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Amazon River: Earth's Vein, 20% Freshwater Out
3 Sep
Summary
- The Amazon River discharges 20% of Earth's freshwater into the ocean.
- Its flow impacts ocean salinity over 100 miles offshore.
- Rainfall and glacial melt from Andes feed the river system.
The Amazon River is a vital South American waterway, discharging approximately 20% of Earth's freshwater into the Atlantic Ocean. Originating as a small stream in the Peruvian Andes, it grows with nearly 1,100 tributaries before reaching the sea. This immense flow significantly impacts ocean salinity for over 100 miles offshore, with its waters transported globally via ocean currents.
The river's vast drainage basin, covering almost 40% of South America, is crucial to its volume. Water originates from rainfall and glacial melt from the Andes. The Amazon's trees also play a role in the regional water cycle, releasing significant moisture into the atmosphere that aids cloud formation and rainfall.
Amazon Aid highlights the river's daily discharge of 28 billion gallons into the Atlantic. This continuous outflow underscores the Amazon's critical role not only as a major South American river but also as a significant global freshwater source influencing oceanic systems.
