The Amazon Basin is one of the most biologically diverse and ecologically significant regions on Earth, and it plays a crucial role in the global climate system. Let’s delve deeper into the features and characteristics of this basin.

Location And Geography

The Amazon Basin is centred around the equator, lying between 10°N and 10°S, which is why it’s also known as the equatorial region. The mighty Amazon River, which originates from the Andes mountains in the west, meanders through this basin, finally emptying into the Atlantic Ocean in the east. This point of discharge is referred to as the river’s mouth. Throughout its course, the Amazon River is joined by numerous tributaries, together forming the expansive Amazon Basin. This basin encompasses parts of several countries including Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and a small section of Venezuela. Notably, the equator passes through both Ecuador and Brazil within this basin.

Climate

The Amazon Basin’s climatic characteristics are a direct result of its equatorial location. The region experiences a hot and wet climate all year round. Days and nights are of almost equal length, and both tend to be warm and very humid. Sudden and frequent rainfall is typical, often occurring without much warning. While daytime temperatures are high, they decrease at night, but the humidity remains consistently high.

Rainforests

The heavy and regular rainfall in the Amazon Basin gives rise to dense rainforests. These forests are so thick that the canopy formed by their leaves and branches often prevents sunlight from reaching the forest floor. This results in the ground being dark and moist, creating an environment where only shade-tolerant plants, such as orchids and bromeliads, can thrive. Some of these plants even grow parasitically on others.