Arieș (Someș)

The Arieș is a river in Romania, a left tributary of the Someșul Mic River. It is formed by the confluence of the Arieșul Mare and Arieșul Mic rivers in the town of Miheșu de Câmpie. From its source to the confluence with the Someșul Mic, the Arieș is approximately 166 km (103 mi) long. The Arieșul Mare and Arieșul Mic are considered its upper courses.

The Arieș flows generally eastward through the Apuseni Mountains and the Transylvanian Plateau. It passes through numerous towns and villages, including Turda, Câmpeni, and Baia de Arieș. The river's basin is rich in mineral resources, historically supporting mining activities in the area, particularly for gold and silver. This history has also led to concerns regarding environmental pollution in certain stretches of the river.

The river's name, "Arieș," is believed to have Dacian origins, possibly related to the word for "gold" due to the region's historical gold deposits. The river is utilized for irrigation and, in the past, for powering watermills. Its course has been subject to some modifications over time for flood control and land reclamation purposes.