Report on the Amazon river

REPORT ON THE AMAZON RIVER














INTRODUCTION TO THE AMAZON RIVER


Physical Characteristics

The Amazon is the second longest river on earth, measuring 6,280 kilometres in length. The flow volume is the largest of any river on earth (My references do not give the actual flow). The area of the drainage basin is 6.2 million square kilometres. At the main mouth, the river is 150 kilometres wide.

The Amazon has many sources, mainly in mountains surrounding the basin. The Andes, to the east (see map), are the highest and most significant source. Other sources include the Matto Grosso Plateau, Chapada Diamantina, and the Guiana Highlands.

The Amazon flows into the Atlantic Ocean through deltas with several channels and river mouths. The deltas are some 450 kilometres wide and there are two main estuaries. Other rivers join the Amazon in the deltas. Belem, the largest city in the coastal part of the Amazon, is at the junction with Tocantins River.

T...