Ariège (river)
| Ariège | |
|---|---|
 The Ariège near Ax-les-Thermes | |
 | |
| Location | |
| Countries | |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | Pyrenees |
| • elevation | ± 2,400 m (7,900 ft) |
| Mouth | |
• location | Garonne |
• coordinates | 43°31′2″N 1°24′36″E / 43.51722°N 1.41000°E |
| Length | 163 km (101 mi) |
| Basin size | 3,860 km2 (1,490 sq mi) |
| Discharge | |
| • average | 65 m3/s (2,300 cu ft/s) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Garonne→ Gironde estuary→ Atlantic Ocean |
The Ariège (French pronunciation: [aʁjɛʒ] ⓘ; Occitan: Arièja; Catalan: Arieja) is a river in southern France and Andorra. It is a right tributary of the Garonne. From its source in the Pyrenees near El Pas de la Casa, the river flows north, forming part of the border with Andorra. It flows for about 163 km (101 mi) and drains approximately 4,200 km2 (1,600 sq mi) of mainly mountainous terrain. The river is managed by the authority of the Agence de l’eau Adour-Garonne, to preserve the water quality, ensure ecological continuity, and regulate hydropower use.
Course
[edit]The river emerges at the base of Puy-Nègre in the Pyrenees at an altitude of 2,400 m (7,900 ft) in Southern France near the Andorran border.[1] It flows northwards through Ax-les-Thermes, Foix, Pamiers, Cintegabelle.[2] It flows into the Garonne in Portet-sur-Garonne, south of Toulouse. Its longest tributaries are the Hers-Vif and the Lèze.[3]
Hydrology
[edit]The river has a watershed region that extends from Portet to the Pyrenees, covering 4,200 km2 (1,600 sq mi).[1] The flow is about 40 m/s (130 ft/s) measured downstream at Foix and increases downstream. Cold snowmelt and rainfall in spring causes increased flow with flood risk during autumn's heavy rains, and low flows in summer and winter.[1] The river supports migratory and mountain fish species. The river is managed by the authority of the Agence de l’eau Adour-Garonne, to preserve the water quality, ensure ecological continuity, and regulate hydropower use.[4][5] Kayaking, fly-fishing, and mountain tourism are popular with water regulation preserving flow levels for recreation.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Ariege". Sénat rapport Andorre‑France. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Coursdeau". Agence de l’eau Adour‑Garonne. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ Sandre. "Fiche cours d'eau - L'Ariège (O1--0250)".
- ^ "État écologique & objectifs SDAGE 2022–2027". Agence de l’eau Adour‑Garonne. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Barrage, débit réservé et continuité écologique". Sénat rapport Andorre‑France. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Loisirs liés à la qualité de l'eau". Agence de l’eau Adour‑Garonne. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
External links
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