolphin or boto, is one of only four recognized species of true river dolphins, which are exclusively freshwater inhabitants, unlike their marine relatives. Fossil evidence suggests that the Amazon River dolphin emerged approximately 18 million years ago, based on a specimen found in the Pisco Basin of Peru. Despite being relatively common in the Amazon and Orinoco river systems, the Amazon River dolphin is now classified as an endangered species due to population reductions attributed to various human-induced factors.
Dam construction and pollution in the Amazon River significantly threaten Amazon River dolphin populations. Furthermore, these dolphins are hunted by fishermen for use as bait in catfish fishing. A shift in fishing practices from targeting the “capaz” catfish (Pimelodus grosskopfii) to the “mota” (Calophysus macropterus), which is easily lured using Amazon River dolphin bait, has exacerbated this problem.
This location is also inhabited by the Dorado Catfish
Among the six “goliath” catfish species inhabiting the Amazon River, the dorado catfish (Brachyplatystome rousseauxii) stands out as perhaps the most commercially significant. Reaching lengths exceeding six feet, this species undertakes an extraordinary migration of over 7,200 miles to complete its life cycle, a journey rivaled by few Amazonian fish. Like the related capaz and mota catfishes, the dorado is a vital component of the region’s fisheries.
It’s Named After a Greek Myth
Francisco de Orellana, the first European explorer to arrive in the region, bestowed the names “Amazon River” and “Amazon Rainforest” following his encounter with the indigenous Pira-tapuya people. During a conflict with de Orellana’s expedition, both Pira-tapuya men and women participated in the fighting.
The name also draws inspiration from Greek mythology, where the “Amazons” were described as a tribe of nomadic female warriors inhabiting the Black Sea region. While largely mythical, the Amazon legend has roots in the Scythians, a people renowned for their equestrian and archery skills. Unlike the all-female society depicted in Greek myths, Scythian women participated in hunting and warfare alongside men.
It is believed that de Orellana, recalling these myths, named the river “the Amazon” after observing the Pira-tapuya women fighting alongside the men, drawing a parallel to the female warriors of Greek legend.
The Amazon River is home to piranhas
The Amazon River, a vibrant ecosystem, is home to the notorious piranha. Despite their fearsome reputation as ruthless predators, these fish are often misunderstood. Native to the Amazon and its tributaries, piranhas comprise over 30 different species, each exhibiting unique behaviors and diets. Contrary to popular belief, piranhas are primarily scavengers, playing a vital role in the Amazonian ecosystem by consuming carrion and decaying organic matter.
It Has Over 100 Dams
A 2018 study revealed the Andean headwaters of the Amazon River are already impacted by 142 dams, with plans for 160 more. While these dams generate hydropower, they are detrimental to the Amazon’s delicate ecosystem. Brazilian fishermen on the Madeira River, a part of the Amazon system, are reporting declining fish populations, a consequence scientists link directly to the construction of these hydroelectric dams.
The Amazon River has no bridges
The Amazon River, home to 10 million people living along its banks, is exclusively crossed by boat. This is mainly because the river’s water level and width fluctuate dramatically with the seasons. During the rainy season, the Amazon can rise by more than 30 feet, tripling in width in certain areas. Furthermore, the river’s soft banks are prone to erosion during these floods, turning solid ground into unstable floodplains. Constructing a bridge across the Amazon would require immense length to ensure a stable foundation. The limited road infrastructure connecting to the river also contributes to the reliance on the Amazon itself for transportation.Edit
40% of South America’s water supply ultimately drains here
During the rainy season, the Amazon River’s water level dramatically increases due to the vast amount of water it receives – approximately 40% of South America’s total water runoff drains into it. The Amazon River watershed acts as an extensive collector, gathering rainfall from a wide area encompassing the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest.
