Since ancient times, rivers have been a source of life for man. Our entire planet is indented by water arteries. Rivers are an integral part of the ecosystem, flowing from source to mouth along the channel. In the channels uneven depths. The deepest places are called stretches, and shallow water rifts. Let's go on a journey across the continents of our planet to introduce you to the deepest rivers of the world.
1
Mississippi, USA
61 meters
The most important waterway of the North American continent flows only through the territory of the United States, but the rivers of neighboring Canada enter its basin. You can understand the soul of Mississippi by reading the stories of the famous American writer Mark Twain.
The source of the greatest US river is in the state of Minnesota, and, having covered 3,770 km, the Mississippi flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The depth of a wide and full-flowing river in the deepest place reaches 61 meters. The first European settlers immediately began to use it for shipping.
Around the Mississippi, distinctive Native American cultures developed; it was a source of food and life. Today it is an important shipping artery of the United States.
2
St. Lawrence, USA-Canada
65 meters
Another North American record holder in depth. In the Mohawk Native American language is called Kaniatarowanenneneh, which means a large waterway. The Iroquois called her Kahnawáʼkye.
It flows through the territory of the USA and Canada, connecting the Great Lakes with the Atlantic. The hunters used it to deliver fur and meat to settlements on the ocean coast. In some places it reaches a width of 300 meters and a maximum depth of 65 meters.
In 1959, a wide shipping lane was opened here, allowing ocean passenger liners to rise upstream. A 293-km track allows you to swim through the canals to Montreal.
3
Hudson, USA
66 meters
Small, originating in the Adirondack Mountains, a river with a length of only 493 km flows through the state of New York and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Europeans first saw her in 1524.
At the beginning of the XVII century, Henry Hudson took up her research. Contemporaries immortalized the memory of the navigator in the name of the aquatic artery. Much later, studies established the depth of the Hudson. In the deepest place, it reaches 65.8 meters.
Shipping is carried out by ocean vessels and river steamboats. Luxurious bridges stretch over it, of which the George Washington Bridge is considered the most famous. Incidents have also occurred here. In 2009, pilots managed to land an airliner on water. All 157 people on board survived.
By the way, on our site thebiggest.ru there is an interesting article about the longest bridges in the world.
4
Yellow River, China
80 meters
One of the two water symbols of China originates in the Tibetan plateau and, flowing through the territory of the Republic of China, after 700 km flows into the Yellow Sea.
The deep river does not muddle, which can not be said about the Yellow River. Sand rises from the bottom, which gives the waters a yellowish tint. Indeed, the name of the waterway of the Chinese plain is translated as "Yellow River." The maximum depth is 79.8 meters.
On the banks of the Yellow River a Chinese ethnos was formed. The agricultural crops of Southeast Asia were born. In the city of Dongying, the Chinese erected a monument to their nurse, in which 1,093 test tubes with water samples are displayed.
5
Amazon, South America
91 meters
The majestic Amazon, flowing among the jungles of Latin America, is the record holder in many respects. The maximum depth reaches 91.5 meters, which puts it in sixth place in the list of the deepest waterways of the world.
The deepest of all the Amazon rivers is formed by the confluence of Maranion and Ukayali. Its length is a constant subject of controversy in the scientific world. Together with the African Nile, the Amazon is considered the longest watercourse on our planet.
There are many legends and myths associated with the Amazon, but many facts are amazing. On its shores tribes still live at the level of the primitive communal system, which do not recognize the benefits of civilization. She also has a sister, which flows parallel underground.
6
Mekong, Asia
100 meters
On the Indochina Mekong Peninsula, the largest water artery flowing through the territory of five states. The length is 4,500 km, and the source is located at the Tangla Range in the Tibet Plateau.
The Mekong is famous for its rich flora and fauna, and along the banks are large cities with developed industry and distinctive oriental culture. In the deepest place, it reaches 100 meters, which leads it to 5th place in the ranking of deep watercourses.
Deep rivers flow inaudibly, creating a sense of peace and harmony. It is to these that the Mekong belongs, with its special philosophy permeated with oriental wisdom. Archaeological studies are being conducted along the shores, confirming that the first settlements appeared here about 2,300 years ago.
7
Zambezi, Africa
116 meters
The African continent is the driest, but even here there are full-flowing rivers with rich flora and fauna. Zambezi took two 4 places. It is the fourth longest in Africa, and with a depth of 116 meters, it has taken fourth place among the deepest waterways of the world.
The source is located in swamps in the northwest of Zambia, and the Zambezi flows into the Indian Ocean. Its total length is 2,574 km. Two large hydroelectric power plants were delivered to its waters, which helped solve the energy problem of this part of Africa.
In Zambezi, one of the most beautiful sights of nature, Victoria Falls, is located. Tens of thousands of tourists annually come here to enjoy the picturesque scenery of the great African river.
8
Danube, Europe
178 meters
The majestic Danube also entered the list of deep rivers on thebiggest, about which hundreds of verses are composed and many songs are written. A not wide, but full-flowing river is the deepest in Europe. The depth of the Danube reaches 178 meters in some places.
Shipping on the Danube has a long history, so it connects the central part of Europe with the Black Sea. Rare species of animals and birds nest in the delta. In its course there are beautiful islands. Which have become peculiar sights of Europe.
The Danube is rightly called "international", as it flows through the territory of 10 European states. Starting in Germany, it flows into the Black Sea, forming a picturesque delta.
9
Yangtze, China
200 meters
The second largest waterway of China originates in the eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of approximately 5,600 meters above sea level.
In the life of China, it is of great importance, since about 450 million Chinese live on its shores, large cities, industrial enterprises, river ports and canneries have been built.
Its depth is almost 200 meters, and the distance from the source to the confluence with the sea is 6,300 km. The leader of the Chinese Communist Party, Mao Zedong, loved to swim in the Yangtze. Once he swam for almost 15 km, spending 65 minutes on it ... but the voice of Chinese propaganda spoke about this.
10
Congo, Central Africa
250 meters
Over the territory of Central Africa, the full-flowing Congo carries its waters from east to west. It crosses the Equator twice on its way, and also partially serves as the border between Angola and the Republic of Congo.
It is the deepest river on our planet. Its depth in some places reaches 250 meters. Indigenous tribes have long been fishing here, hunting wild animals coming to a watering place. Congo is a valuable source of fresh water in the arid African climate.
A deep section of the river is located in the lower reaches. There are many waterfalls on the water artery that are on the list of the most beautiful sights of the African mainland.
Do not miss the fascinating article on the largest waterfalls in the world on our site thebiggest.ru.
11
Russian record holder
In Russia, the deepest is the majestic Yenisei with a maximum depth of 66 meters. This is due to the fact that it flows along the tectonic fault.
Some experienced anglers dispute this figure, claiming that in some areas the bottom is 100 meters. But this fact needs to be verified.
The deepest place of the Yenisei was formed at the Aspen rapids. Here it spreads for 20 km, forming multiple channels among the islands. In the lower reaches of the river this is the most dangerous place.
Conclusion
So we found out which river is the deepest, as well as the Russian river record holder in depth. Each aquatic artery of the planet is unique, each has its own peculiarity, its own unique beauty. They have become so familiar elements of the landscape that we sometimes do not notice them in everyday life. In conclusion, another interesting fact. In terms of the number of water arteries, Russia ranks first, as more than 2.8 thousand large and small rivers flow through its territory.
The thebiggest.ru editorial office asks you to write in the comments which other deep rivers should be on our list.
Author Valery Skiba