Sierra Nevada Global-Change Observatory (UGR-JA) - Spain

The northern slopes, being more steep, generally offer more rapidly flowing streams than the southern flanks of the Sierra Nevada. Snowmelt keeps many of the streams as perennial features, even though most flow rates are modest. A number of river diversions exist particularly on the southern slopes, where agriculture has been nurtured for at least the last three millennia. Many of these diversions occur at altitudes as high as 1500 meters to supply water to almond, olive and other crops. Results of these diversions include degradation of considerable riparian habitat. The principal river draining the northern slopes is the Rio Genil, which ultimately discharges to the Rio Guadalquivir. The origin of the name Genil derives from the river s Roman name Singilis, belying the early presence on the northern slopes by the Romans. The southern flanks are drained by a series of relatively narrow river valleys such as the Rio Laroles.