A remarkable natural phenomenon has been documented in the depths of the Amazon rainforest in Peru, known as the boiling river, which exhibits temperatures ranging from 45 to 80 degrees Celsius.
This river, referred to as 'La Bomba' or 'Shanay-Timpishka', is part of a tributary in central eastern Peru that connects to the Amazon River. It is characterized by massive columns of steam rising from its surface, a feature that has captured the attention of researchers.
According to Alyssa Kolberg, a plant ecology researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, the river is heated by geothermal energy sources located deep within the Earth.
During a recent visit to the site, Kolberg observed that the surrounding forest appeared more rugged and that drought conditions were prevalent in the area. Experts suggest that the intense heat negatively impacts biodiversity, as the high levels of steam in the air may deter flying insects and other wildlife from inhabiting the region.
The river spans approximately 25 meters in width, reaches depths of about 6 meters, and extends for 6.4 kilometers. Its water temperature is sufficient to cause third-degree burns, making it a perilous environment for any animal that accidentally falls in.
The boiling river was first officially documented in the 1930s by a local Peruvian newspaper, although it has been known to indigenous Amazonian communities for centuries.