The biodiversity of the Amazon is a fascinating enigma. Various compelling hypotheses attribute this diversity to factors such as time, climate, and even the evolution of the Andes. The AMERICAS Project – AMazon Evolution driven by RIver CApture eventS – introduces an additional hypothesis: that historical alterations in the configuration of Amazonian rivers may have served as a breeding ground for aquatic species in the Amazon. Fish, for instance, which inhabit these waterways, are passively relocated when changes occur in the interconnection of rivers. It’s akin to altering the railway track without notifying the passengers. According to evolutionary theories, this scenario is a perfect recipe for the emergence of new species. Crucially, these changes leave imprints in both the landscapes and the DNA of fish. The AMERICAS project aims to investigate these records to determine the significance of this mechanism in the Amazon and, consequently, its impact on the evolution of life overall.

DELTA H is a scientific conference designed to immerse attendees in the cutting-edge research of geomorphology and landscape evolution, uniting national and international researchers for a day of lectures and discussions. The initiative also seeks to establish a perpetually active platform for discourse on the science of landscapes and surface processes, integrate scientific communities across various sub-disciplines, and advocate for the importance of geomorphology within the geosciences and significant societal sectors. It aims to bridge the gap between state-of-the-art international research and Brazilian geomorphology and, ultimately, foster an inclusive community that facilitates collective progress. The second iteration of the event is scheduled for August 31 in Corumbá (MS), in conjunction with the traditional National Geomorphology Symposium (SINAGEO).