Zarqa River, Major river tributary in Jerash Governorate, Jordan
The Zarqa River flows through Jordan for roughly 65 kilometers and ranks as the second largest tributary of the lower Jordan River after the Yarmouk. It runs across Jerash Governorate and connects different landscapes as it passes through valleys and open plains in various sections.
The Zarqa River valley has been settled for more than two thousand years, as shown by archaeological findings at sites like Ain Ghazal. Early communities used the river's water and its location as a strategic point in the ancient landscape.
The river carries different names across ancient texts, called Jabbok in Biblical accounts and Nahal Yabok in Hebrew sources. These names reflect its long importance as a boundary and water source in the region.
The river valley offers several bridges and crossing points that connect different regions and allow passage across the water. Visitors should note that water levels vary by season and should focus on dry areas for exploring.
A dam was built in 1970 across the lower section, creating a large reservoir for water supply. This structure significantly altered the river and made it a key water storage system for the region.
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