Where are the Carpathians in Ukraine. Where are the Carpathians? Country, features and interesting facts. Origin and age of the Carpathian Mountains

The Carpathians are a huge mountain system in the central part of Europe which passes through Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Austria.

These mountains are located closer to the western part of Ukraine and have an average length of 280 km. The relief here is multi-tiered, there are foothill, low-mountain, mid-mountain and high-mountain territories. Their height can reach 2000 m.

These places are distinguished by a special purity of air and beautiful open spaces, which, of course, cannot but attract tourists and climbers. We hope that you will no longer be tormented by the question - where are the Carpathians.

The Carpathians are located in four regions of Ukraine:

  • Chernivtsi;
  • Transcarpathian;
  • Lvovskaya;
  • Ivano-Frankivsk.

The most popular among tourists won such mountains as:

  • Goverla;
  • Pop Ivan;
  • Petros;
  • Hamster.

The height of these mountains sometimes exceeds 2000m, so they attract tourists. The atmosphere around is fascinating: pristine nature, clean air, lack of people, a variety of trees, plants and aromas.

In addition to the stunning scenery, tourists, like local residents fishing attracts here. Rivers of the Carpathians rich in a wide variety of fish.

It is not difficult to determine where the Carpathians can be located on the world map, since they occupy an impressive territory and are highlighted in brown.

Click on the map to enlarge

The Carpathians can be divided into 3 parts according to geographical location : Southern, Western, Eastern. Western Carpathians - Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland. The most high point The Carpathians are located on Mount Gerlach, whose height is 2655 m. In turn, all the Southern Carpathians are in Romania, and almost the entire part of the Eastern Carpathians is in Ukraine.

Usually, the most active tourism in the Carpathians in winter. From mid-autumn, the first snow appears here and vacationers come in anticipation of the beginning, warming mulled wine and good mood.

IN Lately one of the most preferred places for a ski holiday is the Carpathians. Holidays in the summer here have their own charm. Everyone can choose something to their liking:

  • bathing in rivers;
  • on farm yards to communicate with different animals;
  • engage in your favorite folk craft.

Ukrainian Carpathians from A to Z: map of hotels and ski areas, slopes and pistes, lifts and ski passes. Bright photos and videos. Reviews of mountain skiers about the Ukrainian Carpathians.

  • Tours for May Worldwide
  • Hot tours Worldwide

Weather in the Ukrainian Carpathians

From the point of view of ecology, the Carpathians are a powerful climate-forming factor, a source of fresh water and clean air for the region. The climate of the region is temperate continental, in the lowlands winters are short and mild, summers are warm with an average temperature of +19..+21°C. In the mountains, winters are cold and snowy, summers are short and cool. Snow in the mountains lies from mid-December to early March, and in some places even from November to May.

Nature of the Ukrainian Carpathians

The flora and fauna of the Carpathians is rich and varied, many plants are found only in this region, and some animals are on the list of rare species. A large number of mountain rivers and the lakes are full of fish, in particular trout. As you know, this fish is found only in clean water, and its widespread distribution in the Carpathians testifies to the purity of the local reservoirs. The most famous of the lakes is Synevyr, it is recognized as the cleanest in the region. Large rivers are suitable for timber rafting. The mountains themselves are flat, full of spacious plateaus, there are no rocks here, so the terrain is distinguished by smooth lines and is very picturesque.

Treatment and sources

The Carpathians are of interest as a region rich in mineral waters of all types. Great amount natural sources, there are more than 800 of them, made the region attractive in terms of not only recreation, but also recovery. Almost every region can boast of its own numerous sources of this or that water. Some of its species are known throughout the world: Naftusya, Morshinskaya, Truskavetskaya, Rapa, Polyana-Kvasova. Wide famous resort Truskavets, whose treatment is based on the use of Naftusya water, specializes in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system and kidneys, diabetes. Svalyava region has water sources such as Borjomi and Vichy. The composition of these waters is indicated in the treatment of metabolic diseases, gastrointestinal tract, tuberculosis. Staying in the fresh air, which is literally saturated with phytoncides of the local coniferous plants, combined with hydrotherapy, gives an amazing long-term effect in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Some sources are associated with ancient touching legends, some of them are revered local population like holy springs.

Ski resorts

The Carpathians are well known to amateurs skiing. Bukovel, Dragobrat, Slavske are the main ski resorts in the region. Snow stays here for a long time, thanks to the mild winter (in the coldest month of January, the temperature rarely drops below -6 degrees), you can ride from the end of December to the end of March. These resorts are becoming more and more popular, they are dynamically developing and last years offer a level of service and infrastructure comparable to European ones. Many lifts, schools for beginner skiers, well-groomed slopes, many of which are illuminated in the evening, equipment rentals are waiting for athletes.

You can relax and unwind in numerous places of entertainment that offer a varied menu and entertainment programs. With the end ski season interest in recreation continues Carpathian mountains ah: numerous trails for horse riding, hiking and cycling are interesting for lovers active rest all ages.

Popular hotels in Ukrainian Carpathians

Entertainment and attractions

There are many in the Carpathians most interesting cities and villages, castles, natural attractions, so there are all opportunities for the implementation of an extensive excursion program. The original way of life has been preserved in the mountain villages, and a trip through the Carpathians will clearly show: the higher people live in the mountains, the less fuss there is in their lives. However, civilization is also less. Extremely interesting for its original architecture and rich history cities located in the Carpathians. First of all, this is Lviv. One of the largest cities in Ukraine and the most beautiful. central part city ​​was included in 1998 in the list of world cultural heritage UNESCO. The city was founded in 1256, it was incredibly lucky: it was almost not destroyed during both world wars, so more than 2,000 monuments of history and architecture have been preserved in it.

Some Lviv cafes were opened even before the First World War and have preserved to this day the magical aura of the beginning of the last century.

Ivano-Frankivsk is popular with tourists, one of largest cities Ukraine. It is traditionally considered a city more European than Ukrainian, this can be seen both in architecture and in the way of life. Numerous historical sights of the city speak eloquently of the former Polish rule. Mukachevo, Uzhgorod, Ternopil, Truskavets are unusually cozy and attractive, and their attractions can compete with what can be seen in recognized European tourist centers.

IN Ukrainian Carpathians ah six mountains of two thousandths, each of which is located on the Montenegrin ridge. This is the most popular mountain range in Ukraine, and, you guessed it, the highest mountain in the Carpathians, Hoverla, is also located there. All these peaks are very interesting and worthy of being conquered by lovers of trekking and just hiking in picturesque places.

To begin with, I would like to note that the height of the mountains in different sources is different. For example, there are signs on the peaks themselves, on which one height is indicated, and on “Wikipedia” - another. I used the data from the wiki as I think the information there may be newer and more accurate.

Hoverla (2061 m, Chernogorsky ridge)

The most famous, highest, most visited mountain in the Ukrainian Carpathians. From it you can see the entire Chernogorsk Range, and if you're lucky, even the city of Ivano-Frankivsk. There are a lot of people here during the hiking seasons. On weekends, there is almost a queue to get up, so if you want to go up there and enjoy peace and quiet, choose another time. One of the largest Carpathian rivers Prut originates here. Naturally, many different legends and stories were composed about (read more at the link).

You can climb the mountain from the Zaroslyak or Kozmeshchik bases, or by traversing along the ridge from Petros or Brebeneskul. The easiest is the ascent from the base "Zaroslyak", even an unprepared person can go along this route without much effort.

The nearest large settlements are Rakhiv, Yasinya and Vorokhta.

Brebeneskul (2035 m, Chernogorsky ridge)

The second highest mountain in the Carpathians. It is located approximately in the middle of the ridge between the mountains Munchel and Rebra. Not far from it is the highest mountain lake in Ukraine with the same name - Brebeneskul. The peak does not stand out from the main ridge, sometimes you can not even understand that this is the peak of the mountain. However, many consider it one of the most beautiful peaks on the range. Due to the special location and climate, snow can lie on its slopes all year round, even in summer.

Pop Ivan Chernogorsky / Black Mountain (2020.8 m, Chernogorsky Range)

Just don't get confused, there's another one popular mountain called Pop-Ivan, only it is located on the Marmaros mountain range. Montenegrin Pip Ivan is one of the most popular points of the ridge, most often hikes and traverses start from it. This is due to the fact that at the top there is an old ruined observatory called " White elephant". If you look at the mountain from afar, it resembles a priest in a cassock, so they called her that. More old name- "Black Mountain". Then it was believed that this is the highest point of the ridge, because of it they called the entire Montenegrin ridge.

Nearest settlements: Dzembronya.

Petros (2020.5 m, Chernogorsky ridge)

Probably the most popular mountain in the Carpathians after Hoverla. Many consider it their duty to conquer Petros and Hoverla in one campaign. It is located between the peaks of Sheshul and Goverla. Its name comes from the Roman word for stone. On the southern slopes there is a popular ski resort. Considered very dangerous mountain in bad weather, lightning often hits here and almost always blows strong wind who destroyed every building ever erected on the mountain. An interesting fact is that there are three more mountains with the same name in the Carpathians.

Nearest settlements: Yasinya, c. Kvass and c. Lazeshchina.

Gutin Tomnatek(2016 m, Montenegrin ridge)

The mountain is located between the peaks of Rebra and Brebeneskul. She is nearby alpine lake Brebeneskul is even closer than the mountain of the same name. The main route of the Chernogorsky Range passes by this peak, but if you wish, you can climb it by making a small detour.

Nearest settlements: Bistrets and s. Goverla.

Ribs (2001 m, Chernogorsky ridge)

All the mountains in the Carpathians got their names for a reason, this peak is no exception. It is located in the central part of the ridge. On the slopes there are rocky formations, which from afar with their appearance resemble ribs when viewed from the northern part of the ridge. You can get here by several routes. Traverse through the Montenegrin ridge, or climb through the Gadzhina valley. By the way, the Gadzhina valley is very interesting and unusual place. Few tourists know about it, so if you want to enjoy nature away from other people, then your path leads to it.

Nearest settlements: Bystrets.

Other high mountains in the Carpathians

Munchel (1998 m, Chernogorsky ridge)

The mountain, which was only 2 meters short, to bear the proud title of "two-thousander". But, nevertheless, it is in seventh place in the list of the highest mountains in the Carpathians. It is located between the peaks of the mountains Dzembronya and Brebeneskul. In 2009, activists proposed to artificially increase the height of the mountain by two meters in order to add another two-thousander to the list of outstanding Ukrainian peaks, but the initiative has so far remained unrealized.

Pop-Ivan (1937 m, Marmaros Range)

Do not give all the glory only to the Montenegrin ridge. Mount Pop-Ivan is the highest peak in its mountain range. By the way, this part of the Carpathians is considered quite dangerous for tourists. It is located on the border of Ukraine and Romania. To get here, you need to get a permit in the village of Delovoye at the border outpost. But, despite all the difficulties, this part of the Ukrainian Carpathians is considered one of the most picturesque. In relief, it resembles the Romanian mountain ranges.

If you are an adventurous person and you already have experience in tourism, then I recommend going to these places, because here you will not meet tanned tourists who have come from a nearby hotel to gawk at natural attractions. Only real travelers go here.

Mountains in the Carpathians on the Map (Chernogorsk Range)

Montenegrin ridge map –

Here is a list of the highest mountains in Ukraine. Perhaps every self-respecting tourist who has visited the Carpathians should go through these places and check in at the highest points. Indeed, in addition to visiting the tops of these large ancient giants, you will also see many new wonderful places that will forever remain in your heart.

Another vacation was approaching. My friends and I decided to go on vacation. Between by sea and hiking in the mountains chose the second option. Our choice fell on Carpathians, because the friends who were already there, painted everything so beautifully for us that there were simply no other options. The mountains were calling us, and we carefully planned our hike.

Where are the Carpathians

From geography lessons I remember that The Carpathians are located on the territory of the Central and of Eastern Europe , and divided into internal and external, which in turn are divided into western and eastern. Also The Carpathians are located on the territory of seven states at once. Probably, each country has its own zest, but I interested in the Eastern Carpathians. For our small company, the easiest thing was visit the Carpathians in Ukraine because it is inexpensive and there are no problems with transport. Getting to the beginning of the route was not at all difficult, but that is a slightly different story, just like our adventures on the route.

Routes of the Eastern Carpathians

Everyone knows that The Eastern Carpathians are located on the territory of Ukraine and Romania, and also partly in Poland.. To get to the mountains you need to go to Ivano-Frankivsk or Transcarpathian region .

We have decided go to the Transcarpathian region to go the route along the Marmarosh ridge, which starts in Rakhovsky district. Here we ended up in the border zone, and therefore we had to take permission in order to go along the planned route. We went to the mountains from the village of Delovoye (this is where the sign that symbolizes the center of Europe is located).

Our goal was to climb Mount Pop Ivan Marmaroshsky (height 1932 meters). On the mountain, we found columns that separate the borders of the two states. Interestingly, to the highest point of Marmaros, which is located in Romania - Mount Farkeu, whose height is 1961 meters, you can go through without the permission of the Romanian border guards, but they will definitely not let you go further.


If you open any reference book on geography, you can see that The Western Carpathians are located on the territory of Serbia, Hungary, where mountains occupy a very small part of the country, and also in Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland.

When we were on the train from Ivano-Frankivsk, there was a guy in our compartment who works as a conductor in the Carpathians. He said that There are many interesting and unique places in the Western Carpathians. For example, it is best to go to Poland by ski vacation. There is great resort. He also advised go to Hungary, there the mountains occupy a small part of the country, but it is in this country the highest point of the Carpathians is Gerlachovsky Shtit,height which reaches 2655 meters.


For myself, I have identified several obvious Pros of hiking in the mountains:

  • beautiful nature, beautiful landscapes;
  • fresh air;
  • an opportunity to take a break from the daily hustle and bustle.

In fact very cool in the Carpathians, after all, it is not in vain that they say that better than mountains can only be mountains.

In Europe, on the territory of Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic, Ukraine and Romania (55% of the area of ​​the Carpathians). It stretches for 1.5 thousand km from the Devinsky Gates (on the Danube River near the city of Bratislava) to the Iron Gates (on the Danube River), forming an arc convex to the northeast and east. The width in the northwest is about 250 km, in the northeast about 120 km, in the southeast up to 430 km. The area is about 210 thousand km 2. The prevailing heights are 800-1200 m, the highest is 2655 m (mountain Gerlakhovsky-Shtit).

Relief. The Carpathians are a complex system of echelon-shaped mountain ranges and ridges, separated by longitudinal and transverse valleys. Orographically, they are divided into the Western Carpathians (with the southwestern spur of the Lesser Carpathians, height up to 768 m), the Eastern Carpathians and the Southern Carpathians; the northern ranges of the Western and partly Eastern Carpathians form the Beskids. The Carpathians also include the Western Romanian Mountains and the Transylvanian Plateau adjacent to the Southern Carpathians from the north, and the Banat Mountains from the west (height up to 1446 m).

The mountains are characterized by rounded peaks and gentle slopes (except for the northwestern and southeastern parts). Along the outer side of the arc of the mountains stretches a strip of foothills (width 40-60 km), height 400-500 m, in the southeast up to 907 m. (with Mount Gerlachovski Shtit), Low Tatras, Rodna, Fagaras, Paryng, Retezat. The crests of the highest ranges bear traces of the Pleistocene glaciation, the most pronounced alpine landforms are expressed in the Tatra and Fagaras massifs. For many areas of the Carpathians, karst landforms are typical, especially pronounced in the massifs of the Slovak Karst (Slovak Kras) (for example, Agtelek Cave), Bukk, and others. River valleys often form canyons in limestone. A strip of volcanic massifs stretches along the inner side of the Carpathian arc. In the western part, their height usually does not exceed 1300 m (Kremnicke Vrchy, Shtiavnicke Vrchy, Vigorlat massif, etc.), sometimes they look like table mountains, in places they form sharp contours. In the east, the volcanic mountains are higher (up to 2100 m, Mount Pietros in the Caliman massif), they are separated by deep basins and river valleys. The relief of the Transylvanian Plateau (height 600-800 m) is a complex combination of hilly elevations, flat watershed surfaces and river valleys, mud volcanoes are found in its marginal parts.

The Carpathians are characterized by leveling surfaces of different heights, hollows, the bottoms of which in the foothills lie at an altitude of 200-300 m (Upper Moravian, Auschwitz, Sandomierz, etc.), in the mountains - at an altitude of 500-700 m (Dorn, Brasovskaya, etc.). Due to the relatively low height, the mountains are relatively easy to pass, especially in the central part. The main passes through which the railway and highway are laid are located mainly at an altitude of 500-1000 m (Dukljanski-Priesmik, Yablonitsky, Predyal, etc.).

Geological structure and minerals. Tectonically, the Carpathians are a fold-cover system of the Pyrenean-Elbursk branch of the Alpine-Himalayan mobile belt, which in the southeast merges with the Balkan fold system, and in the west is separated by a transverse superimposed trough of the Vienna Basin from the Alpine fold system. From the outside, the Carpathian system is bordered by the Carpathian foredeep, through which it borders on platform areas: the West European platform in the north, the East European platform in the east, and the epibaikal Moesian platform in the southeast. The forward trough is filled with Miocene molasses (in the east and southeast - Miocene Pliocene), containing strata of Middle Miocene salt rocks (evaporites). The arcuately curved fold system of the Carpathians surrounds the Pannonian (in the west) and Transylvanian (in the east) Neogene molasse depressions. At their base there are blocks of the pre-Mesozoic continental crust - Alkapa, Thissia and Dacia.

In the structure of the folded system of the Carpathians, the Outer and Inner megazones are distinguished. The outer megazone is mainly composed of the Upper Jurassic-Paleocene terrigenous flysch overlain by the Oligocene-Lower Miocene clayey-siliceous series. Structurally, this megazone is a package of tectonic covers displaced for many tens of kilometers in the direction of adjacent platforms. Fold-cover dislocations also extend to the inner limb of the foredeep; in the southeast, in the axial zone of the trough (on the territory of Romania), salt tectonics is manifested with the formation of salt diapirs with piercing cores. The main deformations in the Outer Megazone occurred before the Middle Miocene, and in the foredeep - in the Pliocene (in the southeast - including the Quaternary). The structure of the Inner Megazone mainly involves Paleozoic metamorphic rocks and Late Paleozoic granitoids (fragments of the Central European Hercynian folded structure), as well as shelf carbonate and carbonate-terrigenous Mesozoic strata, which, together with Paleozoic rocks, experienced tectonic movement (shaping) in the middle and end of the Early Cretaceous, and also later. In the Inner Megazone, Middle Triassic - Upper Jurassic ophiolites (relics of the crust of the ancient Tethys Ocean) have been established. On the border of the Inner and Outer megazones in the Northern Carpathians, a narrow Peninskaya (Cliff, or Klippova) zone stretches, consisting mainly of large fragments of Triassic-Cretaceous carbonate rocks surrounded by marls. The main deformations in this zone occurred at the turn of the Cretaceous and Paleogene during the Laramian epoch of tectogenesis.

The Carpathian fold system arose in the Cenozoic, mainly at the site of the marginal sea basin in the northern part of the Tethys Ocean. This basin developed from the middle of the Triassic, in connection with the formation on the outskirts of the ancient European continent rifts crossing the Hercynian basement. The formation of the folded cover structure of the Carpathians was due to the collision (collision) of the Alkapa, Tissia and Dacia microplates (“outliers” of the African lithospheric plate) with the southern margin of the Eurasian Plate, as well as the underthrust (subduction) of the oceanic crust of the marginal sea basin under the microplates. An outbreak of volcanism in the rear of the Carpathian fold system was associated with the processes of collision and subduction. The Carpathians retain tectonic mobility (especially the Eastern Carpathians), accompanied by intense seismicity (Vrancea epicentral zone in Romania). Earthquakes occurring in the Eastern Carpathians are felt in the European part of Russia (for example, in Moscow in 1978 - up to 4 points).

In the Precarpathian trough, deposits of oil and natural combustible gas, ozocerite, rock and potassium salts, and native sulfur are concentrated. Oil deposits are known in the frontal part of the Outer Megazone of the Carpathians. In the Peniny zone there are deposits of dolomites, limestones, marbles, raw materials for stone casting. Deposits of pyrite-polymetallic, copper-pyrite, barite and ferromanganese ores are confined to the metamorphic complex of the Inner Megazone of the Carpathians; deposits of mercury, gold polymetallic and barite ores, as well as alunites, perlites, kaolins, and bentonite clays are associated with volcanic rocks. In the Transylvanian intermountain basin there are deposits of combustible gas, rock and potash salts, sulfur, brown coal. A special place among natural resources Carpathians occupy mineral water(including carbonic and nitrogen sulfate), brines of chloride and sulfate-chloride composition, thermal and subthermal waters of increased mineralization. There are sources of rare low-mineralized waters with a high content of organic matter (Truskavets).

The climate is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental. average temperature January in the foothills from -5°С in the north and east to -2°С in the south, in the most high peaks it drops to -10°C. In some intramountain basins, temperature inversions are observed in winter. The average temperature in July in the foothills is from 17°C in the north and east to 20°C in the south; in the upper belt of mountains it drops to 4°C. The annual precipitation in the foothills varies from 600-800 mm on the outer side of the arc of the Eastern and Southern Carpathians to 900-1000 mm in the Western Romanian Mountains and the Western Carpathians. In the alpine belt, the amount of precipitation increases to 1400 mm in the south and 2000 mm in the northeast and northwest (in the Tatras). The maximum precipitation occurs in the summer, most of it falls in the form of rain. The duration of snow cover in the foothills is 2-3 months (in some areas it is formed sporadically), in the mountains 5-7 months. Frequent snow avalanches. The snow line in the Tatras is located at an altitude of about 2300 m. There are no modern glaciers in the Carpathians.

surface waters. The Carpathians are one of the main watersheds of Europe. Most of the rivers belong to the Danube basin (the largest are Tisza, Olt, Jiu, Siret, Prut and their tributaries), the rivers of the northern slopes belong to the Vistula and Odra basins, the rivers of the northeastern slopes belong to the Dniester basin. The rivers are fed by mixed snow and rain. Their regime is characterized by sharp fluctuations in water consumption during the year. The greatest runoff is observed in spring (due to snowmelt) and in the first half of summer (due to heavy rains). Floods and catastrophic floods, mudflows are frequent. The rivers of the Carpathians have significant reserves of electricity (cascades of hydroelectric power stations have been built), many of them are used for irrigation purposes. To combat floods, dams and canals have been built along the rivers. There are about 450 small lakes in the Carpathians, in the highlands they occupy mainly the bottoms of ancient glacial cirques.

Landscape types. The Carpathians are characterized by altitudinal zonality with a predominance of mountain forests (occupying 300 thousand hectares) and mountain-meadow landscapes. In the foothills in the past, forest-steppe, oak and beech-oak forests were common, now almost completely cut down. In their place - orchards, vineyards, arable land, secondary forests (steppe in the west). The landscapes of the basins have been greatly changed. In the mountains, natural landscapes are better preserved. The lower belt of mountains (up to a height of 500-600 m in the north and 600-800 m in the south) is occupied by oak and hornbeam-oak forests. Higher (up to 1100-1250 m in the north and 1300-1350 m in the south), they are gradually replaced by beech forests, which are most common in the Southern Carpathians, Western Romanian mountains and along the inner side of the mountain arc. In the Eastern Carpathians there are areas of beech-sycamore and beech-ash-sycamore forests. Up to a height of 1200-1300 m in the north and 1500-1550 m in the south there are mixed forests (beech, white fir and European spruce). They are especially developed along the outer side of the arc of the Carpathians, where they often descend to the foothills and often replace the landscapes of beech forests, and in the Western Carpathians. The upper boundary of the forest zone (up to 1500-1600 m in the north and 1700-1800 m in the south) is formed by coniferous forests(mainly from spruce, less often larch and pine), they received the greatest development in the Eastern Carpathians. As a result economic activity human coniferous forests in many places are largely reduced, their upper limit is reduced by 100-200 m compared to natural boundary. Forests in the Carpathians are formed mainly on brown soils, including podzolized ones.

The forest zone gives way to a belt of subalpine shrubs and meadows (up to a height of 1700-2000 m in the north and 2100-2200 m in the south). It is represented mainly by crooked forests - thickets of mountain (dwarf) pine, juniper, green alder - and areas of grass-forb meadows. Above (up to 2300-2400 m) there is a belt of alpine meadows and shrubs, which does not have a continuous distribution, is found mainly in the Western and Southern Carpathians, where it alternates with talus and rocks. The vegetation is represented by formations of alpine species of grasses and sedges with the participation of alpine forbs, as well as thickets of rhododendron and dwarf willows. Mountain peat-meadow soils predominate. On some peaks, rising above 2300-2400 m, there are fragments of the subnival belt with stone placers and rocks, bare or covered with lichen spots.

The Carpathians are characterized by high biodiversity and relatively well preserved ecosystems, mainly forest ones. There are 225 patches of primeval forests in the mountains (the area of ​​each is more than 10 hectares), beech and beech-spruce forests of the Carpathians are the most extensive in Europe. There are 3988 species of plants (1/3 of all species of Europe), of which 481 species are endemic (aise-like grist, Salzburg eyebright, breakstone, Kochi rhododendron, etc.). There are many rare species, especially in the subalpine and alpine zones (alpine bartsia, eight-petal dryad, alpine diphasiastrum, chestnut rush, late lloydia, alpine aster, rosea rhodiola, arrow-shaped willow, narrow-leaved narcissus, etc.).

Environmental issues and protected natural areas. Intensive deforestation, construction settlements, roads and recreational facilities in the Carpathians led to the appearance of secondary plantations and meadows on the site of primary forests, increased erosion, disruption of animal migration routes, an increase in the number of rare species, a decrease in biodiversity, etc. The area of ​​planting spruce forests of the same age (including in the belt of beech forests) prone to windblows and diseases has been increased. There is forest degradation due to acid rain, water pollution major rivers, however, the small rivers of the Carpathians are still among the cleanest in Europe. Protected natural areas occupy 16% of the area of ​​the Carpathians, the largest of them is the Tatra national park(Slovakia, Poland), Eastern Carpathians International Biosphere Reserve (Ukraine, Slovakia, Poland), National parks Low Tatras, Slovak Karst, Poloniny (Slovakia), Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, Synevyr National Parks, Skole Beskydy, Uzhansky, Gorgani Reserve, landscape park Nadsyansky (Ukraine), Retezat National Park (Romania). In the Carpathians - mountain climatic and balneological resorts. Tourism is developed; winter views sports. In 2003, the countries of the Carpathian region at the 5th conference of ministers of ecology " Environment for Europe” the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians was signed.

Lit.: Geology of the USSR. M., 1966. T. 48: Karpaty. Part 1: Geological description; Geodynamics of the Carpathians. K., 1985; Ukrainian Carpathians. Nature. K., 1988; Nature of the Carpathian National Park. Kiev, 1993; Melnyk A.V. Ukrainian Carpathians: ecological and landscape studies. Lviv, 1999; The national parks and biosphere reserves in Carpathians: the last nature paradises. S. 1., 1999; Holt S. Ecoregion conservation in the Carpathians. S. 1., 2000; idem. The Carpathian mountains. S. 1., 2000; Khain V. E. Tectonics of continents and oceans (year 2000). M., 2001; Mosbach Webster R. The Carpathians: Kingdom of the Carnivores. WWF. Danube-Carpathian programme. Vienna, 2001.

M. N. Petrushina; V. E. Khain ( geological structure and minerals).

Share with friends:
Similar posts