Yangtze River Facts
- The deceptively short term of Yangtze River serves as the most well known name for this remarkable creation of natural geological forces. It does have other titles by which it’s known, though. These include such tags as Chang Jiang, Jinsha Jiang, Da Jiang, and Yangzi Jiang.
- Each of these different monikers, along with still others by which it’s known, reflects different aspects or stretches of the mighty flow. All of them, though, in their own ways, highlight its importance in its region of the world, along with its highly diverse characteristics.
- Archaeological evidence indicates that this geolgoical wonder of Nature’s been known and used by man and his ancestors for at least 2 million years. Indeed, some of the earliest civilizations known to science arose along its banks, beginning roughly around 5000 BCE.
- The first known sighting of this stunning river by outsiders, however, did not occur until the late 13th century. That discovery occurred due to the explorations of the famous Venetian explorer, Marco Polo. He visited the breathtaking region sometime between 1270 – 1290.
- Today, the vital importance and sheer beauty of the amazing Yangtze River merit full appreciation by visitors. Accordingly, several protected areas now lie along its shores. This provides the wonder with at least some measure of protection from the depredations of man.
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Yangtze River Physical Description
The truly astounding Yangtze River captivates those lucky enough to view its majesty for a wide range of reasons, to be certain. These marvels include its sheer beauty and incredible physical attributes. Just knowing where to begin herein, in fact, further presents a rather daunting task.
Of all its numerous impressive dimensions, however, perhaps its most astonishing remains its overall length. Though obviously irregular along its wending course, the total extent of its path measures approximately 3,917 mi (6,300 km). It thus ranks as the third-longest on earth.
Due to its great extent, this remarkable river’s considered by most experts to be roughly divided into three distinct regions. The Upper Reaches flow through many deep gorges and high mountains, including the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge. The river here’s fast-flowing with many rapids.
The next section, though, understandably bears the name of the Middle Reaches. That particular portion begins near the city of Yichang, where the river enters the plains. This section of the natural marvel principally remain characterized by a slower flow, wider river valley, and many tributaries.
Not surprisingly, the final of the three sections holds the title of the Lower Reaches. This division of the river extends from Wuhan to its mouth. The abundant water flows through a remarkably broad, fertile plain. The wonder becomes even wider and deeper, accommodating large ships.
Along the way, however, the breathtaking Yantze River also contains a multitude of amazing individual features that merit appreciation in their own right. Any such listing of these includes multiple key features and landmarks, most of which formed naturally over vast stretches of time.
Situated at the top of most such listings, though, in the minds of many people, must be the site colloquially named the Three Gorges. Respectively, the Qutang, Wu, and Xiling gorges rank among the most famous scenic spots along the river, renowned for their dramatic and rugged beauty.
Dongting Lake, located on the southern bank of the middle reaches, also qualifies as one of the largest freshwater lakes in its area of the world. Poyang lake also appears here. Near the lower reaches, it’s another one of the highest volume lakes found anywhere in the entire country.
Yangtze River Location, Formation, and Ecology
The mind-boggling beauty of the flow of water best known as the Yangtze River formed in a region of the globe already well known for its incredible abundance of natural wonders. That’s because Nature and time created the river as part of the impressive continent now known as Asia.
More precisely, the entirety of its extensive flow lies within the national borders of the country of China. It extends from the Qinghai Province, located in the western portions of the land, and then flows generally eastward through several provinces, and later empties into the East China Sea.
Understanding the beginnings of this wonder takes great study, however. The original formation of this geological gem took place over the course of millions of years. That same creation also took place as a result of a highly complex interaction of geological and hydrological processes.
Its basin lies at the approximate edge of what geologists call the Eurasian Plate, where it’s been significantly influenced by the collision of the Indian Plate with that same Plate. This tectonic activity led to the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, which plays a crucial role in the river’s formation.
Its course also eventually formed due to the inexorable uplift and erosion of the surrounding mountains and plateaus. The erosion over millions of years carved out deep valleys and gorges, particularly in the upper reaches of the river. Glaciation during the Ice Ages also played a role.
Over time, the mighty river carried vast amounts of sediment from the interior of China towards the East China Sea. This deposition helped shape the floodplains and deltas, particularly in the middle and lower reaches of the river. This action also formed many of the large lakes present.
The magnificent Yangtze River supports a rich and diverse ecosystem. Due to its extent, however, this divides into different regions. The Upper Reaches remain characterized by alpine vegetation, including hardy shrubs, grasses, and high-altitude plants adapted to cold, arid conditions.
Meanwhile, both the Middle and Lower Reaches support a wide variety of subtropical and temperate vegetation. These ecosystems include deciduous and evergreen forests, wetlands, and vast riparian zones. Important plant species include bamboo, lotus, and various aquatic plants.
Innumerable species of amazing fauna also abound within this beautiful region. Its flowing waters serve as home to over 400 fish species, many of which evolved as entirely endemic. Major species to be found include the Chinese paddlefish, Chinese sturgeon, and the Yangtze sturgeon.
The critically endangered Yangtze River dolphin, also known as the baiji, once formed a prominent species within its confines, but’s now considered functionally extinct. The aptly-named Yangtze finless porpoise also represents yet another key species that’s currently facing severe threats.
The area additionally provides a crucial habitat for many bird species. Notable avians include the Siberian crane, the Chinese merganser, and various species of ducks, geese, and herons. The Chinese alligator and various turtles, frogs, and salamanders also inhabit the expansive river basin.
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