Continent South America is the richest in terms of water resources.Of course, on the mainland there is no sea, but the river in South America is very affluent and so wide that a weak flow resemble huge lake.According to statistics, there are about 20 major rivers.Because the continent is washed by two oceans and the rivers belong to the basins of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.This naturally is a watershed between the Andes mountain range.
largest river on the mainland of South America.Amazon - one of the greatest rivers in the world
From school geography course we all know that one of the largest rivers not only on the South American continent, but also in the world is the Amazon.She, along with its numerous tributaries carries a quarter of the river water reserves in the world.Amazon flows directly through the territory of nine countries is for them an important waterway, particularly in terms of transport links.River traffic - one of the most developed sectors of the economy across the continent of South America.The Amazon River in some parts of its width reaches 50 km (why not a sea?), And the depth of it is in some areas and as much as 100 meters.No wonder that in relation to the diversity of flora and fauna of the Amazon also owns palm.Its waters are home to over 2,000 species of fish, among which there are piranhas, eels, stingrays, etc.In fact, throughout the world there is such a rich nature, both on the mainland of South America.Amazon and its tributaries annually attract tourists from all over the world.Among them are many scholars (entomologists, ornithologists, zoologists, etc.)
Parana
Like other major rivers of South America, the Parana passes through several countries: Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina.It received its name from the Indian tribes living on its banks."Pair" with the Indian translated as "great."In this river many tributaries.Some of them are beautiful waterfalls.Their formation is associated with the relief of the river basin, as well as their full-flowing, which is explained by the fact that the food they receive from many small ducts streams.They carry their water flows resulting from loss of a huge amount of rainfall.That's why almost all large rivers of South America form waterfalls.Par as many as four, with the most famous of them - it Iguacu.But on a tributary of La Plata is one of the most beautiful cities in South America - the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo.
Orinoco
In the "Major rivers in South America" takes the third place of the Orinoco.It flows through the territories of the two Southern African countries, namely Venezuela and Colombia.This river is characterized not so much in width as in length, being one of the longest on the continent.The banks of the Orinoco - a popular place for tourists from different countries.Here you can see beautiful landscapes.
Paraguay
Under this name in South America, you can find some of geographic features.Translated from an Indian word meaning "horned".Paraguay flows through two large countries - Brazil and Paraguay, and in some areas is a natural border between these countries.But in other areas it is a watershed between the two parts of Paraguay - South, undeveloped, and North, where more than 90 percent of the total population.By the way, some of the rivers of South America also serve as a natural border separating the territory of two or even three neighboring countries.
Madeira
This river is also one of the largest.It is formed by the merger of many small rivers.Its name is Portuguese and means "forest".However, a strange name for a river?However, the fact is that it is constantly floating bark of trees growing on the banks.For the first time this river was described at the beginning of the XVIII century by the Portuguese, Francisco de Melo pallet.It was he who called it Madeira.Later it was already well studied Landrad Gibbon - US Navy Lieutenant.By the way, the river forms the border between Brazil and Bolivia.
Tocantins
As noted above, the major rivers of South America flow directly through several states.But the basin is entirely in one country - Brazil.She is the central waterway that State.Residents of the state of Goias, Maranhao, Tocantins and Pará use water is the river.Its name translates as "the toucan's beak."
Araguaia Araguaia is a tributary Tocantins and also claims to be one of the largest Brazilian rivers.Depending on the time of year it can be both calm and stormy.The area of the island Bananan Araguaia forms two arms, and gently bends around him.
Uruguay Uruguay merges with the Parana and the two fairly large rivers of South America form the bay-estuary of La Plata, the maximum width is 48 km.He stretched to the Atlantic coast 290 km, has a funnel-shaped groove.At the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean, the river forms numerous waterfalls.Its power is also used in the energy sector.
Couple
"Big River" - so call it the local Indians.It is a right tributary of the Amazon.As already mentioned, the whole basin of the mighty river has a great diversity of flora and fauna and is of great interest to biologists, zoologists, etc.The same can be said about the river Pare.
Rio Negro
And the name of this river is translated as "black."It originates in Colombia, but occurs mainly in the territory of Brazil.In its upper reaches it is very rough and fast, but when you go down to the Amazon region, it becomes a real "meek."Its main tributary - Rio Branco.
Iguazu
This river was named this way because of its overflowing.After all, with its Indian name means "big water".This river forms a cascade of waterfalls, and on such a beautiful spectacle is breathtaking.The shores of this magnificent river are considered strictly protected and included in the national park of Argentina and Brazil.
Conclusion After reading this article, you learned what rivers in South America are the largest and brimming.There are many rivers on the mainland, but the biggest is the legendary Amazon, so named in honor of the Greek warriors, as well as the Parana and Orinoco.
