Qarano | |
---|---|
Qarano River in Dogu’a Tembien | |
Location | |
Country | Ethiopia |
Region | Tigray Region |
District (woreda) | Dogu’a Tembien |
Physical characteristics | |
Source | Addilal |
• elevation | 2,246 m (7,369 ft) |
Mouth | Giba River |
• location | May Qarano in Emni Ankelalu municipality |
• coordinates | 13°36′34″N 39°23′10″E / 13.6094°N 39.3861°E |
• elevation | 1,753 m (5,751 ft) |
Length | 15.2 km (9.4 mi) |
Width | |
• average | 7 m (23 ft) |
Basin features | |
River system | Seasonal river |
Landmarks | Tufa dam at outlet |
Waterfalls | Near outlet |
Topography | Undulating, with minor cliffs |
The Qarano is a river of the Nile basin. Rising in the mountains of Dogu’a Tembien in northern Ethiopia, it flows eastward to empty in the Giba and Tekezé River. [citation needed]
The Qarano is a confined ephemeral river, locally meandering in its narrow alluvial plain, with an average slope gradient of 45 metres per kilometre. With its tributaries, the river has cut a deep gorge.[1]
Runoff mostly occurs in the form of high runoff discharge events that occur in a very short period (called flash floods). These are related to the steep topography, often little vegetation cover and intense convective rainfall. The peaks of such flash floods have often a 50 to 100 times larger discharge than the preceding baseflow.[1] The magnitude of floods in this river has however been decreased due to interventions in the catchment.
At Addilal and on other steep slopes, exclosures have been established; the dense vegetation largely contributes to enhanced infiltration, less flooding and better baseflow.[2] Physical conservation structures such as stone bunds[3][4] and check dams intercept runoff.[5][6]
Boulders and pebbles encountered in the Qarano river bed can originate from any location higher up in the catchment, and are either made of Antalo Limestone[7] or freshwater tufa[8]
During its course, this river passes through three municipalities and constitutes different borders.[9] On the various parts:
Trekking routes have been established across and along this river.[10] The tracks are not marked on the ground but can be followed using downloaded .GPX files.[11]
In the rainy season, flash floods may occur and it is advised not to follow the river bed. [12]