The Amazon River begins in the Andes Mountains in South America.
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The Amazon River, the largest river in the world, originates in the Andes Mountains and flows through the heart of the South American continent. This mighty river begins its journey from the confluence of two smaller rivers – the Ucayali and the Marañón – near the city of Nauta, in the Loreto region of northeastern Peru. The exact location of the Amazon River’s starting point can be found at the coordinates 3°17′09″S 73°55′31″W.
“The Amazon River is like no other river on Earth. It is a living, breathing system that pumps life throughout the continent,” says Dr. Richard R. Passega, a renowned environmental scientist. This river plays a crucial role in shaping not only the landscape but also the biodiversity and climate of the surrounding areas.
Here are some fascinating facts about the Amazon River:
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Length and Width: The Amazon River stretches approximately 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) from its source to its mouth, making it the second longest river in the world, after the Nile. It boasts an average width of about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles).
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Basin and Rainforest: The Amazon River Basin covers an astonishing 7 million square kilometers (2.7 million square miles) and is home to the Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth.” This expansive basin spans across nine countries: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
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Water Discharge: The flow rate of the Amazon River is unparalleled, with an average discharge of about 209,000 cubic meters per second (7,381,000 cubic feet per second). In comparison, this is greater than the combined flow of the next seven largest rivers in the world.
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Biodiversity Hotspot: The Amazon River and its surrounding rainforest support astonishing levels of biodiversity, housing an estimated 2.5 million insect species, tens of thousands of plant species, over 2,000 fish species, and hundreds of mammal and bird species. It is believed that nearly 20% of the world’s bird species reside within this ecosystem.
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Indigenous Communities: The Amazon River Basin is home to numerous indigenous communities that have relied on its resources for centuries. These communities have deep cultural connections to the river and play a vital role in preserving its delicate ecosystem.
Here is a table summarizing key details about the Amazon River:
Attribute | Details |
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Length | Approximately 6,400 km (4,000 miles) |
Width | Average width of approximately 11 km (6.8 miles) |
Basin Area | Covers 7 million sq km (2.7 million sq miles) |
Water Discharge | Average discharge of 209,000 cubic meters per second (7,381,000 cubic feet per second) |
Biodiversity | Home to millions of species, including 2,500,000 insect species, tens of thousands of plant species, and over 2,000 fish species |
Indigenous Communities | Numerous indigenous communities reside within the basin, maintaining cultural connections to the river |
In conclusion, the majestic Amazon River commences its extraordinary journey in the Andes Mountains, specifically at the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers in northeastern Peru. Winding through the vast Amazon Rainforest, it sustains an unparalleled ecosystem that captivates the imagination of explorers, scientists, and nature enthusiasts alike. As the American novelist and naturalist Paul Theroux once wrote, “Anyone tying to comprehend the Amazon River needs to look into every voice that speaks about it.”
Watch a video on the subject
In this section of the video, Dean Jacobs and Frankie J Cups take us on a journey to the source of the Amazon River at Nevado Mismi. Jacobs highlights the significance of the Amazon as one of the mightiest rivers in the world, responsible for a significant portion of Earth’s freshwater. Despite the thin air at almost 17,000 feet, he is in awe of the beauty and historical importance of the place. Cups, on the other hand, describes the journey as a magical experience, emphasizing the uniqueness of the location where the water emerges from the cracks of the world. Both Jacobs and Cups aim to connect people to the culture, history, and natural wonders of the world through this journey.
Some additional responses to your inquiry
The Amazon River is a large river in South America that flows from the Andes Mountains in Peru to the Atlantic Ocean in Brazil. It is the second-longest river in the world after the Nile and the largest river in the world by the volume of water it carries and the area of its basin. It passes through the tropical forests of the Amazon rainforest, which is home to many unique species of animals, trees and plants.
The Amazon River (also called Rio Amazonas in Portuguese and Spanish [1]) is the largest river in the world by the amount or volume of water it carries. It flows through the tropical forests of South America, mainly in Brazil. Its headwaters are in the Andes Mountains in Peru, on the western edge of South America and flows
Amazon River, Portuguese Rio Amazonas, Spanish Río Amazonas, also called Río Marañón and Rio Solimões, the greatest river of South America and the largest drainage system in the world in terms of the volume of its flow and the area of its basin. The total length of the river—as measured from the headwaters of the Ucayali –
Amazon River, Portuguese Rio Amazonas, River, northern South America. It is the largest river in the world in volume and in area of drainage basin; only the Nile River of eastern and northeastern Africa exceeds it in length. It originates within 100 mi (160 km) of the Pacific Ocean in the Peruvian Andes Mountains and flows
The Amazon River is the second-longest river in the world after the Nile and the largest river in South America. It is the lifeblood of the world’s largest ecosystem that spans about two-fifths of the South American continent. Running about 6,400 km from the headwaters of the Apurímac river system, the Amazon is the world’s
The Amazon River is a massive, intricate water system weaving through one of the most vital and complex ecosystems in the world — the Amazon rainforest in South America. It is by far the mightiest river on Earth in terms of volume and width — reaching a span of nearly 30 miles (48 kilometers) in some parts during the rainy
Where does the Amazon River begin? According to a research trip directed by National Geographic it was determined that the Amazon River has its humble beginnings atop the Peruvian Andes. One might think that this massive river would have a thunderous beginning but it is just a tiny trickle of water high in the mountains. The river winds its way
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Amazon River Rio Amazonas | |
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Source | Río Apurimac, Mismi Peak |
• location | Arequipa Region, Peru |
• coordinates | 15°31′04″S 71°41′37″W |
• elevation | 5,220 m (17,130 ft) |
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