Rupel

a river in Belgium, a right tributary of the Scheldt. The Rupel is formed by the confluence of the Nèthe, Dyle, and Senne rivers, which drain an extensive area of eastern Belgium. It is 12 km long measured from the confluence and drains an area of 6,500 sq km. Its mean flow rate is approximately 50 cu m per sec; the water level is higher in the winter and spring. The Rupel is canalized and is navigable by vessels with displacements to 2,000 tons. The river is influenced by ocean tides up to 4–4.5 m high, at which time it is accessible to seagoing vessels. There are large shipyards near the mouth of the Rupel.