Esla (river) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Esla |
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View of the Esla River
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| Country | Spain |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) |
| River mouth | Duero River |
| Length | 275 kilometres (171 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Douro→ Atlantic Ocean |
| Basin size | 16,081 square kilometres (6,209 sq mi) |
The Esla River is an important river located in the northwest of Spain. It flows through the provinces of León and Zamora. The Esla is a major branch, or tributary, of the Duero River. It begins high up in the Cantabrian Mountains and flows for about 275 kilometers (171 miles) from north to south.
The Esla is actually the largest tributary of the Duero River when it comes to the amount of water it carries. In fact, where the Esla joins the Duero, it often has more water than the Duero itself! The official starting point of the Esla River is called the “Fuente del Naranco,” found in a place called Valdosín, near La Uña in León province.
Contents
A River with Ancient Roots
Long ago, the ancient Romans knew this river as the Astura. The Asturian people, who were ancestors of the people living in Asturias and León today, got their name from this river. They lived on both sides of the Cantabrian Mountains. Many place names in the area still remember the river's old name. For example, Villafalé means "Fertile Village on the Banks of the Astura River." Other places like Vega del Esla and Mansilla del Esla also show the river's influence on their names.
Building and Changes Along the Esla
In the 1800s, a special channel called the Canal del Esla was built. Its purpose was to bring water from the river to help grow crops in the Vega de Toral area.
Later, in the 1980s, a big project began to build a dam and a reservoir. This was done to create hydroelectric power, which is electricity made from the force of moving water. This project caused seven villages along the Esla River in León, including Riaño, to be covered by water. New villages were then built around the new reservoir to replace the old towns.
Rivers Joining the Esla
Many smaller rivers flow into the Esla, adding to its water. These are called its tributaries. The main ones include:
- Bernesga River
- Cea River
- Órbigo River
- Porma River
- Tera River
- Aliste River
See also
In Spanish: Río Esla para niños
