The Amazon River stands out as a river unlike any other in the world. It receives enormous amounts of water from the surrounding Amazon rainforest, rendering it unsuitable for bridge construction and contributing to the elevation of the ocean in the Caribbean Sea.
Beyond its function as a major source of freshwater worldwide, the Amazon River’s geological history, distinct fauna, and influence on human civilization contribute to its status as one of the most intriguing locations on our planet.
1. The Amazon River Once Flowed in the Opposite Direction
Around 65 to 145 million years ago, the Amazon River moved from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, in the opposite direction it moves now. Where the Amazon River meets the ocean now was once a highland that let the river flow west. The Andes Mountains in the west made the Amazon River change its direction.
2. Largest River in the World by Volume
The Amazon River holds the title for the world’s largest freshwater volume. It releases approximately 200,000 liters of freshwater into the ocean every second. Collectively, this freshwater discharge represents nearly 20% of the river’s total water flow that reaches the sea.
3. It’s the Second Longest River in the Earth
The Amazon River, stretching over 4,000 miles, ranks as the second-longest river globally. It is surpassed only by the Nile River, which spans a staggering 4,132 miles. Following the Amazon, the Yangtze River emerges as the third-longest, though it is only about 85 miles shorter in length.
4. It affects sea level in the Caribbean Sea
The Amazon River discharges an immense volume of freshwater into the Atlantic Ocean, significantly affecting the sea level in the Caribbean. As freshwater exits the Amazon’s mouth, it is absorbed by the Caribbean Current, which then transports it to the Caribbean islands.
On average, models estimate that the Amazon River contributes to sea levels around the Caribbean being approximately 3 centimeters higher than they would be without the freshwater input from the Amazon.
5. It’s Home to the Amazon River Dolphin
The Amazon River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), also referred to as the Amazon pink dolphin or boto, belongs to the exclusive group of four species known as “true” river dolphins. Distinct from their marine-dwelling relatives, these river dolphins are uniquely adapted to freshwater environments. A fossilized dolphin, dating back approximately 18 million years, was found in Peru’s Pisco Basin, providing insights into the evolution of the Amazon River Dolphin.
The Amazon River dolphin, despite its abundance in the waters of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers, is currently classified as an endangered species due to significant population declines attributed to various human activities. The construction of dams and pollution of the Amazon River have particularly devastating effects on these dolphins. Additionally, they are often targeted by fishermen for use as bait to catch catfish. In recent years, there has been a shift among fishermen from targeting the “capaz” catfish (Pimelodus grosskopfii) to the “mota” (Calophysus macropterus), a species that is more readily attracted to the bait used for Amazon River dolphins.
6. The Dorado Catfish Also Lives here
The Dorado catfish (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii) belongs to the group of “goliath” catfish species, alongside the Capaz and Mota catfishes, all of which are found in the Amazon River. These species are of significant commercial importance, with the Dorado catfish being arguably the most valuable among the Amazon’s catfishes. Capable of reaching lengths exceeding six feet, the Dorado catfish undertakes a remarkable journey, migrating over 7,200 miles to complete its life cycle.
7. It’s named After a Greek Myth
The Amazon River and the Amazon Rainforest were named by Francisco de Orellana, the first European explorer to reach the area, after encountering the indigenous Pira-tapuya people. In a battle against de Orellana and his men, Pira-tapuya men and women fought side by side.
According to Greek mythology, the “Amazons” were a group of nomadic female warriors who roamed the Black Sea. While their story is partially fictional, the myth of the Amazons draws inspiration from the Scythians, a people renowned for their mastery of horseback riding and archery. Contrary to the Greek myth, the Scythians were not a society exclusively of women. In fact, women in Scythian society participated alongside men in hunting and warfare.
According to this mythology, it is believed that de Orellana named the river “the Amazon” in memory of his encounter with the Pira-tapuya, comparing the women of the Pira-tapuya to the Amazons of Greek mythology.
8. A Family Canoed to the Amazon River from Canada
In 1980, Don Starkell, along with his two sons, Dana and Jeff, embarked on a canoe journey towards the Amazon River. However, Jeff decided to abandon the trip upon their arrival in Mexico. Despite this, Don and Dana continued their adventure. Nearly two years later, they finally reached the Amazon River. Throughout their journey, they paddled an impressive distance of over 12,000 miles.
9. It has Over 100 Dams
According to a 2018 study, the Amazon River’s Andean headwaters are home to 142 dams, with an additional 160 dams slated for construction. While these dams generate electricity through hydropower, they also have a detrimental impact on the Amazon River ecosystem. Fishermen along the Madeira River, which is part of Brazil’s Amazon River basin, have already observed adverse effects on the river’s fish populations, a phenomenon that scientists link to the construction of hydroelectric dams.
10. No Bridges Cross the Amazon River
All 10 million people residing along the banks of the Amazon River are limited to crossing the freshwater flow by boat. This scarcity of bridges, in part, stems from the seasonal fluctuations in the Amazon River’s bed. During the rainy season, the Amazon River can swell to over 30 feet, effectively tripling its width in certain areas. The Amazon’s soft riverbanks gradually erode with the seasonal inundation of rainwater, transforming previously stable areas into unstable floodplains.
Consequently, any bridge intended to cross the Amazon River would need to be exceptionally long to ensure stability. Additionally, there are few roads connecting to the Amazon River, with the river itself serving as the primary mode of transportation for most individuals.
