The Vâlsan is a left tributary of the river Argeș in Romania.[1][2] It discharges into the Argeș near Merișani.[3] Its length is 79 km (49 mi) and its basin size is 348 km2 (134 sq mi).[2]

Vâlsan
Vâlsan is located in Romania
Vâlsan
Location
CountryRomania
CountiesArgeș County
VillagesBrăduleț, Vâlsănești, Mălureni
Physical characteristics
MouthArgeș
 • location
Merișani
 • coordinates
44°58′21″N 24°45′15″E / 44.9726°N 24.7543°E / 44.9726; 24.7543
Length79 km (49 mi)
Basin size348 km2 (134 sq mi)
Basin features
ProgressionArgeșDanubeBlack Sea

The Vâlsan originates in the Făgăraș Mountains, where its source is a trough-shaped glacial hollow located between the Picuiata and Scărișoara Mare mountains. The river flows for a mere 84.6 kilometers. Its course runs parallel to the Argeș River. The Vâlsan River's mouth is located at Merișani.[4]

In 1967 the Vâlsan's course was altered significantly by the construction of a reservoir and a hydroelectric plant.[4]

Tributaries

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The following rivers are tributaries to the river Vâlsan (from source to mouth):[2]

  • Left tributaries: Zănoguța, Dobroneagu, Râul Cheii
  • Right tributaries: Izvorul Dimei, Izvorul Popii, Robaia, Valea Părului, Șoptana, Toplița, Bunești

Haven for a Fish Species

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The Vâlsan, although a minor river in comparison to other European rivers, is of vital importance. This is because it is one of the few rivers that supports the fish species Romanichthys valsanicola. This species is endemic to Romania and the Danube basin. The species is regarded the most endangered species of European ichthyofauna given its small habitat range and low surviving numbers.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Planul național de management. Sinteza planurilor de management la nivel de bazine/spații hidrografice, anexa 7.1" (PDF, 5.1 MB). Administrația Națională Apele Române. 2010. pp. 820–821.
  2. ^ a b c Atlasul cadastrului apelor din România. Partea 1 (in Romanian). Bucharest: Ministerul Mediului. 1992. p. 328. OCLC 895459847. River code: X.1.14
  3. ^ Valsan (jud. Arges), e-calauza.ro
  4. ^ a b c Vlăduțu, Mihaela. "The Zoobenthic Structure from Vâlsan River, the Tributary of Argeș, in the Sector Alunu-Mușetești, in the Conditions of Year 2003" (PDF). Retrieved 30 July 2013.