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 French 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.