"Where magic happens" .. Warnings of neglecting tropical mountain rivers

Mohammad ALHADDAD

Large tropical mountain river systems do not have the necessary maintenance, field studies and research, despite their importance as a unique ecosystem undergoing rapid degradation due to climate change, according to a new study. Scratching tools and sculpting agents dominate mountain river systems.

The study, prepared by researchers from US universities and published on September 13 in the journal Science, shows that without these river systems, the Amazon River in South America would not be in its current form of fullness and biodiversity.

Without these natural systems, researchers believe, Dar es Salaam would not have been the most populous city in Tanzania. Density in the world.

Elizabeth Anderson, co-researcher and associate professor at the Earth and Environment Institute at Florida International University in the United States, says tropical rainforests are of great importance on the planet, and the rivers of tropical mountains are also important ecosystems and deserve more attention worldwide. , Calling for more attention to these tropical rivers and control of pollutants that lead to their degradation.

The researcher points out that the reality is that river systems are responsible for many environmental roles globally; rainforests in lowlands such as the Amazon are centers of biodiversity and carbon storage. River systems also transport vast amounts of water, food and sediments that support these forests, their biodiversity and the people who depend on them. Ignoring tropical mountain river systems means ignoring sources that feed many tropical rain forests.

"Where magic happens"
The researchers call for intensified studies of whole river systems, not just rainwater springs that supply water to human populations in many areas, or lowland rivers that descend through tropical forests.

Anderson describes the great distance that the river penetrates between the source point and the lowlands that embrace its biomass.

In many cases, hydroelectric dams interrupt the flow of water, sediment and fish along river systems. Rivers are polluted or used unsustainably for industry and agriculture. The study emphasizes that future research could focus on the factors responsible for making changes along riverbeds, as well as the chances of maintaining these rivers.