Upa (river)

The Upa is a river in Tula Oblast, Russia. It is a right tributary of the Oka River.

Geography: The Upa originates in the eastern part of the Tula Oblast, near the city of Yefremov. It flows generally northwards, passing through the city of Tula, the administrative center of the oblast, before joining the Oka River near the town of Odoevo. The river's length is approximately 345 kilometers (214 miles). The Upa's drainage basin covers an area of 9,510 square kilometers (3,670 sq mi).

Hydrology: The Upa is primarily fed by snowmelt. It experiences high water levels during the spring thaw. In winter, it freezes over, typically from November/December to March/April.

Economic Significance: The Upa has historically been used for navigation and timber floating, although its importance for these purposes has diminished over time. The river also provides water for industrial and agricultural use.

Environmental Concerns: Like many rivers in industrial regions, the Upa faces environmental challenges, including pollution from industrial discharge and agricultural runoff. Water quality monitoring and conservation efforts are ongoing to mitigate these problems.