Where does the Irtysh River originate and where does it flow? Where does the Ob River originate and where does it flow?

What are a river and a sea, what are their similarities and differences, how do rivers appear - let's try to answer these questions together with the children.

How is a river different from the sea?

A sea is a separate section of the World Ocean, which is surrounded on all sides either by land or by elevated areas of underwater relief. Its waters are usually unchanged relative to the shores. The sea is salty. A river is a stream of water that flows continuously downhill.

Many rivers end up in the sea at the end of their journey. In a river - fresh water. Below we use geographical map Let's analyze the topic for a lesson on the surrounding world in 1st grade - where do the rivers flow.

River sources

Typically a river begins its life from a renewable source of water. This could be a lake, swamp or other body of water located on a hill. It is constantly replenished with water from precipitation, melting ice or from underground springs. Usually a river is formed from several sources at once. It depends on the time of year, for example, in spring - from melting snow, in summer and autumn - from rain. The point where the river begins is called the source.

Let's figure out where the rivers flow and why. We have already said that for this, first of all, you need a terrain with a slope and a source of water at the top of it. In addition, flowing water makes a hole only in loose, pliable soil or rock, which she can blur. That is why mountain rivers have thresholds - stone ledges that even strong water pressure cannot destroy. If we look at the map, we will see that the pattern of the river bed depends on the topography of the area where it flows.

What determines the character of a river?

The nature of our planet is diverse. There are mountains, valleys, and hills. The strength of their flow and speed depend on the geological nature of the area where and where rivers flow. For example, mountain streams flow very quickly and noisily. That's why they can be very dangerous. You can often see such a fascinating spectacle as waterfalls, when streams of water fall from a mountain ledge into an abyss.

In contrast, lowland rivers flow slowly, calmly and majestically. There the water gurgles quietly. In the lowlands, rivers are usually fuller, as they are filled with water from many streams flowing from above. They have a clearly defined bed and smooth banks. It's not difficult to explain why this happens. The less inclined the surface, the slower the water flows over it, and vice versa.

Diversity of rivers in our country

Rivers look different at the beginning of their journey. Let's find on the map some of the most significant Russian rivers. So, for example, R. Lena emerges from the waters of the sacred lake. Baikal, and r. The Ob is formed by the merger of two others - Biya and Katun. The great rivers of Central Russia are the Don Batyushka and the Volga Mother. This is what our ancestors called them. The first one originates in the Central Russian Upland, at an altitude of about 200 m above sea level. Let's find on the map where the Volga River flows from and to?

The largest river in Europe originates in a small swamp in the Tver region, which is located at an altitude of more than 200 m above sea level, and ends its path, dissolving into the Caspian Sea. It flows through the entire territory of central Russia and is a very important transport artery. In addition, a powerful power plant was built on it, which provides us with electricity. The northern Pechora River begins in the mountains of the Northern Urals, at an altitude of more than 600 m above sea level. Our main Caucasian rivers - Terek and Kuban - are formed from the melting of high-mountain glaciers at an altitude of more than 1000 m above sea level. Upper reaches of the river The Urals are located on the Ural mountain range.

Current direction

So, we learned about the sources of the rivers. Next we will find out how to understand where the river flows. Current downhill earth's surface The water itself gradually shapes the direction of the channel, simultaneously taking with it particles of destroyed soil. She chooses a path, filling the natural hollows and depressions of the relief. We see the same thing every spring, when the snow melts and cheerful streams run through all the streets. They all start on the hills and end by connecting and flowing into rivers. Then we watch spring flood or river flood. Rivers end the same way. Usually they flow into another, larger body of water, which is located even lower on the earth's surface. The confluence is called the mouth of the river. It could be another river, lake, sea or ocean.

All large reservoirs replenish their water reserves from many such small rivers.

Some rivers do not exist forever. Their life cycle depends on the change of seasons. They can appear in the spring, during active snowmelt in the mountains. Later, in summer heat, they simply dry out or become so shallow that they turn into a thin stream, which is destined to become a full-fledged river again only next spring.

Where do the major rivers of Russia flow?

Using the territory of our Motherland as an example, we will look at where the rivers flow. We will find the largest bodies of water on the map. Here in the northeast of the country we see the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. The river ends here and feeds it with its waters. Amur. But to the west is the cold Kara Sea. The rivers flow into it. Yenisei and the Ob River, which forms a huge bay on its shore, called Gulf of Ob. Another deep river, the Lena, flows into the Laptev Sea. The Caspian Sea is located in the European part of the country. Its water reserves are replenished mainly by the river. Volga, as well as the river. Ural. The Dnieper and Don rivers end at the Black and Azov seas. Looking at the map, it is not difficult to notice the direction in which the rivers of the surrounding world flow. Basically, their flow is directed from south to north.

Neva basin

Let's take a look at the map of Russia again. We will find out where and where the Neva River flows, and how important its importance is for the country. In the northwest we see the Baltic Sea, along which our country borders with some European countries. In the Gulf of Finland the river flows into it. Neva. On the banks of this river, Tsar Peter the Great erected beautiful city Saint Petersburg. This place was not chosen by chance. Since ancient times everything big cities grew precisely at the confluence of a large river and the sea. Merchant and military ships move fastest on water. Source of the river The Neva takes in Lake Ladoga. Its basin contains many small lakes and rivers. They constantly feed it with their waters, so the river is very deep. During construction Northern capital All banks of the Neva were reinforced with stone walls to prevent them from being washed away. An extensive network of canals with drawbridges was also built to drain water.

Subsequently these engineering solutions become business card and the main attraction of the city.

The most famous rivers of the world

At all times, rivers have been a source of life for people. Only near water did large settlements arise and develop. All human civilization developed in those places on Earth where rivers flow and where. Perhaps every country has main river. In England it is the Thames, in France the Seine and Loire, in China the Yellow River, in America the Amazon, Missouri and Mississippi. Rivers are especially important in hot countries where there is no snow and ice, and seasonal rains are the only way to replenish fresh water bodies. For example, in Egypt - r. Neil, the life of the entire people used to depend entirely on her. Its delta is the only green oasis in the desert. Therefore, people used to worship the river as a deity. We add that the Nile is the only source of fresh water for several countries in North Africa.

Now a dam has been built in the upper reaches of the river, with the help of which people control the mighty waters. There is a hydroelectric power station on it. Another large river The African mainland is the Limpopo River. India is located in the same latitudes. The main sacred river of this country is the Ganges.

May 10, day 2. The answer to the question “Where does the Volga originate?” is probably of interest to many Russians and guests of the country. I, too, have long wanted to know the exact location of the source of the great river and visit it in person. It turned out that this is not so easy to do.

Or rather, finding the coordinates was not a problem, but getting to the point was more difficult. It’s no joke, driving a car through the rough sections of the road to the Volgoverkhovye region. But the trip promised to be very exciting and memorable.

The world-famous Russian river originates on the Valdai Hills, or more precisely, in the village of Volgoverkhovye, Ostashkovsky district, Tver region. The Volga begins its journey from a height of 228 meters above sea level.

It seems that the goal is clear, and the place is found on the map. But as it turned out, to get to it, you need to have a really great desire to touch the origins of Rus'. Closer to our destination, it became clear that we were separated from our final goal by tens of kilometers of off-road terrain.

To be more precise, the path from Ostashkov to the village of Volgoverkhovye was an unforgettable 67 kilometers.

Path to the source

In the morning we left the hotel in the city of Kuvshinovo. Having passed Ostashkov and Lake Seliger, we set off towards the Volgoverkhovye region. We covered the first ten kilometers on the dirt road with difficulty. Fortunately, along the way we came across a unique one, where we spent a wonderful hour, resting and “recharging” with cosmic energy for the further journey. 😎

11.20. We continue our journey along the “killed” road. More than an hour of constant shaking and dust. True, the places around are wonderful. Russian spring nature pleasing to the eye! Silence, blue sky, budding trees, delicate greenery in the meadows. Especially, the beauty is felt in those small sections of the road when this particular road becomes a little smoother.

12.10. Marvelous! On a seemingly completely abandoned road there is a sign for Svapuscha, to which you have to drive another 13 kilometers. We turn left. The asphalt ends. At all. Next comes a dirt road. Movement speed is reduced to 20 km/h.

But the good news is that small streams, only a few meters wide, are beginning to appear here, which are already proudly called the Volga! We counted about a dozen such signs along the way!

This is how, among the dense forests of the Tver region, the great Russian river is gaining its strength and power. The Volga here is calm and unhurried.

Yellow water lilies grow along the shore.

There is silence all around, which is occasionally broken by the timid voice of the cuckoo. And even rare passing cars.

On the way to our goal we cross the Volga several times. It's very interesting to realize this. Especially when you remember the great river closer to its mouth, where it becomes several hundred meters wide, and along which huge ships move freely.

Or, for example, in the area of ​​the Ivankovskoye reservoir, which is also located in the Tver region. This is where the breadth and space are! We spent a wonderful week there in the city.

12.50. We are entering the village of Voronovo. Here we go under the barrier. And now, we are almost there! There is a parking lot in the village where several tourist buses can be found. I wonder how they got into such a wilderness, and along such a road?

But we decide to drive a little forward. And we are doing the right thing, since on the outskirts of the village there is another small (free) parking lot, this time for cars. Here is a view of it from the bell tower of the Olginsky Monastery church, where we later climbed.

The red car is ours. Nearby there is a small market where they sell souvenirs, honey and pastries. Facilities include a toilet type toilet. It is located behind the village house, which is visible behind our car. Well, we are heading to the Source.

The fact that this is where the source of the Volga is located is suggested by the inscription on the wooden gate leading to a chapel over a well and a small lake.

Memorable place

The text at the source of the Volga, carved on a granite slab, confirms that this is where the great reservoir begins.

Its first stream is considered to be the Persyanka stream. Further, the river flows 91 km along the Maly and Bolshoi Verkhit, Sterzh, Vselug, Peno, and Volgo lakes. It is here that it gains its strength and power, which it carries for 3900 km.

The Volga is 16th in length in the world and 5th in Russia.

Not far from the stream that gives rise to the Volga, there is a huge memorial stone. It was laid back in 1989, on June 22 - the 48th anniversary of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. The monument also reminds us where we are and indicates that “here are the sources of the people’s soul.”

The stone looks majestic and impressive, as it should be next to such a mighty river.

The inscription on the memorial stone reads:

Traveler! Turn your gaze to the source of the Volga! The purity and greatness of the Russian land is born here. Here are the origins of the people's soul. Keep them.

Being around him immediately makes you feel good and peaceful. I want to lean against him and even lie on top of him. 🙂

Where does the Volga begin?

And here we stand at the place where the Volga begins. You can’t say that a small shallow stream, which you can easily step over, turns into a mighty river further downstream.

Murmuring merrily, it flows from the swamp among the trees and grasses. The water is cold and clear, slightly brownish.

You just have to try this one and then proudly tell us that we drank from the source of the Volga itself.

The water turned out to be very tasty. And also a saint...

Holy water and chapel

When we were just preparing for the trip, we found out several interesting facts about the source of the Volga. Tver and the surrounding area began to be considered the beginning of the river not so long ago. For a long time the exact location of the source could not be determined.

When this issue was sorted out, the stream, which became the beginning of the river, was consecrated by the patriarch. A wooden chapel on stilts was erected above the stream. You can walk to the house along a narrow bridge, and from there you go down to the water along a platform with steps.

In the center of the chapel there is a round window, which is located above the source itself.

And there is such beauty around! It seems that all nature rejoices at this wonderful place. And you can just feel the trees awakening after hibernation.

Delicate May greens combine surprisingly harmoniously with blue high sky. The temples are reflected in the blue water of the lake.

Every year on May 29, a water prayer service is held here, during which the waters of the Volga source are blessed.

How to get to the opposite bank of the Volga? On foot!

The width of the stream from which the great reservoir originates barely exceeds 40-50 centimeters. Therefore, you can safely put your feet on both banks of the river at the same time or jump from one bank to the other. Where else is this possible - to immediately visit both the right and left banks of the entire Volga?!

And again: I’m on the right bank, here on the left bank. Just miracles! And washing at the source of the great river is simply an incomparable pleasure that surprisingly improves your mood and strength of mind.

From new strength we are becoming huge, and now we are towering above the great Russian river on a huge stone-boulder!

But we are already fording the Volga. You will think that it is only 4 feet wide. But it sounds very solid. 😀

All these fun things brought us just a lot of children's joy!

And here is the very first bridge across the Volga! Its width is no more than 3 meters.

But it looks very solid. 🙂

Paradise

The source of the Volga is located in a picturesque and somehow soulful region. Here you immediately become kinder and tune in only to the good. I really liked that the surroundings were clean, well-groomed and everything was very well thought out.

And of course pristine nature. Clean, awakening after winter hibernation. Delicate foliage of trees on a transparent background blue sky, first flowers.

I was very pleased with the small number of people we met in this wonderful place. It was very convenient because no one bothered anyone. You could calmly have fun, walk, take pictures. Which we did with pleasure, since we didn’t want to leave here at all.

It is curious that several other famous rivers originate in the same place - Western Dvina, Dnieper and Lovat. This is an almost pristine corner of Russian nature, where you can walk, reflect and just relax.

A dream come true!

This is how I managed to fulfill my old dream: to be at the source of the great Volga and feel truly happy here. It’s so great to visit this incredibly calm, majestic and picturesque region.

A trip to the Volga River in the Tver region will, without a doubt, be remembered for a lifetime! After all, this place left the most favorable impressions and positive emotions. And this will give new strength to visit other beautiful and amazing places, of which there are so many on our small planet.

I don't want to leave here at all. But there is a wonderful reason to linger. Near the source of the Volga there are two temples that belong to the nearby Olga Monastery. And according to the stories of experienced travelers, you can even climb the bell tower of one of the churches for a small fee and take pictures of the surroundings.

Well, let's check it out and have fun taking a closer look at the temples.

In the section on the question Where does the Nile River originate and where does it flow? given by the author Vika Leid the best answer is The geographical location of the source of the Nile was unknown from ancient times until the 19th century, when it was finally established that it was Lake Victoria. The length of the Nile is sometimes determined from this lake, although quite large rivers flow into it. The most remote point can be considered the source of the Rukarara River - one of the components of the Kagera River, which originates from an altitude of more than 2000 m on one of the mountain ranges East Africa south of the equator and flows into Lake Victoria. The length of the Nile (including Kagera) is about 6,700 km (the most commonly used figure is 6,671 km), from Lake Victoria to Mediterranean Sea- approximately 5,600 km.
The area of ​​the basin, according to various sources, is 2.8-3.4 million km² (fully or partially covering the territories of Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt).
Average consumption near Aswan is 2,600 m³/sec, but in different years fluctuations from 500 m³/sec to 15,000 m³/sec are possible.
By features natural conditions basin, by the nature of the hydrographic regime and by the significance that the Nile has in the life of the peoples inhabiting its valley, it is one of the most unique and remarkable rivers in the world.
The river originates on the East African plateau and flows into the Mediterranean Sea, forming a delta. In the upper reaches it takes major tributaries- Bahr el-Ghazal (left) and Aswa, Sobat, Blue Nile and Atbara (right). Below the mouth of the right tributary of the Atbara, the Nile flows through a semi-desert, having no tributaries for the last 3000 km.
Source: 5 by geography))

Answer from Separate[guru]
The Nile originates at the confluence of the White and Blue Nile and flows into the Mediterranean Sea

Answer from Neurosis[guru]
I don’t know where it starts... But it flows, of course, into the Black Sea. Somewhere in the Astrakhan region.

Answer from Lionne[guru]

Answer from Re-throw[expert]
The river originates on the East African plateau and flows into the Mediterranean Sea, forming a delta. In the upper reaches it receives large tributaries - Bahr el-Ghazal (left) and Achwa, Sobat, Blue Nile and Atbara (right). Below the mouth of the right tributary of the Atbara, the Nile flows through a semi-desert, having no tributaries for the last 3000 km.

Answer from Valentin Sergienko[newbie]
Actively searching for a 12 year old girl. But not the sources of the Nile, but the guy. And good uncles and aunts should tell about the Nile. And he knows everything else. I wonder if the parents know about the search for the guy and the origins of the Nile?

Rivers are picturesque arteries through which the blood of the earth flows. From the very beginning of human history, people have tried to set up settlements and build houses in the coastal zone. Water gave them life. Here they watered the cattle, bathed and cultivated the land. IN Ancient Rus' the rivers were called "God's roads."

Both in winter and in summer they had their own, strategically important. In the warm season, merchant ships glided along large waterways, and in winter, when the surface of the reservoir was covered with an icy surface, merchants transported their goods on sleighs directly across the ice.

Just as blood is important for the human body, fresh water is necessary for the life of nature. Rivers are the main element of the blue planet Earth. As you know, each of them has its own beginning - a source.

Where do they come from?

Almost all rivers have a different source: somewhere a seething stream begins with a small spring, somewhere with a huge waterfall, some rivers are born as a result of snow caps. Such waters are called mountain streams. They are distinguished by their high speed and low temperature; their current can easily carry away even huge blocks of stone. Such rivers are dangerous and unpredictable.

In fact, each one begins with its own drainage basin, which in turn is fed by many sources. In the spring, when snow and ice melt, rivers are regularly replenished with new water and become fuller, as a result of which they sometimes even overflow. This can be a big problem for residents coastal zone. As a result of such spills, farmers may lose their crops, and houses built next to the river will become wet and destroyed.

Rivers and their beds

Blue Highways form a giant network of water on the surface of the earth. There are more than 2 million rivers in Russia, 200 of which are quite large. Even huge ships can sail along them. The more modest ones barely cover their muddy bottom. It is known to form a valley and form wide bends in it. Each channel is unique, it has its own slope, individual width and flow. Each “blue ribbon” has its own beginning, its own character and life activity. The flora and fauna of rivers are often similar due to the presence of fresh water.

Where do rivers flow and where do they end?

In the summer, when the temperature rises and the evaporation of moisture increases significantly, the river sources become shallow, and the water flows themselves narrow somewhat. After the spring melting of the ice, the river returns to its original channel to flow further to its end. Wherever the river flows go! They flow into oceans, lakes, seas, and also into other rivers. It is generally accepted that they flow from a hill, heading down.

If we take into account the water flows of Russia, then most of them carry their waters to the Northern Arctic Ocean, and only a few - to the Atlantic. In the place where the river flows into the sea, the water is desalinated, thanks to which some species of living beings have been able to adapt to life in fresh water bodies.

Volga is the largest water artery

This is one of the most picturesque and big rivers not only countries, but also Europe. It stretches for almost 4,000 kilometers. So, where does it flow? Having originated in the Tver region, it travels along a winding route, divides into many branches and flows into the Caspian Sea. This amazing river has about 200 tributaries, the largest of which are the Oka and Kama. It is worth mentioning that some rivers flow into closed lakes, where their vigorous activity ends.

Current direction

How can you determine where the river flows in your area? In fact, everything is extremely simple. You don't need to be a geologist to understand where rivers flow. First of all, you need to pick up a map and find the one you need on it. water flow. If a reservoir is shown on the drawing, then the direction of its bed will be clearly indicated by a blue arrow. It happens that you need to determine this while being in nature without a map. What to do in this case? By looking carefully, you can see in which direction the current is moving.

Where in the North and Southern Hemisphere? In both the first and second cases, they flow to their mouths. Curious to know what's the difference between them? Their currents are directed towards opposite sides. This is regulated not only by the position of the equator, but also by the terrain. For example, we can say with confidence that the source is invariably located significantly higher than the mouth, therefore the water mass, obeying the physical law of universal gravitation, flows from top to bottom.

Unique water flows

People asked the question of where rivers come from and where they flow even at the dawn of human history. Since then, amazing and unusual things have been revealed to their eyes more than once. natural phenomena. A striking example of this is rivers, which can change Previously people They explained this by the intervention of the gods and interpreted it in their own way, perceiving such changes as signs from above. With the advent of new technologies, it became obvious that there really are bodies of water where the mouth and source sometimes change places, but modern scientists have found a more logical explanation for this.

It turned out that the main factor provoking a change in the flow was underground groundwater. When the water level in them begins to fluctuate, this affects the surface flow. Sometimes it is difficult to understand the world around us: where do rivers flow, why do certain phenomena occur? However, it is worth remembering that there is nothing meaningless in nature, everything is created for a specific purpose and functions properly, supporting the life of every living creature.

Practice shows that despite the fact that we live in an age of technology and general technical progress, the purpose of the earth’s waterways has not changed, although the reservoirs themselves have become the subject of careful study and scientific experiments. In recent decades, scientists have been absorbed in studying the structure and molecules of water. Their research proves that this unique liquid is incomparable to any other, it is truly alive! Where do the rivers flow? The world and nature have provided comprehensive answers to this and many other questions.

Chekhov's classic phrase “The Volga flows into the Caspian Sea” has become an example of a banal statement. In fact, the answer to the question of where the Volga flows is not as obvious as it seems. It lies in such fields of science as hydrography, toponymy, geography, etc.

Great River

The ancient Volga appeared on Earth about 23 million years ago. Most likely, the date of birth of the great river is even more ancient - studies show that the Volga had smaller predecessors, not of such significant size.

The Volga is the largest river in the European part of the Eurasian continent. Its length is about 3,530 km. Unlike many other rivers connected to the World Ocean, the Volga flows into a large inland body of water that does not have direct access to the open ocean. This unique formation is called the Caspian Sea.

Ancient Volga

During the birth of the Volga, the movement of tectonic plates began, which led to the emergence of the Central Russian Upland and the Valdai Mountains. The tectonic process was accompanied by the incision of numerous ancient river channels into the base rocks of the plate. At that time, the beginning of the Volga River appeared.

And where does the Volga flow in those distant times? Geological data confirm that the Ancient Caspian Sea was much wider in those days, and moreover, it had open access to the world's oceans. Then, as now, the Caspian received the waves of the ancient Volga and all its tributaries.

At that time the river bed was a little more different than it is now. It arose in the deepest part of a large trench that stretched from modern Kazan to Volgograd. It was he who became the first channel of the paleo-Volga.

Later, processes that arose as a result of the onset of the Ice Age smoothed out the relief features. The area was gradually filled with sedimentary rocks. The Volga continued its development, flowing along an already flat plain. In the geography of the Volga channel of that time, familiar coastal reliefs had already appeared. And the area where the Volga flows has acquired modern contours.

Estuary and tributaries of the Volga

Quite a lot has been written about where the Volga begins and where it flows. scientific works. In the process of its development, the Volga grew with numerous tributaries and repeatedly changed the location of its delta, but its source great river left unchanged.

The Valdai Upland is the cradle of many large rivers. Rivers such as the Dnieper, Lovat, Western Dvina, Msta and many smaller water arteries originate here. The biggest one was no exception water artery Europe. The first part of the answer to the question - where the Volga begins and where it flows - lies here, in these Russian mountains. The Volga carries its waters from the Valdai Hills. The place where the river originates is in the Tver region and is called the Volgino Verkhovye.

But there are small problems with the place where the Volga flows into the Caspian Sea. The point is that with the standard answer to school task Many researchers disagree about where the Volga begins and where it flows. The well-known spring in Valdai is far from the only source of the great Volga; it is quite possible that it has many more sources, and some of them are underground.

Tributaries of the Volga

As for the tributaries, the Volga has a lot of them. The largest of them are Mologa, Samara, Ob, Kama, Eruslan and many others. Of all the above, the widest and deepest tributary is the Kama River. It merges with the Volga very close to the shores of the Caspian Sea. So, maybe the Volga flows into the Kama, and not into the sea?

Signs of river confluence

Hydrobiologists use several indicators to determine which river is the main one and which is its tributary. At the confluence of the waters of both rivers, scientists determine their water content, drainage area, and structural features. river system, the length of both rivers from source to confluence, river flow indicators and several others.

In terms of water content, these two rivers are almost equal to each other. The average annual flow of the Volga is 3750 m 3 /sec, and that of the Kama - 3800 m 3 /sec. In terms of catchment area, the Volga is ahead of its rival - 260.9 thousand km 2 versus 251.7 thousand km 2. The height of the Volga basin is lower than that of the Kama basin, since the tributaries of the Kama originate in Ural mountains. The Kama Valley is older than the Volga Valley - it was formed in the first half of the Quaternary period, even before the Great Glaciation. At that time, the Kama discharged its waters into the Vychegda. After graduation Ice Age The Upper Volga, which previously flowed into the Don, began to flow into the Kama. The Lower Volga today is a natural continuation not of the Volga, but of the Kama Valley.

Hydrography of the Middle Ages

Arab medieval geographers called the Volga own name- Itil. They connected the ancient origins of Itil precisely with the Kama. And they paid no less attention to Kama than to her blue rival.

So where is the beginning of the Volga River and where does this water artery flow? Other than that equal conditions, along with hydrographic ones, historical traditions are also taken into account. Established ideas and studies of toponymy allow us to assert that the Kama is a tributary of the Volga River. More precisely, it flows into the Kuibyshev Reservoir, located at the confluence of two rival rivers. And to the question of where the Volga flows, one can answer: into the waters of the Caspian Sea, but it should be remembered that this answer is dictated more by historical tradition than by real hydrographic indicators.