Between which are the Caucasian mountains. Caucasus mountains. Relief, climate of the Caucasus Mountains. Mountain system, location of the Caucasus mountains

It is divided into two mountain systems: Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus. The Caucasus is often divided into North Caucasus and Transcaucasia, the border between which is drawn along the Main, or Watershed, ridge of the Greater Caucasus, which occupies a central position in the mountain system. The Greater Caucasus stretches for more than 1,100 km from the northwest to the southeast, from the Anapa region and the Taman Peninsula to Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian coast, near Baku. Max Width The Greater Caucasus reaches in the region of the Elbrus meridian (up to 180 km). In the axial part there is the Main Caucasian (or Dividing) Range, to the north of which a number of parallel ranges extend ( mountain ranges), including a monoclinal (cuest) character (see Greater Caucasus). Southern slope of the Greater Caucasus for the most part consists of echelon-shaped ridges adjacent to the Main Caucasian ridge. Traditionally, the Greater Caucasus is divided into 3 parts: the Western Caucasus (from the Black Sea to Elbrus), Central Caucasus(from Elbrus to Kazbek) and the Eastern Caucasus (from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea).

The most famous peaks - Mt. Elbrus (5642 m) and Mt. Kazbek (5033 m) are covered with eternal snow and glaciers. The Greater Caucasus is a region with a large modern glaciation. The total number of glaciers is about 2050, their area is approximately 1400 km 2 . More than half of the glaciation of the Greater Caucasus is concentrated in the Central Caucasus (50% of the number and 70% of the glaciation area). major centers glaciations are Mount Elbrus and the Bezengi wall (with the Bezengi glacier, 17 km). From the northern foot of the Greater Caucasus to the Kuma-Manych depression, Ciscaucasia extends with vast plains and uplands. To the south of the Greater Caucasus are the Colchis and Kura-Araks lowlands, the Inner Kartli plain and the Alazan-Avtoran valley [the Kura depression, within which the Alazan-Avtoran valley and the Kura-Araks lowland are located]. In the southeastern part of the Caucasus - the Talysh mountains (up to 2477 m high) with the adjacent Lankaran lowland. In the middle and in the west of the southern part of the Caucasus is the Transcaucasian Highlands, which consists of the ranges of the Lesser Caucasus and the Armenian Highlands (Aragats, 4090 m). Lesser Caucasus connects with Greater Caucasus Likhsky ridge, in the west it is separated from it by the Colchis lowland, in the east - by the Kura depression. The length is about 600 km, the height is up to 3724 m. The mountains near Sochi - Achishkho, Aibga, Chigush (Chugush, 3238 m), Pseashkho and others (Krasnaya Polyana resort area) - will host participants in winter Olympic Games 2014.

Geographical position of the Caucasus Mountains

The Caucasus Mountains are located between the Azov, Black and Caspian Seas. In addition, this territory can be called multinational, because. The Caucasus is part of Russian Federation, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and.

Characteristics of the relief of the Caucasus Mountains

In orographic terms, this region is a system of mountains, consisting of the main ridge, Ciscaucasia and Transcaucasia (Northern and South Caucasus). The relief of the Ciscaucasia is distinguished by plains and foothills: the Kuban, the Taman Peninsula, the Stavropol Upland. The Transcaucasian region is represented by more mountainous areas that belong to South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Georgia and Eastern Turkey. In addition, the Caucasus is divided into 2 mountain systems: the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. The Greater Caucasus stretches between the Caspian and the Black Sea for 1100 km. In the region of the highest point of the Caucasus - Mount Elbrus (5642 m), the width of the mountain range reaches 180 km. In addition, the Greater Caucasus is divided into three regions: Western, Central and Eastern. The Lesser Caucasus is a mountain system of the Transcaucasian region, which is bounded in the west by Colchis, and in the east by the Kura depression. Max Height Lesser Caucasus - 3724, the length is only 600 km. The region of the Likh Range is a place connecting the mountain systems of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus.

Natural and climatic features of the Caucasus

The mountainous relief has led to climate change and the amazing landscape diversity of the Caucasus. Thus, the lowlands of Transcaucasia are distinguished by subtropical landscapes, where various climatic conditions allow the cultivation of citrus fruits, tea, cotton and other crops. High in the mountains, in the Elbrus region, the landscape changes dramatically - here reign multi-year ice and snow. It should be noted that the geographical law of altitudinal zonation (zonality) is weakly expressed in mountains with low altitudes.
The Caucasus Mountains can be safely called a museum under open sky Therefore, environmental protection activities are actively developed here. So, in the territory of the Caucasus, 3 national parks and 5 reserves are distinguished.

Development of tourism in the Caucasus

The Caucasus region stands out for its diverse recreational resources that attract tourists. It may natural objects: gorges, canyons, caves, waterfalls; mineral springs and climate; historical and cultural monuments. In addition, fans of extreme sports will especially enjoy the mountains of the Caucasus: rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, caving - this is far from complete list directions extreme tourism.


Mountain tourism in the Caucasus

The most affordable and practically safe way to enjoy the landscapes mountainous Caucasus is mountain tourism. To the most popular and well developed areas mountain tourism includes the Western Caucasus, where the network lies tourist routes various categories of complexity. For beginners, it is advisable to choose simple routes laid in the low-mountain western part (Arkhyz region). Routes that go to the sea are especially popular: the extreme trip ends with a swimming and beach vacation. It should be noted that it is advisable for tourists who visit the Caucasus Mountains for the first time to use the services of experienced guides, even if they have experience of climbing in other mountainous areas.

Canyoning in the Caucasus

Canyoning is a kind of extreme tourism associated with overcoming canyons without the use of kayaks, canoes, inflatable boats and other watercraft. There are several types of canyoning: technical, hiking and game.
The region of Adygea is distinguished by excellent conditions for the development of this species. extreme recreation. Many routes pass through the canyon of the Rufabgo River and Big Rufabgo Creek. In addition, there are routes passing through the gorge of the Meshoko River and in the area of ​​the Universitetsky waterfall.

Rafting on the rivers of the Caucasus

Unlike canyoning, rafting, on the contrary, actively uses catamarans, kayaks and inflatable rafts for rafting on mountain rivers. Rafting routes in the Caucasus are distinguished by difficulty category: the second category is for beginners, and the sixth is the most difficult. Although, rafting above the third category is already quite dangerous.
Rafting fans prefer rafting on the Zelenchuk or Bolshoi Zelenchuk rivers, which can be classified into category 3. extreme trip lasts 5-7 days, but it is necessary to take into account the changeability of the weather. In addition to Zelenchuk, another one is of interest. mountain river- Uplifted, which originates in the Central Caucasian ridge. Rafting takes only 3-4 days.


Speleotourism in the Caucasus

Speleotourism is very popular among young people. It involves visiting various caves, mines, wells and labyrinths. In the Caucasus, the optimal conditions for speleotourists are on the Lagonaki highlands. Here are the most diverse forms of speleorelief. These are vast mines, wells, horizontal galleries that stretch for kilometers. The Lagonak cavities are suitable for both beginners (regular non-category routes) and professional speleologists (5th category of difficulty).

Russia is a huge country in terms of territory. It is not surprising that it has all the terrain that is found in nature. Among plains and steppes special place occupy mountain ranges and peaks. They attract travelers and researchers, scientists and tourists, archaeologists and climbers. What mountains are in Russia? What you should pay attention to?

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Origin

Areas mountainous areas formed through complex processes. In the crust of the earth, tectonic crushing, faults and rock breaks occur. They are carried out continuously during the entire existence of the planet, in ancient time eras, such as the Paleozoic, Mesozoic or Cenozoic. Those who are in the Far East, in Kamchatka and the Kuriles are considered young. Seismic activity and volcanoes erupt frequently in these areas.

In the European part of Russia there is a large plain, which has geographical boundary in the east as . These are unique natural sculptures that cause national pride.

Interesting! Only in the Urals nature reserve protecting mineralogy. In the Ilmensky place there is a huge variety of minerals, unique and amazing in their structure and structure.

There are many in the Urals tourist bases, ski resorts are located on them. Climbers conquer these majestic elevations.

Variants of the highlands of Russia

• Baikal and Transbaikalia;
• Altai;
• Sayans;
• ridges Verkhoyansk and Stanovoy;
• Chersky ridge.

Each of the districts is interesting and beautiful, the names of the mountains in their composition are unique and owe their origin to the peoples who inhabit the nearby territories. These lands beckon with harsh conditions, tests for the body and spirit. Altai is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. But the Chersky ridge is on the map, but so far little has been studied, but experts suggest that it will also become an attractive place for travelers.

Diversity of territories

The Far East is a region consisting mainly of highlands. The southern territorial part consists of medium and low, but in the north - high ridges. highest point far east – Klyuchevskaya Sopka, this is a volcano with a height of 4750 m.

The mountains in this region are constantly growing, they are located at the junction of plates that are in motion, and therefore there are many volcanoes. In addition to them, there unique object, for which it is worth going to Kamchatka - the Valley of Geysers.

Important! Sikhote-Alin, located in the Primorye region, is part of the world heritage. This system is rich not only in the diversity of flora and fauna. This point of Russia on the map is the birthplace of the Far Eastern leopard and the Amur tiger.

Caucasus

The Caucasus deserves a separate description. This massif stretches from the Black to the Caspian, its length is more than 1200 km. The Caucasian ridge is divided into northern part and Transcaucasia.

The height of the Caucasus Mountains fluctuates along the entire length of the range. It is he who has the highest point of the whole country and Europe is Elbrus. The mountain was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption. It has a height above sea level of 5600 m. Elbrus is located in such a place that it can be seen from all sides. Travelers approached him in the early 19th century. At its peak, the temperature does not rise above -14 degrees. Snow falls on the mountain all the time, which makes its snow cap perfect. This peak feeds the two largest ones - Kuban and Terek.

In the Greater Caucasus there are three highest mountains Russia:

• Elbrus;
• Dykhtau;
• Kazbek.

Interesting! In addition to the Caucasus Mountains, Kamchatka and Altai are famous for their large hills, among them: Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Belukha, Ichinskaya Sopka.

10 high mountains

A little more about each of the largest hills:

• It is already clear about Elbrus, this is an inactive volcano, which is part of national park. Its height is 5642 meters.
• Dykhtau occupies the second largest place among mountain peaks countries. This is a mountain in Caucasian ridge rises to 5200 m. The ascent to this peak was first carried out only in 1888.
• The third highest mountain in the country located on the border of Russia and Georgia. This is Pushkin Peak. It rises next to Dykhtau in the center of the Caucasus range. His conquest took place in 1961. Interestingly, this ascent was made not by professionals, but by the players of the Spartak club. The height of the peak is 5100 meters.
• A little lower, namely one hundred meters, Kazbek rises. It is also related to the Greater Caucasus, located in its lateral part in the Khokh mountain range. Three London climbers conquered this peak in the middle of the 19th century.
• Near the border of Georgia and Kabardino-Balkaria, there is a fifth highest point largest in Russia called Gestola. At its top, glaciers have accumulated that date back to the Paleozoic era. The most famous of them is Adishi.
• Sixth in the top ten is Shota Rustaveli's pick. Although the name on the map of the peak is famous person Georgian origin, yet refers to the Russian part of the Caucasus. The peak stands on the border, no wonder both countries claim rights to it. The mountain has 4895 meters.
• A little lower (4780 meters) is Mount Jimara. It is located in Alanya, at the very border of Russia and Georgia. Again, this is part of the Greater Caucasus.
• In ninth place is Mount Saukhokh, again from the Greater Caucasus, located in North Ossetia. The height of the peak is 4636 meters. She refers to unconquered heights, as well as Kukurtli-Kolbashi. This mountain completes the list of ten most major peaks Russia, its height is 4324 meters.

Interesting! So far, no one has conquered the mountain formations that are on the 8th, 9th and 10th places on the list. This can push travelers to new feats.

The lowest mountains

In addition to the highest mountain peaks, it is interesting to know the rating of the lowest ones. Such a concept as the most low mountain, very difficult. It turns out that it is not so easy to name it. Mountains can only be called what is higher

In the ridge of the Caucasus Mountains is Elbrus. It is also considered the whole of Europe. Its location is such that several peoples live around it, who call it differently. Therefore, if you hear such names as Alberis, Oshkhomakho, Mingitau or Yalbuz, know that they mean the same thing.

In this article, we will introduce you closer to the highest mountain in the Caucasus - Elbrus, which was once active volcano, and occupying the fifth place on the planet, among the mountains formed in the same way.

The height of the Elbrus peaks in the Caucasus

As already mentioned, the highest mountain in Russia is dormant volcano. This is precisely the reason why its top does not have a pointed shape, but looks like a two-peak cone, between which there is a saddle at an altitude of 5 km 200 m. Two peaks located at a distance of 3 km from each other are different: the eastern one is 5621 m, and the western one is 5642 m. The reference always indicates a great value.

Like all former volcanoes, Elbrus consists of two parts: a pedestal made of rocks, in this case it is 700 m, and an artificial cone formed after eruptions (1942 m).

Starting from a height of 3500 m, the surface of the mountain is covered with snow. First, mixed with scatterings of stones, and then turning into a uniform white cover. by the most famous glaciers Elbrus are Terskop, Big and Small Azau.

The temperature at the top of Elbrus practically does not change and is -1.4°C. Drops out here a large number of rainfall, but because of this temperature regime, it is almost always snow, so the glaciers do not melt. Since the snow cap of Elbrus is visible all year round for many kilometers, the mountain is also called "Small Antakrtida".

The glaciers located at the top of the mountain feed the most big rivers these places - Kuban and Terek.

To see beautiful view, opening from the top of Elbrus, you need to climb it. It is quite simple to do this, since you can get to a height of 3750 m along the southern slope on a pendulum or chairlift. cable car. Here is a shelter for travelers "Barrels". It consists of 12 insulated trailers for 6 people and a stationary kitchen. They are equipped so that they can wait out any bad weather, even for a long time.

The next stop is usually made at an altitude of 4100 m in the Shelter of Eleven Hotel. The parking lot here was established in the 20th century, but was destroyed by fire. Then a new building was built in its place.

For the first time, the peaks of Elbrus were conquered in 1829 on the east and in 1874 on the west.

Now the Donguzorun and Ushba massifs, as well as the Adylsu, Adyrsu and Shkheldy gorges are popular with climbers. Increasingly, mass ascents to the peaks are organized. WITH south side located ski resort Elbrus Azau. It consists of 7 tracks, with a total length of 11 km. They are suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. A distinctive black of this resort is freedom of movement. On all routes there is a minimum number of fences and dividers. It is recommended to visit it from October to May during this period there is the strongest snow.

Elbrus is at the same time very beautiful and dangerous mountain. Indeed, according to scientists, there is a possibility that in the next 100 years the volcano will wake up, and then all nearby regions (Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia) will suffer.

The Caucasus Mountains are a mountain system between the Black and Caspian Seas. It is divided into two mountain systems: the Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus.

The Greater Caucasus stretches for more than 1100 km from the northwest to the southeast, from the Anapa region and the Taman Peninsula to the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian coast, near Baku. The Greater Caucasus reaches its maximum width in the Elbrus region (up to 180 km). In the axial part there is the Main Caucasian (or Dividing) Range, to the north of which a number of parallel ridges (mountain ranges) extend, including a monoclinal (kuest) character. The southern slope of the Greater Caucasus mostly consists of echelon-shaped ridges adjacent to the Main Caucasian ridge.

Traditionally, the Greater Caucasus is divided into 3 parts: the Western Caucasus (from the Black Sea to Elbrus), the Central Caucasus (from Elbrus to Kazbek) and the Eastern Caucasus (from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea).

The Greater Caucasus is a region with a large modern glaciation. The total number of glaciers is about 2,050, and their area is approximately 1,400 km². More than half of the glaciation of the Greater Caucasus is concentrated in the Central Caucasus (50% of the number and 70% of the glaciation area). Major centers of glaciation are Mount Elbrus and the Bezengi wall. The largest glacier in the Greater Caucasus is the Bezengi glacier (about 17 km long).

The Lesser Caucasus is connected to the Greater Caucasus by the Likhi Ridge, in the west it is separated from it by the Colchis Lowland, in the east by the Kura Depression. The length is about 600 km, the height is up to 3724 m. The largest lake is Sevan.

The Western Caucasus is a part of the mountain system of the Greater Caucasus, located to the west of the meridional line passing through Mount Elbrus. The part of the Western Caucasus from Anapa to Mount Fisht is characterized by low and mid-mountain relief (the so-called North-Western Caucasus), further east to Elbrus, the mountain system acquires a typical alpine appearance with numerous glaciers and high-mountain landforms. In a narrower sense, which is followed in mountaineering and tourism literature, only part of the Main Caucasian Range from Mount Fisht to Elbrus is referred to the Western Caucasus. On the territory of the Western Caucasus - the Caucasian Reserve, the Bolshoy Thach Natural Park, the natural monument "Buyny Ridge", the natural monument "Upstream of the Tsitsa River", the natural monument "Upstream of the Pshekha and Pshekhashkha Rivers", which are under the protection of UNESCO as an example world heritage. For climbers and tourists the most popular areas are: Dombay, Arkhyz, Uzunkol

Central Caucasus

The Central Caucasus rises between the peaks of Elbrus and Kazbek and is the highest and most attractive part of the entire Caucasus Range. All five-thousanders are located here along with their numerous glaciers, including one of the largest - the Bezengi glacier - 12.8 kilometers long. The most popular peaks are located in the Elbrus region (Ushba, Shkhelda, Chatyn-tau, Donguz-Orun, Nakra, etc.). The famous Bezengi wall with majestic surroundings (Koshtantau, Shkhara, Dzhangi-tau, Dykh-tau, etc.) is also located here. The most famous walls in the system of the Caucasus mountains are located here.

Eastern Caucasus

The Eastern Caucasus stretches for 500 km to the east from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea. It stands out: the Azerbaijan mountains, the Dagestan mountains, the Chechen-Tushet mountains and the Ingushet-Khevsuret mountains. Especially popular is the Erydag massif (3925m), located in the Dagestan mountains.

Being the border between Europe and Asia, the Caucasus has a unique culture. Concentrated in a relatively small area big variety languages. The Caucasus and the ranges adjacent to it from the north and south were in ancient times the crossroads of great civilizations. Plots related to the Caucasus occupy a significant place in Greek mythology (myths about Prometheus, the Amazons, etc.), the Bible also mentions the Caucasus as a place of salvation of mankind from the flood (in particular, Mount Ararat). The peoples who founded such civilizations as Urartu, Sumer and the Hittite state are considered by many as people from the Caucasus.

However, the image of the Caucasus Mountains and the mythical and legendary ideas associated with them received the most complete display among the Persians (Iranians). Iranian nomads brought with them a new religion - Zoroastrianism and a special worldview associated with it. Zoroastrianism has had a serious impact on world religions - Christianity, Islam, and partly Buddhism. Iranian names have been preserved, for example, by the mountains and rivers of the Caucasus (Aba River - "water", Mount Elbrus - "iron"). You can also point to the particle “stan”, popular in the East, in such country names as Dagestan, Hayastan, Pakistan, which is also of Iranian origin and translates approximately as “country”.
Iranian origin and the word "Caucasus", which is assigned mountain ranges in honor of the epic king of ancient Iran, Kavi-Kaus.

Approximately 50 peoples live in the Caucasus, which are designated as Caucasian peoples (for example: Circassians, Chechens), Russians, etc., speaking Caucasian, Indo-European, and also Altaic languages. Ethnographically and linguistically, the Caucasian region can be attributed to the most areas of interest peace. At the same time, populated areas are often not clearly separated from each other, which is partly the cause of tensions and military conflicts (for example, Nagorno-Karabakh). The picture changed significantly, primarily in the 20th century (Armenian genocide under Turkish rule, deportations of Chechens, Ingush and other ethnic groups during Stalinism).

The locals are partly Muslims, some Orthodox Christians (Russians, Ossetians, Georgians, some Kabardians), as well as Monofisites (Armenians). The Armenian Church and the Georgian Church are among the oldest Christian churches in the world. Both churches have an extremely important role in promoting and protecting the national identity of peoples who have been under foreign rule for two centuries (Turks, Persians).

In the Caucasus, there are 6350 species of flowering plants, including 1600 native species. 17 species of mountain plants originated in the Caucasus. The giant Hogweed, considered in Europe as a neophyte of predatory species, comes from this region. It was imported in 1890 as an ornamental plant to Europe.

The biodiversity of the Caucasus is declining at an alarming rate. The mountainous region is one of the 25 most vulnerable regions on Earth in terms of nature conservation.
In addition to the ubiquitous wild animals, there are wild boars, chamois, mountain goats, as well as golden eagles. In addition, there are still wild bears. Extremely rare is the Caucasian leopard (Panthera pardus ciscaucasica), which was rediscovered only in 2003. In the historical period there were also Asian lions and Caspian tigers, but soon after the birth of Christ they were completely eradicated. A subspecies of the European bison, the Caucasian bison, became extinct in 1925. The last copy of the Caucasian elk was killed in 1810.

Caucasus Mountains on the border of Russia and Georgia