Mountains have always amazed people with their grandeur, inaccessibility and unpredictability. Admiring the beauty of the snow-white peaks, people climbed, planted flags on mountain peaks and, looking at the opening prospect, set even more complex, difficult-to-achieve goals. The ancients had a proverb: “Higher in the mountains, closer to God.” Mountains are called hieroglyphs of eternity. Mountains are a symbol of the earth's longing and love for the endless expanse of the sky.

The nature of the mountains is varied and contrasting. Mountains are lush forests, bright carpets of flowers, cheerless rocky deserts, snow shining in the sun and their dull whiteness under a cloudy sky, fire-breathing volcanoes and many kilometers of glaciers, bottomless abysses of gorges and vast flat plateaus, unbearably burning sun and severe frost among summer, the roar of waterfalls, rushing stormy streams and the frozen silence of the steps of icefalls, the melodic murmur of glacial streams and the roar of deadly avalanches... Mountains are mines, pastures, ice pantries of the most precious fresh water.

The Ural Mountains consist of low ridges and massifs. The highest of them, rising above 1200-1500 m, are located in the Subpolar, Northern and Southern Urals. The massifs of the Middle Urals are much lower, usually no higher than 600-800 m. There are many rivers in the Urals and the Urals. There are relatively few lakes, but here are the sources of the Pechora and the Urals. Several hundred ponds and reservoirs have been created on the rivers. The Ural Mountains are old (they arose in the late Proterozoic).

The Urals have long been the country's largest mining and metallurgical base. Back in the 16th century. On the western outskirts of the Urals, deposits of rock salt and sandstones containing copper were known. IN XVII century Iron deposits became known and iron factories appeared. Gold placers and platinum deposits were found in the mountains, on the eastern slope - gems. In the Urals there are numerous deposits of high-quality iron ores, copper ores, rare non-ferrous metals, gold, silver, platinum, the best bauxite in the country, rock and potassium salts. There is oil, asbestos, precious and semi-precious stones in the Urals.

Nature has endowed the Southern Urals with special and rare beauty: there are majestic mountains, swift rivers, numerous lakes replenished by mountain streams, a variety of plant and animal world. Mysterious caves permeate the Ural Mountains in intricate labyrinths around the Belaya River. Kapova Cave is located in a huge rock on the river bank. It goes not deep, but upward. The cave is famous for the drawings of primitive people, who many thousands of years ago left images of animals (mammoths, horses, rhinoceroses) on the walls of the cave.

In the north you can meet the inhabitants of the tundra - reindeer, and in the south the typical inhabitants of the steppes - gophers, shrews, snakes and lizards. Forests are inhabited by predators: brown bears, wolves, wolverines, foxes, sables, ermines, lynxes. They are home to ungulates (elk, deer, roe deer, etc.) and birds of various species. A couple of centuries ago the animal world was richer than it is now. Plowing, hunting, and deforestation have displaced and destroyed the habitats of many animals. Wild horses, saigas, bustards, and little bustards have disappeared. Herds of deer migrated deeper into the tundra. But rodents have spread on the plowed lands: hamsters, field mice.

In the Southern Urals, the path to the peaks begins with densely overgrown bushes. Then the road goes through pine, birch and aspen forests, among which there are grassy glades. Spruces and firs rise above like a palisade. Dead wood is almost invisible - it burns out during frequent forest fires. In flat areas there may be swamps. The peaks are covered with stone deposits, moss and grass. The rare and stunted spruces and crooked birches that come across here do not in any way resemble the landscape at the foot, with multi-colored carpets of herbs and shrubs. Fires at high altitudes are already powerless, so the path is constantly blocked by rubble from fallen trees.

The main mountain systems of Central Asia are the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai. The border between the Pamir-Alai and the Tien Shan runs along the Fergana Valley. The relief of most of the ridges of the Tien Shan ranges is high mountain.
Nature in the Tien Shan mountains changes noticeably with altitude. Deciduous forests in the Tien Shan do not form a continuous belt, being located in separate tracts among meadow steppes, bush thickets and rocky areas. Dense and lush meadows serve as excellent summer pastures. Among the meadows there are frequent thickets of creeping juniper, which also extends into the alpine belt. Coniferous forests of Tien Shan spruce grow in the upper belt. Tien Shan spruce is a tall, slender tree with a narrow crown. Rowan and currants grow in the lower tier.

Pamir-Alai - this mountain system, including the Pamir Highlands. It is located between the Fergana Valley in the north and the upper reaches of the Amu Darya in the south. Most of it is located within Tajikistan, the northeastern part belongs to Kyrgyzstan, and the western part belongs to Uzbekistan. The eastern and partially southern edge of the Pamir Highlands extends into China and Afghanistan. The Pamir-Alai rivers belong mainly to the Amu Darya basin. Large rivers starting in the highlands are fed by glacial snow.

The fauna of the Pamirs is not rich, but unique. The Pamirs are inhabited by the argali mountain sheep, the long-tailed marmot, the red pika, and the Pamir hare. The yak is a domestic animal. Birds include the Tibetan snowcock, Tibetan sajja, sicklebill, Tibetan raven, Tibetan lark, brown-headed gull, and snowy vulture.

Any source of mass media will tell you how much benefit the nature of the Elbrus mountains gives us, but, unfortunately, no one cares about what people leave and give to this nature in return. Every year the dead zone of local forests grows larger and larger. The forest is mercilessly destroyed by loggers, and only 20% of the felled trees are taken into further production, the rest is left to rot on the ground. Every year, loggers climb higher and higher, without worrying that the forest is not endless. With the disappearance of the forest, a large number of mushrooms, berries, and shrubs gradually disappear, and rare species of herbs and plants disappear.

But not only loggers destroy the nature of the mountain, but also tourists themselves cause harm, and much more. Few people care about how to remove garbage in the form of cans and plastic bags and even glass bottles and gas cylinders outside the territory National Park. Tourists also destroy the soil layer, clearing the area for tents that were created by nature itself over many centuries. They also cut down trees for the fire with their own hands.

In addition to pollution and destruction of forests, lakes, which were once famous for their crystal clearness, are also being spoiled. Many tourists stop to rest and spend the night near the lakes. Let's take Lake Orlyonok as an example. When reaching this lake, travelers simply need to have a snack. Before, during and after eating, everyone washes their hands. On average, up to 500 people were on the lake per day, and everyone considers it their duty to bathe their hands in it. But it never occurred to anyone that the lake does not have a drain or a channel, but is a standing reservoir, and accordingly, all the dirt and grease accumulates on the surface. As a result of everything that has happened over many years, a greasy film has formed on the surface, and clean drinking water remains only in those places where they hit The groundwater and keys. But you could simply scoop water from the lake into a vessel and wash your hands and dishes on the shore.

Thus, the dead zone is growing every year. Of course, there are numerous groups dedicated to cleaning up forests and maintaining a healthy and clean environment. Despite this, each group of tourists should still take away all the garbage with them, thus thanking nature for the pleasure they provide.



Altai– a beautiful region famous for its nature. Majestic mountains This region attracts tourists from all over the world. Altai Mountains– the most high mountains in Siberia, separated mountain rivers and pits. The mountain system passes through four countries: Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. In the territory Russian Federation The ridges are located mainly in the Altai Republic and in the Altai Territory.

The magnificent Altai Mountains were formed about 500 million years ago. But due to climate change, earthquakes and ice ages, about 60 million years ago the mountains were severely destroyed and acquired a completely different appearance, which we can observe today. The Altai Mountains are heterogeneous in their relief. There are three main groups here: plains, mid-mountain and glacial high-mountain relief. 2000 meters – average height mountains The highest point in Altai is Mount Belukha, its height is 4506 meters.

The Altai Mountains are unique, and have been on the list since 1998 World Heritage UNESCO.

Belukha

Belukha is the highest point of Altai, recognized as the geographical center of Eurasia - it is equidistant from three oceans. This mountain has never been just a mountain, but has always represented a sacred place. The ancient Altai people of Kadyn-Bazhi believed that a terrible demon lived in the mountain, who would kill everyone who tried to climb this mountain. This is what explained the regular avalanches and rockfalls caused by the earthquake.

In contrast, Buddhists believe that it is at the top of Mount Belukha that the entrance to the mythical land of the sages, Shambhala, is hidden.

They first tried to climb to the top of Belukha back in the 19th century, but this turned out to be impossible due to constant rockfalls and avalanches. The first ascent of the mountain in history took place only in 1914 by Mikhail and Boris Tronov.

Ukok Plateau

The Ukok plateau is considered the meeting point of the borders of four states - Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. Incredible nature, thousands of small rivers and reservoirs attract tourists from all over the world to visit this place. This plateau is famous for a large number of cultural monuments. Found here cave drawings, mounds, stone sculptures. “Princess of Ukok” is the main find in this area. This is the mummy of a 25-year-old woman found here in 1993. Tattoos on her skin, as well as horses, gold, and household items buried with her, give the right to claim that she was a very noble woman. Archaeologists, historians, and art historians still continue to study this incredibly picturesque place.

Altai Mountains brief information.

Mountains occupy about 40% of the Earth's surface* They are on every continent and large island* Even along the bottom of the oceans there are mountain ranges, individual peaks of which rise above the water, forming islands or chains of islands * Australia has the fewest mountains, and most of the mountains of Antarctica are hidden under ice.

The youngest mountain system on our planet is the Himalayas, the longest is the Andes (about 7560 km long), and the oldest mountains are those belonging to the Nuvvuagittuq mountain formation, located in the vicinity of Hudson Bay (age approximately 4.28 billion years ).

The mountains are very diverse. According to the shape of the top There are peak-shaped, dome-shaped, plateau-shaped and other mountains. Mountains and by origin: tectonodenudation, volcanic, etc. In the Sayans, Transbaikalia and Far East dominated by a special type of mountain - hills. The hills are distinguished by their conical shape and rocky or flattened top.

In rock formations there are often individual peaks, rising high above the surrounding, even high-mountain, landscape. Such peaks include Mount Chomolungma in the Himalayas, Elbrus in the Caucasus, and Belukha in Altai.

The relief of mountainous areas is characterized by the presence mountain ranges– elongated mountain formations with a clearly defined axis along which the highest mountains are located. This axis is often the watershed of a given area.

In the case when the height of the mountain range is small and the mountain tops are rounded, then such a chain of mountains is called mountain ridge. Mountain ranges, as a rule, are the remains of ancient destroyed mountains (in Russia - Timan Ridge, Yenisei Ridge, etc.)

The mountain range has two slope, often different from one another. While one slope is gentle, another may be steep (Ural Mountains).

The top part of mountain ranges is called mountain ridge. The crest of the ridge can be pointed (in young mountains) or rounded and plateau-shaped (in old mountains).

Wide depressions with gentle slopes are called mountain passes.

A mountain uplift approximately equal in both length and width, which is characterized by weak dissection, is called mountain range. (Putorana plateau in Eastern Siberia, Russia).

The intersection of two mountain ranges is called mountain node. Mountain nodes consist of high, inaccessible mountains (the Tabyk-Bogdo-Ola mountain node in Altai).

Mountain ranges that are identical in origin and arranged in the same order (linear or radial) are called mountain systems. The outskirts of mountain systems characterized by low altitudes are called foothills.

Africa is characterized by a special type of mountains called canteens. They are characterized by flat tops and stepped slopes. The formation of these mountains is associated with the action of water from rivers cutting through the stratified valley.

The presence of mountains is characteristic not only of land. The ocean floor is also replete with various kinds of rock formations. Single mountains of volcanic origin are scattered here and there along the ocean floor. Active volcanoes emit lava, ash and rock fragments and have pointed peaks. The peaks extinct volcanoes smoothed by waves and currents. The summits of many underwater volcanoes form islands. Iceland is an example of such an island.

There are also mountain ranges at the bottom of the oceans. The most important discovery recent years in oceanology there was a discovery mid-ocean ridges. They run almost through the middle of every ocean, forming a huge single chain. You can read more about mid-ocean ridges

The truth of what to say and look at the mountains has long been known to everyone, today we will talk and look at the wonderful heights - the Altai Mountains. The Altai Mountains are located on the border of several states: Russia, Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan. The Altai Mountains are the largest mountain system in Siberia. ( Looking at the Altai Mountains 11 photos)

First of all, the Altai Mountains are famous for their indescribable beauty and versatility of landscapes. Steep cliffs combine here in unique harmony with picturesque forests and crystal clear mountain rivers. The Altai Mountains truly combine a variety of landscapes: sunny, green meadows give way to sheer windy cliffs, or difficult forests give way to crystal clear clear waters lakes

We can talk about the unique beauty of these mountains for an infinitely long time, which is worth saying, because it was the Altai Mountains that served as a place of inspiration for many writers and poets, and the Altai Mountains also appear in many creative works. The Altai Mountains have a unique history; scientists claim that the mountains were first formed in the period 500-400 million years ago, then the mountain ranges were almost completely destroyed, and already in the period 66 million years ago the mountains that we now see were born on Earth.

Thanks to several periods of formation, the Altai Mountains combine all possible reliefs. The Altai Mountains can be divided into four parts: flat terrain, alpine-type glacial high-mountain terrain and mid-mountain terrain. Basically, all areas of the Altai Mountains are cut by small rivers flowing into valleys, forming crystal clear mountain lakes. These reservoirs are fed exclusively by snow, so depending on the time of year, the water level in the reservoirs may fluctuate.

The average height of the mountains is 1800-2000 meters. Highest point The Altai Mountains is Mount Belukha, whose peak is located at 4,506 meters. The pride of the Altai Mountains are three regions, which together form the “Golden Mountains of Altai” - this is the name under which UNESCO in 1998 included three regions of the Altai Mountains on the World Heritage List, these are the Altai Reserve, the Katunsky Reserve and the Ukok Plateau.

The mountains are very popular among tourists who prefer an active lifestyle, and the Altai Mountains also occupy a special place in the hearts of climbers. For climbers, these picturesque landscapes guarantee that they will find a difficult climb here, after climbing which they will definitely be satisfied with the beauty that opens up. Having been in Altai, it is worth visiting the Altai Mountains, or at least the plains near the peaks, the atmosphere is unearthly.

The fragile and crumbly structure of the rocks characterizes the origin of numerous caves here; there are about 300 caves in Altai. There are equipped caves for tourists to visit. One of the largest caves is the Bolshaya Pryamukhinskaya Cave, the length of which reaches 320 meters. The longest Museum Cave, its length is 700 meters.

It is here in the Altai Mountains that the deepest mountains of Siberia are located. The Altai Mountains contain many interesting facts, both for archaeologists and biologists. Ancient settlements of Stone Age inhabitants were discovered in one of the caves of the Altai Mountains.

These were the most beautiful Altai Mountains - description and photos. Stay tuned and have a pleasant travel experience.


Happy are the people who have had the opportunity to see mountains in their lives. Nature created mountains - huge objects protruding to the surface. But mountains are not always visible to our eyes. Mountain ranges also stretch along the bottom of the oceans. Some peaks of mountain ranges protrude from the water, forming islands. Others, terrestrial, have huge ice caps on themselves and never take them off.

Mountains have always surprised people with their majesty, inaccessibility, and some special beauty. What could it be better than the mountains? Only mountains. Mountains form where the earth is unquiet, as scientists say, in tectonically active areas. There are lonely mountains, there are mountain groups, mountain belts.

The best architect in the world is nature itself. She is the one who works to create beauty, including mountain beauty. Nature acts not only as an architect, builder, sculptor, but also as a decorator and illuminator. The light effects observed in the mountains leave no one indifferent. Due to different geological composition Mountain peaks change their color under the rays of the rising and setting sun.

Where is the sun hiding? Maybe in the mountains? Maybe it is these giants that reliably guard the sun when it is resting?

The oldest mountains on earth are several hundred million years old. Once upon a time they were subjected to severe destruction, serious passions were in full swing. But centuries passed, internal movements in them stopped long ago. Examples of old mountains are the Ural mountains. They consist of short, elongated ridges, massifs and ridges. It seems that the mountains of the Urals were created by a sorcerer from an old fairy tale. Or rather, the sorceress - Mistress Copper Mountain. In any case, she most likely also had a hand in creating amazing mountains Ural.

Young mountains, as a rule, are no older than 50 million years. Young mountains are growing and maturing. This is accompanied by earthquakes and volcanic activity. The Alps, Himalayas, Caucasus Mountains are young, they still have to grow up.

The most attractive thing about the mountain is the peak. This is exactly what climbers strive for. Standing at the top, you feel absolutely happy. The whole world is at your feet, and you yourself are much closer to the sun and stars. What are the peaks of the mountains? Peak-shaped, rounded, arched, plateau-shaped.

“The mountain peaks sleep in the darkness of the night...”

Writers, poets, and artists spared no effort in describing the beauty of the mountains. The mountains gave them strength, inspiration, beauty. It is impossible to remain indifferent near the mountains. Mountains stir the soul and make you think about the universe.

Everything connected with mountains has beautiful names- mountain ridge, mountain range, Mountain pass. The mountains themselves are beautiful. Solid rocky walls, solemn towers, hanging cornices, mountain ranges carved with cracks - this variety of configurations pleases the eye.