The Amazon River is the lifeline of the sprawling Amazon rainforest. It holds secrets and wonders that have fascinated explorers, scientists, and nature lovers for centuries. From its massive water flow to hidden underwater rivers, here are three mind-blowing facts that make the Amazon nothing short of incredible.
The Most Powerful River
The debate over which river holds the title of the longest in the world—the Nile or the Amazon—has seen shifting opinions over the years. However, when it comes to the sheer volume of water it discharges into the ocean, the Amazon River is unrivaled. The Amazon discharges more than the next seven largest rivers combined!
Underwater River
Beneath the flowing waters of the Amazon, there lies another “river” of sorts. It’s a deep, slow-moving subterranean flow called the Hamza River. This underground river, discovered through the analysis of wells drilled by the Brazilian oil company Petrobras, runs parallel to the Amazon River at a depth of nearly 4,000 meters.
Astonishing Diversity of Life
The Amazon River and its surrounding rainforest are home to the most extensive collection of living plants and animal species in the world. Scientists estimate that about one-third of all known species reside in the Amazon Basin. This makes it the most biodiverse ecosystem on Earth!
