The Parana River: the source and nature of the current

Parana is the second longest river in South America. By this indicator, it is second only to the Amazon. It is partly along the border of such three states as Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. A more detailed description of the Paraná River is presented in this article later.

Origin of the name

There are several options for translating the name of this waterway. The most popular of them is "a river as huge as the sea". Another famous name was the "river of misfortune". One of the ancient Indian tribes called it so because of the numerous stormy waterfalls. Quite often in historical information, you can find the name "sea mother". In general, it should be noted the following fact: whatever the name of this water flow of this or that tribe, it in any case emphasized the harsh nature of the Paraná River, its strength and great significance for people's lives.

Opening

It is commonly believed that it was discovered by a traveler from Spain named Juan Diaz de Solis. It was he who became the first European to visit its mouth. This happened in 1515. Only five years later Magellan visited here. In 1526, S. Cabot acquainted himself with the peculiarities of the area. Moreover, he became the first representative of Europe, who managed to enter the estuary.

Geographical position

The source of the Parana River is located in the southern part of the Brazilian plateau, while its estuary is on the Atlantic coast, in the Gulf of La Plata. The total length of this waterway is 4380 kilometers. As for the area of the basin, it is equal to 4250 km square. As already noted above, the water artery affects the territory of the three states, representing their partial natural boundary. The upper flow is characterized by high rapacity. In addition, there are also waterfalls.

Flowing

The beginning of Parana takes in the territory of Brazil. It is formed by the confluence of the rivers of Rio Grande and Paranaib. From this moment the water flow moves towards the Paraguayan town of Salto del Guaira. Previously, there was a waterfall of the same name, the height of which reached a mark of 33 meters. However, in 1982 in its place was built HPP "Itaipu" with a dam, which for a long time remained the largest on the planet. In the same place, Brazil borders Paraguay. After this, the direction of the Parana River turns south, and even later - to the west. This continues for 820 kilometers. A second hydro power plant was constructed on this site. It is called "Yasireta", and was put into operation in 1994. It should be noted that this is a joint Argentine-Paraguayan project.

After the confluence with its largest tributary (Paraguay River), Parana turns to the south. Further, on the territory of Argentina, its width reaches a point of three kilometers. In the province of Santa Fe, the stream slightly deviates to the east, after which it enters the final section. Its length is about 500 kilometers. On it the nature of the flow of the river Parana can be called very calm. Moving to the Atlantic Ocean, the water artery begins to disintegrate into numerous branches and ducts. As a result, further delta is formed, the width of which exceeds 60 kilometers, and the length is 130 kilometers. Directly into it falls the river Uruguay, after which two powerful flows create the world-famous estuary of Rio de la Plata.

Water regime and climatic features

The Parana River has mainly rain water. The period of maximum flooding lasts from January to May. Ample summer rains are typical for the area where the upper part of the pool is located. From June to August for the second time there is a strong jump in water level. In the greater part of the basin, an average of two thousand millimeters of precipitation a year falls on average. In general, the water level is uneven. The annual flow of water is about 480 cubic kilometers. Quite impressive is the number of sediments carried to the Atlantic Ocean . It reaches 95 million tons per year. A trail from them can be seen at a distance of up to 150 kilometers from the coast. The mouth has a funnel-like shape. The very exit into the ocean consists of the inner and outer zones. The first of them reaches a length and width of 180 and 80 kilometers, respectively. Her water is fresh. As for the depth, it does not exceed 5 meters. The second of these zones is characterized by a predominance of salty sea water and a depth of up to 25 meters.

Shipping

Naval vessels, along with other swimming means, whose draft does not exceed 7 meters, can enter the mouth at a distance of up to 640 kilometers, to the port of the Argentine city of Rosario. The Parana River is characterized by high hydropower potential. Its total value is estimated at 20 GW. A large hydropower complex was built near the waterfall of Urubupung. The largest ports built on the river are Rosario, Pasados and Santa Fe.

Significance for the population

This waterway is of great importance for the life of the population. Almost the entire southern part of the continent is inextricably linked with it. Not surprisingly, many Argentine, Brazilian and Paraguayan cities are on it. One of the most significant of them, without a doubt, is Buenos Aires. The number of its population exceeds the mark of three million people. In addition to it, several more cities are built on the banks, in which more than three hundred thousand people live, as well as many small villages and villages. The Parana River feeds thousands of fishermen. All this in a complex creates not just a huge agglomeration, but a whole macroeconomic region.

Flora and fauna

The river is the habitat of many representatives of flora and fauna. On the territory of national parks located in the water area there are some animals and plants that are classified as practically extinct species. In the green forests on the banks of Parana live jaguars, anteaters, boars, tapirs. Here lives not one dozen species of birds and insects. As already noted above, there is a huge amount of fish in the waters. It is so abundant here that catch is carried out on an industrial scale.

Tourist attraction

The Parana River annually attracts a huge number of tourists. One of the most interesting places in its water area is Iguazu - a waterfall, located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. In translation from the language of the Indians, its name means "great water". By itself, it is a delightful sight. The fact that the water flow here was created horseshoe-shaped steps, the width of which is about three kilometers. Thus, you can see the waterfall completely only from the airplane window. It should be noted that both countries on whose territory it is located have declared adjacent territories as national parks, covered with virgin, picturesque forests. They have the same names and are both attributed to the UNESCO World Heritage.