Great Russian river Volga. Volga depth, width, location and other features
When I was still planning a visit to Astrakhan, I heard surprise more than once: "Why do you need to go there in August?! You'll cook there!" But there was a reason for this: after all, it was at this time that lotuses bloom in the Volga delta.
And if chronologically I was on lotuses on the penultimate day of the expedition, then in fact it was the culmination of my journey through the steppes and deserts. But the secret world of the Volga delta is not limited to lotuses alone. After all, these places are sometimes called the "Volga jungle" for a reason.
If you want to see only the lotus, then in fact it is not necessary to turn to the services of travel agencies: whole thickets of the "Caspian rose" are found near many villages where the lotus grows like reeds. However, I did not know this and therefore turned to a travel agency - which I do not regret at all, precisely because Volga delta- this is not only a lotus, but thickets near the villages and lotus fields in the depths of the delta - it's like comparing a flower bed and a wild meadow in the mountains.
It is strongly not recommended to get there without a travel agency: firstly, this is a nature reserve, and secondly, if caught, you can pass for a poacher, and black caviar in Astrakhan is a product of the same category with drugs. And if you apply to a travel agency, then I do not advise taking a tour from Astrakhan: firstly, because there are group tours, and secondly, because they cost 1500 rubles. per person. That is, not only will you be visiting the Delta with a flotilla of several boats, but you will also be able to go only when there is a group. I could get here only on Monday, when there was no group, but I found a way out: book an excursion directly at the camp sites, with which the Delta is very rich.
I went through the Kolochny Island camp site - they organize excursions directly in the delta (that is, you can get there on your own), and their prices are already different: 1,500 rubles per boat, from 1 to 4 people.
The scheme is simple: you agree (in advance and once again closer to the point), arrive on your own to the place of departure, there you are met by the huntsman on the motorboat, and for 3 hours you are driven along the Volga delta. And if we ended up going with Periscope together, the savings would be twofold ... But otherwise, I, being the only passenger on the boat (+ huntsman), paid the same amount as I would have paid for participating in a group excursion.
The starting point was the village of Karalat - the lowest of the villages in this part of the Delta, while being only 40 km away from Astrakhan. Direct minibuses go there every 3 hours (the earliest one is at 10:20), but I hitchhiked back to the city of Kamyzyak halfway, from where minibuses to Astrakhan run every 10 minutes. Behind Kamyzyak, amazing places begin: a deserted road, and on the sides there are reeds that could hide a truck. Karalat is a real end of the world, beyond which there is supposedly nothing.
I stopped at the entrance to the village, and heard a strange, not quite earthly crackle of some insects - probably cicadas. The huntsman Alexei was already waiting for me, who accompanied me to the shore and put me in a boat. We set sail and swam along the coast (it would be more correct to say - "went along the coast", but this is professional jargon, which we will omit here). This is what Karalat looked like:
A typical Caspian village with solid, but primitive houses, with an abundance of livestock, with a cemetery on the top of the Baer hillock. The village is either Russian or Tatar, as there are no mazars in the cemetery. And it is clearly seen that Karalat is the gate of the protected Delta, as there are many moorings along the coast (mostly for tourists), and there are lotus patches right by the water.
But we passed the gate, and the path lay in the Delta:
The Volga Delta, in fact, resembles a city in its structure: there are large "avenues" (ducts), there are narrow crooked lanes (eriki), there are transit highways: Bakhtemir (the navigable route to the Caspian lies along it), Kamyzyak, Buzan, Bold. The easternmost channel - Kigach - leads to Kazakhstan. Specifically, this duct is the Tabola, passing into the big erik Kolochny.
The vegetation of the delta is diverse: there are reeds that form a 3-meter wall, here there are bushes, and forest areas.
Even more interesting - in narrow erics:
Sometimes these thickets are jokingly called "Volga jungle". IN Soviet films(well, according to Jules Verne, for example, or according to Conan Doyle) Amazonia usually "was" here.
I strongly do not recommend going here on your own on your boat - you can get lost in an elementary way. But the huntsmen know these labyrinths by heart ...
The farthest part of the delta, to which from Karalat go to motor boat 40 minutes - Rumbles.
This amazing place: and not water, and not land. A huge expanse of water, where for kilometers the depth is knee-deep, and there is no land, but there are numerous patches of tall grass, similar to islands. This is where the lotus fields are located.
A few decades ago, the sea was here, but the level of the Caspian is unstable - theoretically, it can retreat to Baku itself, or it can rise almost to Volgograd, but even in the foreseeable past, the Caspian "came close" to Astrakhan and its "ancestors" more than once - Saray -Batu and Itil. For the last 100 years, the level of the Caspian Sea has been steadily decreasing, and the delta has grown, over a century and a half its area has grown 9 times. But in last years The Caspian again went on the offensive - its level rose by a meter, and perhaps in a hundred years Astrakhan will again be on the seashore. In the meantime, it is separated from the sea by 80 kilometers, and even from here it is 30 kilometers to salt water.
But landscapes are not so interesting yet. About the main thing - lotuses - I will tell at the very end. For now, everything else.
In the Volga delta, birds made the same strong impression on me as lotuses. The delta is very rich in birds, because even the ancient Greeks often called the Caspian the Bird Sea. Theoretically, even flamingos are found here - real ones, like in Africa ... Actually, they fly to Africa for the winter, and live here in the summer. But their nesting sites are very far from any habitation. In addition, in spring and autumn, the Delta becomes a transit point on bird roads - here the flocks stop and rest before continuing their journey.
There are a lot of birds in the delta. It’s better not to remove the camera at all, especially since they always appear unexpectedly.
Most often there are gray herons that fly with their heads on their backs. They are huge - they are not inferior to storks and eagles.
Even more interesting are white herons. If I saw gray herons on the Kama, where I spent my childhood, then I saw white herons for the first time.
They are smaller than gray ones - but more beautiful, they can be mistaken for swans from afar:
And here are the swans themselves - not on the pond, but in nature:
And you have to hear how loud and beautiful their wings flap... A swan in flight is majestic.
Cormorants also live here - black sea birds that can dive and search for prey under water:
After that, they usually dry their wings in the sun - "cormorant". It is known, by the way, that it was the sailors who brought this word into the jargon:
And here is a whole flock of cormorants, which we frightened off on peals:
There are also eagles in the Delta:
I even saw an eagle with prey, and tried to shoot - but the eagle abandoned the prey (some other bird, the carcass of which fell with a loud splash) and left. Although the bird is proud, it does not forget about the instinct of self-preservation! I have noticed many times that birds of prey are afraid of the lens - perhaps they mistake it for the trunk. After all, their eyesight is incredible: an eagle sees a mouse for 2 kilometers.
So I was not able to photograph the "king-bird" in flight.
There is also a lot of other things: great grebes, bitterns, sandpipers and other birds that I don’t know about. There are, of course, seagulls here - where would we be without them. rich and undersea world- after all, the Volga and the Caspian accounted for up to 2/3 of the world population of sturgeons, and black caviar was once eaten with a tablespoon.
Delta is a tourist place, and other boats meet there all the time:
There are a huge number of various camp sites in the delta, and tourism itself in Astrakhan is well established. Many people come here to relax, but more often - to fish and hunt. Tourist prices are very high.
But we met this unit in one of the channels:
This is a floating mower that clears eriki. From the place of this meeting, not far from the tourist center "Kolochny Island", to which the budara was assigned:
I was brought here at the very end to pay, and even fed lunch, which is included in the price of the tour. True, not sturgeon, of course, and not even fish soup, but borsch and pilaf - but DELICIOUS borsch and pilaf. And the hostel itself surprised me with a cozy atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff:
I don't love salt water, and the sea is not accustomed to rest. I spent my early childhood on pacific ocean, and in middle childhood I used to swim in Kama - a large and cold river, and even from the pier. And perhaps, the camp sites of the Volga delta are exactly the places where I would be ready to go FOR REST. Although this is not cheap - on Kolochny Island, say, from 1500 rubles. per day per person. And yet, having been there for a short time, I thought - someday I will go here to rest. And the water is warm to the touch.
But I did not go to rest, but to see the "Caspian rose" - a blooming lotus. And I saw him:
Lotus "flower bed" at the "Kolochny Island"
And a real lotus field on peals, to which the boat from Karalat went for more than an hour:
I was taken to two lotus fields - though not very large. And in the distant, protected parts of the Delta, lotus fields stretch for kilometers ... But to go to such ones takes a whole day.
The lotus flower is an unearthly beauty:
I don't even know if there are more beautiful flowers in the world than lotuses. But even more beautiful than the sight is the smell. In general, I am calm about the smell of flowers - but the smell of a lotus cannot be compared with anything!
Huge leaves, and not wetted - drops of water run over them with silvery balls, and the leaves remain dry:
And when the lotus fades, it leaves such a strange "box":
You can admire lotuses endlessly. In addition, their flowers are huge - like two open palms. The smell of many flowers hangs over the field.
And this is me - partly for scale:
It was a true ending. PERFORMANCE, as one of my friends said. Somewhere behind were the huge Chelyabinsk, the industrial horror of Karabash, cold and rainy Ural mountains, the Orenburg steppes, the Cossack freemen and the sun-scorched desert of Western Kazakhstan.
I have crossed the desert. And as in oriental tales found an oasis.
And now I was in all Russian millionaires, in all regional centers on the Volga, in all the "full" Kremlins of Russia and in half of the Cossack estates. Below is the full table of contents of the expedition.
Known for its unique flora and fauna. The beauty of its delta is simply stunning. Many tourist centers and boarding houses have been built here. There are beautiful places for recreation with tents, camping. its many branches, islands and currents are associated by many with exciting fishing.
To plan the perfect holiday, travelers should consider the existing offers of local hotels and hostels. Interesting Facts related to this part of the famous river, you should find out before organizing a vacation or a day off.
natural features
It is the largest in Europe. This feature affects the abundance the most beautiful places for relax. The wide Volga flows into the Caspian Sea (which is essentially the largest lake in the world). In the place of their connection there are many picturesque islands, river branches. Favorable natural conditions guarantee wonderful, exciting fishing.
You can come to these parts for vacation with the whole family or a noisy group of friends. Also delta is suitable for quiet, measured rest Alone with nature. Everyone chooses the best option for myself.
In the region woodlands alternate with those characteristic of the Caspian Sea steppe expanses. Over the past hundred years, the delta has increased in volume. This is a protected area. Clean air and crystal water contribute to the renewal of vitality and energy.
How to get there?
Will be unforgettable. Many positive impressions will be received by both adults and children. The largest delta in Europe is located 46 km from Astrakhan. To arrive at the selected hotel, recreation center or campsite, it is enough to get to this city by any convenient transport. Tourists from Moscow prefer to get here by plane. The flight in this case takes only 2.5 hours. The train from the capital to Astrakhan will take 1.5 days. For couples with small children, this option is absolutely not suitable.
Direct flights to Astrakhan airport are carried out from St. Petersburg, Kazan, Moscow and Sochi. You can book a tour here. In this case, on the way to the chosen recreation center, you can admire the local beauties.
It will take about 2 hours to get to the campsite or hotel by car or by boat. You can also get here from Volgograd.
holiday season
Tourists actively begin to visit local recreation centers from April to May. The second wave occurs in September and October. From June to August it gets very hot in these places. This scares away many tourists. In addition, there are many annoying midges.
In August, lotuses begin to bloom. This event does not go unnoticed by tourists. Many people plan their holidays specifically for this month. almost never stops. Fans of such a holiday come here both in summer and in winter. Hunting can also supplement fishing in the Volga delta. Its season opens in September and ends in November.
Depending on the perceptions of tourists about the organization perfect holiday you should choose the right season to visit these places. In this case, it is possible to get the most out of your vacation or weekend.
Climate
It is characterized by a variety of flora and fauna. This is also characteristic of her nature. The climate here is close to the continental type with its pronounced main features. Hot summers are replaced by mild, snowy winters. The greatest comfort is different rest in spring and autumn.
The weather here changes quite quickly. Sometimes there are surprises. For example, in mid-January, a thaw sets in and green grass appears, and in summer a rainfall can bring unexpected coolness.
The river here has about half a thousand branches. Catfish, perch, carp, bream, crucian carp and many other species are found in the rivers. Moreover, the abundance of fish in these parts is simply amazing. Even a novice won't leave here without a catch. During the hunting season, you can shoot a wolf, a hare, a fox and other animals.
natural beauty
Considered a protected area. Its flora and fauna are diverse and plentiful. Astrakhan Nature Reserve appeared one of the first in Russia. It was created at the beginning of the last century. Only after almost a hundred years did the second Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky Reserve appear.
There are 4 nature reserves in these parts, which are also protected by the state. There are natural monuments, hunting grounds. Many tourists go to Lake Tinaki. Here mud treatment is carried out. A well-known resort in our country was built near the lake.
In these parts you can admire the desert steppes and bright meadows, forests and reed beds. Lotus fields, as if on a postcard, appear before the eyes of the guests of this protected area. Rivers, lakes, sand dunes and islets are home to many species.
Here you can meet pelicans, pheasants, cormorants, Caspian seals, antelopes. In total, there are more than 280 species of birds and about 70 species of fish. Among aquatic inhabitants there are such rare species as sturgeon, stellate sturgeon, sterlet and beluga.
Hotel selection
The Astrakhan Reserve is recognized by the inhabitants of our country and neighboring countries as the fish capital. Not surprisingly, many recreation centers specialize in organizing conditions for fishing. These hotels provide a wide range of special services to their guests.
Popular fishing bases in the Volga delta have picturesque names. The most famous are the "Reserved Tale", "Golden Lotus", "Astoria", River House and many others. Almost any campsite, hostel or hotel helps its visitors organize an unforgettable fishing trip.
The cost of living depends on the level of comfort of the room, as well as the season. It can vary from 3 to 30 thousand rubles. per night. Additional services are usually paid separately. The cost of living may also differ for hotels of different distances from Astrakhan. Many tourists prefer to relax in these parts as savages.
Fishing recreation centers
Tourist bases in the Volga delta provide different levels of accommodation to their guests. There are both five-star hotels and boarding houses, hostels and campsites. The price may include meals. The menu is also very varied.
For visitors arriving in the Volga Delta on their own transport, a parking lot is provided. Differ in variety Additional services. You can rent all the necessary equipment for fishing. Boats, services of a huntsman, guides are provided for the use of guests of tourist centers and campsites.
The caught catch can be prepared in any chosen way. Conditions for smoking, salting and drying fish have been created at specialized bases. You can cook prey on the grill. This approach to the organization of recreation makes it enjoyable and unforgettable.
Other recreation options
Some tourists prefer to relax in the Volga Delta as a savage. In this case, you need to be prepared for some difficulties. For fishing to be really exciting, you need to know the places where the bite will be stable and active. Fishing in the Volga Delta carried out with special permission. Almost all specialized recreation centers have it. However, those who decide to relax on their own will first need to find out if it is possible to fish in the place of the river where it was decided to set up a mini-camping.
It is much easier to rent a room in one of the hotels or stay at a special campsite. In this case, many difficulties can be avoided.
Those who decide to come to these parts with their families can, in addition to fishing, relax on the beach. It will also be interesting to visit hiking through the forest, picking berries or mushrooms. In most hotels, animators work with children. In the evening, you can bake fish on a fire, enjoy the rest and tranquility.
lotus valley
It is not the only entertainment that attracts tourists from all over our country here. One of the most beautiful places is the lotus valley. For these flowers, optimal conditions are created here. The height of some of them sometimes reaches 2 meters.
Sailing on a boat on a clean, calm water surface between lovely flowers, you can feel like a part of this beautiful nature. In the morning, lotuses open their petals. At this time, a walk along the river becomes the most romantic, impressive. In the evening the buds close.
Lotus bloom begins at the end of July. These plants open their buds on the water surface for only 1.5-2 months. In September, their flowering stops. Tourists have been coming here since mid-August. At this time, the heat begins to subside. Scientists say that even the aroma of a lotus helps to heal from depression, fatigue, and relieves stress.
Other attractions
Has many protected areas. One of interesting places for excursions is the Cordon tract. This is a small area in the steppe where Mexican prickly pear cacti grow. In early May, this plant even blooms with beautiful yellow or pink flowers. Cacti were planted here at the beginning of the last century. Plants have perfectly taken root in the climate of the Astrakhan Reserve.
Another local attraction is the Orlovsky forest. It is also called the "Grove of Love". It is located 15 km north of Kharabali. This forest is interesting for one belief. Some tourists believe that if you pick one leaf from the mightiest tree in the forest in autumn, write the name of a loved one on it and dry it, you can win his love. Many young people believe in this omen and come to the Orlovsky Forest in autumn.
Walking through the grove will be interesting for every guest of the Volga delta. wonderful nature, Fresh air able to relieve fatigue, treat diseases, enjoy unity with nature.
Having considered what the Volga Delta offers its visitors, each traveler will be able to plan his vacation as correctly as possible.
- [de], delta, female. 1. The name of the fourth letter in Greek. alphabet (D). 2. The mouth of the river branching into separate branches (geographic). Delta of the Volga. Dictionary Ushakov. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 ... Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov
This term has other meanings, see Delta (meanings). Photograph of the Nile Delta from space Delta is a lowland in the lower reaches of the river, composed of river sediments, cut through by an extensive network of branches and channels. Deltas are usually ... ... Wikipedia
- (Greek). Part of the land located at the mouths of rivers, between their branches; this name came from the fact that such a piece of land usually has the shape of the Greek letter delta (?). Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov ... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language
1. DELTA [de], s; and. mouth big river with its branches into separate branches and land adjacent to it. D. Volga. ◁ Delta, oh, oh. D s deposits. ● From the name of the Greek letter, in the shape of a triangle. 2. DELTA [de], s; … encyclopedic Dictionary
- [de], s, female. The mouth of a large river with its branches into separate branches and the part of the land adjacent to it. D. Volga. | adj. deltaic, oh, oh. Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 ... Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov
A complex relief form that forms in the zone of interaction between land and sea, at the mouth of rivers, at the place where they flow into a shallow sea or lake basin. It has mixed alluvial accumulative and coastal maritime origin due to... ... Geographic Encyclopedia
UNESCO World Heritage Site No. 588 rus. ... Wikipedia
Map of the Kuban Delta, 1870 The Kuban Delta is one of the largest deltas in Russia, located at the mouth of the Kuban River. The area of the Kuban delta is about 4,300 km² (1/4 of the size of the Volga delta, the largest in Europe). Kuban del ... Wikipedia
A lowland in the lower reaches of the river, composed of river sediments, cut through by a more or less branched network of branches and channels. The name D. comes from the capital letter of the Greek alphabet Δ (delta), by the similarity with which it was given in ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
delta- [de /], s, f. 1) The name of the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet: Δ, δ. 2) trans. The mouth of a large river with an alluvial plain formed by river sediments and cut through by numerous branches and channels. Danube Delta. The Anyui River at the mouth ... ... Popular dictionary of the Russian language
Books
- Delta. Photo album, . The authors of the album "Delta" are inquisitive biologists who are not indifferent to fate unique area the main water artery of Russia - ...
- New Atlas of Russia, . Your attention is invited to the Atlas, the main content of which is maps of the regions of Russia, which are of particular interest. This and curonian spit, and Lake Ilmen, and Meshchera, and Delta ...
It flows through the European part of the country, and its mouth is located in the Caspian Sea. Officially, it is believed that the length of the Volga is 3,530 km. But if we add some more reservoirs to this figure, it turns out that the length of the queen of Russian rivers will be 3,692 km. Volga is longest river throughout Europe.
The area of its basin is 1 million 380 thousand square meters. km. Interestingly, there are already mentions of the Volga in the writings of the ancient Greek scientist Ptolemy. He calls it "Ra" in his studies. And the Arabs once called the Volga the word "Itil", which means "river".
Burlaki and Volga
For all times, the Volga entered history due to the use of heavy barge work. It was necessary only at a time when the movement of ships turned out to be impossible against its current, that is, during floods. During the day, the burlatskaya artel could travel up to ten kilometers. And the total number of working barge haulers for the entire season could reach six hundred.
Sources of the great river
The river originates at Not far from the village of Volgoverkhovye, several springs spring from the ground. One of these springs is recognized as the source of the great Volga. This spring is surrounded by a chapel. All springs in this area flow into a small lake, from which, in turn, flows a stream no more than a meter wide. The depth of the Volga (if we conditionally designate this stream as the beginning of a great river) here is only 25-30 cm.
It is believed that the Volga exists mainly due to snow. About 60% of all its nutrition is due to melting snow. Another third of the Volga is provided groundwater. And rain food accounts for only 10%.
Upper Volga: depth and other characteristics
Moving further, the stream becomes wider and then flows into a lake called Sterzh. Its length is 12 km, width - 1.5 km. A total area is 18 km². The rod is part of the Upper Volga reservoir, the total length of which is 85 km. And already behind the reservoir begins called the Upper. The depth of the Volga here averages from 1.5 to 2.1 m.
The Volga, like most other rivers, is conditionally divided into three parts - the Upper, Middle and Lower. First Big city on the way of this river - Rzhev. It is followed by ancient city Tver. The Ivankovskoye reservoir, which stretches for 146 km, is located in this area. In its area, the depth of the river also increases to 23 m. The Volga in the Tver region stretches for 685 km.
There is a section of the river in the Moscow region, but on this territory it occupies no more than 9 km. Not far from it is the city of Dubna. And next to the Ivankovskaya dam, its largest tributary in the Moscow region, the eponymous one, also flows into the Volga. Here, in the 30s of the 20th century, a canal named after. Moscow, connecting the Moscow River and the Ivankovskoye reservoir, the waters of which are indispensable for the economy of the capital.
Further downstream is located. Its length is 146 km. The depth of the Volga Uglich reservoir- 5 meters. which is the most northern point Volga, has a depth of 5.6 m. Behind it, the river changes its direction from northeast to southeast.
The depth of the Volga and other indicators in the middle and lower sections
The section of the Middle Volga begins at the point where the Oka, the largest right tributary of the river, flows into it. At this place stands Nizhny Novgorod- one of the largest settlements Russia. The width and depth of the Volga are as follows:
- the channel width is from 600 m to 2 km;
- maximum depth - about 2 m.
After the confluence with the Oka, the Volga becomes more and more wide. Around Cheboksary great river encounters an obstacle - the Cheboksary hydroelectric power station. The length of the Cheboksary reservoir is 341 m, the width is about 16 km. Its greatest depth is 35 m, the average - 6 m. And the river becomes even larger and more powerful when the Kama River flows into it.
From this point begins a section of the Lower Volga, and now it flows into the Caspian Sea. Even further upstream, after the Volga goes around the Togliatti mountains, the largest of all its reservoirs, the Kuibyshevskoye, is located. Its length is 500 m, width - 40 km, and depth - 8 m.
What is the depth of the Volga in its delta? Features of the great river delta
The length of the delta near the Caspian Sea is about 160 km. Width - about 40 km. About 500 canals and small rivers are included in the delta. It is believed that the mouth of the Volga is the largest in all of Europe. Here you can meet unique representatives of the animal and flora- pelicans, flamingos, and even see the lotus. Here it is already difficult to talk about such a parameter as the depth of the Volga. Max Depth rivers in its delta is, according to various estimates, up to 2.5 m. The minimum is 1-1.7 m.
In size, this section of the Volga surpasses even the deltas of such rivers as the Terek, Kuban, Rhine and Maas. He, like the river itself, played a very important role in the formation of the first settlements in these territories. Here passed trade routes that tied Lower Volga with Persia and others Arab countries. The tribes of the Khazars and Polovtsy settled here. Presumably in the 13th century. here for the first time appeared a Tatar settlement called Ashtarkhan, which eventually became the beginning of Astrakhan.
What is unusual about the Volga Delta
The peculiarity of the Volga delta is that, unlike other deltas, it is not a sea, but a lake. After all, the Caspian Sea is inherently big lake, because it is not connected to the oceans. The Caspian is called the sea only because of its impressive size, which makes it look like a sea.
The Volga flows through the territory of 15 subjects Russian Federation and is one of the most important water arteries for industry, shipping, energy and other important areas of the state.
The Volga Delta is one of the most interesting geographical objects on Russian territory. The process of its formation began about nine thousand years ago, during the so-called Caspian transgression - the offensive of the waters of the Caspian Sea on land. During its many thousands of years of history, the delta has changed its shape more than once. Scientists suggest that the decisive factors in the formation of the Volga delta in different periods were the runoff of glacial water, changes in the water level in the Caspian Sea (it is into it that numerous rivers of the delta flow), the subsequent hydrological changes in the area where the Volga flows into the sea, as well as tectonic processes that took place in the southeastern region of the Russian Plain. The Volga delta in its present form was formed only by the 20th century. Due to the lowering of the water level in the Caspian Sea over the past 130 years, the area of the “fan” of the delta has increased almost nine times, and closer to its sea edge, the channels passing here today have formed.
Nature
Fortunately, the flora and fauna of the river delta region were given the due attention of scientists and the issue of state protection of the complex arose quite early. In 1919, for conservation unique nature one of the first nature reserves in Russia, Astrakhansky, was opened in the lower reaches of the Volga delta, the initial area of which was 23,000 hectares. In 1984, it was given the status of a biosphere reserve, and today it covers parts of the territories of Kamyzyaksky, Volodarsky and Ikryaninsky districts of the Astrakhan region.
The Volga delta begins 46 km north of Astrakhan. As part of this complex water system includes about 500 branches, which occupy an area of more than 20,000 km 2 Along with the Ural River, the Volga delta serves as the main source of water in the southern part of the Caspian lowland.
The Volga delta region is a favorite place for anglers. The reason for this is not only mild for a sharply continental climate weather(hot summer season and mild winter), but also species diversity water world. About 120 species of fish live here, including crucian carp, carp, pike, Volga vobla, roach and others. True, in order to preserve the fish population in some areas, fishing is either completely prohibited, or allowed, provided that the catch is lowered back into the water.
One of unique phenomena nature of the Volga Delta - lotuses, which huge fields bloom on the banks of river branches in July. The areas of lotus fields reach several hectares, and the total area of Astrakhan lotus fields in the Volga delta and the Caspian coast exceeds hundreds of hectares. They usually grow in the conditions of Asian countries, and it is believed that the Volga is the northernmost region where these flowers grow. No one knows exactly how they got to the surrounding Astrakhan lands.
Many sections of the Volga delta are included in the protected areas. In addition to the Astrakhan Biosphere Reserve, the oldest in the region, there are four nature reserves, thirty-six state monuments nature, as well as eight hunting farms.
general information
The Volga Delta reaches north coast Caspian Sea. Number of sleeves: up to 500 .
Main sleeves: Bakhtemir, Kamyzyak, Old Volga, Bolda, Buzan, Akhtuba.
Mouth: .
The largest city
: Astrakhan.
The most important ports: Astrakhan, Olya, Ninovka.
Numbers
Area: 20,000 km2.
Volga runoff: 250 km3.
average speed currents: less than 1 m/s.
Average depth: 8-11 m.
Height above sea level:-28 m.
Economy
Industry (Astrakhan): food, chemical, fuel and energy, mechanical engineering, metalworking.
Agriculture: cereals, vegetable growing, melon growing, animal husbandry. Fishing, hunting.
Service sector: tourism, transport services.
Climate and weather
Sharply continental.
January average temperature:-6ºС.
July average temperature:
+24 - +25ºС.
Average annual rainfall: 200-400 mm.
Attractions
■ Astrakhan: Assumption Cathedral (XVIII century); Cathedral of Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir; Church of St. John Chrysostom (XVIII century), Astrakhan Kremlin (XVI-XVII centuries); Demidov Compound (XVII-XVIII centuries);
■ Olya: embankment of the river Bakhtemir; Olinsky park;
■ Astrakhan Biosphere Reserve;
■ Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky Nature Reserve.
Curious facts
■ There is a legend that tells about the appearance of lotuses so exotic for these places in the region. According to her, the Khan of the Nogai Horde once ruled here and had a daughter, Zeynab. The warrior Shakir fell in love with her, and he decided to consult with the priest how to be with him with love. He told him that in order for Zeinab to pay attention to him, he needed to get to distant India and bring lotus seeds from there. He will get what he wants as soon as he puts them in the waters of the Volga, but the price for happiness will be the loss of the most expensive. Shakir agreed, but the most dear to him was Zeinab, who died when the lotus seeds fell into the water. Shakir committed suicide from grief, and on the day of the funeral of the warrior and the khan's daughter, lotuses bloomed on the river.
