The Aiud River: A Hydrographic Study in Transylvania
An in-depth exploration of a significant tributary within Romania's Mureș river basin, detailing its course, characteristics, and hydrological significance.
Discover Aiud 👇 Key Data 📊Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
River Overview
Geographical Context
The Aiud River, also recognized by its upper reach designation Siloș and its Hungarian name Enyed-patak, is a significant left tributary situated within the historical region of Transylvania, Romania. Its existence is intrinsically linked to the larger Mureș River system, contributing vital water resources to the regional hydrography.
Hydrological Role
As a left tributary, the Aiud River discharges into the Mureș River, playing a crucial role in the overall drainage network of the Mureș basin. This contribution, while modest in scale compared to the main river, is essential for maintaining the hydrological balance and supporting the local ecosystem. Its flow pattern and water volume are critical factors for the surrounding geography and human settlements.
Naming Conventions
The river is known by multiple names, reflecting its historical and linguistic context. Primarily identified as the Aiud River, it is also referred to as Aiudul de Sus, particularly concerning its upper course. The Hungarian designation, Enyed-patak, highlights its historical significance within the Hungarian-speaking communities of Transylvania, underscoring the region's rich cultural tapestry.
Geographic Placement
National and Regional Context
The Aiud River is situated entirely within the borders of Romania, specifically within the Transylvania region. Its course and basin are primarily located within Alba County, a significant administrative division known for its diverse geography and historical importance.
Settlements Along the Course
The river's path is associated with several settlements, with its discharge point being notably near the city of Aiud itself. Key villages and areas linked to the Aiud River include Poiana Aiudului, Livezile, Aiudul de Sus, and the city of Aiud, underscoring the river's direct impact on local communities and infrastructure.
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions and Scale
The Aiud River measures approximately 27 kilometers (17 miles) in length. Its drainage basin, the area of land where water collects and flows into the river, spans approximately 182 square kilometers (70 square miles). These dimensions provide a quantitative measure of its hydrological significance within the local landscape.
Hydrological Coordinates
The precise geographical location of the Aiud River's confluence with the Mureș River is marked by specific coordinates. These coordinates, 46°19′07″N 23°44′50″E (or 46.3187°N 23.7471°E), are crucial for mapping, navigation, and hydrological studies, pinpointing its exact position within the global geographic framework.
Mouth and Confluence
The Aiud River culminates its journey by discharging into the Mureș River. This confluence occurs near the city of Aiud, marking the point where the Aiud's waters merge with the larger flow of the Mureș, contributing to its volume and hydrological characteristics.
Tributary Network
Left Bank Contributions
The primary left tributary feeding into the Aiud River is the Rachiș. This tributary contributes to the Aiud's water volume and flow dynamics from its specific drainage area.
Right Bank Contributions
Several smaller streams and watercourses join the Aiud River from its right bank. These include Izvoarele, Inzel, and Neau, each contributing to the river's overall hydrological system and basin characteristics.
Hydrological Progression
Journey to the Black Sea
The Aiud River's hydrological journey does not conclude at its confluence with the Mureș. Its waters continue downstream, eventually merging with the Tisza River, then the mighty Danube River, and finally emptying into the Black Sea. This extensive progression connects the local Aiud River system to a vast network of European waterways.
Academic Sources
Cited Works
The information presented herein is derived from scholarly and official hydrological records. These sources provide the foundational data for understanding the Aiud River's characteristics and its place within the Romanian river systems.
- Administrația Națională Apele Române. (2010). "Planul național de management. Sinteza planurilor de management la nivel de bazine/spații hidrografice, anexa 7.1" (PDF). p. 334.
- Ministerul Mediului. (1992). Atlasul cadastrului apelor din România. Partea 1. Bucharest. p. 155. OCLC 895459847.
- e-calauza.ro. "Aiud / Aiudul de Sus (jud. Alba)".
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "Aiud River" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- Aiud / Aiudul de Sus (jud. Alba), e-calauza.ro
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Academic Disclaimer
Important Notice
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, synthesizing information from publicly available academic and governmental sources. It is intended for educational and informational purposes at a higher education level.
This is not professional geographical or hydrological advice. The content is based on data that may be subject to change or interpretation. Users should consult official hydrological surveys, academic geographers, and relevant authorities for definitive information and professional consultation regarding water resources, river systems, or geographical data.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.