Motto: Nature and legend  in the region of Hercules

 

Weather now in Herculane:

 

 

 

        

   

            The surface hydrographic network of the park follows the Cerna River and its tributaries, through the elongated, narrow and asymmetrical basin.  Generally, it varies in its appearance and course, being influenced by the lithological diversity of the basin.

            The Romans named the Cerna River “Tierna;” and then later named it “Dierna.” It wasn’t until the Slovaks came that the river got its present name.

            The Cerna River  originates from below the Chicerii ridge and mixes with the Cernisoara river. The Cernisoara river has its spring 9 km uphill, under the Paltina summit at 2070 m.

            Cerna's hydrographic basin is very asymmetrical.  The majority of its tributaries flow from the western section of the park. The long tributaries (8-10 km) of the Cerna river have their origin in the high altitudes of the Godeanu Mountains (Carbunele formed through the union of Carbunele and Radoteasa brooks; Iovanul through the union of Mocirliu and Scarita; Olanu through the union of Mihoc, Olanelul, Paraul Lung and Sterminosul). Between Balmes and Olanu there are two short brooks, Naiba and Curmezisa.

            In the Cerna Mountains area, the hydrographic basin maintains its asymmetrical shape. The main tributaries here are: Mihalca, Iauna (formed through the union of Iauna Mare and Iauna Mica brooks), Topenia, Nanesul, Iuta and Bedina. These tributaries have their origin at 1300-1700 m and have constant flow without sub-terrain (underground) loss.

            The Cerna hydrographic basin's right slope presents two different areas, determined by the geological structure. The northern section has the longest permanent brooks, which are not longer than 3-4 km. The most important tributaries are: Ramnuta Mare, Ramnuta Mica and Arsasca.  These three flow into and become part of Ogasul Dracilor. The southern section has an under developed hydrographic basin. This is due to the temporary water flows and heavy losses in the valley bed. Characteristic to this area are the valleys that stay dry for small periods of time.

            A special characteristic of the Cerna river is its straight flow over a long distance (80 km) and approximately 90 degree junction angles.

            On the Cerna river two dams were built, resulting in two reservoirs: Prisaca Dam, which has 14 million cubic meters of water, and Cerna Dam, which has 120 million cubic meters of water.

            The Cerna river has a mixed source of water supply; 54% from sub-terrain and 46% from surface water. In some sections of the rivers course, there are sensitive exchanges between the sub-terrain and surface waters.

            The mineral springs are generated by water which has filtrated through the ground. These waters penetrate through split areas until they reach a depth of 1200 m below the surface.  At this depth, the water is heated and mineralized.  After this the water flows up to the surface on the Cerna river's side.

            The mineral waters, especially in Baile Herculane spa area, create a nearly constant flow in the park. These waters are sulphurous, chlorous, sodic, and calcic thermal waters which have a temperature of 40-60 degrees C. Due to these waters the Baile Herculane spa continues to have international reputation of excellence.