A massive 600-mile coral reef has been discovered below the murky waters of the Amazon river, astonishing scientists and government officials alike all of whom are now deep in exploration concerning its orgins.

The existence of the 3,600 square-mile system comes as a complete wonder to those in the know because many of the world's great rivers produce major gaps in reef systems. The system is reported to range from about 30-120m deep and stretch from French Guiana to Brazil's Maranhao.

No Prior Evidence System Existed

To date, there has been little evidence of such an existence, mainly because corals primarily thrive in clear, sunlit, salt water environments. The waters bordering the mouth of the Amazon are reported to be among the muddiest in the world.

But somehow, someway, early indications are the reef is thriving below the freshwater "plume" of the Amazon.

In a paper published in the Science Advances over the last several days, scientists insisted though the reef remains impoverished researchers have found over 60 species of sponges, 73 species of fish, spiny lobsters, stars and much other reef life.

The Amazon River is the world's greatest river, collecting water from an area over 7m sq km.

Related