10 natural facts about the Caucasus. Caucasus mountain system

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

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

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

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

Mount Elbrus with two peak craters was formed about a million years ago. It is also called Double-Headed Mountain. The first peak to appear after the eruptions was in the West, and then in the East. The distance between the peaks is 1.5 km. Elbrus is covered with snow and ice, which determines the weather and climate of a large area. There are only 77 glaciers, their area is 144.5 km2.

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

Poets sang the beauty of the Caucasus Mountains. The Caucasus is below me. Alone in the heights I stand above the snow at the edge of the rapids; An eagle, rising from a distant peak, Soars motionless along with me. From now on I see the birth of streams and the first movement of menacing collapses. Here the clouds humbly move beneath me; Waterfalls rush through them; Beneath them the cliffs are naked masses; Below there is skinny moss, dry bushes; And there are already groves, green canopies, where birds chirp, where deer gallop. And there people nest in the mountains, And sheep crawl along the grassy rapids, And the shepherd descends to the cheerful valleys... A.S. Pushkin The Terek howls, wild and angry, Between the rocky masses, His cry is like a storm, Tears fly in splashes. But, scattering across the steppe, He took on a wicked appearance And, caressing affably, he murmurs to the Caspian Sea: “Make way, O old sea, Give shelter to my wave! I walked in the open space, It’s time for me to rest. I was born near Kazbek, Nourished by the breast of the clouds, "I was always ready to argue with the alien power of man. I, for your sons' amusement, ruined my native Daryal and, for their glory, brought a whole herd of boulders." M.Yu.Lermontov

The climate of the Caucasus is warm and mild, with the exception of the highlands. In the mountains and foothills there is: Large amounts of precipitation in the mountains. Reducing duration warm season due to the decrease in air temperature with height, at an altitude of 3800 m there is a border “ eternal ice" Avalanche formation due to heavy rainfall in winter. Climate diversity due to slope exposure, mountain height, proximity or distance from the sea. The peculiarity of atmospheric circulation, the formation of local foehn winds (dry, warm strong wind, gustingly blowing from high mountains into valleys) and bora (a cold gusty wind that occurs when a stream of cold air encounters a hill on its way, overcoming which it falls onto a valley).

The rivers of the Caucasus are divided into lowland and mountainous. Stormy ones are especially numerous mountain rivers, their main source of nutrition is the melt water of glaciers and snowfields in the mountains, so the rivers are always cold. Only in the lower reaches do such large rivers as the Kuban and Terek have a calm flow. Here there are floodplains, vast wetlands covered with reeds and reeds.

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

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

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

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

Interesting facts In the North Caucasus there are the Caucasian and Teberda nature reserves. Unique flora (yew, boxwood, walnut, noble chestnut) and fauna (tur, chamois, Caucasian deer, etc.) are protected here. Modern glaciation is widespread in the Greater Caucasus. The number of glaciers exceeds 2000, the glaciation area is 1424 km2. The glacier of Mount Fisht (2857 m) is the westernmost and lowest located in the Caucasus. The last eruption of Elbrus occurred 1500 years ago, but it is still not considered an extinct volcano. Winter Olympics 2014 years will pass in the city of Sochi, located in Krasnodar region. Construction of Olympic facilities and infrastructure is already underway. It is accompanied by protests from environmentalists who fear for the safety of the unique biosphere of the North Caucasus.

The Caucasus sounds proud and majestic! Picturesque places, mountain peaks, pristine natural beauty, culture, traditions and customs - there are many pleasant memories and associations with the Caucasus. The Caucasus is always attractive. Just look at the gray-haired wise giant Elbrus. And the ancient Derbent is the oldest city in Russia. And sacred family traditions... You can’t count them all.

There are many legends, facts and myths associated with the Caucasus. We’ll talk about some of them today:

No. 1. Kefir - both tasty and healthy

Kefir is a very popular drink in Russia. Did you know that its homeland is the foot of Mount Elbrus, from where this invigorating drink spread to Russia. It has been known in the Caucasus for many centuries. In those parts there are even legends about how kefir starter appeared. The most common legend says that kefir grains were given to the mountain people by the Prophet Muhammad himself, who brought them in his staff.

The secret of making kefir for a long time was kept secret by Caucasians, passed down from generation to generation, and did not spread anywhere beyond the Caucasus. It was impossible to transfer the sourdough grains even to neighbors.

In Russia, they learned about kefir only at the end of the 19th century. Known and romantic story, overgrown with many myths related to how kefir was obtained for Russia.

One Russian doctor who worked in the Caucasus wrote in his report about the healing properties of kefir. But scientists were unable to artificially remove lactic acid bacteria, so it was decided to obtain these bacteria in any possible way.

The All-Russian Society of Doctors decided to turn to Nikolai Ivanovich Blandov, a well-known entrepreneur in the field of selling cheeses and dairy products at that time. Blandov had several stores and cheese factories in Kislovodsk and slowly increased production. The supplier of milk for its production was the young Karachai prince Bek-Mirza Baichorov. Like any Caucasian, he knew the secret of making kefir. But how to approach it? As you know, Caucasians are big fans of female beauty. Blandov's assistant, 20-year-old beauty Irina Tikhonovna Sakharova, was chosen for the secret mission.

The prince fell in love with her, but never wanted to reveal the secret of kefir. Irina, in despair, was already preparing to leave with the engineer of the cheese factory, Vasiliev, when they were attacked by highlanders with sabers and with their faces covered and grabbed the girl. As it turned out later, it was the prince who, according to Caucasian customs, decided to kidnap the bride. Vasiliev turned to the gendarmerie. The culprit was quickly identified, but since it was not an ordinary highlander, but a prince, they decided not to make the case public. And Irina demanded kefir grains for her forgiveness. The prince had no choice but to agree.

Thus, production of this fermented milk drink was quickly established in Russia. It soon became popular throughout Russia, as well as beyond its borders.

No. 2. Caucasian means European

If the Caucasian is translated into English, it will turn out English word"Caucasian". An interesting fact is that in English the word “Caucasian” is used not only in relation to people from the Caucasus. The word “Caucasian” in English refers to all representatives of the Caucasian race, that is, all those whom we call white Europeans in Russian.

This happened thanks to the famous German anthropologist Johann Blumenbach. At the end of the 18th century he published treatise, in which he divided all humanity into 5 races, namely:

Americanoid,
Negroid,
Malay,
Mongoloid,
Caucasian race.

He called the Caucasian race white Europeans, since he believed that the first Europeans appeared in the Caucasus, and from there they spread throughout Europe. This theory was the main one in science for a long time, but was later refuted. But, nevertheless, the term “Caucasian” took root in German and English languages, and is still used there to refer to all white Europeans, including those living in America and Australia.

No. 3. "Wild division

In the Russian Empire, residents of the Caucasus were not subject to military conscription, and therefore did not serve in the army. But there was one exception: during the First World War in 1914, the “Caucasian Native Cavalry Division”, better known as the “wild division”, was formed. The division was commanded by the brother of Emperor Nicholas II, Prince Mikhail Alexandrovich, a modest, but not a timid man. The division was 90% Muslim volunteers. People from Dagestan, Chechnya, Azerbaijan and other regions of the Caucasus served in it.

Mountain customs, such as respect for elders and hospitality, were strong in this division. Subservience and sycophancy were not recognized; they were respected not for their rank, but for their courage.

The "Wild Division" during the First World War distinguished itself with many military merits and took part in important participation in many battles of that war. For military merits, soldiers were not awarded as usual. Since Muslims predominated here, instead of the Orders of St. George and St. Anne, heroes were awarded the coat of arms Russian Empire- double-headed eagle.

Shortly after the revolution, in January 1918, the “wild division” was disbanded.

No. 4. Legends of Elbrus

The highest mountain in Europe and Russia, Elbrus, is located in the Caucasus. Its height is 5642 meters above sea level.

The mountain is known all over the world under the name Elbrus, but this majestic peak has more than four dozen names. The Karachais and Balkars themselves, who live at the foot of the giant, do not call it Elbrus. This name is not consonant with any of the words of these Caucasian peoples. It is believed that “Elbrus” has Iranian roots, since in ancient times Iranian-speaking tribes of the Ases lived here. Translated from Persian, “elburs” means “high mountain.”

There is also a romantic legend about Elbrus. They say that in ancient times, heroes lived here - father and son. Their names were Kazbek and Elbrus. Both were in love with the beautiful Mashuko, and no one wanted to give in to conquer the girl’s heart. And then they decided to fight in a duel. Son Elbrus defeated his father in a mortal duel. But the price of victory was too high - death loved one, and Elbrus no longer wanted Mashuko’s love. He stabbed himself with the same dagger as his father. Mashuko cried over them for a long time. God listened to her lamentations, and turned father and son into the most majestic and beautiful mountains. And Mashuko also turned into a mountain, but smaller. Now Mashuko stands from century to century and cannot decide which of the heroes is more to her heart. Like this love triangle it turns out.

Mount Mashuk is located in the central part of Pyatigorye on the Caucasian Mineral Waters, in the northeastern part of the city of Pyatigorsk. Height 993.7 m. On the southern slope of the mountain there is the famous Pyatigorsky Proval - a deep natural well-cave with underground lake. In M. Yu. Lermontov’s story “Princess Mary” about the Failure it is said that “according to local scientists, this failure is nothing more than an extinct crater.” By the way, near the Proval there is now a monument to Ostap Bender.

No. 5. Two weddings instead of one

Many peoples of the Caucasus have an unusual tradition - to celebrate two weddings instead of one. This tradition did not arise by chance. The fact is that previously, according to strict Muslim rules, boys and girls could not be together at the same event. Therefore, at one wedding the groom walked with his friends and relatives, and at the other the bride walked with her friends and relatives. Nowadays there are no longer the strict rules as before, and both girls and boys are present at the wedding, but the wedding is still held twice.

No. 6. Hospitable Caucasus

Everyone knows that Caucasians are very hospitable, this is no secret to anyone. This is already a tradition. One of the reasons for the emergence of such a custom is the fact that the Caucasus is a high-mountainous region, which is very difficult to reach. Therefore, in ancient times, travelers who reached the Caucasians were the only source of information about the outside world. If a guest came to the house of a Caucasian, then they took great care of him - they fed him the best food, were given the best drinks and put to bed at the very the best place in the house. And men from all over the surrounding area came to this house to listen to interesting stories about the rest, an alien world, hidden from the Caucasians behind the high white peaks.

No. 7. Many nationalities

More than 50 nationalities live in the Caucasus, speaking more than 20 languages. different languages. But most of them know Russian. The largest peoples speaking Caucasian languages ​​and currently living in the Caucasus are include Georgians, Chechens, Avars, Lezgins, Dargins and Kabardians. Outside the Caucasus, the largest is the Circassian diaspora (about 3-4 million) living in more than 40 countries around the world.

No. 8. Meat Caucasian style

Many Caucasians believe that using a meat grinder to grind meat is blasphemy. Therefore, to prepare traditional Caucasian dishes, only knives are used for chopping meat, with which they chop the meat.

Caucasian cuisine is one of the most popular in restaurant business in Russia. The very first associations with Caucasian cuisine are richness, lots of meat and vegetables, spices, divine taste. Pilaf, satsivi, kharcho, achma, chakhokhbili, shish kebab - just by listing these dishes the appetite begins to awaken.

Caucasian national food should be cooked over an open fire - this is the most important rule. Caucasian cooks always roast all products, including even dairy products, such as cheese, on a spit over hot coals.

No. 9. The Secret of Longevity

Long-livers of the Caucasus

It is known that almost half of the planet’s centenarians live in the Caucasus. At least half of them are in the North Caucasus. Scientists, both Russian and foreign, have long been studying the phenomenon of longevity of highlanders.

One of the fundamental discoveries is this: they live long not because they drink goat’s milk or this particular type of wine, in which substances that slow down aging are found, and not because they eat cheese, in which some useful substances are found that strengthen the walls of blood vessels . They eat and drink, of course. But!

Much more important is that they eat exactly the same foods that their ancestors ate. It is to these products that their body has adapted over many centuries, and sometimes millennia. To this we must add the clean ionized air of the mountains and sea. It’s safe to say that these are the kind of flatbreads that were baked in this village a hundred and three hundred years ago. There is also no doubt that a resident of mountain villages drinks from the same source from which 12-15 generations of their ancestors drank.

Highlander food is not intended to be heated or used the next day (three days, a week). Mostly, mountaineers eat lamb, goat meat, and less often poultry and beef.

Also, in the mountains, air humidity is low, so moisture loss through the lungs is significant. And dehydration affects your well-being and mood. Therefore, the diet of the mountaineers contains a lot of water, ayran, tan, milk, and herbal decoctions. Scientists say that in the mountains you need to drink at least 4 liters. per day.

No. 10. Fewer divorces, more children

Photo: chechentourism.ru

Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan are the regions of Russia with the lowest number of divorces. Also, these regions are the leaders in Russia in terms of birth rate per capita. This is facilitated by the strong influence of religion and the veneration of sacred family traditions in this region. Divorce, for example, in Dagestan is the exception rather than the rule. According to tradition, if within life together the husband will say the phrase “You are no longer my wife!” three times, this means divorce. To “formalize” it, the spouses go to the imam, who confirms their decision with certain actions.

Interestingly, just over a century ago, the Russian family was one of the largest in the world. In Russia it was believed that 8 children in a family was sadly few. It was normal to have 12-14 children. Today large families families with 3 children are called. But for the modern Caucasus, this is the usual minimum, and just like a hundred or two hundred years ago, Caucasian families are among the strongest and largest.

Well, I would like to conclude with one more fact, very significant: Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan are the most sober regions of Russia. For example, in Chechnya, as a result of another major road accident in 2016 on the Caucasus highway, which claimed 8 lives, alcohol came under a final “unspoken ban.” It is known that in Chechnya, since 2009, alcohol could be sold exclusively from 8-10 in the morning. In light of recent events, alcohol sellers in the republic have exclusively voluntarily abandoned this activity and it is no longer possible to buy alcohol in the region. Perhaps this was facilitated by the address of the head of the Chechen parliament Magomed Daudov to businessmen:

“When we rightly equate drunk drivers with terrorists, then we can only speak of those who supply them with alcohol as accomplices of terrorists.”

Think, modern Russia there is something to learn from the Caucasus. Less alcohol, more sports and respect for elders - it's so simple!

That's all for today! What interesting facts about the Caucasus do you know? Leave your comments.

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The Caucasus Mountains are a mountain system between the Black, Azov and Caspian seas. The etymology of the name has not been established.

It is divided into two mountain systems: the Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus.

The Caucasus is often divided into the Northern 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.

The Greater Caucasus extends more than 1,100 km from northwest to southeast, from the Anapa region and the Taman Peninsula to the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian coast, near Baku. The Greater Caucasus reaches its maximum width in the area of ​​the Elbrus meridian (up to 180 km). In the axial part is the Main Caucasian (or Watershed) Range, to the north of which a number of parallel ridges (mountain ranges), including a monoclinal (cuesta) character, extend (see Greater Caucasus). The southern slope of the Greater Caucasus mostly consists of en echelon ridges adjacent to the Main Caucasus Range. Traditionally, the Greater Caucasus is divided into 3 parts: Western Caucasus (from the Black Sea to Elbrus), Central Caucasus (from Elbrus to Kazbek) and Eastern Caucasus (from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea).

Countries and Regions

1. South Ossetia
2. Abkhazia
3. Russia:

• Adygea
• Dagestan
• Ingushetia
• Kabardino-Balkaria
• Karachay-Cherkessia
• Krasnodar region
• North Ossetia Alania
• Stavropol region
• Chechnya

Cities of the Caucasus

• Adygeisk
• Alagir
• Argun
• Baksan
• Buynaksk
• Vladikavkaz
• Gagra
• Gelendzhik
• Grozny
• Gudauta
• Gudermes
• Dagestan lights
• Derbent
• Dusheti
• Essentuki
• Zheleznovodsk
• Zugdidi
• Izberbash
• Karabulak
• Karachaevsk
• Kaspiysk
• Kvaysa
• Kizilyurt
• Kizlyar
• Kislovodsk
• Kutaisi
• Leningor
• Magas
• Maykop
• Malgobek
• Makhachkala
• Mineral water
• Nazran
• Nalchik
• Nartkala
• Nevinnomyssk
• Novorossiysk
• Ochamchira
• Chill
• Pyatigorsk
• Stavropol
• Stepanakert
• Sukhum
• Urus-Martan
• Tbilisi
• Terek
• Tuapse
• Tyrnyauz
• Khasavyurt
• Tkuarchal
• Tskhinvali
• Cherkessk
• Yuzhno-Sukhokumsk

Climate

The climate in the Caucasus varies both vertically (altitude) and horizontally (latitude and location). Temperatures generally decrease with elevation. Average annual temperature in Sukhum, Abkhazia at sea level is 15 degrees Celsius, and on the slopes of the mountains. Kazbek is at an altitude of 3700 m, the average annual air temperature drops to −6.1 degrees Celsius. On the northern slope of the Bolshoi Caucasian ridge 3 degrees Celsius colder than on the southern slopes. In the high mountainous regions of the Lesser Caucasus in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, there is a sharp contrast in temperatures between summer and winter due to a more continental climate.

Precipitation increases from east to west in most areas. Altitude plays an important role: in the Caucasus and in the mountains it usually rains a large number of precipitation than in lowland areas. Northeastern regions (Dagestan) and South part The Lesser Caucasus is dry. The absolute minimum annual precipitation is 250 mm in the northeastern part Caspian lowland. The western part of the Caucasus is characterized by high rainfall. On the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus Range there is more precipitation than on the northern slopes. Annual precipitation in the western part of the Caucasus ranges from 1000 to 4000 mm, while in the Eastern and Northern Caucasus (Chechnya, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Ossetia, Kakheti, Kartli, etc.) precipitation ranges from 600 to 1800 mm . The absolute maximum annual precipitation is 4100 mm in the region of Meskheti and Adjara. Precipitation levels in the Lesser Caucasus (southern Georgia, Armenia, western Azerbaijan), not including Meskheti, vary from 300 to 800 mm per year.

The Caucasus is famous big amount snowfall, although many regions that are not located along windward slopes do not receive much snow. This is especially true for the Lesser Caucasus, which is somewhat isolated from the influence of humidity coming from the Black Sea and receives significantly less precipitation (in the form of snow) than the Greater Caucasus Mountains. On average, in winter the snow cover in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains ranges from 10 to 30 cm. Heavy snowfalls are recorded in the Greater Caucasus Mountains (in particular, on the southwestern slope). Avalanches are common from November to April.

Snow cover in some regions (Svaneti, in the northern part of Abkhazia) can reach 5 meters. Achishkho district is the most snowy place in the Caucasus, the snow cover of which reaches a depth of 7 meters.

Landscape

The Caucasus Mountains have a varied landscape, which mainly varies vertically and depends on the distance from large bodies of water. The region contains biomes ranging from subtropical low-level swamps and glacial forests (Western and Central Caucasus) to high-mountain semi-deserts, steppes and alpine grasslands in the south (mainly Armenia and Azerbaijan).

On the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus at lower altitudes, oak, hornbeam, maple and ash are common, and at higher elevations birch and pine forests. Some of the lowest areas and slopes are covered with steppes and grasslands.

The slopes of the Northwestern Greater Caucasus (Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, etc.) also contain spruce and fir forests. In the high mountain zone (about 2000 meters above sea level) forests predominate. Permafrost(glacier) usually begins at approximately 2800-3000 meters.

On the southeastern slope of the Greater Caucasus, beech, oak, maple, hornbeam and ash are common. Beech forests tend to dominate high altitudes.

On the southwestern slope of the Greater Caucasus, oak, beech, chestnut, hornbeam and elm are common at lower altitudes, coniferous and mixed forests (spruce, fir and beech) are common at higher altitudes. Permafrost begins at an altitude of 3000-3500 m.

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Highest
The peak of Russia belongs to the mountain system of the Caucasus Mountains. It's double headed
Elbrus, located on the border of two Caucasian republics -
Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The highest mountain in Russia has
height 5642 meters. Some researchers have given her the title herself
high in Europe, but this is not entirely true. Alpine Mont Blanc (4807)
really inferior in height to Elbrus. But Elbrus is located further north
The main Caucasian ridge, along which the border of Europe and Asia passes.
The side ridge to which Mount Elbrus belongs is definitely
belongs to Asia.

Mount Elbrus - photo

First
mentions of highest peak Russia in historical literature Can
meet in the “Book of Victories”. In descriptions of Tamerlane's military campaigns
There is information that the “great lame man” climbed Elbrus for
to pray there.

At the top of Elbrus

Mount Elbrus - photo

Attracted
The Caucasus conquerors and at a later time. During the Great
During the Patriotic War, the Germans showed great interest in the Elbrus region.
special service "Ahnenerbe", engaged in the study of paranormal
phenomena and occult forces. During the battle for the Caucasus, it was allocated
a special group of mountain riflemen from the Edelweiss division, who
In 1942, German flags were installed on both peaks of Elbrus.
Soviet troops removed them in February 1943, and the battle for the Shelter
eleven" went down in history as the highest mountain battle of the Second
World War. Frozen bodies are still found in Caucasian glaciers
dead and various ammunition.

Elbrus
is an extinct volcano with two peaks. They are connected to each other
saddle at an altitude of approximately 5300 meters. The lower peak having
height 5621 meters, geologists consider younger in age. She
has retained a clear crater and the shape of a regular cone. Older peak
Mount Elbrus, which lies as a trap, has been significantly destroyed.

Two peaks of Elbrus - photo

Greatest
peak of the Caucasus last time erupted around 50 AD. This
does not allow us to call a volcano extinct, since that is what volcanoes are called,
not erupted in human memory. Volcanologists prefer
call him sleeping and believe that the peaks of his activity occurred during
periods 30, 100 and 220 thousand years ago. The structure is also characteristic
volcanic ash, cooled lava and tuff, arranged in layers.

Mount Elbrus - photo

Mount Elbrus - photo

Slopes
Elbrus, relatively flat below, above 4000 meters
acquire a steepness of up to 35 degrees. Climbing is easier with
east or south, since there are a lot of
steep areas with elevation differences of up to 700 meters.

Scheme of the route for climbing Elbrus

For all major peaks
The Caucasus is characteristic altitudinal zone, expressed in alternation
natural zones when ascending from the foot to the top. It's snowy on Elbrus
the line is located at an altitude of 3500 meters. This is where the Alpine ends
meadows and above there are only rocks, snow and glaciers. Since above this
line the snow does not melt, then the mountain always has a snow-white cap, which
allows us to call it Little Antarctica. This hat is clearly visible in the photo
Elbrus mountains.

Mount Elbrus - photo

General
The area of ​​glaciers is 135 square kilometers. Among the most
The largest ones can be called Big and Small Azau, as well as Terskop. They are the ones
serve as the basis for nutrition largest rivers Caucasus, including Kuban. Numerous tongues of glaciers descend into valleys, where they melt, leaving sediments.
The first documented ascent to the eastern, lower
the summit took place in 1829. Kabardian Kilar Khashirov, who served
guide during the Russian expedition, climbed it on July 22.

Height
Mount Elbrus was a great irritant for climbers, and in 1874
year, the highest point of the Caucasus was conquered by the team of Florence Grove.
The true record holder for ascents was a simple hunter Ahiya Sottaev.
He was not only the first to visit both peaks, but also completed nine
ascents, the latter at a more than respectable age. On that
he turned 121 years old!

Elbrus region
is a popular tourist area. Thanks to the volcanic
the heat formed hot mineral springs. Their temperature
reaches 60 degrees. Bathing in the springs is used in the prevention and
treating many types of diseases.

Alpine hotel "Shelter of Eleven"

These
places popular with fans skiing. At their service
numerous trails equipped with lifts. On most of them
the season lasts from October to May, but on peaks above 3800 meters skiing
perhaps a whole year. There are many fans of extreme sports. They get there
to the very tops of the mountains with the help of helicopters and go down on skis or
snowboards. Often such extreme athletes become
the culprits of avalanches.

Shelter "barrels"

Tourist
The attractiveness of Elbrus increased after the Olympics in Sochi. Her
used to attract not only Russians to the region, but also
foreign tourists and lovers winter species sports This is partly
succeeded, and Mount Elbrus for foreigners is now associated not only with
highest point Russia, but also high-quality ski slopes.

So
Thus, the height of Mount Elbrus, which is more than five and a half
kilometers, can become not only part of geographical statistics, but also
a starting point for the development of an entire region.