What is the longest river on earth?

For a long time it was believed that the longest river in the world was the Nile. However, thanks to modern technologies and numerous studies of scientists, it became known that this is not quite so. Using data obtained from satellites, they managed to prove that the representative of the African continent is not strong, but still inferior in length to the Amazon. It should be noted that until this time it was in the second position on our planet (by continuity). Evidence is officially recognized, therefore, speaking of what is the longest river in the world, now you can safely mention the Amazon, which is also the most full-flowing.

Revolutionary research

The championship in length on the planet of the main South American artery was proved by representatives of the "National Center of the country in space" in Brazil. They have studied it for a long time with the help of satellite data on the basis of calculations of the expedition of Peruvian and Brazilian scientists. The matter is that during its carrying out the new source of the Amazon which is located not in northern part of Peru as it was considered earlier, and in mountains in the south of the state has been found out. In the end, determining what the longest river on the planet, scientists came to the conclusion that the length of the representative of South America was about 6,800 kilometers, while the same figure for the Nile is about 6695 kilometers. Finding the exact length is quite problematic, since it depends on the correct definition of the source. Regardless of how to count it for the Amazon, it will still be longer.

Location:

The longest river on Earth originates in the Peruvian Andes, at an altitude of 5,000 meters above sea level, and ends in the Atlantic Ocean. The waterway flows through the territory of countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil. It should be noted that in its basin is located half of the world's twenty largest rivers. Quite interesting is the fact that most of the Amazon is on Brazilian territory, whose population speaks Portuguese.

general description

At its core, the longest river on Earth is an entire system consisting of coastal forests and smaller waterways. The total length of all its waterways is more than 25 thousand kilometers, while the area of the basin is 7.2 million square kilometers. Along with it, about a fifth of all freshwater reserves of the planet fall into the Atlantic Ocean . The volume of infusion is so huge that the composition, color and salinity of oceanic waters vary at a distance of more than 300 kilometers from the shore. The Amazon is born by the confluence of Maranhon and Ucayali. The area of its internal delta is more than 100 thousand square kilometers.

The site with the greatest depth of the Amazon, which is 135 meters, is located next to the port of Obitus. This value can be compared with the average similar indicator of the Baltic Sea. In droughty periods of the year, the longest river on Earth covers its territory with an area of about 110 thousand square kilometers. This figure increases more than three times during the rainy season. Moreover, if in the first case the width of the river is up to 11 kilometers, in the second it can be spread over 40 kilometers. At two-thirds of the total length, this waterway is navigable. Moreover, even oceanic ships can enter here, which rise along the mouth to the city of Manaus, located 1690 kilometers from its beginning. One can not but note the fact that the largest river island of the planet, known as Marajo, is located exactly on the Amazon.

Origin of the name

Speaking of the name of the longest river in the world, it is impossible not to mention the origin of this name. Most historians and researchers are confident that it was given by the Spanish conquistadors. And it is true, when these European conquerors landed on the South American continent, they often had to engage in battle with local residents. Among the aborigines, along with men, women also fearlessly fought. With their fury and courage, the Indians reminded the Spaniards of the legend about the Amazons of the times of antiquity. The imagination of the conquistadors was so astounded that they called the local water artery exactly that way. It should be noted that some historians believe that in fact only men fought, which because of long hair were taken for women. Whatever it was, the name of the longest river on the planet was invented by the Spaniards at the time.

Flora and fauna

Local flora simply amazes the human imagination with its diversity. As of today, scientists have managed to thoroughly study less than one-third of its part. Along with this, one can not but note the fact that approximately 25% of all medicinal components of plant origin used in the world medicine are extracted in local forests. The fauna is also quite diverse. In the Amazon, there are about 1500 species of fish. One of the most unusual species is the bullfish, reaching five hundred kilograms in weight and four meters in length. In addition, here (including on the shores), there are about 250 species of mammals and 1800 species of birds. One of the brightest representatives of the local fauna became pink freshwater dolphins, able to hunt even in a flooded forest. It should be noted and a large number of piranhas - carnivorous fish, which became a real embodiment of horror because of the cinematography.

Water shafts

One of the main attractions, which is famous for the longest river on the Earth, are the famous giant water canals that are located in its mouth, not far from the small town of Belene. They reach a five-meter mark in height and roll upstream. This process occurs during the oceanic tides and is accompanied by a strong crash. The shafts are so strong that they can be felt even 1400 kilometers from the mouth of the Amazon.

Visit

The air temperature on its banks all year round ranges from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius. Together with this, the best time of year for visiting Amazon is autumn. As for the most unfavorable period, they are considered to be spring, for which the rainy season falls. Approximately by September, water retreats and reveals local forests and beaches.

conclusions

To summarize, it should be noted that disputes between experts as to what the longest river on the planet is now going on. In this regard, there is no doubt that the statements and evidence made by the Brazilian scientists will be challenged. Whatever it was, the length of the Nile in recent times has also changed. True, unlike the Amazon, the main African waterway has somewhat decreased. The once longest river in the world was shortened due to the construction of the Aswan dam with the Nasser reservoir, which began in 1960.