Grijalva River

The Río Grijalva in the Cañón del Sumidero

The Río Grijalva in Villahermosa

The Grijalva River is a 766 km long river in southeastern Mexico. He was named after his Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva.

Geography

A few kilometers from its headwaters near the Mexican border in the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes in Guatemala flows the Río Grijalva first northwest, then turns north and flows through the Mexican states of Chiapas and Tabasco. North-east of Villahermosa he connects to the western mouth of the three arms of the Río Usumacinta and forms the marshy river delta of the Pantanos de Centla; about 25 miles further north it flows into the Gulf of Mexico.

Cities

Major cities in the Grijalva River or near Tuxtla Gutierrez are, Cardenas and Villahermosa. North of Tuxtla Gutierrez, it flows through the Sumidero Canyon.

Economy

In the course of its electricity are the largest hydroelectric power plants in Mexico: La Angostura ( Dr. Belisario Domínguez ), Malpaso ( Netzhualcoyotl ), Manuel M. Torres Dam ( Chicoasén ) and Peñitas (General Angel Albino Corzo ). The power plants along the river provide about 30% of the electricity produced in Mexico. The deeply incised into the hill country Sumidero Canyon is of great importance for tourism in the region.

History

Since the Río Grijalva frequently overflowed its banks in former times, can be found directly on its banks nor antique new cities. The pre-Columbian archaeological site of Chiapa de Corzo is located about 100 m above the river level. In 1518 the estuary of the river was discovered and crossed by a Spanish expeditionary force under the command of Juan de Grijalva. And several localities in flooding along the river flooded and partially destroyed - In October / November 2007 - despite the reservoirs also used for the water regulation hundreds of people were killed.

Fauna

Unlike the Río Usumacinta the Río Grijalva is interrupted by several reservoirs, which had a negative impact on biodiversity; as former habitats for jaguars, crocodiles, river turtles, etc., were largely destroyed. Only the marshy Biosphere Reserve Pantanos de Centla the mouth of the river still provides largely unspoiled habitats, especially for birds.