A river in the depths of the Amazon, whose temperature can reach the boiling point, is sending alarming signals about climate change and the future of the Amazon forests. The Shanay-Timpishka River is considered a scientific “window”.
The Shanay-Timpishka River in the Peruvian Amazon region, whose temperatures can reach up to 100°C, provides scientists with important data about global warming and forest ecosystems. The Shanay-Timpishka River is located in the Mayantuyacu region of Peru and was first discovered by explorer Andrés Ruzo in 2011. The name of the river means “Boiling in the heat of the sun.” Ruzo observed the boiling water at temperatures as high as 100°C and said, “The highest temperature I’ve measured was 100°C. It’s hard to even imagine water this hot, when you put your hand in it, you get burns within seconds.” A MYTH BECAME TRUE This river, known as a legend in Peru for years, was considered impossible when it was first heard by geologists. However, researchers were astonished when a documentary made in 2017 showed that the river radiated intense heat. “Many animals, from birds to reptiles, cannot survive at this temperature,” said geologists, explaining that the temperature of the river has a devastating effect on biological organisms. WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF THE HOT WATER? The boiling temperature of the river comes from hot water sources fed by underground fault lines. Scientists from the University of Miami think that the river can provide more information about future global warming. “The Amazon rainforest is going to get hotter. That gives us important insight into how the forest structure is going to change,” said Riley Fortier, the study leader. THE FUTURE OF THE AMAZON RAINFOREST The researchers observed that as temperatures rise, plant diversity decreases and the forest structure becomes more homogeneous. These findings provide important clues about the changes that could occur in the Amazon rainforest due to global warming. “As global warming increases, everything is going to change,” Fortier said, expressing his concerns about the future of the Amazon.
