Facts of Brazil, Amazon RiverThe Amazon River or River Amazon of South America is the largest river in the world by volume, with greater total river flow than the next eight largest rivers combined, and the largest drainage basin in the world. Because of its vast dimensions it is sometimes called The River Sea. Most sources regard the Amazon as the second longest river; while some sources disagree. Facts of Brazil The Amazon has been measured by different geographers as being anywhere from 3,889 miles to 4,171 miles long. The Nile River in Africa is reported to be anywhere from at 3,417 miles to 4,157 miles. The area covered by the water of the River and its tributaries more than triples over the course of a year. In an average dry season 42,000 square miles of land are water-covered, while in the wet season the flooded area of the Amazon Basin rises to 135,000 square miles. Facts of Brazil - Fresh Water The quantity of fresh water released by the Amazon to the Atlantic Ocean is enormous: up to 300,000 m³ per second in the rainy season. The Amazon is responsible for a fifth of the total volume of fresh water entering the oceans worldwide. Offshore of the mouth of the Amazon, potable water can be drawn from the ocean while still out of sight of the coastline, and the salinity of the ocean is notably lower a hundred miles out to sea.
Swimmer conquers Amazon River
The Amazon drains an area of 2,670,000 square miles, or 40 percent of South America. It gathers its waters from 5 degrees north latitude to 20 degrees south latitude. Its most remote sources are found on the inter-Andean plateau, just a short distance from the Pacific Ocean. The Amazon has changed its course several times. In early Cenozoic times, before the uplifting of the Andes, it flowed westward.
Amazon Rainforest Superfood - Acai Facts of Brazil - The Amazon Rainforest 
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