For a long time it was thought that the longest river in the world - the Nile.However, thanks to modern technology and numerous research scientists learned that this is not true.Using data obtained from satellites, they were able to prove that the representative of the African continent is not much, but still inferior to the extent Amazon.It should be noted that until that time, she was in second position on our planet (for prodolzhitlnosti).Evidence of formal recognition, therefore, saying, What is the longest river of the world, now you can safely mention Amazon, which also is the most affluent.
revolutionary research
Championship extent of the planet's main artery proven South American representatives of the "National Center for Space countries" in Brazil.They have long studied it with the help of satellite data based on calculations of the expedition Peruvian and Brazilian scientists.The fact is that in the course of it discovered a new source of the Amazon, which is not located in the northern part of Peru, as previously thought, and in the mountains in the south of the state.As a result, to determine which is the longest river on the planet, scientists have concluded that the extent of the representative of South America was about 6,800 kilometers, while that of the Nile - about 6695 kilometers.To find out the exact length is problematic because it depends on the correctness of the source.Regardless of what it considered to Amazon, it still would be longer.
Location
longest river in the world originates in the Peruvian Andes, at a height, which is 5000 meters above sea level, and ends in the Atlantic Ocean.The water flows through an artery in countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil.It should be noted that in its pool is half of the twenty largest rivers in the world.Quite interesting is the fact that much of the Amazon is on Brazilian territory whose population speaks Portuguese.
General description
At its core is the longest river in the world is a system consisting of a coastal forest and smaller waterways.The total length of all its waterways is more than 25 thousand kilometers, while the pool area - 7.2 million square kilometers.However, it runs into the Atlantic Ocean about a fifth of all the fresh water reserves of the planet.Volume infusion is so huge that the composition, color and salinity of ocean waters are changing at a distance of more than 300 kilometers from the coast.Amazon is born through the merger of Marañon and Ucayali.The area of its internal delta - more than 100 thousand square kilometers.
place with the greatest depth of the Amazon, which is 135 meters, is located near the port Obitus.This value can be compared with an average similar indicator of the Baltic Sea.In dry periods, the longest river in the world covers its waters an area of about 110 square kilometers.This rate increases by more than three times during the rainy season.Moreover, if in the first case, the width of the river is up to 11 kilometers, while in the second it can be dispensed at 40 kilometers.In two-thirds of the total length of the waterway is navigable.Moreover, they can come here even oceanic ships that go up the mouth to the city of Manaus, located 1690 kilometers from its beginning.It is impossible not to note the fact that the world's largest river island known as Marajó, is it on Amazon.
Origin names
Speaking about the name of the longest river in the world, not to mention the origin of the name.Most historians and researchers believe that it was given by the Spanish conquistadors.Indeed, when the European conquerors landed on the South American continent, they have often had to engage in battle with the locals.Among the natives, along with men and women fought bravely.His fury and courage Indian woman reminded the Spanish legend of the Amazons since antiquity.The imagination of the conquistadors were so impressed that they named it and the local waterway.It should be noted that some historians believe that actually fought only by men, who, because of the long hair had been taken for women.Whatever it was, the name of the longest river in the world was invented by the Spaniards at a time.
Flora and fauna
Local flora is simply amazing human imagination for its diversity.As of today, scientists were able to thoroughly examine less than one-third of its parts.At the same time, it should be noted that about 25% of all used in the world medicine medicinal herbal ingredients are extracted precisely in local forests.Quite a diverse and fauna.The Amazon inhabited by about 1500 species of fish.One of the most unusual species - a fish-bull, reaching five hundred kilograms in weight and four meters long.Besides, here (including the banks) there are about 250 species of mammals and 1,800 species of birds.One of the most prominent representatives of the local fauna steel pink freshwater dolphins can hunt even in the flooded forest.It is impossible not to note the large number of piranha - predatory fish that have become the epitome of horror because of the cinema.
Water shafts
One of the main attractions, which is famous for the longest river in the world - is the famous giant-sized water trees, which are in its mouth, near the small town of Belene.They reach a height of five-meter mark and roll upstream.This process occurs during the oceanic tides and accompanied by a strong roar.Shafts are so strong that they can be felt even at a distance of 1400 kilometers from the mouth of the Amazon.
Visit
air temperature on its banks throughout the year in the range of 26 to 28 degrees Celsius.At the same time, the best time of year to visit the Amazon is considered to fall.As for the unfavorable period, it is considered to be spring, which falls during the rainy season.Approximately in September the water recedes and bares local forests and beaches.
Conclusions In summary, it should be noted that disputes between experts as to which is the longest river in the world, is now underway.In this regard, there is no doubt that the allegations and evidence made by Brazilian scientists to be challenged.Whatever it was, the length of the Nile in recent years has also changed.However, unlike Amazon, the main artery of the African slightly decreased.It shortened once the world's longest river due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam reservoir with Nasser, which began in 1960.
