ABSTRACT
The river Seine is located in the northern part of France (Figure 1). With a hydrographic basin of 74,250 km2, and an average flow of 450 m3/sec, it takes its place among the medium rivers. However, as it flows through the city of Paris and drains a heavily urbanized and industrial basin (30% of the country's population, and 40% of its economic activity), its role is much more important than the preceding numbers could mean. Two other important cities are situated along the lower course of the river, i.e., along the estuary: Le Havre at the entrance and Rouen 130 km upstream.
