The climate is Caucasian mountains. Give a characterization of the climate of the Great Caucasus, explain how the climate of the foothills differs from the high mountain regions The influence of which air masses determines the climate of the Caucasus

The climatic region of the natural region of the Caucasus is different: the Ciscaucasia occupies an area of ​​a temperate climate, and the Transcaucasia is a subtropics. Climatic regions are different because of different relief, air currents, local circulation. Changes in climatic conditions in the Caucasus occur in three directions. The continentality of the climate increases from the western part of the Caucasus towards the east. Total solar radiation increases from north to south. The higher the mountains, the lower the temperature and more rainfall. In the North Caucasus, solar radiation is 1.5 times higher than in the Moscow region, per year per 1 cm2. surface 120-140 kC. Depending on the season, the radiation flux is different: in summer the heat balance is positive, and in winter it is negative, since a certain percentage of radiation is reflected by the snow cover. Summer is long. Fluctuation of temperatures in July on the plains is more than +20 degrees. In January, the temperature ranges from -10 to +6 degrees Celsius.

In the north of the Caucasus, continental air of temperate latitudes dominates. Transcaucasia is a zone air masses subtropics. The north is devoid of orographic obstacles, and the south has high mountains, so throughout the year different air masses penetrate here - arctic cold air, humid air of the Mediterranean tropics, Atlantic humid air masses or dry and dusty Central Asian and Middle Eastern air. In the Ciscaucasia, the continental air of temperate latitudes dominates in winter. V winter time low pressure areas are formed over the Black and Caspian Seas, therefore strong cold winds appear. The Asian anticyclone goes to the east, which reduces the amount of snow. In winter, a local anticyclone forms over the Armenian Highlands. In the Ciscaucasia, the temperature drops to 30-36 with a minus mark due to the cold northern air. Minimum temperature in Anapa - 260C, in Sochi - 150C.

In the cold season, the influence of cyclones on the Black Sea coast increases, so the amount of precipitation during this period is the highest. In the rest of the territory, the maximum precipitation is observed in the summer. Snow falls in the mountains of the Caucasus and on the plains in winter. There are snowless winters. The thickness of the snow cover on the plains is from 10 to 15 cm. The southwestern slopes of the Greater Caucasus are covered with a 3-4 meter snow blanket. The summer climate of the Caucasus is mainly formed by humid Atlantic air and dry continental air. The air temperature in the Western Ciscaucasia and the Black Sea coast reaches + 22, +23 degrees, in the eastern Ciscaucasia reaches +24, + 25 degrees. A decrease in temperature is noticeable with height. On Elbrus, the average thermometer is only +1.4 degrees.

In the Ciscaucasia, Atlantic cyclones carry the maximum amount of precipitation in the first half of summer. In the middle of summer, air masses are transformed over the southeast of the East European Plain, which leads to a decrease in precipitation and the formation of dry winds with droughts. Rising from the foothills to the mountains, the amount of precipitation increases, but in the eastern part it decreases significantly. The annual rate of the Kuban-Priazovskaya lowland reaches 550-600 mm of precipitation. If we consider the Sochi region, then the indicator will be equal to 1650 mm. In the west of the Greater Caucasus mountains, on average, 2000 - 3000 mm of precipitation falls, and in the eastern region, the indicator is 1000-1500 mm. The greatest amount of precipitation was noted on the windward slopes of the Greater Caucasus from the southwestern side. For example, at the Achishkho station, the most big number precipitation not only of the Caucasian region, but of the whole of Russia taken together. This figure reaches more than 3700 mm per year.

The modern glaciation of the Caucasus is associated with its climate and relief features. In the Russian Caucasus, 1498 glaciers are counted, and this is 70% of the total number of glaciers, as well as the glacier area of ​​the Greater Caucasus.

Rivers of the Caucasus

The mountains of the Caucasus collect a large amount of moisture. These are rains, snow, glaciers. It is in the mountains that the sources of all the Caucasian rivers are located. On the plain territories of the Ciscaucasia, river waters flow into the Black, Azov and Caspian Sea... Mostly mountain rivers with a rapid flow. There are also lowland rivers in the Caucasus, which have a slow flow and a slight flood. The Stavropol Upland is the starting point for some of the lowland rivers. In summer, they dry up, forming a kind of chain of lakes. The upper reaches of the rivers Kuban, Kuma, Rioni, Terek, Kura, Araks are located in the mountains, and the lower reaches are on the plains. These rivers are fed by rain and groundwater. Showers feed the rivers between Tuapse and Sochi, turning them into rushing streams. When there is no rain, rivers turn into streams. The sources of the mountain rivers Bzyb, Kodor, Inguri are located at an altitude of 2 to 3 thousand meters. Sulak and Terek flow at high speed through deep canyon-like gorges. These rivers have rapids and waterfalls.

The density of the river network of valleys is uneven and reaches only 0.05 km / sq. km. The southern slope of the mountain system has a dense river network. The rivers of the Caucasus, especially in Dagestan, are muddy, since the erosion of rocks, as well as various deposits, occurs. The most turbid waters of the Kura and Terek rivers. The Kuban, Kagalnik, Western Manych, Chelbas and Beysug flow into the Black Sea. The rivers of the Caspian Sea basin are Samur, Terek, Sulak, Vostochny Manych, Kuma and Kalaus.

The Caucasian rivers have an insignificant transport function. The category of shipping includes Kura, Rioni, Kuban. They use rivers for the purpose of irrigating territories, and it is also convenient to float wood along them. There are hydroelectric power plants on many Caucasian rivers.

Lakes of the Caucasus

There are few lakes in the Caucasus. The total number is about 2 thousand. The area of ​​the lakes is small. An exception can be considered the mountain lake Sevan, the height of the water surface of which is 1916 m, and the maximum depth is 99 m. The area and depth of the lake have slightly decreased due to the construction of a hydroelectric power station on it. This factor influenced not only the lake, but also the nature of the adjacent territory. Some species of animals have disappeared, the number of fish has decreased, and bare peat bogs have formed in the area.

The plains of the coasts of the Azov and Caspian Seas contain lagoon and estuary lakes. Manych lakes formed a whole system. Certain lakes in this system sometimes dry up during the summer.

The foothills and lower slopes of lakes do not have, but there are many of them in the mountains. Basins of mountain lakes are different in origin. Most are tectonic, but there are also karst, volcanic, and tarry. Lakes of volcanic origin are characterized by a dammed character. River basin Teberda is famous for the lakes of glacial origin that have survived to this day. Floodplains of lowland rivers are decorated with peculiar lakes. For example, such is the dammed lake Ritsa, located in the mountains.

The Caucasus cannot be attributed to one climatic area... North of the axial belt of the Greater Caucasus - temperate climate, in Transcaucasia - subtropical. Within them there are differences due to the nature of the relief, the position in relation to the air currents, the position relative to the Black and Caspian Seas, and local circulation.

The Caucasus climate changes in three directions:

from west to east - in the direction of increasing continentality,

from north to south - towards an increase in the amount of radiative heat

in the high-altitude direction - an increase in precipitation and a decrease in temperatures.

Cloudiness plays a special role - with the rise in the mountains and in the western regions of the Caucasus due to its increase, the annual values ​​of solar radiation are less than average.

In the summer months, the radiation balance in the Caucasus is close to tropical; local VMs are transformed into tropical ones.

Circulation: continental air of temperate latitudes dominates in the North Caucasus, subtropical air in Transcaucasia. Alpine zones influenced by western directions.

V winter months the territory is located south of the "major axis"; over the Black and the south of the Caspian Sea, areas of low pressure are formed. The result is an outflow of the dense cold masses of the "major axis" to the Caucasus. However, the mountain wall prevents penetration to the south, it is possible, nevertheless, bypassing the coasts of the seas - "nords" and "bora". In the west, a lot of snow falls in the mountains. To the east, the influence of the southwestern transport weakens and the influence of the Asian anticyclone increases, and snowfall decreases. A local anticyclone forms over the Armenian Highlands in winter.

In summer time over Asia, they form an area of ​​low pressure. The western currents of the sea air of temperate latitudes from the North Atlantic, which capture the Caucasus, are intensifying. They deposit rainfall on the windward slopes. In the second half, the Azores maximum shifts to the north and often covers the Caucasus.

The role of phenes, mountain-valley winds and breezes, the formation of a center of low pressure over the Armenian Highlands is noticeable. The basins of the seas temper the temperature.

In general, the southern slopes are characterized by higher (summer and winter) temperatures. The annual amount of precipitation increases with the rise in the mountains and decreases at all levels from west to east.

The Caucasus is located on the border of the temperate and subtropical zones. The influx of solar radiation is so significant that a local center for the formation of tropical air masses is created in the Transcaucasus in the summer. The border of the temperate and subtropical belts runs along the axial part of the Greater Caucasus. The radiation balance is 2300 MJ / m2 / year (west) - 1800 (east) MJ / m2 / year.

In winter, the continental air of temperate latitudes (KVUSH) extends to the Ciscaucasia from the Voeikov axis. The winds of the eastern and northeastern directions prevail. Cold air entering the Ciscaucasia is retained at the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, not rising above 700-800 m. And only in the northwestern part of the Black Sea chain, where the height of the ridges is less than 1000 m, the cold air passes them. A reduced pressure is established over the Black Sea in winter, so cold heavy air rushes towards it with great speed, literally falling from the mountains. Strong cold winds, the so-called Novorossiysk boron, arise. The air temperature with boron drops to -15 ...- 20 ° С. Bora is observed in the Anapa-Tuapse section.

The upper parts of the mountains are located in the zone of action of the free atmosphere, where the prevailing role belongs to the winds of the western points. In winter, the western transport dominates at an altitude of more than 1.5-2 km, and in summer - 3.5-4 km.

The formation of the climatic conditions of the cold period is greatly influenced by cyclonic activity developing on the Mediterranean branch of the polar front. The trajectories of Mediterranean cyclones are directed to the northeast of the Black Sea and cross the Caucasus in its western part. Their movement through the Caucasus leads to the advection of tropical air, which causes intense thaws, the disappearance of the snow cover, the emergence of snow avalanches in the mountains and the formation of phenes on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus. With the development of hair dryers, the air temperature can rise to +15 ... + 20 ° С. With an increase in the height of the mountains, the absolute maximum of temperatures in winter decreases and at Elbrus station becomes negative (-2 ...- 3 ° С).

Frequent advection of heat, the influence of the sea determine the positive average monthly air temperature by Black sea coast Caucasus. The average January temperature in Novorossiysk is + 2 ° С, in Sochi + 6.1 ° С. In the Ciscaucasia, the average air temperature is -1 ...- 2 ° C in the western regions, dropping to -4 ...- 4.5 ° C in the center and again rising to the Caspian Sea to -2 ... 0 ° C. In the mountains, the temperature decreases with height, reaching -12 ... -14 ° С in the highlands, in the area of ​​eternal snow and glaciers.

With the breakthroughs of cold air masses from the north, the temperature in the Ciscaucasia can drop to -30 ...- 36 ° C. Even in Anapa, the absolute minimum is -26 ° C, and in Sochi - -15 ° C.

The intensification of cyclonic activity in the cold season determines the winter maximum precipitation on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. In the rest of the territory, the maximum precipitation occurs in the summer.

In winter, snow covers the plains and mountains of the Caucasus. It first appears on plains with relatively warm winter only in the second half of December. In some winters, a stable snow cover does not form. Snow falls repeatedly during cold weather and melts during thaws. The thickness of the snow cover on the plains is 10-15 cm.On the southwestern slopes of the Greater Caucasus (Achishkho) mountains, due to the abundance of winter precipitation and a decrease in the frequency of winter thaws, the snow thickness reaches 3-4 m.In the mountains of the eastern part of the Caucasus, it decreases to 1 m (Myachkova N.A., 1983). The number of days with snow cover on the Stavropol Upland is 70-80, decreasing to the west and east of it to 50-40 and increasing in the mountains to 80-110 days due to the long cold period. On the lower border of the high-mountainous zone, snow lies 120 days a year.

At this time, a high pressure area was formed on the Javakheti-Armenian Highlands. From here, the cold continental air of Asia Minor (temperature -12 ° C) is carried out, penetrating into the middle part of the Rion-Kura corridor, but quickly transforming as it moves east. Colchis is filled with sea air masses of temperate latitudes, coming here with Mediterranean cyclones (t 4-6о). In winter, they constantly cross the Black Sea, where the pressure is low, and fall into a trap, as it were, between the ridges of B. and M. Kavkaz. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in late summer (August-September), as well as in late autumn - early winter. In other regions of the Caucasus, there is no precipitation at this time, with the exception of the Kuro-Araks lowland. Here, autumn-winter precipitation and partly spring precipitation are associated with a branch of the Iranian polar front, along the line of which cyclonic activity develops. It increases significantly on the slopes of Talysh and on the outskirts of this lowland.

In summer, the formation of the Caucasus climate is significantly influenced by the recurrence of humid Atlantic air masses and dry continental air masses that form over the spaces of the inner regions of Eurasia and come from the east. In this regard, the importance of the submeridional climatic divide (the transverse rise of the Stavropol Upland - Central Caucasus) is increasing. On the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus and in the Western Ciscaucasia, the air warms up to 22-23 ° С. In the highest parts of the Stavropol Upland and in the Mineral-growing region average temperature July is 20-21 ° C. In the east of the Ciscaucasia, the air warms up to 24-25 ° С. In the mountains, the air temperature decreases with altitude, amounting to 10 ° С at an altitude of about 2500 m and 7 ° С at an altitude of 3000 m. At Elbrus station (altitude 4250 m), the average July temperature is only 1.4 ° С.

In the first half of summer in the Ciscaucasia, the influence of Atlantic cyclones, which determine the June maximum precipitation, increases. Later, the transformation of air masses over the southeast of the Russian Plain increases, therefore, already in the middle of summer, the amount of precipitation decreases, and conditions are often created for the formation of dry winds and droughts, the frequency of which increases in the east.

The annual amount of precipitation increases from the foothills to the mountains and with a rise up the slopes, but at the same time it noticeably decreases when moving from west to east. On the Kuban-Priazovskaya lowland, the annual precipitation is 550-600 mm, on the Stavropol Upland it increases to 700-800 mm and decreases to 500-350 mm in the Eastern Ciscaucasia. On the Black Sea coast, the amount of precipitation increases rapidly from north to south (from 700 mm northwest of Novorossiysk to 1650 mm in the Sochi region). In the highlands of the western part of the Greater Caucasus, 2000-3000 mm of precipitation falls, and in the eastern part - only 1000-1500 mm. The amount of precipitation also decreases in the depression between the Skalisty and the Lateral ridges, especially in the "shadow" of the Skalisty ridge, amounting to 650-700 mm. The largest annual precipitation is observed on the windward southwestern slopes of the Greater Caucasus. At Achishkho station, it is over 3700 mm per year. This is the largest amount of precipitation not only in the Caucasus, but throughout Russia.

Average annual precipitation: Colchis, southern slope of the Western Caucasus - 1.5-2 thousand mm, Western and Middle Ciscaucasia 450-600 mm, Eastern Ciscaucasia, Tersko-Kumskaya lowland -200-350 mm, Kuro-Araksin lowland - 200-300 mm, Javakheti-Armenian highland 450-600 mm, Lankaran lowland - 1200 mm. The warmest in summer is in the Kuro-Araks lowland (26-28 ° C), in the rest of the territory 23-25 ​​° C, in the Javakheti-Armenian highland 18 ° C. However, the temperature and precipitation are subject to change depending on the height of the mountains, forming high-altitude climatic zoning. So, the average annual temperature on the Black Sea coast is 12-14 ° C, in the foothills of the Caucasus is 7-8 ° C, at an altitude of 2-3 thousand m -3-0 ° C. In summer, despite the increase in solar radiation with height, the temperature every 100 m decreases by an average of 0.5-0.6 ° C, and in winter by 0.3-0.4 ° C. When climbing the mountains, the average annual positive temperature remains only up to an altitude of 2300-2500 m. On Elbrus it is -10 ° C. Similar patterns persist for the average monthly air temperatures. So, the average January temperature in the Ciscaucasia is -2-7 ° C, in the middle and high mountains - from -8 to -13 ° C; on Elbrus -19 ° С; in Novorossiysk 3 ° С, Sochi 5 ° С. In July, the temperature is everywhere 23-25 ​​° С, at an altitude of 2-2.5 thousand m -18 ° С, 4000 m -2 ° С.

Precipitation also changes with altitude. If in the northeastern Ciscaucasia they fall less than 300 m, then to the west 300-400 mm, and in the Western Ciscaucasia 400-500 mm, then in the low-mountain regions of Stavropol - Nalchik 500-800 mm, at the latitude and height of Vladikavkaz - 800-1000 m (1.5 thousand m), at an altitude of 2 thousand m on average 1000-1500 mm; the higher the amount of precipitation decreases: Terskol - (3050 m) - 930 mm.

The height of the snow line is 2800-3000 m, in the western part - 3200-3500 m, in the eastern part of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus glaciation is negligible - 3 sq. km. On B.K. - 1420 km 2, their total number is 2200. Of these, 70% is located on the northern slope, 30% - on the southern slope. The types of glaciers are mountain-valley (20% of the area), tar and hanging. Glaciation centers - Elbrus, Kazbek, other peaks of the Central Caucasus in M.K. - Aragats, Zangezur ridge, Javakheti ridge. All glaciers are in the process of retreating (10-20 m / year).

The climate and features of the relief of the Caucasus determine its modern glaciation. Within Russia, in the Caucasus, there are 1498 glaciers with a total glacier area of ​​993.6 km 2, which is 70% of the total number of glaciers and the glacier area of ​​the Greater Caucasus. The sharp predominance of glaciers on the northern slope is due to orographic features, snow blizzard transport by westerly winds beyond the barrier of the Dividing Range, and somewhat less insolation than on the southern slope. The snow border lies at an altitude of 2800-3200 m in the western part of the Caucasus and rises to 3600-4000 m in the east.

The greatest glaciation is concentrated in the Central Caucasus. The largest massif of modern glaciation is the Elbrus glacial complex (area 122.6 km 2). The two-headed Elbrus is covered with a firn-ice cap with a diameter of about 10 km, which feeds over 50 glacial flows radially diverging from it. The largest complex valley glacier in the Caucasus is the Bezengi glacier (length 17.6 km, area 36.2 km 2), located at the foot of the Bezengi wall and feeding the Cherek-Bezengi river. It is followed by the Dykh-Su glaciers (length 13.3 km, area 34.0 km 2) and Karaugom (length 13.3 km, area 26.6 km 2).

In the Western Caucasus, due to the low altitude of the mountains, glaciation is small. Its largest areas are concentrated in the Kuban basin near the highest mountain peaks - Dombai-Ulgen, Pshish, etc. The glaciation of the Eastern Caucasus due to the great dryness of the climate is less significant and is represented mainly by small glaciers - cirque, hanging, tar-valley.

The total area of ​​glaciers is 1965 km 2. Glaciation reaches its greatest development between Elbrus and Kazbek, from here it gradually decreases to the west and sharply to the east. The most common are crimson and hanging. 20% are valley glaciers. Everyone regresses.

Summer is hot everywhere, with the exception of the highlands. So, the average temperature on the plain in summer is about 25 єС, and in the upper reaches of the mountains - 0 С.

The abundance of warmth and light ensures the development of vegetation in the steppe zone for seven months, in the foothills - eight, and on the Black Sea coast - up to eleven. (T is not lower than +10).

Winters in the Ciscaucasia are quite warm (the average temperature in January is -5єС). This is facilitated by incoming Atlantic Ocean warm air masses... On the Black Sea coast, the temperature rarely drops below zero (the average January temperature is + 3єС). In mountainous areas, the temperature is naturally below -4 - 8 ° C.

Precipitation.

Dry Central Asian winds penetrating the Caspian Sea and humid Black Sea ones have a decisive influence on the distribution of precipitation.

Precipitation they enter this territory mainly due to the coming from the west cyclones, as a result of which their number gradually decreases to the east. Most of the precipitation falls on the southwestern slopes of the Greater Caucasus. (2600mm) (most of all in our country). To the east, precipitation drops to 600 mm per year

Their number on the Prikubanskaya plain is about 400 mm. The Stavropol plateau serves not only as a watershed, but also as a barrier limiting the influence of the Black Sea winds in the east of the region. Therefore, the southwestern regions of the North Caucasus are sufficiently humid (Sochi receives 1410 mm of precipitation per year), while the eastern regions are arid (Kizlyar - 340 mm).

General characteristics of the Caucasus climate

The climatic conditions of the Caucasus are determined not only by its geographic location, but also by its relief.

The Caucasus is located on the border of two climatic zones - temperate and subtropical. These climatic zones have internal differences, which are determined by the topography, air currents, local atmospheric circulation and the position between the seas.

Climate change is happening in three directions:

1. in the direction of increasing continentality, i.e. from west to east;
2. in the direction of increasing radiation heat, i.e. from North to South;
3. towards an increase in precipitation and a decrease in temperatures, i.e., with height.

The territory receives a lot of solar heat and in the summer the radiation balance is close to the tropical one, so the air masses here are transformed into tropical air.

In winter, the radiation balance approaches positive values.

Continental air of temperate latitudes dominates in the North Caucasus, subtropical air dominates in Transcaucasia. Altitude belts are influenced by western directions.

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Transcaucasia, Ciscaucasia and the western part of the Greater Caucasus are influenced by Mediterranean cyclones.

The mountains of the Greater Caucasus do not allow cold northern air masses to pass in the Transcaucasia and, in the same way, do not allow warm air masses to pass in the Ciscaucasia, therefore, the northern and southern parts of the Caucasus have large temperature differences.

Average annual temperatures vary from +10 degrees in the north to +16 degrees in the south.

In the summer, the temperature differences are smoothed out, but there is a difference in the temperatures of the western and eastern parts of the mountains. July temperature in the west is +23, +24 degrees, and in the east, +25, +29 degrees.

In winter, an area of ​​low pressure forms over the Black Sea and the south of the Caspian Sea, and a local anticyclone forms over the Armenian Highlands.

In summer, an area of ​​low pressure forms over Asia, as a result, the sea air of temperate latitudes from the Atlantic increases and captures the Caucasus. Precipitation, which the sea air brings, falls on the windward slopes of the mountains.

In the second half of summer, the Caucasus captures the Azores maximum, which moves northward.

Summer and winter temperatures on the southern slopes of the Caucasus are higher. The annual amount of precipitation increases with height, and decreases from west to east at all levels.

At an altitude of 2000 m, western air transport plays a leading role, here the influence of the Atlantic Ocean increases and Mediterranean Sea, and the upper "floor" is located in conditions where the free atmosphere circulates.

Since the relief of the mountains provides this exchange, the climate of the highlands is more humid and resembles the sea.

Due to the insufficient size of the Black and Caspian Seas, sea-type air masses cannot form above them. Above the surface of the seas, continental air mainly circulates, in the lower layer of which there is a change in temperature and humidity.

The Black Sea is located in the path of western air currents and evaporation from its surface comes to the mountains, giving a significant part of the precipitation on the southern slope of the western part.

Climate of the Caucasus in winter

In winter, continental air of temperate latitudes dominates within the Ciscaucasia, with east and northeastern winds. The northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus trap cold air, and it does not rise above 700-800 m, but in the north-western part, where the altitude is less than 1000 m, the cold air manages to pass through the mountain range.

At this time, a reduced pressure is established over the Black Sea, and cold air falls from the mountains, rushing to the sea.

The result is Novorossiysk bora - a strong cold wind. It arises in the Anapa-Tuapse section. When the wind blows, the air temperature drops to -15 ... -20 degrees.

Western air transport in winter is at an altitude of 1500-2000 m. The activity of cyclones at this time affects the formation of climatic conditions big influence.

Mediterranean cyclones cross the Caucasus in the western part and cause thaws and avalanches.

Winds are formed on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus. The temperature during this period rises to + 15 ... + 20 degrees.

The influence of the sea and frequent advection of heat determine the positive average temperature, for example, in Novorossiysk, the average January temperature is +2 degrees, in Sochi, +6.1 degrees. In the mountains with height it will drop to -12 ... -14 degrees.

On the coast of the Caspian Sea -2 ... 0 degrees.

Sometimes cold northern air masses can reach the Ciscaucasia and lower the air temperature to -30 ... -36 degrees. The absolute minimum in Anapa is -26 degrees, in Sochi -15 degrees.

Winter cyclones bring an abundance of precipitation to the Black Sea coast. In the mountains and on the plains, a snow cover is established, with a thickness of 10-15 cm, which melts during thaws.

Abundant precipitation falls on the southwestern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, and since thaws are much less frequent here, the thickness of the snow reaches 3-4 m.

In the eastern part of the mountains, the thickness of the snow cover is reduced to 1 m. On the Stavropol Upland, snow lasts 70-80 days, and in the mountains up to 80-110 days.

At this time, the area of ​​high atmospheric pressure is formed on the Javakheti - Armenian Highlands, and the cold continental air of Asia Minor enters. As it moves east, it rapidly transforms.

The climate of the Caucasus in the summer

Wet Atlantic and dry continental air masses coming from the east influence the formation of the Caucasus climate in the summer.

The air of the Black Sea coast and Western Ciscaucasia warms up to +22, +23 degrees.

The high parts of the Stavropol Upland are warming up to +21 degrees, and the temperature in the east of the Ciscaucasia rises to +24, +25 degrees.

The June maximum precipitation in the first half of summer is enhanced by the influence of Atlantic cyclones.

To the middle summer period over the southeast of the Russian Plain, air masses are transformed, so precipitation becomes less and conditions for the formation of droughts and dry winds appear.

The amount of precipitation from the foothills to the mountains and in the mountains increases, but decreases when moving from west to east. Thus, the annual amount of precipitation in the Kuban-Priazovskaya lowland is 550-600 mm, on the Stavropol Upland, their amount increases to 700-800 mm, and within the Eastern Ciscaucasia decreases to 500-350 mm.

The increase in precipitation from north to south again goes on the Black Sea coast from 700 mm in the Novorossiysk region to 1650 mm in Sochi.

In the west of the Greater Caucasus, 2000-3000 mm fall, and in the east - 1000-1500 mm. The windward southwestern slopes of the Greater Caucasus receive more than 3700 mm per year - this is the largest amount of precipitation in the country.

The highest summer temperatures are noted in the Kuro-Araks lowland + 26 ... + 28 degrees. The temperature in the rest of the territory is + 23 ... + 25 degrees, and in the Javakheti-Armenian Highlands +18 degrees.

Depending on the height of the mountains, the temperature and precipitation change, thus forming a high-altitude climatic zonation - on the Black Sea coast +12, +14 degrees, in the foothills it is already +7, +8 degrees, and 0, -3 degrees at an altitude of 2000-3000 m.

With height, positive average annual temperature remains at an altitude of 2300-2500 m, and on Elbrus the temperature is already -10 degrees.

The climate of the Caucasus is very diverse. The northern part of the Caucasus is located within temperate zone, Transcaucasia - in the subtropical. Such geographical position significantly affects the formation of the climate in various parts of the Caucasus.

The Caucasus is a vivid example of the influence of orography and relief on climate-forming processes. Radiant energy is distributed unevenly due to different angles of its incidence and different heights of surface levels. The circulation of air masses reaching the Caucasus undergoes significant changes, meeting on its way mountain ranges both the Greater Caucasus and Transcaucasia. Climatic contrasts appear at relatively short distances. An example is the western, abundantly moistened Transcaucasia and the eastern with dry subtropical climate Kuro-Araks lowland. The exposure of the slopes is of great importance, which strongly affects the thermal regime and the distribution of precipitation. The climate is influenced by the seas washing the Caucasian Isthmus, especially the Black Sea.

The Black and Caspian Seas moderate the air temperature in summer, contribute to a more even temperature daily rate, humidification of the adjacent parts of the Caucasus, increase the temperature of the cold season, reduce the temperature amplitudes. The flat eastern Ciscaucasia and the Kuro-Araksin lowland, jutting deep into the isthmus, do not contribute to the condensation of moisture coming from the water area of ​​the Caspian Sea. Ciscaucasia is greatly influenced by continental air masses coming from the north, including arctic ones, which often significantly reduce the temperature of the warm season. A spur of high East Siberian barometric pressure often lowers the temperature of the cold season. There are cases when cold air, flowing around the Greater Caucasus from the east and west, spreads to Transcaucasia, causing a sharp drop in temperature there.

Air masses coming from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean provide high moisture content in the western parts of the Caucasus and the slopes of the western-facing ridges. Additional moisture is brought by air masses passing over the Black Sea. The influence of the Caspian Sea is less pronounced.

V general outline The climate of the Caucasus changes significantly in three directions: from west to east in the direction of increasing dryness and continentality, from north to south in the direction of an increase in the total radiation and radiation balance, and in height on mountain structures, on which the altitudinal zonality is clearly manifested.

The total radiation within the Caucasus ranges from 460548 J / sq. cm in the north up to 586 152 J / sq. see in the extreme south. Annual radiation balance from 146538 to 188406 J / sq. see The magnitude of solar radiation depends not only on latitude, but also on cloudiness. For many peaks of the Caucasus, stable cloudiness is characteristic, therefore, direct solar radiation here is below average. To the east, it increases due to a decrease in humidity. The exceptions are Lankaran and Talysh, where the relief contributes to the condensation of water vapor and an increase in cloudiness.

The magnitude of the total radiation and radiation balance in different regions of the Caucasus is not the same due to the contrasts of orography, relief, different angles of incidence sun rays and the physical properties of the underlying surface. In summer, the radiation balance in some regions of the Caucasus approaches the balance tropical latitudes, therefore, the air temperatures are high here (Ciscaucasia and the Transcaucasian plains), and in abundantly humidified areas, high evaporation is observed and, accordingly high humidity air.

The air masses taking part in the circulation over the territory of the Caucasus are different. Mainly over the Ciscaucasia, the continental air of temperate latitudes dominates, in Transcaucasia - subtropical. The alpine belts are influenced by air masses coming from the west, and the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus and the Arctic - from the north.

In the Ciscaucasia, located south of the high barometric pressure zone, cold air often enters. Low pressure remains over the Black Sea and in the southern part of the Caspian Sea. Pressure contrasts cause cold air to spread southward. In such a situation, the barrier role of the Greater Caucasus is especially great, serving as an obstacle to the wide penetration of cold air into the Transcaucasus. Typically, its influence is limited to the Ciscaucasia and the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus to approximately 700 m. It causes a sharp drop in temperatures, an increase in pressure and an increase in wind speed.

Invasions of cold air masses from the northwest and northeast are observed, bypassing the Greater Caucasus ridges along the shores of the Caspian and Black Seas. The accumulated cold air passes over the low ridges. and spreads along the western and eastern coasts to Batumi and Lankaran, causing a decrease in temperatures on the western coast of the Caucasus to -12 °, on the Lankaran lowland to -15 ° C and below. A sharp drop in temperatures has a disastrous effect on subtropical crops, and especially on citrus fruits. Baric gradients in these situations between the Ciscaucasia and the Transcaucasia are in sharp contrast, the spread of cold air from the Ciscaucasia to the Transcaucasia is very rapid. Cold winds of high, often catastrophic speeds are known under the name "bora" (in the region of Novorossiysk) and "nord" (in the region of Baku).

Air masses coming from the west and southwest from the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean, greatest influence render on the western coast of the Caucasus. When moving further east, they, overcoming ridges located in their path, adiabatically heat up and dry out. Therefore, the Eastern Transcaucasia is distinguished by a relatively stable thermal regime and an insignificant amount of precipitation.

Mountain structures of the Lesser Caucasus and the Javakheti-Armenian Highlands contribute to the formation of a local anticyclone in winter, which causes a strong decrease in temperature. Low pressure is established over the highlands in summer.

In the second half of summer, the Caucasus is influenced by the spur of the Azores barometric maximum, located within the Russian Plain between 50 and 45 ° N. NS. It determines the decrease in cyclonic activity in summer. It is associated with a decrease in precipitation in the second half of summer (compared to the first). At this time, the value of local convective precipitation increases, due to the daily variation of air temperatures.

In the Caucasus, hair dryers, common for mountains with a dissected relief, are actively manifested. Hot weather in spring and summer is associated with them. Mountain-valley winds and breezes are also characteristic.

On the plains of the Ciscaucasia and Transcaucasia, the average July temperature is 24-25 ° C, its increase is observed to the east. The coldest month is January. In the Ciscaucasia, the average January temperature is -4, -5 ° C, in the western Transcaucasia 4-5 °, in the eastern 1-2 ° N. At an altitude of 2000 m, the temperature in July is 13 °, in January -7 ° C, in the highest zones - in July 1 °, in January from -18 to -25 ° C.

The annual amount of precipitation increases with rising and at all levels decreases markedly from west to east (most evenly in the high belts). In the Western Ciscaucasia, the amount of precipitation is 450-500 mm, in the foothills and on the Stavropol Upland at an altitude of 600-700 m - up to 900 mm. In the east of the Ciscaucasia - 250-200 mm.

In the humid subtropics of Western Transcaucasia on the coastal plains, the annual precipitation reaches 2500 mm (in the Batumi region). Maximum in September. In the Sochi region, 1400 mm, of which 600 mm falls in November-February. On the western slopes of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, the amount of precipitation increases to 2500 mm, on the slopes of the Meskhetian ridge up to 3000 mm, on the Kuro-Araksin lowland it decreases to 200 mm. The Lankaran lowland and the eastern slopes of the Talysh ridge are abundantly moistened, where 1500-1800 mm of precipitation falls.

The hydrographic network of the Caucasus is represented by numerous rivers and lakes, the distribution of which over the territory is associated not only with climatic conditions, but also with orography and relief.

Almost all the rivers of the Caucasus originate in the mountains, where a huge amount of moisture accumulates in the form of liquid and solid sediments and glaciers. With upward movement due to an increase in precipitation and a decrease in evaporation losses, the annual surface runoff increases, and the density of the river network increases. Rivers originating in the mountains, within the plains of the Ciscaucasia and Transcaucasia, play a transit role.

The watershed ridge of the Greater Caucasus delimits the river basins of the Black, Azov and Caspian Seas.

The lowland rivers of the Ciscaucasia are distinguished with a slow current and a small flood. Some of them originate on the slopes of the Stavropol Upland. Their spring floods are associated with melting snow. In summer they either dry up or form chains of lakes (Western and Eastern Manych).

In rivers of mixed feeding, the upper reaches are located in the mountains, and the lower parts are located within the plains. These include Kuban, Kuma, Rioni, Te rivers, Kuri and Araks.

Typically mountainous are Bzyb, Kodor, Inguri and the upper reaches of most rivers in the Caucasus. Their sources are located in the nival belt, rivers flow in deep, often canyon-like gorges (Sulak, Terek, etc.). They are characterized by high flow rates, rapids, waterfalls.

Depending on the relief, amount and mode of precipitation, the density of the Caucasian river network ranges from 0.05 km / sq. km in the east of the Ciscaucasia d6 1.62 km / sq. km in the mountains.

The rivers starting in the high-mountain belt are fed by snow, snow-glaciers (Kuban, Terek, Rioni, Kodor, etc.). For rivers with snow and glaciers, the maximum discharge is observed not only in spring due to snow melting, but also in summer as snow and glaciers melt in the upper altitudinal belts.

Rivers of humid subtropics are mainly fed by rain, they are characterized by sharp fluctuations in discharge. During heavy rainfall, they turn into violent powerful streams, carrying a mass of coarse material and unloading it in the lower reaches. In the absence of rain, such rivers turn almost into streams; they belong to the Mediterranean type (rivers between Tuapse and Sochi).

The sources of the rivers of the Lesser Caucasus are located in the zone 2000-3000 m.In their feeding, the role of groundwater is great. Melting snow in spring contributes to a sharp increase in levels and costs, minimal costs in June and July (Kura, Araks).

The turbidity of the waters depends on the nature of the eroded rocks and sediments. Many rivers of the Caucasus, especially Dagestan, are characterized by high turbidity - 5000-7000 g / m3. m (clays, shales, sandstones, limestones). The turbidity of the Kura and Terek rivers is high. Rivers flowing in crystalline rocks have the least turbidity.

The hardness and salinity of river waters varies considerably. In the Kura basin, the hardness reaches 10-20 mg / l, and the mineralization is 2000 kg / l.

The transport value of the rivers of the Caucasus is not great. Only in the lower reaches are the Kura, Rioni and Kuban navigable. Many rivers are used for timber floating and especially widely for irrigation. Hydroelectric power plants have been built on many rivers of the Caucasus (Zangezur cascade, etc.).

There are relatively few lakes in the Caucasus - about 2000. Their area is usually small, with the exception of the mountain lake Sevan (1416 sq. Km). On the plains of the Caucasus along the coasts of the Azov and Caspian Seas, lagoon and estuary lakes are widespread. The Manych lakes, which form a whole system, are peculiar. In summer, the mirror of the lakes of the Kumo-Manych depression. decreases sharply, and some dry up. There are no lakes on the lower slopes of the mountains and in the foothills, but higher in the mountains they are quite widespread.

The largest lake is Sevan. until recently, it occupied an area of ​​1416 sq. km, its maximum depth was 99 m with an absolute height of the water surface of 1916 m. The release of the lake water in connection with hydropower construction lowered its level by more than 18 m, due to which its depth and area decreased. This caused major changes in the hydrological regime of the lake and affected other sides. natural conditions the lake basin itself and the surrounding area. In particular, the masses of birds that nested and rested during flights on the group of Sevan's daughter lakes - Gilly - disappeared. In connection with the descent of the water of Sevan, this area turned into vast exposed peat bogs. Dozens of species of animals and birds have disappeared, fish resources have been catastrophically reduced, especially the resources of the most valuable Sevan trout - ishkhan.

The lake is located in a mountain basin, which is a complex synclinal trough, which has experienced fault dislocations in places. A well-known role in the formation of the basin was played by the damming of the tectonic valley with a lava flow. A project was developed for the utilization of this huge reservoir as a powerful source of hydropower and water for irrigation. To increase the flow of the river flowing from the lake. Hrazdan began to drain the upper layer of lake waters, which then passed through 6 hydroelectric stations of the Sevan-Hrazdan cascade. The surface runoff in the upper reaches of the Hrazdan stopped - the Sevan water went through the tunnel to the turbines of the Sevan HPP.

According to the new project for the use of Sevan waters, further lowering of their level has been suspended. It will remain at the 1898 m mark, and the picturesque reservoir will remain within the boundaries close to natural. Through a 48-kilometer tunnel in the Vardenis ridge, water is supplied to Sevan from the upper reaches of the river. Arps. A recreation area with a national park is being created on the shores of the lake, and a strip of land is being reforested. The main problem of the lake and its basin at present is the preservation and restoration of largely unique natural conditions and endemic species of flora and fauna, in particular the named Sevan trout, which is also of great commercial importance. In the future, measures should be taken to increase the level of the lake by 4-5 m.

The basins of mountain lakes are tectonic, karst, volcanic, and tarry. Some occupy depressions of the moraine relief. The lakes are volcanic, mainly dammed, and are widespread on the Karabakh plateau and the Armenian Highlands. There are many karst lakes in Western Georgia. Glacial lakes are well preserved in the Teberda basin - Baduksky, Murudzhinsky, Klukhorskoye (on the pass of the same name). There are lakes in the floodplains of the Caucasian plains. The dammed lake Ritsa is peculiar and very beautiful. The lakes of Colchis were formed during the formation of the lowland itself, the largest of them is Lake Paleostomi.

Caucasus. They are significant in reserves and varied in chemical composition and the degree of mineralization. Their formation is associated with geotectonic structures and infiltration of atmospheric precipitation. Fractured and reservoir-fissured waters are widespread in folded geostructures. The movement of waters occurs along the cracks of tectonic faults, faults and thrusts, along the strike of folds into river valleys.

The mineral composition of groundwater is determined by the composition of rocks. Crystalline rocks are difficult to dissolve, therefore The groundwater circulating in them are comparatively little mineralized. Groundwater in sedimentary deposits is often saturated with readily soluble compounds and highly mineralized. The underground waters of the Caucasus are predominantly cold - up to 20 ° С. There are subthermal - above 20 and hot - above 42 ° C (the latter are not uncommon within the Greater and Lesser Caucasus).

In terms of chemical composition, the underground waters of the Caucasus are very diverse. Particularly characteristic are carbonic mineral springs, there are soda of the Borjomi type, salt-alkaline springs of the Essentuki type, and sulfate-hydrocarbonate springs of the Kislovodsk narzan type (in the Ardon, Chkhalty basin, etc.). There are also chloride waters, hydrogen sulfide (Matsesta, Chkhalta), radon thermal waters up to 35 ° C (Tskhaltubo springs). Mineral water The Caucasus is used by numerous resorts.

The climate, orography and relief determine the modern glaciation of the Caucasus. The total area of ​​its glaciers is about 1965 sq. km. (about 1.5% of the entire territory of the Caucasus). The Greater Caucasus is the only mountainous region of the Caucasus with a wide development of modern glaciation. The number of glaciers is 2047, the area of ​​glaciation is 1424 sq. km. About 70% of the number of glaciers and the area of ​​glaciation falls on the northern slope and about 30% on the southern. The difference is explained by orographic features, snow drift by westerly winds beyond the barrier of the Dividing Range, and increased insolation on the southern slope. The most glacial is the Central Caucasus, where 5 glaciers (Dykhsu, Bezengi, Karaugom on the northern slope, Lehzyr and Tsanner on the southern) have an area of ​​approximately 40 sq. km. Their length is more than 12 km. The modern snow border of the Greater Caucasus in the southwest lies at an altitude of 2800-3200 m, in the east it rises to 3600 m. The area of ​​the Transcaucasian glaciers is small - a little more than 5 square meters. km (Zanzegur Ridge, Aragats peak). The glaciers of the Caucasus play an important role in feeding the rivers of the Caucasus, determining their high flow and the nature of the water regime of the alpine type.

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