The Amazon is the largest drainage basin on Earth and contains a wide variety of abiotic landscape features. In spite of this, the geodiversity in this basin has not yet been objectively evaluated. We address this knowledge gap by combining a meta-analysis of an existing global geodiversity map and its components with a systematic literature review, to identify the key characteristics of geodiversity in the Amazon drainage basin (ADB). We also evaluate how these global geodiversity component maps, that are based on the geology, geomorphology, soils and hydrology, could be refined to better reflect geodiversity in the basin. Our review shows that geology—through lithological diversity and geological structures—and hydrology—through hydrological processes that influence geomorphology and soil diversity—are the main determinants of geodiversity. Based on these features, the ADB can be subdivided into three principal regions: (i) the Andean orogenic belt and western Amazon, (ii) the cratons and eastern Amazon, and (iii) the Solimões-Amazon river system. Additional methods to map geomorphological and hydrological diversity have been identified. Future research should focus on investigating the relationship between the geodiversity components and assess their relationship with biodiversity. Such knowledge can enhance conservation plans for the ADB. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Geodiversity for science and society’.

中文翻译：

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亚马逊流域的地质多样性

亚马逊是地球上最大的流域，拥有多种非生物景观特征。尽管如此，该盆地的地质多样性尚未得到客观评价。我们通过将对现有全球地理多样性地图及其组成部分的荟萃分析与系统文献综述相结合来解决这一知识差距，以确定亚马逊流域（ADB）地理多样性的关键特征。我们还评估了如何完善这些基于地质、地貌、土壤和水文的全球地质多样性组成图，以更好地反映流域的地质多样性。我们的综述表明，地质学（通过岩性多样性和地质结构）和水文学（通过影响地貌和土壤多样性的水文过程）是地质多样性的主要决定因素。根据这些特征，亚行可以细分为三个主要区域：（i）安第斯造山带和亚马逊西部，（ii）克拉通和亚马逊东部，以及（iii）索利莫斯-亚马逊河流域。已经确定了绘制地貌和水文多样性地图的其他方法。未来的研究应侧重于调查地球多样性组成部分之间的关​​系并评估它们与生物多样性的关系。这些知识可以加强亚行的保护计划。本文是西奥·墨菲会议问题“科学与社会的地理多样性”的一部分。