In Central Africa, as well as in the northern part of the continent, has its own unique, elegant and very deepest point of interest - the Zambezi.The river originates in Zambia and flows through such powers as Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia.In Mozambique, the mouth of the Zambezi flows into the Indian Ocean.In the course of this river is the greatest attraction of Africa - the Victoria Falls.
river.The upper part of
The source of the Zambezi River in the north-western part of Zambia, black and surrounded by marshes.The altitude here is one and a half meters.Slightly higher source is located hillside on which runs a clear dividing line between the two pools of water flows - the Congo and the Zambezi.The river flows in the south-west and about 240 km of it are starting to fall into tributaries.On one of the slopes of the river goes into a small waterfall Chavama.This makes it unsuitable for navigation.Throughout its first 350 km, about the Victoria Falls, the altitude at which the running water is about the same.It is a couple of times changes its direction from the south to the east, but these changes are insignificant.In the place where there is a waterfall, the upper end of the Zambezi.River in central Africa brings to the Victoria Falls most of its water, forming in this place amazing phenomenon, who come to admire the billions of tourists.
middle part of the river
Victoria Falls is considered the dividing boundary between the sources of the river and its middle course.From him, the channel has directed strictly to the east, where lies between the hills.The approximate length of this part of the reservoir is 300 meters.Also note that the source of the Zambezi River, which we discussed above, surrounded by bushes, savannah and sand-clay rocks.Here the water flow along the basalts, which form a small hill and rocks, protecting the water of the river.The important point is considered to be the middle of the Caribbean Reservoir (also known as Lake Kariba).This is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.It was formed in the mid 20th century, after the middle reaches of the Zambezi built a dam of the same name.Since then and until now Kariba Dam enables all residents of the surrounding area use electricity.Also, during the middle course we meet two major tributaries - the Kafue and Luangwa, which flow into the Zambezi.River because of them becomes wider and brimming.Therefore, a little downstream on it to build another dam - the Cabora Bassa.At this point, the middle part of the Zambezi ends.
Lower mainstream waterway
Zambezi, crossing the Cabora Bassa dam, redirects its waters to the west.The length of the final part of its largest compared with the previous, namely 650 km.This site is already suitable for navigation, but there are often found stranded.The fact that the area on which the flow of water, a wide valley, and they were on it just spread out, forming a broad river, but not very deep.Narrows channel only when passes through the canyon Lupato.Here its width is only 200 meters, while in all other places the river is literally spreads to 5-8 kilometers.At a distance of 160 km from the ocean Zambezi River intersects.Shire.Because of this, it is fueled by its waters, and the waters of Lake Malawi.After that our beauty is divided into many small canals, forming a delta.Near the shores of the Indian Ocean the Zambezi River on the map looks like a triangular sleeve, which connects to the large waters.
river tributaries
This stream is considered the continent's fourth largest among his "brothers."Zambezi River in Africa would not have been so affluent, if not numerous its tributaries crossing its bed of the lake and canals.Well, look at them in more detail.The first and most important artery feeding the river water flow is considered Kapombo.It originates in the hills, where close to each other are sources of the Congo and the Zambezi.In the first knee of our research subject, where the direction is changed from the west to the east, it crosses the Kwando - very full-flowing river.In the middle reaches of the Zambezi and Kafue feed water Lungi.Here we encounter another very important inflow - Luangwa.It is not just their water supplies in the Zambezi, but also touches the lake Malawi, thus becoming a very broad and deep.In the lower part of the feed water flow river tributaries Sanyati, Shangani and Hanyang.
history and study of reservoir
The people of knowledge about this geographical area were still in the early Middle Ages.Historians believe that this knowledge was based on Arab chronicles and documents.Thus, the Zambezi River on the map of Africa appeared in the distant 1300's, yet she could know, as you know, only the dignitaries.Comprehensive study of the African waters began only in the 19th century.The first person who drew attention to the river from a scientific point of view, turned out to be David Livingstone.He swam upstream from Lake Malawi and ending with the Victoria Falls.Along the way, I found many of the presently known inflows and gave them their names.Until the end of century, the river and all the adjacent elements have been fully understood by Europeans, and all data is firmly established on the world map.
world
Fish Most fish that are found in the waters of the Zambezi - is endemic.Their views are found exclusively in this area.And even if many of the names that we list below will seem familiar to you, then rest assured that this water actually resident will not look the way we are accustomed to behold.There is a special flora that allows all living organisms develop not like in Europe or in America.So here there are different types of cichlids, catfish, catfish and tigerfish.Very popular inhabitant of the lower channel of the river is a bull shark or bull shark.It is found in coastal waters of the Indian Ocean, and in Zatoka Zambezi.
Fauna
Based on previous material, it is possible to imagine where the Zambezi River from a geographical point of view.This is the central part of the African continent, the tropical belt, the zone of eternal heat, sand and savannah.It is through such a landscape Zambezi flows, which creates around it and the corresponding fauna.Here it is found countless different types of crocodiles.According to this characteristic, you can easily compare the river with the Nile.Along with them there are more than small lizards and snakes (especially in the area of the source, where many wetlands).On land there are elephants, zebras, bulls, lions, buffaloes - in short, a typical African safari.Birds in the sky over the Zambezi, alas, not so much.There are flying lizards, pelicans, eagles, African, and stroll along the banks of the egrets.
«Fish" economy
can understand just by looking at the photo: the Zambezi river is very full-flowing, wide, rich in fauna and flora, as is a significant element in the economic development of all countries through whose territory it takes place.Apart from the fact that there are built two giant hydropower plants that feed electricity all the adjoining countries and cities, there is also a thriving fishing industry.Residents of cities that have grown on the banks of the Zambezi, can enjoy the gifts of its free water to feed their families.Newcomers from more remote settlements to pay tax on what they fish here.Many shore Zambezi reserved for sport fishing.People come here for fun and rare species of fish people from around the world.Also from the catch basin of the most endemic species that serve as decoration for any aquarium.
environmental situation
Perhaps the description of the ecology of the Zambezi River, we begin with its problems, as they are indeed ambitious.All the misfortune lies in the fact that here is produced wastewater discharges, and not through special treatment facilities, and directly.Sewage from the settlements of the ports, single little houses and other objects simply drained into the river.This not only causes water pollution, but also gives rise to diseases such as typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and a host of other, more or less serious infections.Big problems also arose after the construction of the Cabora Bassa hydroelectric power station.This artificial lake was filled thanks to the rains just for one season, while the authorities planned that it will be filled gradually over several years.As a result of sharply reduced runoff, which resulted in a reduction in area of mangroves around the water.That scared and animals that previously lived on the banks of the river.Because water also disappeared many useful minerals, reduced the number of fish species that lived here.
Transport situation
the whole length of the Zambezi River is 2574 kilometers, taking into account all its bends and turns.This makes it one of the largest water flows in Africa, but this is not an indication that it is an ideal transport hub of the region.We have already mentioned that the channel of the river often changes direction, and crucially, the same applies to its width, depth, and other indicators.The main obstacle to navigation are artificial lakes, dams and waterfalls that cross its course.However, often many transport operations are carried out precisely because of the individual segments of the reservoir.For example, are often held steamers on the bottom of the Zambezi, which carry both passengers and cargo.Middle and upper parts of the river are mainly used by local residents.The surrounding roads are always blurred because of the instability of the local soil, and a boat to get from one settlement to another easier.
Bridges over the Zambezi
fourth of its largest water flow of Africa cross only five bridges.Their construction began in the early 20th century, and still continues, despite the fact that many projects have already been implemented.The first was built in 1905 in the town of Victoria Falls.It rises above the water surface at 125 meters, its width is 150 meters, and the length - 250 meters.Since it was reconstructed, but not radically rebuilt.It was originally planned as part of the railroad, which ran to Cape Town to Cairo.Then, in 1939, a bridge was built in the town of Chirundu (Zambia), which was rebuilt in 2003, and in the 60s there were bridges in the cities of Tete and Chinvingi.In later years, namely in 2004, completed the construction of the last, the fifth bridge over the Zambezi.It lies between the towns of Sesheke (Zambia) and Katima Mulilo (Namibia).
Cities and villages surrounding the river
We reviewed where originates Zambezi River, where it flows, and how it is crossed by other bodies of water in the flow.Now become the subject of settlements surrounding its shores.Firstly, river extends to a greater or lesser extent in six countries.Among them is called Angola, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana.But cities that are located on its banks, there are more.Let us list them briefly: Lacalle, Kariba, Mongu, Tete, Songo, Lisle, Livingstone, Sesheke and Katima Mulilo.All the settlements are very small geopolitical entities.Total live in the valley, only 32 million people.Most of them lead a rural lifestyle, local content floating grounds and the almost complete absence of livestock.Local city earn mostly on tourism, but also the industry here is not properly developed.Many of them foraged Fish also thriving poaching.
