List of rivers of Albania

Hydrogeological Map of Albania
Source: Ministry of Industry and Mines (1985)

Albania has an extensive hydrographic network of 152 rivers and streams, including 10 large rivers flowing from southeast to northwest, mainly discharging towards the Adriatic Sea. Combined, they produce a total annual flow rate of 1,308 cubic metres per second (46,200 cu ft/s).[1][2]

In the mountainous regions, the rivers meander through narrow valleys with steep banks and great depth, collecting streams and silt during heavy rains. Their beds become erosive, causing frequent changes in their paths.[3]

The rivers are mainly fed by atmospheric precipitation (65-92%) and underground water (8-35%), with an average rainfall layer of 1,494 mm and a runoff layer of 945 mm. Water flow varies by season, with winter having the largest annual flow (40%), followed by spring, autumn, and summer. The rivers contain an average mineralization of 150 to 500 mg/L and an average annual volume of suspended solids of 60 million tons, with greater erosion occurring in the catchment basins of Osum, Devoll, and Erzen. Temperatures in the winter months fall to 3.5-8.9°C, and in the summer months reach 17.8-24.6°C.[4]

  1. ^ Cullaj, A.; Hasko, A.; Miho, A.; Schanz, F.; Brandl, H.; Bachofen, R. (2005). "The quality of Albanian natural waters and the human impact". Environment International. 31 (1): 137. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2004.06.008. PMID 15607787.
  2. ^ Agim SELENICA. "WATER RESOURCES OF ALBANIA". medhycos.mpl.ird.fr.
  3. ^ Qiriazi, Perikli (2001). Gjeografia Fizike e Shqipërisë. Tiranë: Ideart. pp. 101–108. ISBN 978-99956-29-80-9.
  4. ^ Pano, Niko (2015). Pasuritë ujore të Shqipërisë. Akademia e Shkencave e Shqipërisë. p. 636. ISBN 978-99956-10-87-6.