Llobregat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Llobregat |
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View of the Llobregat River in Olesa de Montserrat
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| Country | Spain |
| Province | Barcelona |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Serra del Cadí 1,259 m (4,131 ft) |
| River mouth | Mediterranean Sea 0 m (0 ft) 41°17′53″N 2°08′17″E / 41.29806°N 2.13806°E |
| Length | 170 km (110 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 4,948.3 km2 (1,910.5 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The Llobregat is an important river in Catalonia, Spain. It is the second longest river in this region, right after the Ter river. The Llobregat flows into the Mediterranean Sea south of the big city of Barcelona.
The name Llobregat might come from an old Latin word. This word could mean 'dark', 'sorrowful', or 'muddy'. Another idea is that it comes from Rubricatus, which means "red."
Contents
The River's Journey
The Llobregat river starts high up in the Serra del Cadí mountains. Its source is about 1,259 meters (4,131 feet) above sea level. This starting point is in the area of Castellar de n'Hug municipality. The river travels for more than 170 kilometers (106 miles) before it reaches the sea.
Crossing the River
Near the town of Martorell, an old Roman road called the Via Augusta crosses the Llobregat. It uses a famous bridge known as the Pont del Diable (Devil's Bridge). The bridge you see today was built during the High Middle Ages. A major road, the C-16 highway, also follows the Llobregat valley for a long way. This highway is even called the 'Llobregat Axis' (Eix del Llobregat).
Where the River Ends
The Llobregat river finally flows into the Mediterranean Sea. This happens at the Llobregat Delta, which is a flat area of land formed by the river's deposits. This delta is located in the municipality of El Prat de Llobregat, very close to Barcelona.
Long ago, the delta had lots of rich, fertile land. This land was great for farming near Barcelona. However, much of the delta area is now covered by buildings and roads. It also includes important structures like the Barcelona–El Prat international Airport.
Managing the River's Water
The lower part of the Llobregat river is carefully managed. Water that used to flow straight into the sea is now pumped back upstream. This helps to increase the natural flow of the river. It also helps to refill the river delta's wetlands (marshy areas). This management also helps to stop seawater from flowing too far inland.
River Branches
Smaller rivers and streams that flow into a larger river are called tributaries. The Llobregat has several important tributaries:
- Right tributaries:
- Bastareny
- Cardener
- Anoia
- Left tributaries:
- Riera de Merlès
- Riera Gavarresa
- Riera de Rubí
- Riera de Vallvidrera, also known as la Rierada
See also
- List of rivers of Spain
- Baix Llobregat
- Besòs (river)
