Igapò: Also known as swamp forest, igapò is forest that is flooded by typically blackwater rivers for extended periods (4-10 months).

Vàrzea: Sometimes known as flooded forest, vàrzea covers at least 60,000 square miles (154,400 sq. km) of the Amazon. This forest is flooded seasonally by whitewater rivers and has richer soils than igapò and correspondingly, is good for agriculture.


Continued: People of the rainforest


This article was written by Rhett A. Butler [bibliographic citation for this page] and was last updated on the most recent date listed in the column on the right side.

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Other pages in this section:
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Rainforest Waters Rivers, Streams, & Creeks Floating Meadows Importance of Rainforest Rivers - - - - - References

Types of Rivers Flooding, Low, and High Water Life by the River Threats to Rivers