Streams and rivers of the Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada is a mountain system located in the South of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain), shared by the provinces of Granada and Almería, and with an East-West arrangement. It covers 2,273 km2 and reaches a maximum altitude of 3,479 m a.s.l. in the Mulhacén summit. Due to its meridional situation in Europe, its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and its high altitude, it represents a high gradient of climatic conditions, with representation of five out of six of the bioclimatic zones present in the Mediterranean region (from the thermo-mediterranean to the crioro-mediterranean). The Sierra Nevada Natural Area has an extensive hydrographic network made up of rivers and streams (as well as high mountain lakes), which are fed mainly by snow from the high peaks. It is worth highlighting the great diversity of ecotypes present, with an important representation of fluvial courses typified as high mountain rivers, Siliceous Mediterranean mountain rivers, Calcareous Mediterranean mountain rivers and mineralised Mediterranean low mountain rivers. This variety of ecotypes promote the existence of a great biodiversity.