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Description, characteristics, photo of the Orinoco River

Orinoco is one of the largest river systems in the world. This is the most mysterious and fascinating river in South America. Its waters have been attracting adventurers for many centuries despite their dangerous and unpredictable nature.

History of the discovery

Since the opening of South America, the Orinoco River has been inaccessible for a long time due to the jungle hiding it, and therefore unrecognized. The first mention of it can be found in the records of Christopher Columbus, relating to his third expedition. The discoverer saw only the delta of the Orinoco, but the opening picture struck him with its beauty.

With this river is associated the name of the Spaniard Diego de Ordaz, who spent half his life trying to find the mysterious place of Eldorado. It was he who was the first to learn the wild nature of Orinoco. In 1531 a German researcher Ambrosius Echinger decided to study the river. At the same time, several other research expeditions were carried out. Unfortunately, the description of the Orinoco River of those times did not reach us.

About her remembered only in the early 19 th century, when the German traveler Alexander von Humbolt went to study the nature of South America. It was he who described in detail the plants that grew along the banks of the Orinoco River, as well as animals that lived in its waters. The source of the reservoir was found only by the middle of the 20th century.

Geographical location of the river and its dimensions

The Orinoco River, as already mentioned above, is in South America. Its source is located on the border of Venezuela and Brazil. The river originates from the mountain Delgado Chalbaud in the region of the Guinean plateau.

Almost the whole of the Orinoco flows through the territory of Venezuela, but some of its parts lie in Colombia. Passing the northern part of the mainland, the river flows into the Gulf of Paria, and from it into the Atlantic Ocean.

The length of the Orinoco River is 2736 km, which makes it one of the longest water bodies in South America. The width at different sites ranges from 250 m to 10 km. During floods, Orinoco can spill up to 22 km in width. The depth of the river is not the greatest - its maximum point reaches 100 m.

The nature of the Orinoco River

Shipping on the Orinoco is limited and very risky. River transport only moves around the high-water delta. This is a forced measure caused by the volatility of the character of the reservoir. Here every 6-7 hours there are significant tides that prevent the vessels from moving. The regime of the Orinoco River depends on the season and season. In the dry season, it turns into a system of lakes and marshes, and in the rainy season it spreads.

The flow of the Orinoco River at the source is south-west. The riverbed gradually bends in the form of an arc. Then the direction of the Orinoco River changes. It flows to the north and north-east. There, the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The water flow rate is stably average along the entire length, except for the source site. Since the river originates in the mountains, in this region it flows faster than in the lower reaches.

Relief and tributaries

In the upper reaches of the Orinoco River there are a large number of waterfalls of all sizes. This is due to the rocky and uneven surface of this area. In the lower and middle parts the relief of the Orinoco River is flat.

Closer to the delta, the Orinoco is highly branched, forming a large number of tributaries and lakes. Thanks to them this place is especially picturesque. The tributaries of the river are unique, since, despite the same source, each of them is distinguished by its individual color and unique composition of water. The water level in them is also not constant, since it depends on the amount of precipitation. In the dry season, the tributaries dry out or turn into small lakes

One of the tributaries of the Orinoco - Kasikjare, connects it with the most famous and full-flowing river of South America - the Amazon.

Fauna of the Orinoco River

The fauna of the Orinoco river system is unique. It has about 700 species of living beings. The waters of the river abound with fish. Here there are electric eels and soms, weighing several pounds, which have been feeding the local population for many centuries. However, one should fear piranhas and crocodiles, which are found here in abundance. The area of the Orinoco River is home to thousands of bird species. Here live scarlet ibises, flamingos, colorful parrots. On the banks you can find giant turtles and other reptiles. In the lower part of the river there are many monkeys - capuchins, howler, macaques, and also representatives of the cat family - ocelots, jaguars, pumas, etc.

Most tourists travel on the river Orinoco in the hope of seeing huge anacondas. But also here you can find very rare animals - pink and gray river dolphins, giant river otter, herbivorous manatees, and also the rarest reptile in the world - the Orinoco crocodile. Today, these species are recognized as disappearing and protected.

The vegetative world of the river

The forest growing along the river is flooded. Therefore, plant life here is riotous and varied. In the lower reaches of the river, the flora is characterized by density because of the large number of lianas that make these places impassable. However, those who manage to walk along the Orinok forest will be delighted by the abundantly blooming bromeliads and orchids.

Among the trees, mangroves predominate. Their roots descend directly into the water, from where they are fed. In numerous mixed forests abundantly grow tall palm trees, a variety of fruit trees.

The importance of the river in the economic life of man

There are practically no settlements on the coast of Orinoco. However, there are numerous indigenous tribes, for whom the river has become a source not only of food, but also of additional incomes. So, the local friendly Indian tribes of Warao have lived here for many years. Their small wooden houses are built on stilts and tower above the water. In addition to catching fish, they are engaged in the transportation of tourists along the Orinoco River. The very word "Warao" translates as "boat people", so closely this primitive tribe connects its life with water.

The largest of the few towns near the Orinoco River is Ciudad Guayana. It was close to him in the middle of the last century began to build ports. This was the result of the discovery of iron ore and other minerals. At the moment, ore processing continues. Also, a reservoir and a hydroelectric power station were installed on the river.

Recently, the vast tropical meadows of the Orinoco Basin have been used as pastures for livestock. This entails unpleasant consequences, as the herds of animals trample the grass and eat a large number of plants, as well as the degradation of once fertile soils.

Tourism on the Orinoco River

The tourist base of the Orinoco River began to develop very recently. Today, this place is attractive for real adventurers. Tourists are offered fascinating water walks, allowing you to explore all the channels of the river, get acquainted with the flora and fauna, touch the millennial culture of local residents.

Travel on the Orinoco can be attributed to such a popular area today, like eco-tourism. Many places here are untouched and pristine. Travel agencies offer many programs for every taste. Depending on the preferences, you can swim in a canoe, go fishing (especially popular hunting for piranhas), walk in the jungle, visit the settlement of Warao. Both day and night programs are provided.

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