InfoSearched
Published -
- March 22, 2020
- 2:18 pm
When Andrés Ruzo was a boy, his grandfather would tell him tales of a mythical city of gold deep in the heart of the Peruvian jungle.
Though never believing the stories to be true, the legend of the lost city stuck with him into adulthood.
Years later, as a geothermal scientist, Ruzo decided to investigate. To his surprise, he discovered an incredulous river deep in the Amazon, with water hot enough to kill a human. Historically a place of pilgrimage for shamans and sorcerers, the river now faces increasing threats from poachers, loggers and squatters. Now, Ruzo is working hard to protect it.
Can the Boiling River of the Amazon unlock new discoveries about the Earth’s geology?
The Amazon’s Boiling River Kills Anything That Enters
In the heart of the Peruvian Amazon lies a mysterious natural wonder known as the “Boiling River of the Amazon.” This strange phenomenon has captivated scientists and explorers for centuries due to its unique characteristic of killing any living creature that enters its waters. The Boiling River is not only a dangerous place to be but also a fascinating geological wonder that could unlock new discoveries about our planet.
The Boiling River is located deep in the southern part of the Peruvian Amazon, in the Mayantuyacu River Valley. This river is over 4 miles long and varies between 20 to 82 feet in width, spanning over kilometers through the dense jungle. The water in the river is scorching, with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Celsius (194F). This makes it deadly to anyone, and anything, that ventures into it.
The source of the heat in the Boiling River has been a mystery for centuries. However, in 2011, a study by Andrés Ruzo, a geophysicist, revealed that the river is heated by a hydrothermal system. This system pumps volcanic fluids from deep in the Earth’s crust and releases them into the river bed. The water is then heated by these volcanic fluids, causing it to boil.
Despite the deadly temperature, wildlife appears to be drawn to this warm river, which creates a “siren song” effect from the gaseous fumes that rise from the water. However, those who dare to enter face almost certain death. According to Ruzo’s research, the river is so hot that it can kill a large animal in seconds, boiling it from the inside out. This means that any animal that enters the water is instantly cooked alive. This is a stark warning to any who dare to approach the river.
The Boiling River has both fascinated and terrified people for many years. Locals have referred to the river as “Shanay-timpishka,” which means “boiled by the heat of the sun,” and has been a central part of their culture for centuries. Mythological tales are told that detail the Boiling River as the entrance to “The Spirit Realm,” where the spirits of their ancestors reside.
In recent years, the Boiling River has gained more attention from researchers and scientists, who see it as a rare opportunity to study a unique natural wonder. The river is particularly intriguing to geologists, who believe that it could unlock new knowledge about the Earth’s mantle and geological processes that are still not fully understood. The Boiling River, with all its deadly power, is an untapped goldmine of knowledge.
In conclusion, the Boiling River of the Amazon remains an enigma, both captivating and deadly. Its beauty and mystique have been chronicled for centuries, but we are only now starting to unlock the secrets it holds. With the opportunity to gain new insights, discoveries and understanding of our planet’s geology, the Boiling River has a lot more to offer than just its deadly allure.
