The Oum er-Rbia River
The Oum er-Rbia River is the longest river in Morocco, flowing 345 miles (555 kilometers) from its source in the Middle Atlas mountains, through the village of Khenifra and the coastal plain, to the Atlantic Ocean, where it empties near the town of Azemmour. The river, which means "Mother of Spring" in Arabic, has three major tributaries that join it from the south, the el-Abid, Tessaoute, and Lakhdar rivers. The Oum er-Rbia River is shallow and therefore not navigable. However, its turbulent waters are ideal for hydroelectric power, which has lead to six dams being built on the river.Since there are few rivers that flow through this arid land, the precious water resources are used for drinking, irrigation, and, as can be seen here by enlarging the picture, washing laundry. The valley of the Oum er-Rbia River is well-irrigated, and produces much citrus fruit, olives, wheat, and other...
