All peaks of the Caucasus. Caucasus Mountains, general information about the Caucasus 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. Within the territory of Russian Federation only Ciscaucasia and the northern part of the Greater Caucasus are located. 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, passes state border Russian Federation, followed by Georgia and Azerbaijan. Whole system Caucasian ridge 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. In the southern part there are folded-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 number of magma (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 the 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. The highest part of the 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 dormant volcano Elbrus is indeed the highest peak in Russia.

The relief here is strongly dissected: sharp ridges, steep slopes and rocky peaks prevail. Eastern part The Greater Caucasus is mainly made up of the numerous ranges of 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. uplift 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. Quite high mountains serve as a good obstacle to the 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 temperate, but the above factors contribute to fairly 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 (the average January temperature is 3°C). 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.

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. There are also high mountain lakes - Ritsa, for example. And Zeygalan waterfall ( 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 little 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 local species of 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 the plains and steppes, mountain ranges and peaks occupy a special place. They attract travelers and researchers, scientists and tourists, archaeologists and climbers. What mountains are in Russia? What you should pay attention to?

In contact with

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 a geographical border in the east in the form of. 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 mountainous terrain. The southern territorial part consists of medium and low, but in the north - high ridges. highest point far east – Klyuchevskaya Sopka 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 is a 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 the Northern part and Transcaucasia.

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

In the Greater Caucasus there are three highest mountains Russia:

• Elbrus;
• Dykhtau;
• Kazbek.

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

10 high mountains

A little more about each of the largest hills:

• About Elbrus is already clear, this inactive volcano, included in national park. Its height is 5642 meters.
• Dykhtau occupies the second largest place among the mountain peaks of the country. 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 is the fifth largest 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 of a famous person of Georgian origin, it still 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 lowest mountain is very difficult. It turns out that it is not so easy to name it. Mountains can only be called what is higher

Greater Caucasus- a mountain system between the Black and Caspian Seas. Extends more than 1100 km from the northwest to the southeast, from the Anapa region and Taman Peninsula to the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian coast, near Baku. highest peak- Elbrus (5642 m).

The state border of the Russian Federation with Abkhazia, Georgia, South Ossetia and Azerbaijan passes through the Greater Caucasus.

Scheme of the ridges of the Greater Caucasus. Volcanoes are marked with red circles.

The Greater Caucasus, together with the Lesser Caucasus, makes up the Caucasus Mountains and is separated from the latter by the Colchis and Kura-Araks lowlands and the Kura valley in the middle reaches between them.

The Greater Caucasus reaches its maximum width in the Elbrus region (up to 180 km). In the axial part is located the Main Caucasian (or Dividing) Range, to the north of which a number of parallel ranges (mountain ranges) extend - the Side Range, the Rocky Range, etc.

Parts and districts

View from Ushba to Elbrus. Photo by O. Fomichev.

Traditionally, the Greater Caucasus is divided into 3 parts:

Table 1. The peaks of the Caucasus are higher than 4700 m (bold type indicates the height along topographic map scale 1:50000).

Climate

Rest in the Adish Icefall. Photo by A. Lebedev (1989)

The climatic features of the Greater Caucasus are determined by the altitudinal zonality and the rotation of the mountain barrier formed by it at a certain angle to the western moisture-bearing air flows - the Atlantic cyclones and the Mediterranean western air currents of the middle layers of the troposphere. This rotation has a decisive influence on the distribution of precipitation.

The wettest is the western part of the southern slope, where more than 2500 mm of precipitation falls annually in the highlands. The record amount of precipitation falls on the Achishkho ridge in the Krasnaya Polyana area - 3200 mm per year, this is the most wet place Russia. Winter snow cover in the area of ​​the meteorological station Achishkho reaches 5-7 meters!

Glaciation is especially significant in the Central Caucasus and in the eastern part of the Western Caucasus. In the Eastern Caucasus, small glaciers are found only in individual high mountain nodes.

in front of you detailed map Caucasus mountains with names of cities and settlements 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. It's 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). This was the only way from 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.

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

Most famous peaks- 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 west of the southern part of the Caucasus is the Transcaucasian Highlands, consisting of the ranges of the Lesser Caucasus and Armenian highlands(Aragats city, 4090 m).
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.

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 mountain system subdivided into Ciscaucasia (Northern Caucasus), Greater Caucasus and Transcaucasia (South Caucasus). Along the crest of the Main Range, the state border of the Russian Federation with the countries of Transcaucasia passes.

highest peaks

The largest Mountain peaks 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 for 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 region, 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