Caucasus absolute height and coordinates of the highest point. Main Caucasian Range: description, parameters, peaks. Myths and legends

in front of you detailed map Caucasus mountains s with the names of cities and towns in Russian. Move the map by holding it with the left mouse button. You can move around the map by clicking on one of the four arrows in the upper left corner.

You can change the scale using the scale on the right side of the map or by turning the mouse wheel.

What country is the Caucasus Mountains in?

Caucasian Mountain is located in Russia. This is a wonderful, beautiful place, with its own history and traditions. Coordinates of the Caucasus Mountains: northern latitude and eastern longitude (show on a large map).

virtual walk

The figurine of a "little man" above the scale will help to make virtual walk in the cities of the Caucasus mountains. By pressing and holding the left mouse button, drag it to any place on the map and you will go for a walk, while inscriptions with the approximate address of the area will appear in the upper left corner. Choose the direction of movement by clicking on the arrows in the center of the screen. The "Satellite" option at the top left allows you to see the relief image of the surface. In the "Map" mode, you will get the opportunity to get acquainted in detail with highways Caucasus mountains and main sights.

antiqus classicus

Caspian mountains

Caspian mountains
• and gate (Greek Κασπία ὄρη, lat. Caspii monies).
• 1. Panic mountains between Armenia and Albania on the one hand and Media on the other (now Qaradagh, Siah-Koh, i.e. Black and Talysh mountains). In a broad sense, this name means the entire chain of mountains south of the river. Arak (from the Kotur River to the Caspian Sea). Here were the so-called.

Caspian Gate (Caspiapila), a narrow mountain pass 8 Roman miles long and one chariot wide (now the Chamar pass between Narsa-Koh and Siah-Koh). It was the only way out Northwest Asia to the northeastern part of the Persian state, because the Persians blocked this passage with iron gates, which were guarded by guards (claustra Caspiarum).

The Caucasus Mountains are a mountain system between the Black and Caspian Seas.

Divided into two mountain systems: Greater Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus.
The Caucasus is often divided into North Caucasus and Transcaucasia, the border between which is drawn along the Main, or Dividing Range Greater Caucasus, which occupies a central position in the mountain system.

The most famous peaks are Mt. Elbrus (5642 m) and Mt.

Kazbek (5033 m) is covered with eternal snow and glaciers.

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 2492 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.

Mountains near Sochi - Aishkho (2391 m), Aibga (2509 m), Chigush (3238 m), Pseashkho and others.

Location of the mountain system of the Caucasus Mountains on the world map

(mountain system boundaries are approximate)

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Caucasian mountains or Caucasus- a mountain system between the Black and Caspian Seas with an area of ​​\u200b\u200b~ 477488 m².

The Caucasus is divided into two mountain systems: the Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus, very often the mountain system is divided into Ciscaucasia (Northern Caucasus), Greater Caucasus and Transcaucasia ( South Caucasus). Along the crest of the Main Range, passes state border Russian Federation with the countries of the Caucasus.

highest peaks

The largest mountain peaks of the Caucasus Mountains (indicators of various sources may vary).

Climate

The climate of the Caucasus is warm and mild, with the exception of the highlands: at an altitude of 3800 m, the border " eternal ice". In the mountains and foothills there is a large amount of precipitation.

Flora and fauna

The vegetation of the Caucasus is rich in species composition and diversity: oriental beech, Caucasian hornbeam, Caucasian linden, noble chestnut, boxwood, cherry laurel, Pontic rhododendron, some species of oak and maple, wild persimmon, as well as subtropical tea bush and citrus grow here.

In the Caucasus, there are brown Caucasian bears, lynxes, forest cats, foxes, badgers, martens, deer, roe deer, wild boars, bison, chamois, mountain goats (tours), small rodents (forest dormouse, field voles). Birds: magpies, thrushes, cuckoos, jays, wagtails, woodpeckers, owls, owls, starlings, crows, goldfinches, kingfishers, tits, Caucasian black grouse and mountain turkeys, golden eagles and lambs.

Population

More than 50 peoples live in the Caucasus (for example: Avars, Circassians, Chechens, Georgians, Lezgins, Karachais, etc.) which are designated as Caucasian peoples. They speak Caucasian, Indo-European, as well as Altaic languages. Largest cities: Sochi, Tbilisi, Yerevan, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, etc.

Tourism and rest

The Caucasus is visited from recreational purposes: on the shores of the Black Sea there are many sea ​​resorts, The North Caucasus is popular for its balneological resorts.

Rivers of the Caucasus

The rivers originating in the Caucasus belong to the basins of the Black, Caspian and Azov Seas.

• swell
• Kodori
• Ingur (Enguri)
• Rioni
• Kuban
• Podkumok
• Araks
• Liakhva (Big Liakhvi)
• Samur
• Sulak
• Avar Koysu
• andean koisu
• Terek
• Sunzha
• Argun
• Malka (Kura)
• Baksan
• Chegem
• Cherek

Countries and Regions

The following countries and regions are located in the Caucasus.

• Azerbaijan
• Armenia
• Georgia
• Russia: Adygea, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, Krasnodar Territory, North Ossetia-Alania, Stavropol region, Chechnya

In addition to these countries and regions, there are partially recognized republics in the Caucasus: Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh.

The largest cities of the Caucasus

• Vladikavkaz
• Gelendzhik
• Hot key
• Grozny
• Derbent
• Yerevan
• Essentuki
• Zheleznovodsk
• Zugdidi
• Kislovodsk
• Kutaisi
• Krasnodar
• Maykop
• Makhachkala
• Mineral water
• Nazran
• Nalchik
• Novorossiysk
• Pyatigorsk
• Stavropol
• Stepanakert
• Sukhum
• Tbilisi
• Tuapse
• Tskhinvali
• Cherkessk

Cheap flights to Sochi from 3000 rubles.

Where is it located and how to get there

Address: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia

Caucasian mountains

The Caucasus Mountains are located on the isthmus between the Caspian and Black Seas. The Kuma-Manych depression separates the Caucasus from the East European Plain. The territory of the Caucasus can be divided into several parts: Ciscaucasia, Greater Caucasus and Transcaucasia. On the territory of the Russian Federation, only Ciscaucasia and Northern part Greater Caucasus. The last two parts together are called the North Caucasus. However, for Russia, this part of the territory is the southernmost. Here, along the crest of the Main Range, the state border of the Russian Federation passes, behind which lie Georgia and Azerbaijan. The entire system of the Caucasus Range occupies an area of ​​approximately 2600 m2, and its northern slope occupies about 1450 m2, while the southern one is only about 1150 m2.

The North Caucasian mountains are relatively young. Their relief was created by different tectonic structures. Located in the southern part fold-block mountains and foothills of the Greater Caucasus. They were formed when deep trough zones were filled with sedimentary and volcanic rocks, which were later subjected to folding. Tectonic processes here were accompanied by significant bends, extensions, ruptures and faults of earth layers. As a result, a large amount of magma poured onto the surface (this led to the formation of significant ore deposits). The uplifts that took place here in the Neogene and Quaternary periods led to the elevation of the surface and the type of relief that exists today. The rise of the central part of the Greater Caucasus was accompanied by the lowering of the layers along the edges of the ridge being formed. Thus, the Terek-Caspian trough was formed in the east, and the Indal-Kuban trough in the west.

Often the Greater Caucasus is presented as the only ridge. In fact, this is a whole system of various ridges, which can be divided into several parts. Western Caucasus located from the Black Sea coast to Mount Elbrus, then (from Elbrus to Kazbek) follows Central Caucasus, and to the east from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea - the Eastern Caucasus. In addition, two ridges can be distinguished in the longitudinal direction: Vodorazdelny (sometimes called the main one) and Lateral. On the northern slope of the Caucasus, the Rocky and Pasture Ranges, as well as the Black Mountains, are distinguished. They were formed as a result of the interbedding of layers composed of sedimentary rocks of different hardness. One slope of the ridge here is gentle, and the other breaks off rather abruptly. As you move away from the axial zone, the height of the mountain ranges decreases.

The chain of the Western Caucasus begins at the Taman Peninsula. At the very beginning, it is rather not even mountains, but hills. They begin to rise towards the east. The highest parts of the North Caucasus are covered with snow caps and glaciers. The highest peaks of the Western Caucasus are the Fisht (2870 meters) and Oshten (2810 meters) mountains. Most high part mountain system of the Greater Caucasus is the Central Caucasus. Even some passes at this point reach a height of 3 thousand meters, and the lowest of them (Cross) lies at an altitude of 2380 meters. Here are the highest peaks of the Caucasus. So, for example, the height of Mount Kazbek is 5033 meters, and the two-headed extinct volcano Elbrus is the highest peak in Russia.

The relief here is strongly dissected: sharp ridges, steep slopes and rocky peaks prevail. The eastern part of the Greater Caucasus is mainly numerous ridges Dagestan (in translation, the name of this region means "mountainous country"). There are complex branching ridges with steep slopes and deep canyon-like river valleys. However, the height of the peaks here is less than in the central part of the mountain system, but still they exceed the height of 4 thousand meters. The uplift of the Caucasus Mountains continues in our time. Quite frequent earthquakes in this region of Russia are connected with this. To the north of the Central Caucasus, where the magma rising along the cracks did not spill onto the surface, low, so-called island mountains formed. The largest of them are Beshtau (1400 meters) and Mashuk (993 meters). At their base there are numerous sources of mineral waters.

The so-called Ciscaucasia is occupied by the Kuban and Tersko-Kuma lowlands. They are separated from each other by the Stavropol Upland, the height of which is 700-800 meters. The Stavropol Upland is dissected by wide and deeply incised valleys, gullies and ravines. At the base of this area lies a young slab. Its structure is made up of Neogene formations covered with limestone deposits - loess and loess-like loams, and in the eastern part there are also marine deposits of the Quaternary period. The climate in this area is quite favorable. Enough high mountains serve as a good barrier to cold air penetrating here. The proximity of the long cooling sea also has an effect. The Greater Caucasus is the border between two climatic zones - subtropical and temperate. On the Russian territory, the climate is still moderate, but the above factors contribute to rather high temperatures.

Mountains of the Caucasus As a result, winters in Ciscaucasia are quite warm ( average temperature in January is about -5°С). This is facilitated by those coming from outside Atlantic Ocean warm air masses. On the Black Sea coast, the temperature rarely drops below zero mark(average January temperature 3°С). Temperatures are naturally lower in mountainous regions. Thus, the average temperature in the plains in summer is about 25°C, and in the upper reaches of the mountains - 0°C. Precipitation in this area falls mainly due to cyclones coming from the west, as a result of which their amount gradually decreases towards the east.

Most precipitation falls on the southwestern slopes of the Greater Caucasus. Their number on the Kuban Plain is about 7 times lower. In the mountains of the North Caucasus, glaciation is developed, in terms of the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich this region ranks first among all regions of Russia. The rivers flowing here are fed by water formed during the melting of glaciers. The largest Caucasian rivers are the Kuban and Terek, as well as their numerous tributaries. Mountain rivers, as usual, are fast-flowing, and in their lower reaches there are swampy areas overgrown with reeds and reeds.

Our planet has the most beautiful mountain system. It is located on, or to be more precise, between two seas - the Caspian and the Black. It bears a proud name - the Caucasus Mountains. It has coordinates: 42°30′ north latitude and 45°00′ east longitude. The length of the mountain system is more than one thousand kilometers. Geographically, it belongs to six countries: Russia and the states of the Caucasus region: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, etc.

Until now, it has not been clearly stated which part of the mainland the Caucasus Mountains belong to. Elbrus and Mont Blanc are fighting for the title of the most. The latter is in the Alps. Geographical position plan is easy to describe. And this article will help you.

Borders

At times Ancient Greece it was the Caucasus and the Bosphorus that separated the 2 continents. But the map of the world was constantly changing, peoples migrated. In the Middle Ages, the Don River was considered the border. Much later, in the 17th century, a Swedish geographer led her through the Urals, down the river. Embe to the Caspian Sea. His idea was supported by the scientists of that time and the Russian Tsar. According to this definition, mountains belong to Asia. On the other hand, in the Great Encyclopedia of Larousse, the border is designated south of Kazbek and Elbrus. Thus, both mountains are in Europe.

It is somewhat difficult to describe the geographical position of the Caucasus Mountains as accurately as possible. The opinion regarding territorial affiliation changed solely for political reasons. Europe was singled out as a special part of the world, linking this with the level of development of civilization. The border between the continents gradually shifted to the east. She became a moving line.

Some scholars, noting differences in geological structure massif, it is proposed to draw the border along the main ridge of the Greater Caucasus. And this is not surprising. mountains allow it. Its northern slope will refer to Europe, and the southern slope to Asia. This issue is being actively discussed by scientists from all six states. The geographers of Azerbaijan and Armenia believe that the Caucasus belongs to Asia, and the scientists of Georgia - to Europe. Many well-known authoritative people believe that the entire massif belongs to Asia, so Elbrus will not be considered the highest point in Europe for a long time.

System Composition

This massif consists of 2 mountain systems: the Lesser and Greater Caucasus. Often the latter is presented as a single ridge, but this is not so. And if you study the geographical position of the Caucasus Mountains on the map, you will notice that it does not belong to those. The Greater Caucasus stretches for more than a kilometer from Anapa and the Taman Peninsula almost to Baku itself. Conventionally, it consists of the following parts: Western, Eastern and Central Caucasus. The first zone stretches from the Black Sea to Elbrus, the middle zone - from the highest peak to Kazbek, the last - from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea.

The western chains originate from the Taman Peninsula. And at first they look more like hills. However, the farther to the east, the higher they become. Their peaks are covered with snow and glaciers. The ranges of Dagestan are located in the east of the Greater Caucasus. These are complex systems with river valleys forming canyons. About 1.5 thousand square meters. km of the territory of the Greater Caucasus is covered with glaciers. Most of they are in the central region. The Lesser Caucasus includes nine ranges: Adjaro-Imeretinsky, Karabakh, Bazum and others. The highest of them, located in the middle and eastern parts, are Murov-Dag, Pambaksky, etc.

Climate

Analyzing the geographical position of the Caucasus Mountains, we see that they are located on the border of two climatic zones- subtropical and temperate. Transcaucasia belongs to the subtropics. The rest of the territory belongs to the temperate zone. The North Caucasus is a warm region. Summer there lasts almost 5 months, and in winter it never falls below -6 °C. It is short - 2-3 months. The climate is different in the highlands. There it is influenced by the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, so the weather is more humid.

Due to the complex relief in the Caucasus, there are many zones that differ from each other. This climate allows the cultivation of citrus fruits, tea, cotton and other exotic crops that are suitable for temperate nature. weather conditions. The geographical position of the Caucasus Mountains largely affects the formation temperature regime in nearby areas.

Himalayas and Caucasus mountains

Often at school, students are asked to compare the geographical location of the Himalayas and the similarity in only one thing: both systems are in Eurasia. However, they have many differences:

• The Caucasus Mountains are located on the Himalayas, but they belong only to Asia.
• The average height of the Caucasus Mountains is 4 thousand meters, the Himalayas - 5 thousand meters.
• Also, these mountain systems are located in different climatic zones. The Himalayas are mostly in the subequatorial, less - in the tropics, and the Caucasus - in the subtropical and temperate.

As you can see, these two systems are not identical. The geographical position of the Caucasus Mountains and the Himalayas is at some points similar, at others not. But both systems are quite large, beautiful, amazing.

Surprisingly beautiful mountain landscapes can be seen in these wonderful and unique places. The most impressive peaks are the Big Caucasian Range. This is the territory of the highest and largest mountains in the Caucasus region.

The Lesser Caucasus and the valleys (Riono-Kura depression) represent Transcaucasia in the complex.

Caucasus: general description

The Caucasus is located between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea in southwestern Asia.

This region includes the mountains of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, as well as a depression between them called the Riono-Kura depression, the coasts of the Black Sea and the Caspian Seas, the Stavropol Upland, a small part Caspian lowland(Dagestan) and the Kuban-Azov lowland to the left bank of the Don River at the site of its mouth.

The mountains of the Greater Caucasus have a length of 1500 kilometers, and the highest peak is Elbrus. The length of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains is 750 km.

A little lower, let's take a closer look at the Caucasus Range.

Geographical position

In the western part, the Caucasus borders on the Black and Seas of Azov, in the east - with the Caspian. In the north, the East European Plain extends, and the border between it and the Caucasian foothills repeats the latter passes along the river. Kuma, the bottom of the Kumo-Manychskaya depression, along the Manych and Vostochny Manych rivers, and then along the left bank of the Don.

The southern border of the Caucasus is the Araks River, behind which are the Armenian and Iranian Highlands, and the river. Chorokh. And already beyond the river, the peninsulas of Asia Minor begin.

Caucasian Range: description

The most courageous people and climbers have long chosen the Caucasian mountain range, which attracts thrill-seekers from all over the world.

The most important Caucasian ridge divides the entire Caucasus into 2 parts: Transcaucasia and the North Caucasus. This mountain range extends from the Black Sea to the shores of the Caspian Sea.

The length of the Caucasus Range is more than 1200 kilometers.

The site, located on the territory of the reserve, is represented by the highest mountain ranges Western Caucasus. Moreover, the heights here are the most diverse. Their marks vary from 260 to more than 3360 meters above sea level.

The perfect combination of mild mild climate and amazing landscapes make this place ideal for active tourist holiday in any season.

The main Caucasian ridge on the Sochi territory has the largest peaks: Fisht, Khuko, Lysaya, Venets, Grachev, Pseashkho, Chugush, Malaya Chura and Assara.

The composition of the rocks of the ridge: limestones and marls. There used to be an ocean floor here. Throughout the vast massif, one can observe a pronounced folding with numerous glaciers, turbulent rivers and mountain lakes.

About the height of the Caucasus Range

The peaks of the Caucasus Range are numerous and quite diverse in height.

Elbrus is the highest point of the Caucasus, which is the highest peak not only in Russia, but also in Europe. The location of the mountain is such that a variety of nationalities live around it, giving it their unique names: Oshkhomakho, Alberis, Yalbuz and Mingitau.

The most main mountain in the Caucasus, it ranks fifth on Earth among mountains formed in a similar way (as a result of a volcanic eruption).

The height of the most gigantic peak in Russia is five kilometers six hundred and forty-two meters.

More details about the highest peak of the Caucasus

The most high altitude The Caucasian ridge is Russia. It looks like two cones, between which (a distance of 3 km from each other) at an altitude of 5200 meters there is a saddle. The highest of them has, as already noted, a height of 5642 meters, a smaller one - 5621m.

Like all vertices with volcanic origin, Elbrus consists of 2 parts: a 700-meter pedestal of rocks and a bulk cone (1942 meters) - the result of a volcanic eruption.

The peak is covered with snow starting from a height of about 3500 meters. In addition, there are glaciers, the most famous of which are the Small and Big Azau and Terskop.

The temperature at the highest point of Elbrus is -14 °C. Precipitation here almost always falls in the form of snow and therefore the glaciers do not melt. Due to the good visibility of the Elbrus peaks from various remote places and in different times years, this mountain still has interesting name- Little Antarctica.

It should be noted that for the first time the eastern peak was conquered by climbers in 1829, and the western one - in 1874.

Glaciers located on the top of Elbrus feed the Kuban, Malka and Baksan rivers.

Central Caucasus: ridges, parameters

Geographically, the Central Caucasus is part of the Greater Caucasus, located between the mountains of Elbrus and Kazbek (in the west and in the east). In this section, the length of the Main Caucasian Range is 190 kilometers, and if we take into account the meanders, about 260 km.

Border Russian state passes through the territory of the Central Caucasus. Behind it are South Ossetia and Georgia.

22 kilometers west of Kazbek ( East End Central Caucasus) Russian border shifts slightly to the north and passes to Kazbek, skirting the valley of the Terek River belonging to Georgia (upper part).

On the territory of the Central Caucasus, 5 parallel ridges are distinguished (oriented along the latitudes):

1. The main Caucasian ridge (height up to 5203 m, Mount Shkhara).
2. Ridge Lateral (height up to 5642 meters, Mount Elbrus).
3. Ridge Rocky (height up to 3646 meters, Mount Karakaya).
4. Ridge Pastbishchny (up to 1541 meters).
5. Ridge Wooded (height 900 meters).

Tourists and climbers mainly visit and storm the first three ridges.

North and South Caucasus

The Greater Caucasus, as a geographical object, originates from the Taman Peninsula, and ends in the region. All subjects of the Russian Federation and countries located in this region belong to the Caucasus. However, in terms of the location of the territories of the constituent entities of Russia, there is a certain division into two parts:

• The North Caucasus includes the Krasnodar Territory and the Stavropol Territory, North Ossetia, Rostov region, Chechnya, the Republic of Adygea, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Dagestan and Karachay-Cherkessia.
• South Caucasus (or Transcaucasia) - Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan.

Elbrus region

The Elbrus region is geographically the westernmost section of the Central Caucasus. Its territory covers the upper reaches of the Baksan River with its tributaries, the area north of Elbrus and the western spurs of Mount Elbrus to the right bank of the Kuban. most big top of this region and is the famous Elbrus standing to the north and located in the Lateral Range. The second highest peak is (4700 meters).

The Elbrus region is famous big amount peaks with steep ridges and rocky walls.

Most large glaciers are concentrated in the huge Elbrus glacial complex, numbering 23 glaciers ( total area- 122.6 sq. km).

Location of states in the Caucasus

1. The Russian Federation partially occupies the territory of the Greater Caucasus and its foothills from the Dividing and Main Caucasian Ranges to the north. 10% of the total population of the country lives in the North Caucasus.
2. Abkhazia also has territories that are parts of the Greater Caucasus: the area from the Kodori to the Gagra ranges, the Black Sea coast between the river. Psou and Enguri, and to the north of Enguri a small part of the Colchis lowland.
3. South Ossetia is located in central area Greater Caucasus. The beginning of the territory is the Main Caucasian Range. The territory extends into southbound from it, between the Rachinsky, Suramsky and Lomissky ranges, to the very valley of the Kura River.
4. Georgia has the most fertile and populated parts of the country in the valleys and lowlands between the Lesser and Greater Caucasus ranges to the west of the Kakheti range. The most mountainous parts of the country are Svaneti, a section of the Greater Caucasus between the Kodori and Suram ranges. The Georgian territory of the Lesser Caucasus is represented by the Meskheti, Samsar and Trialeti ranges. It turns out that the whole of Georgia is within the Caucasus.
5. Azerbaijan is located between the Dividing Range in the north and the Araks and Kura rivers in the south, and between the Lesser Caucasus and the Kakheti Range and the Caspian Sea. And almost all of Azerbaijan (the Mugan Plain and the Talysh Mountains belong to the Iranian Highlands) is located in the Caucasus.
6. Armenia has part of the territory of the Lesser Caucasus (slightly east of the river Akhuryan, which is a tributary of the Araks).
7. Türkiye occupies the southwestern section of the Lesser Caucasus, representing 4 eastern provinces of this country: Ardahan, Kars, partly Erzurum and Artvin.

The mountains of the Caucasus are both beautiful and dangerous. According to the assumptions of some scientists, there is a possibility that in the next hundred years the volcano (Mount Elbrus) may wake up. And this is fraught with catastrophic consequences for neighboring regions (Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria).

But, whatever it is, the conclusion follows that there is nothing more beautiful than mountains. It is impossible to describe all magnificent nature this fabulous mountain country. To feel it all, you should visit these amazingly beautiful paradise places. They are especially impressively viewed from the heights of the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains.

The mountains of the Greater Caucasus are located between the Black and Caspian Seas, from the Taman to Absheron Peninsula. The Caucasus is separated from the Russian Plain by the Kumo-Manych depression, on the site of which in the distant past there was a strait connecting the Black Sea and Caspian sea basins. The Caucasus includes Ciscaucasia, the Greater Caucasus and Transcaucasia. Only Ciscaucasia and the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus belong to Russia. These parts are collectively called the North Caucasus.

Orographic map of the Caucasus. The orography of the Greater Caucasus is quite complex, but individual elements can be clearly distinguished here. From northwest to southeast The Greater Caucasus can be subdivided into three parts: Western, Central and Eastern Caucasus. The borders between them are Elbrus and Kazbek.

The Central Caucasus has highest altitude exceeding m. About 15 of its peaks are covered with eternal snow and glaciers. This is the most mountainous and inaccessible region of Europe and Asia Minor. In the Greater Caucasus, four parallel ridges are clearly expressed, having a northwestern orientation. The axial ridge of the Greater Caucasus is the Main or Dividing Range.

Elbrus is the highest mountain in the Caucasus. The height of the Western peak is m, Eastern m ... And in their circle a two-headed colossus, In a crown of shining ice, Elbrus is huge, majestic Belel in the blue sky. A.S. Pushkin

Mount Elbrus with two peak craters was formed about a million years ago. She is also called double-headed mountain. First, after the eruptions, a peak appeared in the West, and after that in the East. The distance between the peaks is 1.5 km. Elbrus is covered with snow and ice, which determines the weather and climate of a significant area. There are only 77 glaciers, their area is 144.5 km2.

For the first time, a man climbed to the top of Elbrus in 1829, the pioneer was a Kabardian named Kilar Khashirov, who was the expedition guide Russian Academy Sciences. And the first person who conquered two peaks at once was the Balkan hunter and shepherd Ahiya Sottaev. A man in his long life visited great sorrow nine times. He first climbed it at the age of forty, the last ascent he made in 1909, when he was one hundred and twenty-one years old.

The beauty of the Caucasus Mountains was sung by poets. Caucasus below me. Alone in the heights I stand above the snows at the edge of the rapids; An eagle, having risen from a distant peak, Soars motionless with me on a par. From here I see the birth of streams And the first movement of menacing avalanches. Here the clouds humbly walk under me; Through them, falling, waterfalls rustle; Beneath them cliffs naked masses; Down there, the moss is lean, the bush is dry; And there are already groves, green canopies, Where birds chirp, where deer jump. And there already people nest in the mountains, And sheep crawl along the green rapids, And the shepherd descends to the cheerful valleys ... A.S. Pushkin Terek howls, wild and vicious, Between the rocky masses, His cry is like a storm, Tears fly in sprays. But, running across the steppe, He took a sly look And, affectionately caressing, He murmurs to the Caspian Sea: “Part aside, O old man of the sea, Give shelter to my wave! I walked in the open, It would be time for me to rest. I was always ready to argue with the alien power of man. For your sons' fun, I ruined the native Darial And boulders for them, for glory, I drove a whole herd. M.Yu.Lermontov

The climate of the Caucasus is warm and mild, except for the highlands. In the mountains and foothills observed: A large number of rainfall in the mountains. A decrease in the duration of the warm season due to a decrease in air temperature with height, at an altitude of 3800 m, the border of "eternal ice" passes. The formation of avalanches due to heavy rainfall in winter. Climate diversity due to slope exposure, mountain heights, proximity or distance from the sea. The peculiarity of atmospheric circulation, the formation local winds hair dryer (dry, warm strong wind, blowing impetuously from high mountains into valleys) and bora (a cold gusty wind that occurs when a stream of cold air encounters a hill on its way, overcoming which it falls into the valley).

The rivers of the Caucasus are divided into flat and mountainous. Especially numerous are stormy mountain rivers, the main source of their nutrition is the melt water of glaciers and snowfields in the mountains, so the rivers are always cold. Only in the lower reaches such major rivers, like the Kuban and the Terek, have a calm current. There are vast swampy areas covered with reeds and reeds.

TEREK originates on mountain top Zilgakhokh in Georgia, flows into the Caspian Sea. The length of the river is 623 km, the basin area is km 2. The main tributaries are Ardon, Malka, Urukh and Sunzha. Upper Terek.

In the mountains of the Caucasus, the lower belt is occupied by broad-leaved forests, above are beech forests, which turn into mixed, then into spruce-fir forests. The upper border of the forest is at a height of m. Behind it are subalpine meadows, alpine meadows (pictured), then a high mountain belt, glaciers.

The vegetation of the Caucasus is rich in species composition and diversity. The number of plant species in the Caucasus is more widespread. Various types of meadows and forests are widespread. Oriental beech, Caucasian hornbeam, Caucasian linden, noble chestnut grow here, there are also small evergreen trees and large shrubs - boxwood, cherry laurel, Pontic rhododendron, some species of oak and maple, wild persimmon, etc. The most important cultivated plants Caucasian subtropics tea bush and tangerines.

Animal world The fauna of the Caucasus, as well as its vegetation cover, is very diverse. In the Caucasus, there are brown Caucasian bears, lynxes, forest cats (found up to a height of 2000 meters), foxes, badgers, martens, deer, roe deer, wild boars, bison, chamois, mountain goats (tours), small rodents (forest dormouse, vole). Magpies chirp, thrushes whistle, cuckoos call, jays call to each other, wagtails fuss along streams, woodpeckers tap on the bark of tree trunks. Owls, eagle owls, starlings, crows, goldfinches, kingfishers, tits and other birds fly, and high in the mountains - Caucasian black grouse and mountain turkeys. You can also see large predators - golden eagle and lamb.

Interesting Facts The Caucasian and Teberdinsky reserves are located in the North Caucasus. Here is guarded unique flora(yew, boxwood, walnut, noble chestnut) and fauna (tour, chamois, Caucasian deer, etc.). Modern glaciation is widespread in the Greater Caucasus. The number of glaciers exceeds 2000, the area of ​​glaciation is 1424 km2. Last eruption Elbrus happened 1500 years ago, but it is still not considered extinct volcano. Winter Olympics 2014 years will pass in the city of Sochi, located in Krasnodar Territory. The construction of Olympic facilities and infrastructure is already underway. It is accompanied by protests from environmentalists who fear for the safety of the unique biosphere of the North Caucasus.