What is the Second Longest River? The Amazon’s Reign
The second longest river in the world is the Amazon River, flowing primarily through Brazil but also extending into Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. For many years, the Nile River was considered the second longest, but modern measurements and revised understanding of the Amazon’s source have solidified its position.
The Undisputed Second: The Mighty Amazon
The Amazon River, draining a vast basin that encompasses much of South America, is a force of nature unparalleled in its size and influence. Its sheer volume of water, biodiversity, and impact on global climate are staggering. Its length is approximately 6,992 kilometers (4,345 miles), putting it just shy of the Nile’s length. This makes it officially the second longest river globally.
The debate surrounding the Amazon’s length versus the Nile’s length has been ongoing for decades. However, with increasingly sophisticated satellite imagery, river mapping techniques, and a more accurate determination of the Amazon’s true source in the Andes Mountains, the consensus has shifted. The discovery of the Mantaro River as the Amazon’s most distant source played a crucial role in this re-evaluation.
While both rivers are giants, the Amazon surpasses the Nile in several key aspects, most notably in terms of water discharge. The Amazon releases approximately five times more water into the Atlantic Ocean than any other river on Earth, accounting for roughly 20% of the total freshwater entering the world’s oceans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Amazon and Longest Rivers
What is the exact length of the Amazon River?
The most accepted length for the Amazon River is 6,992 kilometers (4,345 miles). This figure is based on comprehensive studies using modern mapping techniques and satellite data, taking into account the river’s most distant source in the Andes. However, due to the constantly changing nature of the river system, particularly during the rainy season, precise measurement remains challenging.
How does the Amazon’s length compare to the Nile River?
The Nile River is generally considered the longest river in the world, with a length of approximately 7,088 kilometers (4,405 miles). The Amazon is very close, trailing by roughly 100 kilometers, making it the definite second longest river.
What is the source of the Amazon River?
For many years, the Apurímac River was believed to be the primary source of the Amazon. However, recent studies have identified the Mantaro River, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, as the Amazon’s most distant source. This discovery significantly increased the river’s calculated length.
What countries does the Amazon River flow through?
The Amazon River and its tributaries flow through a vast network spanning nine countries: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Brazil contains the largest portion of the river’s basin.
What is the Amazon River’s impact on global climate?
The Amazon rainforest, which is intimately connected to the river system, plays a crucial role in regulating global climate. It absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, and releases oxygen into the atmosphere. Deforestation in the Amazon contributes significantly to climate change. The river also transports significant amounts of sediment and organic matter, influencing ocean chemistry and carbon cycling.
What is the Amazon’s water discharge volume compared to other rivers?
The Amazon River boasts the largest water discharge volume of any river in the world. It discharges approximately 209,000 cubic meters of water per second into the Atlantic Ocean, exceeding the combined discharge of the next seven largest rivers. This is roughly five times the discharge of the Congo River, the second largest in terms of volume.
What unique wildlife inhabits the Amazon River?
The Amazon River is home to an incredible array of biodiversity, including iconic species such as piranhas, electric eels, anacondas, river dolphins (both pink and grey), arapaima (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish), and countless species of insects, birds, and amphibians. Many of these species are found nowhere else on Earth.
Is the Amazon River navigable?
Yes, the Amazon River is navigable for thousands of kilometers, allowing for both commercial and recreational travel. Large oceangoing vessels can travel as far inland as Manaus, Brazil, approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean. The river serves as a vital transportation route for communities and industries throughout the Amazon basin.
What are the primary threats facing the Amazon River and rainforest?
The Amazon River and rainforest face a multitude of threats, including deforestation due to agriculture, logging, and mining; dam construction; pollution from industrial and agricultural activities; and climate change. These threats endanger the region’s biodiversity, disrupt its ecological balance, and threaten the livelihoods of indigenous communities.
How do local communities depend on the Amazon River?
Millions of people depend on the Amazon River for their livelihoods, transportation, food, and water. Indigenous communities have lived in the Amazon basin for millennia, relying on the river’s resources for sustenance and cultural practices. Sustainable management of the river is essential for ensuring the well-being of these communities.
What are some of the largest tributaries of the Amazon River?
The Amazon River is fed by a vast network of tributaries, some of which are substantial rivers in their own right. Some of the largest and most significant tributaries include the Madeira River, the Negro River, the Japurá River, the Purus River, and the Tapajós River. These rivers contribute significantly to the Amazon’s overall volume and biodiversity.
What are some of the efforts being made to protect the Amazon River and rainforest?
Numerous initiatives are underway to protect the Amazon River and rainforest. These include governmental regulations and enforcement, conservation projects by non-governmental organizations, sustainable development programs, efforts to combat deforestation and illegal mining, and initiatives to promote ecotourism and responsible resource management. International cooperation and increased awareness are crucial for the long-term preservation of this vital ecosystem.