Salado River (Buenos Aires)

The Salado River, also known as the Río Salado del Sur (Southern Salty River) or Río Salado de Buenos Aires, is a major river in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It traverses a significant portion of the province from northwest to southeast, ultimately draining into the Samborombón Bay on the Atlantic coast.

The river's course is characterized by its very low gradient, leading to slow flow and a tendency to flood. The surrounding Pampas plains contribute to the river's shallow and wide nature. The Salado is not navigable for commercial traffic.

The Salado River basin is a vital agricultural region, supporting extensive cattle ranching and farming activities. However, the river's propensity for flooding presents significant challenges to these activities, causing economic losses and displacement.

Efforts have been undertaken to manage the river's flow and mitigate the impacts of flooding, including the construction of canals and levees. Despite these efforts, the Salado River continues to pose a recurring flood risk to the region.

The name "Salado" (Spanish for "salty") refers to the high mineral content of the river's water, likely due to the geological composition of the surrounding soil and the slow evaporation rate. This salinity also affects the river's ecosystem and the types of vegetation that can thrive along its banks. The river supports a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and mammals adapted to the saline environment.