Negro River

Source: The post on Negro River is based on the article “Drought has dried an Amazon River tributary to its lowest level in 122 years” published in “The Canadian Press” on 7th October 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Negro River at the port of Manaus measured 12.66 meters, significantly below the typical level of around 21 meters. A severe drought has caused this tributary to reach its lowest level in 122 years.

About Negro River

1. The Negro River, or Rio Negro is one of the major tributaries of the Amazon River and the largest blackwater river in the world.

2. It flows primarily through Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.

3. Source: The Negro River originates from the highlands of Colombia and Venezuela. It begins as the Guainía River in Colombia and flows eastward into Brazil, where it becomes known as the Negro River.

4. It is approximately 2,250 kilometers (1,400 miles) long, making it one of the longest tributaries of the Amazon.

5. The water in the Negro River is dark due to the high concentration of organic matter from decaying vegetation, which leaches tannins into the water, giving it a tea-like color.

6. The Negro River meets the Amazon River near the Brazilian city of Manaus. This confluence creates the famous Meeting of Waters, where the dark waters of the Negro and the sandy-colored waters of the Amazon flow side by side for several kilometers before eventually mixing.

7. Biodiversity: The Negro River basin is home to a rich variety of plant and animal species, including pink river dolphins, giant otters, and numerous species of fish, many of which are found only in this ecosystem.

8. Human Settlements: Indigenous communities have lived along the Negro River for thousands of years. Today, cities such as Manaus are significant urban centers on its banks.

UPSC Syllabus: World geography