Scientists find underground river beneath Amazon (AFP)

An overview of an area in the Amazon rain forest in northern Brazil, in 2005. Brazilian scientists have discovered an underground river some 4,000 meters (13,000) feet deep, which flows from west to east like the country's famous waterway. 

AFP - August 25, 2011


        Brazilian scientists have discovered an underground river some 4,000 meters (13,000) feet deep, which flows from west to east like the country's famous waterway.

        A statement this week from Brazil's National Observatory named the underground river Hamza and said it represents one of two different draining systems for the large rainforest region.

        A team of scientists led by Elizabeth Pimentel came to the conclusion from studying 241 wells drilled by the state oil giant Petrobras in the Amazon region.

        Even though the two rivers cover a similar path they have differences. The underground river flows at a far slower pace and empties into the ocean deep underground.

       "It is likely that this river is responsible for the low level of salinity in the waters around the mouth of the Amazon," the statement said.

LINK: Amazona -- Roxy Music (From Stranded, 1973)

Above-ground Amazon Aerial

Carve Your Number On My Wall II -- Existence of 200 ‘Uncontacted’ Tribal People in Brazilian Rainforest Confirmed

  

(Survival International has released the first, clear pictures of this ancient Amazonian tribe, who grow crops, peanuts, bananas, corns and more. Have a look above and below.)

By International Business Times Staff Reporter 

June 24, 2011 7:01 AM EDT 

        The Brazilian government has confirmed the existence of about 200 unidentified tribal people in the Amazon rainforest.

       Satellite pictures in January revealed this community was living near the border with Peru. A flight expedition over the area in April confirmed that they are about 200 in numbers.

        Along with Survival International (Funai), an organization working for tribal people's rights worldwide, Brazilian authorities found that these people are living in three clearings in the Javari Valley in the western Amazon.

       According to Fabricio Amorim, who led Funai’s overflight expedition, illegal fishing, hunting, logging, mining, cattle ranching, missionary actions, drug trafficking and oil exploration on the Peru-Brazil border area are the main threats to the well-being of this community and their dwellings.

      Brazil follows a policy not to contact these people, instead monitor their land so that they can live without any risk.

 

        The community and its four straw-roofed huts were spotted in the Javari Valley, which is believed to be hiding around 2000 uncontacted tribes in the world.