Reitdiep

The Reitdiep is a Rivière Dutchwoman of the province of Groningue.

River or river?

Historically speaking, one can consider Reitdiep as a Fleuve which was thrown in the Lauwerszee. Nowadays, the Lauwerszee being barred and being transformed into Lauwersmeer, Reitdiep is not any more in direct contact with the sea and does not undergo any more the effect of the Marée S.

Geography and history

Nowadays, Reitdiep starts in the septentrional port of the town of Groningue. The section of Groningue with Wierumerschouw corresponds to the lower course articiel - because dug - Drentsche Aa. The section of Wierumerschouw to the Lauwersmeer corresponds to one of the historical lower courses of Hunze. In the past, Reitdiep was thus the name for the part since the Confluent of Drentsche Aa and Hunze until the Lauwerszee.

During centuries, the layout of certain sinuous parts, which showed a tendency to stagnation, was modified to remove the Méandre S and to obtain a right and rectilinear course. These sections are called , and often bear a proper name to them. Thus, one finds the Zwaluwrak (created in 1622) in the north of Oldehove, and the Langerak (created in 1629) close to Garnwerd.

Until the construction of the Channel of Ems in 1876, Reitdiep was only the river connection between the town of Groningue and the sea. In 1877, one built a Barrage and lock S with Zoutkamp, thus removing the direct connection and the influence of the tides in the channels of the city.

Before the closing of the Lauwerszee, Zoutkamp was an important fishing port, located on the mouth of Reitdiep. In current the Lauwersmeer, Reitdiep continues its course under the names of Zoutkamperril , Slenk and Vaarwater naar Oostmahorn .

Nowadays, the river has an important function of drainage for its old Bassin pouring, as well as a certain ecological interest.

Source

Nds-nl: Rietdaip

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