Introduction and detailed information about the Caucasus Mountains

Brief introduction

The Caucasus Mountains, also known as the Greater Caucasus Mountains, are located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, running northwest-southeast across the three countries of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is a folded mountain system formed by the Alpine movement. Caucasus Mountains

The Cardinal Divide is the dividing line between southern Europe and western Asia. It is about 1,200 kilometers long and 200 kilometers wide. The mountains are steep and the altitude is mostly between 3,000 and 4,000 meters. It can be divided into three sections: east, middle and west. The mountains in the east and west sections are lower, generally below 4,000 meters above sea level, and the mountains are wider; the mountains in the middle section are narrower, and the mountains are high and steep. Many peaks are above 5,000 meters above sea level. Mount Elbrus is the highest peak, with an altitude of 5,642 meters. Mi, the climate in the mountains is cold and there is snow all year round. Caucasus Mountains

The north side of the mountains is called the Front Caucasus or North Caucasus and has a temperate continental climate, with a large temperature difference between winter and summer; the south side of the mountains is called Transcaucasus or South Caucasus and has a subtropical climate. The Caucasus Mountains are rich in mineral resources. The main mineral deposits are manganese, lead, and zinc. Oil and natural gas are even more abundant. There are the famous Baku Oil Field, Stavropol Natural Gas Field, Chatura Manganese Mine and Armenian Copper Mine. There are many mineral springs in the northern foothills, so they are often used as health resorts. The most famous tourist destinations in the mountainous area are the two cities of Sochi and Sukhumi. European Barrier

The towering Caucasus Mountains are located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, winding from northwest to southeast. The Greater Caucasus Mountains are part of the dividing line between Asia and Europe. Caucasus Mountains

The Greater Caucasus Mountains are 1,200 kilometers long and can be divided into three sections: eastern, central and western. The mountains in the east and west sections are lower, generally below 4,000 meters above sea level, and the mountain width is about 200 kilometers; the mountains in the middle section are narrow and high, with many peaks above 5,000 meters above sea level, with Mount Elbrus being the highest peak. , with an altitude of 5642 meters, the mountain has a cold climate and is covered with snow all year round.

The vertical changes in the natural landscape of the Greater Caucasus Mountains are very obvious. 2000 meters above sea level is the crop cultivation line, 2000 meters to 2800 meters is the coniferous forest and alpine meadow, and 2800 meters to 3500 meters is the snow line.

The Lesser Caucasus Mountains run roughly parallel to the Greater Caucasus Mountains and are located to the south of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Between the two mountains are the Korshida lowlands on the Black Sea coast and the Kura-Arax and Lankaran lowlands facing the Caspian Sea.

The Greater Caucasus Mountains and the Lesser Caucasus Mountains are folded mountain systems formed by the Alpine movement. They have complex geological structures, very strong neotectonic movements, and many volcanoes and earthquakes. Caucasus Mountains

The Caucasus Mountains are rich in mineral resources, especially oil, gas and metal ore reserves. There are the famous Baku Oil Field, Stavropol Natural Gas Field, Chatura Manganese Mine and Armenian Copper Mine.

There are many tourist and health resorts in the Caucasus mountains. The natural scenery here attracts many tourists, and the rest and health facilities are complete. Lesser Caucasus Mountains

In Baku, the "Rhythm of the Caucasus" art festival is held every year from October 5th to 13th. Tourists who like mountain climbing can show off their skills here. Tourists who like alpine skiing can go to places such as Erebruski and Dombabai in the Caucasus from January to March every year. There are well-equipped ski resorts there, providing tourists with various ski resorts. kind of service.

The most famous tourist destinations in the Caucasus Mountains are Sochi and Sukhumi.

Sochi is a beautiful health resort with the Greater Caucasus Mountains to the north. Standing on Bolshoi Ahom Mountain on the edge of the city, you can look around at the snow-capped mountains of the Greater Caucasus. There are many sanatoriums and hotels built in the city, which are open to tourists from all over the world. More than 2.5 million tourists come here every year. The famous health resort, Matzesta Mineral Spring, has been famous since ancient Roman times and has unique medical effects.

Sukhumi is also a famous tourist and health resort. It is close to mountains and the sea, with dense forests and many places of interest in the city. On the outskirts of Sukhumi, there are ruins of a castle named after Bagatala III, the first emperor to unify the principalities of Georgia. 4 kilometers away from the city, there is also the famous Krasuli Wall. It is an ancient military project, similar to the Great Wall of China. It spans the valley, winds and is quite spectacular. In addition, there is a group of caves in Ochamuqile District, the most famous of which is Chilo Cave, also known as Abras Cave, which is two kilometers long. Sukhumi City is also famous for its botanical gardens and forest parks. Topography

The Caucasus Mountains extend from northwest to southeast, forming two main mountain ranges, the Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus. It covers an area of ??440,000 square kilometers including the foothills. It is an area with diverse natural ecology. Many peaks in the Caucasus Mountains are very tall. The absolute height of many peaks exceeds 5,000 meters above sea level, surpassing Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe.

Among them, Mount Elbrus, referred to as "Mount Elbrus", is the "biggest" among the peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. It is 5,633 meters high. It is located in the center of the Caucasus and is surrounded by mountains. Underneath, it looks outstanding and outstanding. Due to its location at high latitudes, the snow and glaciers in the Caucasus Mountains have strongly eroded the terrain. Huge cirques stand on the mountainside, forming a ridge as thin as a blade, which has the charm of a "sword leaning on the sky".

At the top of the mountain, snow piles press against the mountains, forming a continuous streamer that undulates along the ridge for several kilometers. Under the sunlight, it is quite spectacular. At the bottom of the ancient glacier, trickles often gather into round lakes with rippling blue waves, and the scenery is beautiful and charming.

The famous West Caucasus Mountain Reserve is located at the westernmost tip of the Caucasus Mountains. In 1999, it was selected for inclusion in the World Heritage List. It is located 50 kilometers northeast of the Black Sea. Parts of it are isolated and can only be easily reached by helicopter. It is one of the few large mountains in Europe that has not been disturbed by humans. The vegetation in the West Caucasus Mountains has a typical vertical distribution. From the mountain road to the top of the mountain, firs, birch trees, Caucasian rhododendrons and shrubs grow in sequence.

This inaccessible place is also a paradise for animals. Brown bears, Caucasian deer, roe deer, European bison, chamois, otters, black storks, golden eagles, and short-toed eagles live freely here. The most amazing thing about the Western Caucasus is the bizarre world of insects. Records indicate that there are 2,500 species of insects here, but the actual number is more than double the recorded number. Towering peaks

The Caucasus Mountains are 1,200 kilometers long and can be divided into three sections: eastern, central and western. The mountains in the east and west sections are lower, generally below 4,000 meters above sea level, and the mountain width is about 200 kilometers; the mountains in the middle section are narrow and high, with many peaks above 5,000 meters above sea level. The climate on the mountains is cold and snow-covered all year round. Caucasus Mountains Standing between Europe and Asia, with the Black Sea and the Sea of ??Azov to the west and the Caspian Sea to the east, it is the natural boundary between Europe and Asia. Many peaks in the Caucasus Mountains are very tall. The absolute height of many peaks exceeds 5,000 meters above sea level, surpassing Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe.

Among them, Mount Elbrus, referred to as "Mountain Elbrus", is the "biggest" among the peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. It is 5,633 meters high. It is located in the center of the Caucasus and is surrounded by mountains. Underneath, it looks outstanding and outstanding. Due to its location at high latitudes, the snow and glaciers in the Caucasus Mountains have strongly eroded the terrain. Huge cirques stand on the mountainside, forming a ridge as thin as a blade, which has the charm of a "sword leaning on the sky".

At the top of the mountain, the snow piles pressed against the mountains, forming a continuous streamer that undulated along the ridge for several kilometers. Under the sunlight, it was quite spectacular. At the bottom of the ancient glacier, trickles often gather into round lakes with rippling blue waves, and the scenery is beautiful and charming. The famous West Caucasus Mountain Reserve is located at the westernmost tip of the Caucasus Mountains and was selected for inclusion in the World Heritage List in 1999. It is located 50 kilometers northeast of the Black Sea. Parts of it are isolated and can only be easily reached by helicopter. It is one of the few large mountains in Europe that has not been disturbed by humans. Basic information on the Western Caucasus Mountains

English name: Western Caucasus

Number: 511.2-013

In 1999, based on the natural heritage selection criteria N(II)(IV) It is included in the World Heritage List. Evaluation by the World Heritage Committee

The West Caucasus Mountains are at the westernmost end of the Caucasus Mountains, 50 kilometers northeast of the Black Sea, covering an area of ??more than 275,000 hectares. It is one of the few large mountains in Europe that has not been disturbed by humans. The alpine grassland grass in its subalpine zone is only eaten by wild animals. The vast unspoiled mountain forests that extend from the mountains to the subalpine areas are also rare in Europe. The area is home to an abundance of native plants and wildlife, demonstrating the diversity of its ecosystem. This is also where the mountain subspecies European bison originated and was reintroduced. A brief introduction to the West Caucasus Mountains

The West Caucasus Mountains Reserve is located in Russia and is the southernmost part of Europe. It stretches 130 kilometers from east to west and 50 kilometers from north to south. Parts of it are isolated from the world. It’s easily accessible only by helicopter. Sochi, the city closest to the protected area, is a port city on the east coast of the Black Sea and a famous health resort.

The West Caucasus Mountain Reserve covers an area of ??301,068 hectares, with an altitude between 250 meters and 3,360 meters. It has been included in UNESCO's "Man and the Biosphere Program". The Caucasus Mountains are one of Europe's major mountain ranges, and the protected portion is located at its western end near the Black Sea.

Although the West Caucasus Mountains are not the highest and steepest mountains in the entire mountain range, their geological structures are quite distinctive. Sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks and igneous rocks from the Cambrian to the Paleozoic era are found here. The northern part is dominated by limestone hills, with many caves in between. The most eye-catching one is a cave with a depth of 1,600 meters and a length of 15,000 kilometers. Its depth and length are the longest in Russia. Most of the terrain in the Western Caucasus Mountains, such as towering peaks, glacial moraines, mountain swamps, alpine lakes and wide valleys, were caused by glaciation. So far, there are more than 60 glacial sites here.

The West Caucasus Mountains are the dividing line between the medium humid zone and the warm humid zone. The entire Great Caucasus Mountain ridge blocks the cold air flowing from north to south. Winter temperatures in the north of Shanxi are generally below zero, with the average temperature in June reaching 20°C; Shannan is mainly the low-mountain area on the Black Sea coast, with a warm and humid climate, no different from the subtropical zone. The average temperature in January is 4.2°C, and in July ~ The temperature in August is 20℃~21℃.

The temperature gradually decreases with increasing altitude, while the precipitation increases, reaching a maximum of 3000 mm. The snow layer on flat rocks is 2 to 4 meters thick, while in valleys, due to accumulation, the snow layer can reach 10 to 16 meters.

The vegetation in the Western Caucasus Mountains has a typical vertical distribution. Deciduous forests mainly grow on foothills at an altitude of 1,000 to 2,000 meters, including downy oaks, sessile oaks, pear trees, European chestnut trees, hornbeams and beech trees, as well as particularly precious yew and boxwood trees. Small woods; located between 1000 meters and 2000 meters above sea level are firs and various pine trees, of which 70% of the land grows with firs; above 2000 meters above sea level, there are mainly birch forests and maple forests; at the forest line of 2500 meters Above, Caucasian rhododendrons and various other shrubs occupy a dominant position; the area above 2,900 meters above sea level is covered with ice and snow all year round. According to records, 1,580 species of vessel plants and 700 species of fungi grow here, of which 160 are the former. species are on the verge of extinction, and 12 species of the latter are on the verge of extinction.

The complex geographical structure of the West Caucasus Mountains is also reflected in the animals: according to records, there are as many as 384 species of vertebrates here. There are also dozens of species of mammals, including wolves, brown bears, lynx, Caucasian deer, roe deer, European bison, chamois, otters, leopards, etc.; currently there are 126 species of birds, including black storks, ospreys, tawny eagles, royal eagles, Golden eagles and short-toed eagles are nationally protected animals; there are 17 species of reptiles in the area, among which sea turtles and vipers are the more precious species; the most amazing thing about the Western Caucasus is the bizarre insect world, records show that this There are 2,500 species of insects on earth, but the actual number is more than double what has been recorded.

On this land, the history of human activities can be traced back to 500,000 years ago. Archaeologists have discovered more than 150 ancient human remains here. For centuries, human activities have not posed a threat to most areas of the Western Caucasus, but in recent years, the outer areas have been slightly adversely affected by logging, grazing, and hunting. Compared with the reality of today's commonplace human destruction of natural resources , the Western Caucasus can be called a "promised land" of life.

The Caucasus Mountains are also the place where Prometheus was sentenced to torture by Zeus in Greek mythology. Prometheus spent tens of thousands of years of misery there. The iron chain lock (bolt) was placed on the cliff on the lower slopes of the valley, and his limbs were locked very tightly. There was also a diamond nail on his chest, which was nailed to his chest. He suffered from the wind, sun, hunger and thirst every day. Later, Zeus also sent a divine (evil) eagle to eat the internal organs of Prometheus every day, and after eating it, it quickly grew back. The body was often covered in blood, bloody, and miserable. Therefore, he endured inhuman torture and tremendous mental and physical pain every day. It was not until 30,000 years later that Heracles unchained him and released him. Now we often compare Prometheus to a person who is willing to give and persevere. Geographic environment

The Caucasus Mountains stand between Europe and Asia, bordering the Black Sea and the Sea of ??Azov to the west and the Caspian Sea to the east. They are the natural boundary between Europe and Asia. It extends from northwest to southeast, forming two main mountain ranges, the Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus. It covers an area of ??440,000 square kilometers including the foothills. It is an area with diverse natural ecology. Many peaks in the Caucasus Mountains are very tall. The absolute height of many peaks exceeds 5,000 meters above sea level, surpassing Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. Among them, Mount Elbrus, referred to as "Mountain Elbrus", is the "biggest" among the peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, with a height of 5,633 meters. It is located in the center of the Caucasus. Surrounded by mountains, it appears to be outstanding and outstanding. . Mount Elbrus

Due to its location at high latitudes, the snow and glaciers in the Caucasus Mountains erode the terrain very strongly. Huge cirques stand on the mountainside, forming a ridge as thin as a knife blade, which is quite impressive. It has the charm of "Sword of Heaven". At the top of the mountain, snow piles press against the mountains, forming a continuous streamer that undulates along the ridge for several kilometers. Under the sunlight, it is quite spectacular. At the bottom of the ancient glacier, trickles often gather into round lakes with rippling blue waves, and the scenery is beautiful and charming.

The famous West Caucasus Mountain Reserve is located at the westernmost tip of the Caucasus Mountains. In 1999, it was selected for inclusion in the World Heritage List. It is located 50 kilometers northeast of the Black Sea. Parts of it are isolated and can only be easily reached by helicopter. It is one of the few large mountains in Europe that has not been disturbed by humans.

Compared with today's common reality of human destruction of natural resources, the Western Caucasus can be called a "promised land" for life. The vegetation in the West Caucasus Mountains has a typical vertical distribution. From the mountain road to the top of the mountain, deciduous forest, fir, birch, Caucasian rhododendron and shrubs grow in sequence. This deserted place is also a paradise for animals. Brown bears, Caucasian deer, roe deer, European bison, chamois, otters, black storks, golden eagles, and short-toed eagles live freely here. The most amazing thing about the Western Caucasus is the bizarre world of insects. Records indicate that there are 2,500 species of insects here, but the actual number is more than double the recorded number. Legends and stories

When we mention the Caucasus Mountains, what we immediately think of is not its magnificent beauty and its rich connotations, but the mythical stories associated with it.

Perhaps everyone is familiar with the story of Prometheus. This "fire thief" brought light and warmth to the world, but he suffered from wind, rain, and vicious eagles on the cliffs of the Caucasus. Heroes who rise above suffering are admired by the populace and are saved as a result. This ancient myth has long become a distant memory of mankind, and another Greek legend has also become a memory - the story of the Golden Fleece. "The mountain is not high, but it is famous if it has immortals." The interpretation of mythical stories makes this mountain covered with a mysterious veil. We visit the stories in our memories by traveling, and it will not only benefit our eyes, but also our hearts.

Now the Caucasus Mountains have become a famous tourist and health resort. The natural scenery here is beautiful and charming, attracting tourists from all over the world. The Greater Caucasus Mountains also provide a great destination for tourists who enjoy mountain travel and mountain skiing. Climbing is probably the best way to get close to myths and stories. You can choose a path among the forest belt peaks that reveal the original charm. The top is the goal. Every step of the climb, tenacity and unyielding seems to be far from the spiritual veins of the heroes in myths. For inheritance.

Needless to say, the pride of climbing to the top to "see all the small mountains at a glance" is also addictive, even if the mountain road is gentle and the scenery changes with every step. When the wind blows through the forest, overlooking the rippling green waves and the surging forest waves, it seems that this is the dance of nature. Tourists who love alpine skiing can go to places such as Elibrus and Tobabai in the Caucasus Mountains from January to March every year. There are well-equipped ski resorts there that can provide tourists with a variety of services. Tourists can Show off your skills there and experience the surprise and comfort brought by instant gliding. Sochi Hot Springs

Speaking of Sochi, we may be familiar with it. Whether it is Soviet leaders Stalin, Khrushchev, Gorbachev, or two Russian presidents Yeltsin and Putin, they all like to come here for vacation. Sochi is the famous "summer capital" of Russia and the largest and most famous health resort in Russia. Its history as a health resort has lasted for more than a hundred years. Panoramic view of Sochi

Sochi is located on the Black Sea coast of Russia. The Caucasus Mountains almost completely block the cold air from the north, and the seawater that has been exposed to the sun for a whole summer slowly releases heat. When the temperature is relatively high, It becomes an inexhaustible source of heat during the low season. Therefore, the climate here is warm and humid, like spring all year round. The temperature does not exceed 30 degrees Celsius in summer and around 8 degrees Celsius in winter. It is the only region in the northernmost part of the earth with a subtropical climate. There is the Matzesta Mineral Spring which contains hydrogen sulfide.

Macesta means "scalding water". The water that comes out naturally here has a temperature of 22°C, and the water that comes out from artificial drilling has a temperature of 38°C. Its medical properties were used in ancient times. It was famous far and wide in Roman times. In addition to bathing, mineral spring therapy also includes inhalation, dripping and other methods. Medical research and practice have proven that the hydrogen sulfide mineral springs in Sochi have unique curative effects on the human body, have a significant regulatory effect on the central nervous system, and also promote metabolism and reduce inflammation.

In addition, from the observation tower on the top of "Ahong", the highest point in the Sochi region, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Caucasus Mountains and the picturesque coast. Sochi's coast also stretches with large natural bathing beaches. These bathing beaches have superior natural conditions and complete service facilities. Swimming season runs from mid-May to the end of October, and there are an average of 240 sunny days in Sochi a year. You can ski in the mountains and swim in the ocean in one day.

Sochi is a beautiful city. The writer Nikolai Ostrovsky spent most of his creative career in Sochi. He completed his masterpiece here despite being seriously ill. "How Steel Was Tempered" and conceived the first draft of "Born of the Storm". Now his former residence has been turned into a museum. In the picturesque central area of ??the city, there are a large number of convenient and comfortable hotels. The hotels are light and elegant in shape. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sea and mountains from every corner of the hotel.

In addition to Sochi, famous tourist destinations in the Caucasus include Georgia. Georgia has beautiful mountains and rivers and pleasant scenery. It is a world-famous wine producing area and tourist attraction. Almost every Georgian will tell the wonderful and moving legend: God gave land to various peoples in the world. The Georgians were a step late because they were drunk and asleep. By the time they arrived before God, all the land in the world had been distributed, so God had to give it to the people. The treasure trove hidden in their hearts for their own enjoyment was given to the Georgians who loved to drink. Its capital, Tbilisi, has an old city on the waterfront and a new city on the mountain. The entire city spreads out toward the foothills in steps along both sides of the Kura River, full of strange sentiments.

The "Caucasus Rhythm" Art Festival is held every October in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, reflecting local folk customs. When tourists have fun with the local people, they can feel their enthusiasm and unrestrainedness, and let their souls be infected by the festive atmosphere, forgetting the pressure and worries of daily work, that moment allows you to indulge and remember that ***. Caucasus Tourism

Russian tourism, which has just been opened to Chinese people, has become a new choice for Chinese people to travel. However, according to travel agents, not many Chinese people currently travel to the Caucasus. When searching online, reporters found that it was difficult to find travel routes to the Caucasus.

Ms. Zhang from Moscow Pacific International Travel Agency believes that there are relatively few tourists in other places in the Caucasus except Sochi. The reason is that its geographical location is remote and the time suitable for traveling is short in the year.

Mr. Lin Kang, Marketing Director of the Outbound Department of China International Travel Service, told reporters that the largest number of Russian tourist routes are now concentrated in the two larger cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Although the Caucasus Mountains in the west has good tourism resources, transportation is inconvenient and the tourism infrastructure in the Caucasus Mountains is relatively poor. Travel agencies must consider cost issues when organizing groups, and they must also be responsible for tourist safety. Therefore, the Caucasus Mountains are not the focus of group travel now. At the same time, he also believes that the Caucasus mountainous area is a good choice for backpackers who travel independently. They can see primitive customs that ordinary people cannot see, and admire and appreciate the majesty of nature.

It can be said that the Caucasus Mountains are a paradise for backpackers. When traveling to the Caucasus, you can enter from three countries: Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. For tourists who like mountain travel and skiing, this is definitely a good place to taste fairy tales, enjoy the joy and bitterness of climbing *** and the comfort and surprise of skiing. Of course, there are hot springs and exotic customs waiting for you. .

China News Service, January 10: An avalanche occurred in the Caucasus Mountains in southern Russia, killing five people.

According to a report from Taiwan's "China Broadcasting News Network" on the 10th, officials said that four climbers and a guide were climbing Gedantu Peak and were hit by an avalanche when they approached the peak at an altitude of 3,700 meters. .

Rescue workers and helicopters went to search and found 5 bodies. The four climbers are all young people in their 20s, and the guide is in his 40s, all Russians.

Avalanches often occur in the Caucasus mountains in winter, which is a fatal danger for people who love mountaineering.