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Locating the Boiling River -

In east-central Peru, there is a tributary that flows into the Amazon River. Part of that tributary is the Shanay-timpishka River, known colloquially as La Bomba or the "Boiling River."

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Misnomer -

Despite its dramatic nickname, the waters of this Peruvian river do not actually reach boiling point. However, they do, in places, reach temperatures of 113°F (45°C).

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Geothermal activity -

The Boiling River reaches temperatures much higher than other rivers because it is heated by geothermal sources from below.

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Beautiful and educational -

The river’s temperature makes it a sight to behold as steam pours off of it and rises through the surrounding trees. The river also offers a fascinating insight into what the future might look like for the Amazon.

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Venturing to the area -

In 2022, when a group of researchers visited the area, they were struck by just how hot the stretch of jungle surrounding the Boiling River becomes.

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Clever idea -

It occurred to scientists that by studying the ecosystem in and around the Boiling River, they may be able to learn how climate change could alter the Amazon.

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Adverse conditions -

The team of researchers from various countries had to battle adverse conditions to collect their data.

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Taking temperature logs -

In their paper, published in October 2024, the team described how they tracked a year’s worth of temperature readings using logging devices, which they strategically placed along the river.

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Average annual temperatures -

Scientists positioned a total of 13 devices along a stretch of the river that included a variety of temperatures. In the cooler areas, the average annual temperature was between 75 and 77°F (24-25°C). In the warmest places, however, the average annual temperature was between 82-84°F (28-29°C). The highest recorded temperature was 113°F (45°C).

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Recording species -

The research team also sought to produce a detailed record of which species inhabited different places along the river.

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Observations -

The study's findings allowed researchers to draw a number of conclusions. Firstly, they observed that in places where temperatures were higher, plant life was less dense.

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Struggling species -

Certain large trees, such as the tall evergreen Guarea grandifolia, for example, seemed to struggle in sections of the river with higher temperatures.

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General observations -

The team observed that the excessive heat produced by the Boiling River seemed to have a negative impact on the biodiversity of the surrounding area.

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Steam presence -

They also noted that the large amount of steam in the air may deter insects or other animals from approaching the area, although the team did not study that specifically.

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Not surprising -

The researchers were not particularly surprised to learn that plant species known for withstanding high temperatures fared better in hotter areas along the river.

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Scale of the experiment -

However, they were interested to learn that these observations were apparent within a small stretch of the river. The study was confined to just two kilometers (1.24 miles) of the Boiling River.

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Reactive environment -

According to the study's results, as soon as the river reaches a certain temperature, the plant species in the surrounding area react almost immediately.

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Climate change -

The observations made during this experiment hint at how increased temperatures as a result of climate change could affect the Amazon.

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Limitations -

However, it is important to remember that the limitations of the study imply that we cannot draw conclusions about the Amazon in a broad sense.

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The role of steam -

For example, there is a significant amount of steam present in the area surrounding the Boiling River. This phenomenon would not be expected in other parts of the river.

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The role of weather -

The way in which the Amazon evolves in the coming years will also depend heavily on large weather effects, such as changes in storms or rainfall.

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The size element -

Finally, it is important to remember that the Amazon Rainforest is an enormous site. It covers an area of more than 6.7 million sq km (2.6 million sq mi) and spans parts of nine different countries.

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Not fully representative -

Conditions in and around the Boiling River may not fully represent conditions of the wider Amazon basin, which may be facing other effects of climate change.

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Not scientifically relevant elsewhere -

Indeed, research findings in one area may not be scientifically relevant in another area, which may have, for example, a different rainfall pattern or plant distribution.

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Fascinating insights -

The research did offer fascinating insights into how rising temperatures may affect the Amazon's ecosystem. In particular, the study could highlight which species may be able to survive harsher conditions.

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Tipping point -

Previously, experts have expressed concerns regarding the Amazon Rainforest reaching a ‘tipping point’ as a result of climate change and deforestation.

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From rainforest to savannah -

After reaching this tipping point, it is thought that the rainforest could go into a rapid decline, turning into a much drier place that may resemble a savannah.

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Survival -

According to the study, certain species, such as the Ceiba tree, which is able to store water in its trunk, would be more likely to survive these new conditions.

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Useful insight -

Observing which plant species are able to survive the extreme conditions of the Boiling River may be helpful for conservationists when it comes to determining which parts of the Amazon need the greatest protection.

Sources: (BBC)

See also: The countries that will most likely survive climate change

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