Underground River Found Under the Amazon

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In summary, an underground river has been discovered beneath the Amazon rainforest, flowing through the ground material and not through a tube. This is not a new concept, as other underground river systems exist, but the extent of this system is unique. The river is actually a well-defined regional ground water flow, flowing towards the east away from the Andes. This discovery raises questions about what other hidden ecosystems and secrets may lie beneath the Amazon.
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  • #2
It is not the type of river as you would see flowing above the ground. It flows through the material in the ground material and not through a tube like you think.

As for the quote in the article:
QUOTE
"It is possible that underground river systems of a similar kind exist in other parts of the Earth," Hamza told OurAmazingPlanet.
UNQUOTE
the reporter is showing his ignorance of science, as other underground river systems exist but perhaps to not the extent on this system. The reporter is using "a sound bite" for sensationalism, and he gotcha.

The comment by Kaliph after the article sums it up quite nicely. (Did you bother to read the comments - I guess not )

Comment by Kaliph
... ...

This new found "river" is nothing but a well defined regional ground water flow, defined by the hydrodynamics of the sediment and rocks in which the water flows. The rock at the depth they are referring to is completely saturated with water. Usually salt water. We know this from the countless oil wells drilled to depths of miles. The Amazon basin received sediments from the Andes to the west throughout geological time and still does. So we would expect that there have been a number of "Amazon" rivers flowing in the same region in the same direction over geological time as the sediments accumulated in the basin. As this happened each new Amazon flowed across the sediments laid down by its predecessor as the basin filled with sediments. The older sediments still contain water and if they are compressed and cemented into rock like sandstone or siltstone, they are still capable of transmission of water through their porosity. Most ground water flow mirrors surface flow, along the slope or gradient, usually defined by local topography, but always flowing to the lowest point, sea level. So it only makes sense that this underground regional ground water flow is flowing to the east, away from the highlands to the west, the Andes. It is very probable that the limits of the "river" is defined by the porosity of the previous sediments laid down by the Amazon's predessessors. In actuality, the whole Amazon basin at that depth is saturated, their "river" is just a more distinct, thicker and more dilineable flow. It is not some hollow cavity in which a river is flowing. Reports like this I personally believe are more for the consumption of their credulous countrymen, and are picked up by western press reporters who are just as ignorant of the real scientific facts and report them with breathless and witless amazement. No doubt the editors of Discovery and MSN slept through science class in high school and college.

END OF COMMENT BY Kaliph
 
  • #3
It's fascinating to think about the possibility of hidden rivers and ecosystems beneath the earth's surface. I wonder what other secrets lie beneath the Amazon rainforest. It's amazing how much we are still discovering about our own planet.
 

FAQ: Underground River Found Under the Amazon

1. What is the significance of the underground river found under the Amazon?

The discovery of an underground river under the Amazon is significant because it adds to our understanding of the complex ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest. It also provides insight into the hydrology and geology of the region.

2. How was the underground river found under the Amazon?

The underground river was discovered through a combination of satellite imagery, ground-penetrating radar, and on-site exploration. Scientists were able to detect changes in topography and water flow patterns that indicated the presence of an underground river.

3. How large is the underground river found under the Amazon?

The underground river is estimated to be about 4,000 miles long, making it one of the longest underground rivers in the world. However, its exact size and depth are still being studied and may vary in different parts of the river.

4. What kind of life exists in the underground river under the Amazon?

Preliminary studies have shown that the underground river contains a diverse array of aquatic life, including fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. It is also believed to be home to unique species that are not found in other parts of the Amazon.

5. What impact does the discovery of the underground river have on the environment?

The discovery of the underground river highlights the importance of preserving the Amazon rainforest and its delicate ecosystem. It also raises concerns about potential impacts from human activities, such as deforestation and pollution, on the underground river and the surrounding environment.

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