The Amazon is a true beast of nature. Spanning more than 6,000 kilometers and flowing through nine South American countries, it is the largest river in the world, more than the seven rivers that are next to it combined. Its basin is home to the most biodiverse ecosystem on Earth, with countless plant and animal species, many of which remain undiscovered.
But despite its astonishing beauty and ecological importance, the Amazon is also a source of terror and danger. Its currents are very turbulent and unpredictable, and its waters are home to some of the deadliest creatures on Earth, from piranhas and electric eels to anaconda and jaguars.
Perhaps most strikingly, despite many attempts to build bridges over the Amazon over the years, there has never been a bridge over the Amazon River to date. This is in stark contrast to other major rivers such as the Yangtze River, which has several bridges.
So why hasn't there been a bridge that can cross the mighty Amazon yet? The answer lies in the unique character of the river.
First and foremost, the sheer size of the Amazon River. It has an average flow of more than 200,000 cubic meters per second, more than any other river in the world, including the Yangtze River. Large amounts of water form powerful and unpredictable currents that can easily wash away anything in their path, including large bridges.
But it's not just the amount of water that makes the Amazon so challenging. The river also has a huge floodplain that can extend up to 40 km wide during the rainy season. This means that any bridge across the Amazon must be very long and complex, and the supporting structures must be able to withstand constant pressure and water movement.
In addition, the Amazon River has many islands, sandbars, and other obstacles that need to be navigated or avoided when building bridges. The dense jungle on both sides of the river also poses logistical challenges, making it difficult to transport materials and equipment to the construction site.
Despite these challenges, attempts have been made to build bridges over the Amazon River for years. In the 60s of the 20th century, the Brazilian government began to build a bridge near the city of Óbidos, but due to technical difficulties and cost overruns, the project was eventually abandoned. In the 90s of the 20th century, a proposal to build a bridge near Manaus was made, but this also failed to materialize.
Recently, some experts have suggested that advances in bridge-building technology and materials may make it possible to cross the Amazon. But for now, the river remains an untamable giant, a natural force that humans cannot control or conquer it.
Despite its notoriety, the Amazon remains an important part of Earth's ecosystem, providing home for countless species and playing a key role in regulating Earth's climate. While it may never have a bridge to cross, its importance and beauty will continue to inspire awe and wonder by all who encounter it.