South America Orinoco River. Orinoco River Basin: Venezuela's Wildlife



Orinoco (Orinoco; in the language of the local Tamanak Indians Orinuku, literally - river)

river in South America, in Venezuela and Colombia. Length (according to various sources) from 2500 to 2730 km, pool area 1086 thousand. km 2. It originates on the western slopes of the Serra Parima mountains, in the southwestern part of the Guiana Plateau, flows through the Guiana Lowland, flows into Atlantic Ocean, forming a delta. Main tributaries: on the right - Ventuari, Caura, Caroni; from the left - Guaviare, Vichada, Meta, Arauca, Apure. In the upper reaches, the river separates from the O. on the left. Casiquiare, along the bed of which about 1/3 of the flow goes into the river basin. Amazon (see Bifurcation of rivers). To the mouth of the river Meta O. flows through mountainous and hilly terrain, forming rapids and rapids, especially in the area between the mouths of the river. Vichada and Meta. In the middle reaches of the O. it turns into a full-flowing river with a width of up to 1-1.5 km, in some places - up to 3 km, depth - 10-20 m and more. Wide (3-10 km) the valley narrows in places, forming the so-called. angosturas; the last of these narrowings is located in the lower reaches, in the area of ​​​​the city of Ciudad Bolivar, after which the river flows through a wide valley to the mouth, branching into large number sleeves and ducts. In the Barrancas area (200 km from the sea) begins extensive (about 20 thousand. km 2) the swampy delta of the O., extending along sea ​​coast by about 300 km. In the delta section, the river is divided into 36 branches and many channels. The main branches are: Manamo (far left), Macareo (navigable along it), Araguao, Merejana, Boca Grande (right and largest; its width is 15-20 km).

O. has predominantly rain power. Water levels and flows fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. In the lower reaches, near the city of Ciudad Bolivar, the flood begins in the 2nd half of April - early May, in September the level reaches its greatest height, after which a gradual decline is observed until March - April, when the level is lowest. Near the mouth of the river. Meta water rises - 8-10 m, near Ciudad Bolivar - 10-15 m above low horizons. Sea tides spread up the river to the city of Ciudad Bolivar. At spring tide the level increase is about 2 m. The average annual water flow at the top of the delta is about 29 thousand. m 3 /sec, annual flow about 915 km 3. During periods of very powerful floods, the maximum water flow reaches 50-55 thousand. m 3 /sec and more. During the dry season (November - April) in low-water years, water consumption decreases to 5-7 thousand. m 3 /sec. Solid waste is about 45 million. T per year. The total length of shipping routes in the O. basin is about 12 thousand. km. Ocean-going vessels with a draft of up to 8 m rise to Ciudad Bolivar (about 400 km from the mouth). During the rainy season, river boats rise to the river. Guaviare (with breaks at the rapids). The right tributaries of the O. are suitable for navigation only in the lower reaches; the left tributaries are navigable for most of the year. The hydroelectric resources of the island are still poorly used; A hydroelectric power station system is being built (1974) on the river. Caroni. Main cities: Santa Barbara, Puerto Ayacucho, Ciudad Bolivar, Puerto Ordaz (Venezuela); Puerto Carreño (Colombia).

In 1498, Columbus reached one of the mouth branches of the O. In 1499, members of the Spanish expedition A. Ojeda and A. Vespucci are believed to have seen one of the branches of the O. In 1531 spanish conquistador Diego Ordaz first climbed the O. to the mouth of the river. Meta and followed a small section of its flow. At the beginning of 1800, the German scientist A. Humboldt, together with the French botanist E. Bonpland, traveled through the Ocean and established a connection between the systems of the Ocean and the Amazon. The origins of O. were discovered by a Franco-Venezuelan expedition in 1951.

Lit.: Grelier J., Aux sources de l "Orénoque, P., 1954; Gómez P. R., La hoya hidrográfica del Orinoco y la Orinoquia Colombiana, "Boletin de la Sociedad Geografica de Colombia", 1960, v. 18, no. 65; Perrin P ., Caractéristiques des rivières vénézuéliennes, “Revue de géographie Alpine”, 1969, v. 2.

A. P. Muranov.

Great Soviet Encyclopedia. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. 1969-1978 .

Synonyms:

See what "Orinoco" is in other dictionaries:

River in Venezuela and Colombia. In the language of the Tama Nucan Indians, Orinoco is a big river. See also Venezuela, Llanos Orinoco. Geographical names world: Toponymic dictionary. M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001... Geographical encyclopedia

Orinoco- at the confluence of the river. Caroni. Orinoco (Orinoco; in the language of the Tamanuk Indian tribe big river), a river in Colombia and Venezuela. Length 2730 km, basin area about 1 million km2. It originates on the western slopes of the Serra Parima mountains, at an altitude... ... Encyclopedic reference book"Latin America"

Exist., number of synonyms: 1 river (2073) ASIS Dictionary of Synonyms. V.N. Trishin. 2013… Dictionary of synonyms

- (Orinoco), a river in Venezuela and Colombia. 2730 km, basin area over 1 million km2. It flows into the Atlantic Ocean, forming a delta. Main tributaries: Caura, Caroni, Guaviare, Meta, Arauca, Apure. Average water consumption is about 29 thousand m3/s. Below… … Encyclopedic Dictionary

Orinoco- a river in Venezuela and Colombia. In the language of the Tama Nucan Indians, Orinoco is a big river. See also Venezuela, Llanos Orinoco... Toponymic dictionary

- (Orinoco; in Indian ringed snake) one of the main rivers South America, originates in Venezuelan Guiana, on the top of Ferdinand Lesseps, in the Sierra Parima mountains, one of the main chains of the Guiana Highlands, at an altitude of 1600 m. ur. m.;... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

Orinoco- (Orinoco) Orinoco, a river in the north of South America, which originates in the southeast. Venezuela and flows for 2060 km in a large arc through Venezuela, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean in a wide delta. Part of its length the river forms the border between... ... Countries of the world. Dictionary

River in Venezuela and Colombia. 2730 km, area of ​​the St. 1 million km². It flows into the Atlantic Ocean, forming a delta. Main tributaries: Caura, Caroni, Guaviare, Meta, Arauca, Apure. Average water consumption approx. 29 thousand m³/s. Below the city of Barrancas... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Coordinates: 2°19′05″ N. w. 63°21′42″ W. d. / 2.318056° n. w. 63.361667° W d. ... Wikipedia

Books

• Tales of Jean-Marie Cabidulin. The Magnificent Orinoco, Jules Verne. The thirteenth volume of the series `The Unknown Jules Verne` includes new translations of the novels `The Tales of Jean-Marie Cabidoulin` (1901) and `The Magnificent Orinoco`...

South America is rich in many rivers, but it is Orinoco(Spanish: Río Orinoco) can be called unique river. Most of its channel is located in the territory. The total length of the river is about 2.74 thousand km.

The area of ​​the river basin is 880 thousand km², the water flow is close to 30 thousand m³/sec.

Originating on the mountainside Delgado-Chalbaud(Spanish: Montaña Delgado Chalbaud), located near Parima (on the border with), the Orinoco turns west in a wide arc from the southwest, then north and finally northeast, where the Atlantic Ocean flows into the Gulf of Paria (Spanish: Golfo de Paria). More specifically, the river goes around (the plateau) and, crossing the southwestern part of the Guiana Lowland, flows into the ocean bay.

In the lower reaches, the Orinoco River branches into many streams that form a river delta. The area of ​​the entire delta is about 41 thousand km². When floods begin, the river spreads, reaching a width of more than 22 km, and its depth at this moment reaches 100 m. The right tributaries of the Orinoco are the following rivers: Caura (Spanish: Río Caura), Caroni (Spanish: Río Caroni), Ventuari (Spanish: Rio Ventuari). Left tributaries: (Spanish: Río Apure), Guaviare (Spanish: Río Guaviare), Arauca (Spanish: Río Arauca), (Spanish: Río Meta), Vichada (Spanish: Río Vichada). On the river (Spanish: Río Churun ​​- a tributary of the Caroni) there is the highest waterfall in the world - (Spanish: Salto Аngel; about 980 m high)

The river is of interest for navigation, since ocean-going ships can reach the city (Spanish: Ciudad Bolívar) by moving upstream. Ciudad Bolivar is located 435 km from the ocean bay.

Orinoco is in the zone subequatorial belt. If we talk about the river’s nutrition, then the river is mainly filled due to heavy tropical rains. Therefore, the river is characterized by sharp fluctuations in water level: during the dry season, several tributaries of the Orinoco turn into small stagnant lakes.

When in 1498 great navigator For the first time he saw the mouth of the Orinoco, he called it “the river of paradise” - he was so amazed by the beauty of these places. The Warao Indians who met the travelers were very friendly. But greed and an indomitable thirst for gold turned local residents against the conquistadors. The Spaniards were obsessed with the search for the mythical city of gold - Eldorado (Spanish: Eldorado), moving up the river, they destroyed absolutely everything in their path. However, there was no “Golden City”.

Locals

Why is the South American Orinoco River so attractive to tourists? Partly because of the incredible beauty natural world basin, partly due to the Indians living in the Orinoco Delta. The indigenous inhabitants of Venezuela, as a rule, live along the banks of the river.

The river delta is inhabited mainly by Varao Indians, who in terms of their numbers occupy the second position in Venezuela: the number of Varao reaches more than 20 thousand people. This people has inhabited the Orinoco Delta for more than 12 thousand years. The Warao tribe are known as the "boat people". They probably got this name because they build their houses on stilts above the water. Interestingly, the houses have no walls. As vehicle The Warao use canoes.

Arriving in Venezuela, tourists can get to know the Indians better, with their unique culture and way of life. Varao are quite friendly, they can treat tourists traditional dishes local cuisine. Travelers are very fond of canoe tours, where the guide is a Warao Indian. The Indians organize excursions through the jungle and can also arrange piranha hunting.

In addition to the Warao tribe, the Orinoco River delta is home to such tribes as the Yaruro, Guayacho, Tamanuki, Guajiro, and many others. It should be noted that the tribes of the indigenous Indians are quite small.

Flora and fauna of Orinoco

During the rainy season, which begins in June and ends in October, the river floods large areas, which leads to the appearance of swamps. The fauna of the river is unusually rich and diverse.

Travelers can contemplate exotic fauna: giant anaconda, white ibis, puma, parrots, hawks, jaguars, flamingos and many other species.

In addition, in the waters of the river you can see Amazon dolphins and the Orinoco crocodile, which is a rare species representatives of this genus. Orinoco crocodiles for a long time were exterminated by poachers because of their valuable and beautiful skin. Orinoco crocodiles are listed in the Red Book because there are no more than 250 of them left.

As for birds, there are more than 100 colonies of wading birds. The most remarkable plant growing in the river delta is the Moriche palm, famous for its perfectly straight trunks up to 30 m high. Residents make cellulose from this palm. In addition, the Moriche palm tree is one of the main materials for the construction of huts. The heartwood of the tree is edible.

The Orinoco River is one of the most big rivers South America. Its length is 2410 km, and the drainage basin area covers 880 thousand square meters. km. Moreover, 76.3% of the area is in Venezuela, and the rest is in Colombia. The water flow bends around Venezuela in a wide arc and flows into the Atlantic Ocean near the island of Trinidad, forming at the mouth huge delta. This is the most important transport route in northern South America.

From source to mouth

The river flow begins its path on the Parima mountain range (Guiana Plateau) at an altitude of 1047 meters above sea level. These are the foothills of Mount Delgado Chalbaud. The ridge serves as a natural watershed between the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. The source is located in Venezuela very close to the border with Brazil.

The path of the water flow is an ellipsoidal arc, encircling the Guiana Plateau from the west. The entire river is divided into 4 sections different lengths. These are upper, middle, lower and delta.

Orinoco River on the map of South America

Upper section has a length of approximately 250 km. It stretches from the source to the rapids of Raudalis de Guajaribos. It is a mountainous area and the water flows in a northwest direction.

Middle section is approximately 750 km long. For the first 480 km, the river flows west until the confluence of such rivers as the Atabapo from the east and the Guaviare from the west. Near the city of San Fernando de Atabapo, the water flow turns north and flows 270 km along the Venezuela-Colombia border. Near the city of Puerto Carreño, the lower section begins after the confluence of the Meta rivers from the west and Puerto Carreño from the east.

Lower section reaches a length of almost 1000 km. It is characterized by a well-developed floodplain, and the water moves in a northeast direction. This section ends near the city of Barrancas.

Delta has a length of 200 km. Its area is 41 thousand square meters. km. At its widest point its width reaches 370 km. It is a whole network of narrow rivers and streams flowing to the ocean among swampy forests.

Bird's eye view of the river delta

During the rainy season, the river can flood up to 22 km wide. Moreover, the depth in some places reaches 100 meters. But in dry season The water level drops, and many islands appear on the river surface, and some channels turn into lakes.

Amazon connection

From the Orinoco you can get to the Amazon, since there is a natural connection between the two water basins. It is carried out through the Casiquiare River (326 km long). It is a branch of the river we are considering in its upper section, flows south and flows into the Rio Negro. This deep stream is a tributary of the Amazon.

Shipping

The water stream is navigable along most of its length. Ocean-going ships, due to dredging of the bottom, reach the city of Ciudad Bolivar. It is 435 km upstream from the coast. River boats carry cargo to Puerto Ayacucho.

Pink river dolphin

Animal world

The river is home to river dolphins and giant otters. Also home to one of the rarest reptiles in the world, the Orinoco crocodile. There are more than 1000 species of fish. Some of them live only in brackish or salt water near the mouth. Black piranhas and cardinal tetras are also common in the water. The latter fish is very popular in home aquariums, but its original homeland is the Rio Negro, which once again confirms its connection with the Amazon.

Minerals

In 1926, rich deposits were discovered in the river area iron ore. Its mass production began in the second half of the last century. River sediments contain tar (oil) sand. In the future it may become a source of oil production.

There are still such settlements along the banks.

Historical background

The Orinoco River was first officially documented by Columbus in August 1498 during his 3rd voyage. The delta and tributaries up to the Meta River were explored in the 16th century by a German expedition led by Ambrosius Ehinger. In 1531, Diego de Ordaz sailed from the confluence of the Meta tributary to the mouth. In 1800, Alexander von Humboldt, who explored the basin, reported pink river dolphins. Singer Enya created the song "Orinoco Flow", dedicated to the exotic river flowing along northern lands South America.

Orinoco River in South America - this is the first open river New World. When Christopher Columbus saw the mouth of the Orinoco River in 1498, he was so struck by the beauty of the area that he decided that it was one of the four heavenly rivers. The Varao Indians greeted the sailors friendly. But the Indian tradition of wearing gold jewelry played a cruel joke on them. The conquistadors, driven by the gold rush and dreams of the golden city of El Dorado, moved deeper and deeper along the river, destroying everything in their path. But they were never able to find the mythical golden city.

Warao Indians still live in the Orinoco Delta. Their number becomes only 20 thousand people.

Varao translates as “boat people”, which refers to their way of life. More photos.

River length: 2736 kilometers.

Drainage basin area: 1,086,000 km. sq.

Where does it occur: The Orinoco River originates near Mount Delgado Chalbaud in Venezuela near the border with Brazil. From its source, the river flows in a wide arc around the Guiana Highlands. The river changes the direction of its flow from southwest to west, then flows north and, finally, when it flows into the Atlantic Ocean, to the northeast. The origins of the Orinoco remained unexplored until the mid-twentieth century. This is partly due to flooded forests, tributaries, rapids and waterfalls, which made it very difficult for researchers to access these places. Until today, only two expeditions have visited there. The Indians say that several small tribes still live at the source of the Orinoco. They obtain their food exclusively by gathering and hunting and avoid any contact with the outside world.

Further downstream, the Orinoco forms the border between Venezuela and Colombia. During the dry season, the water recedes and ancient paintings dating back three thousand years can be seen. They were drawn by Indians from the Arawak tribe. Even further downstream, the river spills over a wide plain, called here Lyanos. These plains contain the meaning of life for the Laneros - Venezuelan cowboys. Here they are engaged in cattle breeding. The Laneros are the descendants of the conquistadors, black slaves and Ojonic Indians who once inhabited these lands. Near the city of Ciudad Bolivar the river narrows, after which it flows again through a wide valley. The Orinoco is navigable from the delta all the way to Ciudad Bolivar.

In the lower reaches, the Orinoco branches into many branches and flows into the Atlantic Ocean, forming a large delta with an area of ​​41,000 km. sq.

River mode: The Orinoco is fed mainly by seasonal (mainly summer) rains, which causes uneven water flow. During summer floods, the river's width can reach 22 km and its depth - 100 meters. During the dry season, small tributaries of the river turn into a chain of stagnant lakes. The average water flow is 33,000 m3/s (varies depending on the season within the range of 5-55 thousand m3/s). A special feature of the river is a natural channel connecting the Orinoco and the Amazon - this is the Casiquiare River, which first branches off from the Orinoco and then flows into the Rio Negro (one of the tributaries of the Amazon). Most of the Venezuelan rivers are tributaries of the Orinoco.

Main tributaries: Ventuari, Caura, Caroni – right tributaries; Guaviare, Vichada, Meta, Arauca, Apure are left tributaries. On one of its tributaries, the Churun ​​River, there is the world's highest waterfall - Angel.

Biological resources: found in the river Amazonian dolphins and the rarest species of crocodiles in the world - the Orinoco crocodile; large capybara rodents can be found on the banks.

Watch the video clip: “Wildlife of Venezuela. Somewhere in the Orinoco valleys"

The 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 centuries, despite their dangerous and unpredictable nature.

History of discovery

From the day of its discovery, the Orinoco was for a long time inaccessible due to the jungle hiding it, and therefore unknown. The first mention of it can be found in the notes of Christopher Columbus relating to his third expedition. The discoverer saw only the Orinoco delta, but the picture that opened struck him with its beauty.

The name of the Spaniard Diego de Ordaz is associated with this river, who spent half his life trying to find the mysterious place of Eldorado. It was he who was the first to study wildlife Orinoco. In 1531, German explorer Ambrosius Ehinger decided to study the river. At the same time, several other expeditions of a research nature were carried out. Unfortunately, the Orinoco of those times has not reached us.

It was remembered only at the beginning of the 19th century, when the German traveler Alexander von Humboldt 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 the animals that lived in its waters. The source of the reservoir was found only in the middle of the 20th century.

Geographical location of the river and its size

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

Almost all of the Orinoco flows through Venezuela, but some parts of it lie in Colombia. Having passed the northern part of the mainland, the river flows into the Gulf of Paria, and from it into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Orinoco River is 2,736 km long, making it one of the longest bodies of water in South America. The width in different areas ranges from 250 m to 10 km. During floods, the Orinoco can flood up to 22 km in width. The depth of the river is not the greatest - its maximum point reaches 100 m.

Character of the Orinoco River

Navigation on the Orinoco is limited and very risky. moves only in the area of ​​the deep delta. This is a necessary measure caused by the inconsistency of the nature of the reservoir. Here, every 6-7 hours, significant ebbs and flows occur, which prevent ships from moving. Orinoco varies depending on the time of year and season. In the dry season it turns into a system of lakes and swamps, and in the rainy season it overflows.

The flow of the Orinoco River at its source is southwest. The riverbed gradually bends in the form of an arc. Then the direction of the Orinoco River changes. It flows north and northeast. There the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The speed of water flow is consistently average along the entire length, except at the source. Since the river originates in the mountains, it flows faster in this area than in the lower reaches.

Relief and tributaries

Located in the upper reaches of the Orinoco River large number 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 branches greatly, forming a large number of tributaries and lakes. Thanks to them, this place is especially picturesque. The tributaries of the river are unique because, despite the same source, each of them has an individual color and a unique composition of water. The water level in them is also not constant, as it depends on the amount of precipitation. During the dry season, tributaries dry out greatly or turn into small lakes

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

Fauna of the Orinoco River

Fauna river system Orinoco is unique. It has about 700 species of living beings. The waters of the river abound in fish. Found here electric eels and catfish weighing several pounds that have fed local populations for centuries. However, you should be wary of piranhas and crocodiles, which are found in abundance here. The Orinoco River region is home to thousands of bird species. Scarlet ibises, flamingos, and colorful parrots live here. On the shores you can find giant turtles and other reptiles. The lower part of the river is home to many monkeys - capuchins, howler monkeys, macaques, as well as representatives of the cat family - ocelots, jaguars, pumas, etc.

Most tourists travel along the Orinoco River in hopes of seeing huge anacondas. But you can also find very rare animals here - pink and gray river dolphins, gigantic river otter, herbivorous manatees, as well as the rarest reptile in the world - the Orinoco crocodile. Today these species are recognized as endangered and are under protection.

Flora of the river

The forest growing along the river is floodable. Therefore, plant life here is lush and diverse. In the lower reaches of the river, the flora is dense due to the large number of vines, which make these places impassable. However, those who manage to walk through the Orinoco forests will be delighted by the abundantly blooming bromeliads and orchids.

The predominant trees are mangroves. Their roots sink directly into the water, from where they receive nutrition. In numerous mixed forests Tall palm trees and various fruit trees grow abundantly.

The importance of the river in human economic life

There are practically no settlements off the coast of the Orinoco. However, numerous indigenous tribes live here, for whom the river has become a source of not only food, but also additional income. Thus, the local friendly Indian tribes of Warao have been living here for many years. Their small wooden houses are built on stilts and rise above the water. In addition to fishing, they transport tourists along the Orinoco River. The word “Varao” itself is translated as “boat people”, so closely does this primitive tribe connect its life with water.

The largest of the few towns along the Orinoco River is Ciudad Guayana. It was next to it that ports began to be built in the middle of the last century. This was the result of the discovery of iron ore and other minerals. On at the moment Ore processing work continues. A reservoir and hydroelectric power station were also installed on the river.

IN lately The vast tropical grasslands of the Orinoco Basin are used as pasture for livestock. This entails unpleasant consequences, as herds of animals trample the grass and eat large quantities of plants, and the degradation of once fertile soils also occurs.

Tourism on the Orinoco River

The tourist base of the Orinoco River began to develop quite recently. Today this place is attractive to true adventurers. Tourists are offered exciting boat trips that allow them to explore all the canals of the river, get acquainted with the flora and fauna, and get in touch with the thousand-year-old culture of the local residents.

Traveling through the Orinoco can be classified as such a popular destination today, as many places here are untouched and pristine. Travel agencies offer many programs to suit every taste. Depending on your preferences, you can go canoeing, go fishing (piranha hunting is especially popular), take a walk in the jungle, or visit a Warao settlement. Both day and night programs are provided.