The two-headed mountain of the Caucasus mountains. Caucasus Mountains geographical location. Peaks of the adylsu region

Caucasian mountains, as if holding together the space between the Black and Caspian Seas, consist of two mountain systems - Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus. The Greater Caucasus is picturesque, majestic and famous. All major rivers of the region begin here. Passes through it state border Russia with two states at once - Georgia and Azerbaijan.

From northwest to southeast, the Greater Caucasus lies for almost 1150 km: near the Black Sea, its foothills rise in the Anapa region, and from opposite side it starts at Absheron Peninsula, not far from the capital of Azerbaijan. Near Novorossiysk, the width of this mountain system is only 32 km, near Elbrus, the Greater Caucasus is almost 6 times wider.

For ease of designation of peaks, this mountain range is traditionally divided by scientists into three sections:

The Western Caucasus (from the Black Sea coast to the foot of Elbrus) consists mainly of low mountains(up to 4000 m), the highest point - Mount Dombay-Ulgen (4046 m);

Central Caucasus(Elbrus and the mountain range from it up to Mount Kazbek) has 15 the highest peaks(5000-5500 m);

Eastern Caucasus (from Kazbek to the Caspian coast). The highest mountain in this part of the massif is Mount Tebulsomta (4493 m).

In addition, the Greater Caucasus is conditionally divided into three belts (longitudinal segments):

The axial part of the mountain system. It is based on the Main Caucasian (Vodorazdelny) ridge and next (on the left) - the Side ridge.

The northern slope belt is mainly parallel mountain ranges in the central and western parts of the Greater Caucasus. These ridges decrease to the north.

Southern slope of the mountain system. It consists mostly of echelon-shaped ridges that adjoin the GKH.

On the slopes of the Greater Caucasus lies a huge number of glaciers - more than two thousand. The glaciation area is approximately 1400 km². Most big glacier Greater Caucasus - Bezengi, its length is 17 km, it is located on the Bezengi wall. The record holder for the number of glaciers in the entire mountain system is Mount Elbrus. Most of all eternal ice located in the central part of the Greater Caucasus, about 70% of all glaciers are concentrated here. Thanks to a clear structure and white peaks, the mountains of the Greater Caucasus are clearly visible on the map, this mountain range cannot be confused with any other.

The main peaks of the Greater Caucasus

Elbrus is the highest point not only in the Greater Caucasus, but throughout Russia. Its height is 5,642 m. Elbrus is located on the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, it is the Mecca of mountaineering. Several of the highest climbing shelters in Europe have been built on its slopes.

Dykhtau (5204.7 m) is the second highest mountain in the Greater Caucasus, which is part of the Bezengi wall. Like Elbrus, Dykhtau is a “two-headed” mountain. The following in the list of the highest mountains of the mountain system - Koshtantau (5152 m) and Pushkin Peak (5100 m) - are also located in the massif of the Bezengi wall.

Dzhangitau (5085 m) - central mountain Bezengi wall, popular place mountaineering. Located on the border of Russia and Georgia.

How did the Greater Caucasus appear?

Huge mountain system cannot have a simple geological structure. The tectonic structure of the Greater Caucasus is complex and heterogeneous, which is associated with the history of formation mountain range. According to recent studies, the Greater Caucasus arose as a result of the interaction of the East European and Arabian lithospheric plates. Millions of years ago, this place was the bay of the ancient ocean Tethys, which united the Caspian, Black and Sea of ​​Azov. At the bottom of this ocean, active volcanic activity was going on, red-hot rock poured into the earth's crust. Gradually, mountain-like massifs were formed, which then went under water, then again rose on it, and as a result, in the middle of the Mesozoic, in those areas that became islands, sandy-clay sediments were deposited, in some troughs these deposits reached several kilometers. Gradually, several islands formed one big Island, which was located where the central part of the Greater Caucasus lies today.

At the beginning of the Quaternary period, the Arabian plate increased pressure on the East European one, the volcanoes Elbrus and Kazbek erupted - in general, the formation of the mountain range was active. Precipitation on the slopes stone islands were compressed into complex folds, which were then fractured. central part modern Greater Caucasus rose. Rock rose everywhere and unevenly, river valleys formed in the faults. At the same time, while the mountains were growing, their icing began against the background of a general cooling. The mountains were almost completely covered with ice. The movements of ice masses and frosty weathering completed the appearance of the modern mountains of the Caucasus: it was thanks to them that the relief form of the Greater Caucasus remained the way we know it now - with sharp ridges and moraine ridges.

The Greater Caucasus has long turned from a series of impregnable mountain walls into a territory completely inhabited by man. In river valleys, as well as on the slopes of mountains (sometimes quite high!) People live. There is a huge number of historical monuments dear to the people living here. Through the numerous passes of the Greater Caucasus, communication has been established between the republics within Russian Federation as well as with neighboring countries.

The Caucasus is a mountain system located in Eurasia between the Black and Caspian Seas. The mountain range stretches for 1100 km from Taman Peninsula and Anapa to the Absheron Peninsula near the city of Baku.

It is customary to divide this territory according to several criteria: into the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, as well as into the Western (from the Black Sea to Elbrus), Central (from Elbrus to Kazbek) and Eastern (from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea). The mountain system reaches its greatest width in the central part (180 km). The mountain peaks of the Central Caucasus are the highest on the Main Caucasian (Dividing) Range.

The most famous mountain peaks of the Caucasus are Mount Elbrus (5642 m) and Mount Kazbek (5033 m). Both peaks are stratovolcanoes. Moreover, Kazbek is considered to be extinct, which cannot be said about Elbrus. The opinions of experts on this matter vary. The slopes of the two highest mountains of the Caucasus are covered with snow and glaciers. The Central Caucasus accounts for up to 70% of modern glaciation. For more than a century of observations of the glaciers of the Caucasus, their area has significantly decreased.

To the north, from the foot of the Greater Caucasus, an inclined plain extends, which ends with the Kumo-Manych depression. Its territory is dissected by lateral ridges and river valleys. by the most major rivers this area can be considered Kuban and Terek. To the south of the Greater Caucasus are the Colchis and Kura-Araks lowlands.

The Caucasus Mountains can be considered young. They were formed in the era of Alpine folding about 28-23 million years ago. Their formation is due to the movement of the Arabian lithospheric plate to the north to the Eurasian one. The latter, pressed by the African plate, moves several centimeters a year.

Tectonic processes in the depths of the Caucasus continue to this day. Geological structure Elbrus speaks of the great activity of the volcano in the recent past. Several powerful earthquakes occurred in the Caucasus in the 20th century. The most devastating was the earthquake in Armenia in 1988.

Seismic stations operating throughout the Caucasus annually register several hundred earthquakes. Experts say that some areas Caucasian ridge"grow" a few centimeters a year.

Caucasus in Europe or in Asia?

This issue should be considered more in political and historical aspects. The Caucasus Mountains are located in the center of the Eurasian Plate, so the division can only be conditional. The border between Europe and Asia was proposed by the Swedish officer and geographer F. Stralenberg in 1730. The border that passed along Ural mountains and the Kuma-Manych depression was accepted by many scientists.

Despite this, in different time several alternative proposals were proposed that justified the division of Europe and Asia along the Caucasus Mountains. Despite ongoing disputes, Elbrus is still considered the highest point in Europe. The history of the region suggests the special position of the Caucasus at the crossroads between European and East Asian cultures.

The highest mountains of the Caucasus

  • Elbrus (5642 m). KBR, KChR. The highest point in Russia
  • Dykhtau (5204 m). CBD
  • Koshtantau (5122 m). CBD
  • Pushkin Peak (5100 m). CBD
  • Dzhangitau (5058 m). CBD
  • Shkhara (5201 m). CBD. The highest point of Georgia
  • Kazbek (5034 m). Highest point North Ossetia
  • Mizhirgi Western (5022 m). CBD
  • Tetnuld (4974 m). Georgia
  • Katyntau (4970 m). CBD
  • Peak Shota Rustaveli (4960 m). CBD
  • Gestola (4860 m). CBD
  • Jimara (4780 m). Georgia, North Ossetia
  • Ushba (4690 m). Georgia, North Ossetia
  • Gulchitau (4447 m). CBD
  • Tebulosmta (4493 m). The highest point of Chechnya
  • Bazarduzu (4466 m). The highest point of Dagestan and Azerbaijan
  • Shan (4451 m). The highest point of Ingushetia
  • Adai-Khokh (4408 m). North Ossetia
  • Diclosmta (4285 m). Chechnya
  • Shahdag (4243 m). Azerbaijan
  • Tufandag (4191 m). Azerbaijan
  • Shalbuzdag (4142 m). Dagestan
  • Aragats (4094). The highest point of Armenia
  • Dombay-Ulgen (4046 m). KChR

How many five-thousanders are in the Caucasus?

It is customary to call Caucasian five-thousanders mountains whose height exceeds five kilometers. From the list above, it is clear that Caucasus eight mountains "five-thousanders«:

  • Elbrus(5642 m) is a dormant volcano and the highest mountain in Russia. The mountain consists of two peaks Western (5642 m) and Eastern (5621 m), connected by a saddle (5416 m).
  • Dykhtau(5204 m) - mountain peak of the Lateral Range of the Greater Caucasus. The mountain consists of two peaks (both over 5000 m high), connected by a steep narrow saddle. The first ascent to the mountain took place in 1888. To date, about ten routes have been laid to the top of Dykhtau with a difficulty of 4A (according to the Russian classification).
  • Koshtantau(5122 m) - a mountain peak on the border of Bezenga and the mountainous region of Balkaria.
  • Pushkin Peak(5100 m) - being part of the Dykhtau mountain range, it is a separate peak. Named after A.S. Pushkin to the 100th anniversary of his death.
  • Dzhangitau(5058 m) - a mountain peak in the central part of the Greater Caucasus. There are three peaks in the Dzhangitau massif, all of which have a height of more than five kilometers.
  • Shkhara(5201 m) - a mountain peak of the Central Caucasus, which is part of the Bezengi wall.
  • Kazbek(5034 m) is an extinct stratovolcano, the easternmost five-thousander of the Caucasus. The first ascent of the mountain was made in 1868.
  • Mizhirgi Western(5022 m) - a mountain peak as part of the Bezengi wall. The name of the mountain is translated from Karachay-Balkar as "connecting".

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. Max Width The Greater Caucasus reaches 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 ranges extend ( mountain ranges), including monoclinal (cuest) 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, to Western Caucasus include only part of the Main Caucasian Range from Mount Fisht to Elbrus. On the territory of the Western Caucasus - the Caucasian Reserve, the Bolshoi 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 of 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”.
The word "Caucasus" is also of Iranian origin, which was assigned to 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

Geographical position

Stretched between the Black and Caspian Seas, the Caucasus Mountains are the natural border between Asia and Europe. They also separate the Near and Middle East. Because of their vast territory, they can be safely called "the country of ridges and highlands." There are two versions of the origin of the word "Caucasus". According to the first, that was the name of the epic king from the Shahnameh poem - Kavi-Kaus. The second hypothesis ascribes a name to the translation: "Supporters of the sky." Geographically, the Caucasus is divided into two mountain systems: Big and Small. In turn, they also have divisions into ridges, chains and highlands.

Height of the Caucasus Mountains

The Caucasus often appears in the list of "most-most". For example, the highest permanent settlement of Ushguli (Georgia) is located here. It lies on the slope of Shkhara (5068 m above sea level) and is included in the UNESCO list. Ushba gained gloomy fame among climbers as the most difficult peak to conquer - the "four-thousander". The mysterious Ararat is surrounded by biblical legends. Is here and alpine lakes- Ritsu, for example. And the waterfall Zeygalan (North Ossetia) is the largest in Russia (600 m). This attracts many climbers, athletes and just tourists to the region. The highest snow-capped peaks, glaciers shining in the sun, hard-to-reach passes, narrow gorges, waterfalls and turbulent, bubbling rivers - all these are the Caucasus Mountains. The height of the largest peaks - Elbrus (5642) and Kazbek (5034) - exceeds Mont Blanc (4810), which is considered the culminating point of Western Europe.

Myths and legends

The Caucasus is mentioned in the Bible. In the Book of Genesis, the ark of the righteous Noah landed during the great flood on Mount Ararat, and from there a dove brought an olive branch. To the country of sorcerers Colchis (the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus) Jason sailed for the Golden Fleece. Here the eagle of Zeus punished Prometheus for giving people fire. The Caucasus Mountains also have their own regional legends. Each people living on the slopes of this majestic country of glaciers and snowy peaks - and there are about fifty of them - composes legends and myths about them.

Geology

The Caucasus is a young mountain system. It was formed relatively recently - about 25 million years ago, in the Tertiary period. Thus, the Caucasus Mountains belong to the Alpine folding, but with a slight volcanic activity. Eruptions have not been observed for a long time, but earthquakes are frequent. The largest in last time happened in 1988. In Spitak (Armenia) then 25 thousand people died. The main geological wealth of the mountains is oil. The field reserves are estimated at 200 billion barrels.

Flora and fauna

The Caucasus Mountains are home to many species of wild animals. Bears live in the gorges, as well as golden eagles, chamois, wild boars, and argali. There are also endemics - species that, except for the Caucasus, you will not find anywhere else on the planet. These include native species leopard, lynx. Prior to the beginning of our era, manuscripts mention the presence of Caspian tigers and Asiatic lions. The biodiversity of this region is rapidly declining. The last Caucasian bison died out in 1926, the local subspecies - in 1810. In this region of subtropical forests, alpine meadows and high mountain lichens, 6350 plant species have been recorded. Of these, more than one and a half thousand are endemic.

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 tops. 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, they are located ski resorts. 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 eastKlyuchevskaya 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 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.

The three highest mountains of Russia are located in the Greater Caucasus:

  • 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 mountain, which is part of the Caucasus Range, 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 the ten largest peaks in 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