250 meters to the bottom: Congo - the deepest river on the globe

What depth do you think large water arteries such as the Volga or the Nile have? 10, 20, maybe 50 meters? Of course, this depends on several factors, but, as a rule, it is the full-flowing rivers that have the greatest depth. So, for example, in our country, the Yenisei is considered the deepest, for which this figure reaches 70 m. There are rivers whose depth is 170 and even 200 meters. But the most outstanding of all the water arteries of the Earth is the African Congo, whose depth in the lower reaches reaches 250 meters.

Without exaggeration, Congo can be called one of the greatest rivers of the globe. It originates in the highlands of Central Africa and, crossing the equator twice, carries its waters to the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the fact that it is the second river of the world in full flow after the Amazon, it is impossible to go into its mouth from the ocean and climb upstream to Kinshasa or Brazzaville. The fact is that the Congo is not an ordinary river. Most of the rivers originating in the mountains, in the lower reaches, acquire a calm character, have wide and convenient for navigation channels. But the Congo has such a channel only in the middle reaches, where it crosses the vast depression of the Congo, but the lower course, as well as the upper reaches of the blue artery, are inaccessible to large vessels. There are many dangerous rapids and picturesque waterfalls, including the world famous waterfalls of Livingston and Stanley.

It is in the lower reaches, where the river is very stormy, is the deepest place of the Congo. It is hard to believe, but from the surface of the water to the bottom in these places it can be 230-250 meters.

But the impossibility of full shipping Congo generously compensated for others. This river is home to a simply amazing variety of fish - 900 species! Of course, not all representatives of the ichthyofauna are suitable for eating, but the local population does not know the lack of fish, and tourist fishermen from around the world come here for captured specimens. In addition to the richest fish resources, Congo gave people living on its shores the opportunity to receive hydropower. The bottom topography, unsuitable for navigation, in some sections of the river turned out to be very convenient for the construction of dams and hydroelectric stations. There are already about 40 hydroelectric power stations of various capacities, and engineers believe that the construction of a grandiose hydroelectric power station is possible in the Congo, which will surpass the Chinese "Three Gorges".

Watch the video: More than 200 meters to the bottom. The deepest river in the world - Congo (May 2024).