The Samiria Watershed
We’ve made it to the mouth of the Samiria River. After 17 days and approximately 300 miles, we’ve reached the Maranon River.
Part of what makes the Samiria River so interesting is that the river creates its own watershed. A watershed is an area of land where its water drains into a common place. All of the water in the Samiria River and its tributaries, ponds, and lakes we’ve passed will eventually end up in the Maranon River – just like we did in our canoes. The Maranon will join with Ucayali River to form the Amazon River.
The Amazon River starts as thousands of rivers. The Samiria, Maranon, and Ucayali are only a few of the thousands of tributaries (smaller rivers that feed a larger river) throughout the Amazon watershed. The Amazon watershed is the largest on earth, covering an area of more than 7 million square miles in 5 South American countries!
Why is the Amazon watershed the largest on earth? There is a simple answer: topography. Think of the Amazon watershed like a giant saucer tipped toward the Atlantic Ocean. The Andes Mountains, which we crossed up and over on our bikes, cause all of the water from rain and snow to flow toward the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean. However, the eastern slope of the Andes receives lots of snow and rain, which flows down the mountains toward the Amazon River. Some of the water that we passed on our bikes will flow over 4,000 miles before reaching the Atlantic.
Our journey began nearly one thousand miles ago on the Pacific Ocean. Like the flowing water, we’ve made our way toward the Amazon River. From the top of the Andes Mountains, which we reached four weeks ago, we’ve been slowly traveling downhill toward the Atlantic Ocean. The slight downhill angle is what gives the Samiria River its current: the greater the angle, the faster the river’s current. We still have over 2,000 miles to paddle before reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
Traveling through the Samiria watershed has been a dream come true. There is so much water in it, and it’s only considered a small watershed by Amazon standards. All of the forest is under water, but still flowing toward the Amazon. The water and land within the Samiria watershed provides the perfect habitat for tens of thousands of plant and animal species. Plus, the Samiria watershed is well protected by the rangers within the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. 
Witnessing the natural, un-touched Samiria watershed is such a special opportunity. There is still plenty to explore, uncover, and marvel in this amazing ecosystem. When people realize how incredible the rainforest is, I hope they will appreciate it and work toward saving it. Watersheds are very fragile natural things. What are some ways you might be able help keep your watershed healthy?
The Amazon River starts as thousands of rivers. The Samiria, Maranon, and Ucayali are only a few of the thousands of tributaries (smaller rivers that feed a larger river) throughout the Amazon watershed. The Amazon watershed is the largest on earth, covering an area of more than 7 million square miles in 5 South American countries!
The huge Huallaga River is part of the Amazon watershed. It flows into the Maranon near Lagunas.
The contents of this waterfall we saw three weeks ago will eventually make its way to the Atlantic Ocean via the Amazon River.
The Team tests the water of the Samiria watershed just before it enters the Maranon.
The Samiria River began as a small trickle of water. As tributaries entered it, the Samiria grew to over half of a mile wide.
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Comments
Have you seen a 12ft or longer anaconda?
Posted by: Mrs.Nava | May 8, 2007 11:35 AM
What have you's learned about the anaconda?Are their any new ranger?What other animals have you learned about?Oh yeah don't forget to right me back okay by.
Posted by: Mrs.Cintron | May 8, 2007 2:35 PM
What other of foods do you eat?
Posted by: Mrs.Alvarez | May 8, 2007 2:40 PM
We think our watershed is the Chicago River.
Posted by: 5S | May 8, 2007 2:56 PM
We think our watershed is the Chicago River.
Posted by: 5S | May 8, 2007 2:57 PM
I have no clue what watershead we live in
Posted by: clewis | May 9, 2007 11:08 AM
have you seen any aligators more than 5ft big?
Posted by: zach | May 10, 2007 9:57 AM
i think that you guys should take skimmers (like from a pool) and skim the stuff out o f the river.!!
Posted by: Helga | May 10, 2007 9:58 AM
My watershed is the Fox River.
Posted by: Olga | May 10, 2007 9:59 AM
Our watershed is the Fox river
Posted by: Bob | May 10, 2007 9:59 AM
like you guys are really cool
Posted by: Anonymous | May 10, 2007 10:55 AM
People seem to be ignoring the fact that our rain forests and watersheds are being destroyed. We all have power to save our watersheds and rain forests. If we don't take action, rain forests and all of their inhabitats will die out.
Posted by: 5M | May 10, 2007 2:18 PM
have you seen any wild moneys??
cake
Posted by: zach | May 11, 2007 10:37 AM
i live in the des plains watershed
Posted by: sebastian likes men | May 11, 2007 10:48 AM
My watershed is the Fox River.
You guys are really cool
Posted by: kevin schenk | May 16, 2007 11:17 AM
Watersheds are really cool.I have a watershed in my town. I wish i could learn more about them.
Sam W.
Posted by: Sam Wiegers | May 16, 2007 11:18 AM
Fox River watershed is the BEST!!!!!!!
Sam' :)
Posted by: Anonymous | May 16, 2007 11:23 AM
Fox River watershed is the BEST!!!!!!!
Sam' :)
Posted by: Anonymous | May 16, 2007 11:26 AM
use a giant skimmer to clear out debris off the top of the water =>
Posted by: john | May 16, 2007 11:27 AM
Shrimp are yummy. Do you guys find any where you are?
Sam :)
Posted by: Sam Wiegers | May 16, 2007 11:30 AM