Location and Extent
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, located in South America. It covers approximately 6 million square kilometres and spans the Amazon River Basin, which is the largest river basin globally.
Around 60% of the rainforest lies in Brazil, while the remaining area extends into Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
Natural Boundaries
- Guiana Highlands (North)
- Andes Mountains (West)
- Brazilian Plateau (South)
- Atlantic Ocean (East)
Climate Characteristics
The Amazon has an equatorial climate marked by:
- High annual rainfall (generally above 2000 mm)
- Uniformly high temperatures (average 25–28°C)
- High humidity throughout the year
The dense vegetation contributes to its own rainfall through evapotranspiration, creating a self-sustaining hydrological cycle.
Amazon River System
The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by discharge and the second-longest river globally. It originates in the Peruvian Andes and flows eastward into the Atlantic Ocean.
Major tributaries include:
- Rio Negro
- Madeira
- Xingu
- Tapajós
- Purus
The basin spans multiple countries and plays a crucial role in regional and global water cycles.
Biodiversity
The Amazon is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world and is estimated to host nearly 10% of all known species.
Flora
Important plant species include:
- Brazil nut tree
- Rubber tree
- Mahogany
- Cedar
- Palm species
- Acacia
- Rosewood
Fauna
Key animal species include:
- Jaguar
- Tapir
- Capybara
- Sloth
- Anaconda
- Caiman
- Macaw
- Toucan
- Amazon river dolphin
Many species remain undocumented, making it a critical area for scientific research.
Ecological Importance
Carbon Sink
The Amazon acts as a major carbon sink, absorbing large quantities of carbon dioxide and helping regulate global climate.
Hydrological Regulation
It influences rainfall patterns across South America through atmospheric moisture transport, sometimes described as “flying rivers.”
Oxygen Production
It contributes significantly to global oxygen cycles through photosynthesis, although its primary importance lies in carbon storage and climate regulation.
Carbon Fertilisation Effect
The carbon fertilisation effect refers to the process by which higher atmospheric carbon dioxide levels enhance photosynthesis and plant growth.
- Increased CO2 can boost biomass production.
- Plants may use water more efficiently under higher CO2 conditions.
- The effect depends on nutrient availability, soil quality, water supply, and temperature.
This phenomenon has been observed in tropical forests, including the Amazon, though its long-term sustainability remains dependent on ecological balance.
Protected Areas
The Amazon region contains several major protected areas, including:
- Yasuni National Park (Ecuador)
- Tumucumaque National Park (Brazil)
- Jau National Park (Brazil)
- Pico de Neblina National Park (Brazil)
- Manu National Park (Peru)
- Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve (Peru)
- Amacayacu National Natural Park (Colombia)
Global Significance
The Amazon Rainforest is critical for:
- Climate stability
- Biodiversity conservation
- Water security
- Indigenous livelihoods
- Global ecological balance
Its preservation is central to international environmental cooperation and climate change mitigation efforts.
