Wikipedia
Amazon River's Origin Dispute
Multiple Theories Emerge
The Amazon River, the world's largest river by volume, has sparked a debate over its exact origin. While various tributaries have been proposed as the source, three main contenders have emerged, each offering a distinct perspective.
The Peruvian Andes
One theory suggests that the Amazon originates in the Peruvian Andes Mountains, near the Pacific Ocean. This view is supported by the presence of a small stream known as the Apacheta, which is considered the most distant navigable point upstream.
Rio Madeira
Another theory proposes that the Rio Madeira, a major tributary in western Brazil, is the true source of the Amazon. Proponents of this theory argue that the Madeira carries a significantly greater volume of water than other tributaries and flows into the Amazon at the point where the river becomes significantly larger.
Ucayali River
The third theory centers around the Ucayali River, a tributary in eastern Peru. Researchers maintain that the Ucayali is the longest of all the tributaries and that it originates at the confluence of the Tambo and Urubamba rivers. This confluence is considered the most distant point from the river's mouth.
The debate continues, with scientists conducting ongoing research to determine the definitive source of the Amazon River. Each theory presents compelling evidence, but the final answer remains elusive, highlighting the complexity and wonder of this natural marvel.
Wikipedia