Name the highest peaks of the Caucasus mountains. Caucasus Mountains
The Caucasus Mountains are a mountain system between the Black, Azov and Caspian seas. The etymology of the name has not been established.
It is divided into two mountain systems: the Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus.
The Caucasus is often divided into the Northern Caucasus and Transcaucasia, the border between which is drawn along the Main, or Watershed, ridge of the Greater Caucasus, which occupies a central position in the mountain system.
The Greater Caucasus extends more than 1,100 km from northwest to southeast, from the Anapa region and the Taman Peninsula to the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian coast, near Baku. The Greater Caucasus reaches its maximum width in the area of the Elbrus meridian (up to 180 km). In the axial part is the Main Caucasian (or Watershed) Range, to the north of which a number of parallel ridges (mountain ranges), including a monoclinal (cuesta) character, extend (see Greater Caucasus). The southern slope of the Greater Caucasus mostly consists of en echelon ridges adjacent to the Main Caucasus Range. Traditionally, the Greater Caucasus is divided into 3 parts: Western Caucasus (from the Black Sea to Elbrus), Central Caucasus (from Elbrus to Kazbek) and Eastern Caucasus (from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea).
Countries and Regions
- South Ossetia
- Abkhazia
- Russia:
- Adygea
- Dagestan
- Ingushetia
- Kabardino-Balkaria
- Karachay-Cherkessia
- Krasnodar region
- North Ossetia Alania
- Stavropol region
- Chechnya
Cities of the Caucasus
- Adygeisk
- Alagir
- Argun
- Baksan
- Buynaksk
- Vladikavkaz
- Gagra
- Gelendzhik
- Grozny
- Gudauta
- Gudermes
- Dagestan lights
- Derbent
- Dusheti
- Essentuki
- Zheleznovodsk
- Zugdidi
- Izberbash
- Karabulak
- Karachaevsk
- Kaspiysk
- Kvaysa
- Kizilyurt
- Kizlyar
- Kislovodsk
- Kutaisi
- Leningor
- Magas
- Maykop
- Malgobek
- Makhachkala
- Mineral water
- Nazran
- Nalchik
- Nartkala
- Nevinnomyssk
- Novorossiysk
- Ochamchira
- Chill
- Pyatigorsk
- Stavropol
- Stepanakert
- Sukhum
- Urus-Martan
- Tbilisi
- Terek
- Tuapse
- Tyrnyauz
- Khasavyurt
- Tkuarchal
- Tskhinvali
- Cherkessk
- Yuzhno-Sukhokumsk
Climate
The climate in the Caucasus varies both vertically (altitude) and horizontally (latitude and location). Temperatures generally decrease with elevation. The average annual temperature in Sukhum, Abkhazia at sea level is 15 degrees Celsius, and on the mountain slopes. Kazbek is at an altitude of 3700 m, the average annual air temperature drops to −6.1 degrees Celsius. On the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus Range it is 3 degrees Celsius colder than on the southern slopes. In the high mountainous regions of the Lesser Caucasus in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, there is a sharp contrast in temperatures between summer and winter due to a more continental climate. 
Precipitation increases from east to west in most areas. Altitude plays an important role: the Caucasus and mountains usually receive more rainfall than lowland areas. The northeastern regions (Dagestan) and the southern part of the Lesser Caucasus are dry. The absolute minimum annual precipitation is 250 mm in the northeastern part of the Caspian lowland. The western part of the Caucasus is characterized by high rainfall. On the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus Range there is more precipitation than on the northern slopes. Annual precipitation in the western part of the Caucasus ranges from 1000 to 4000 mm, while in the Eastern and Northern Caucasus (Chechnya, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Ossetia, Kakheti, Kartli, etc.) precipitation ranges from 600 to 1800 mm . The absolute maximum annual precipitation is 4100 mm in the region of Meskheti and Adjara. Precipitation levels in the Lesser Caucasus (southern Georgia, Armenia, western Azerbaijan), not including Meskheti, vary from 300 to 800 mm per year. 
The Caucasus is known for its high snowfall, although many regions that are not located along windward slopes do not receive much snow. This is especially true for the Lesser Caucasus, which is somewhat isolated from the influence of humidity coming from the Black Sea and receives significantly less precipitation (in the form of snow) than the Greater Caucasus Mountains. On average, in winter the snow cover in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains ranges from 10 to 30 cm. Heavy snowfalls are recorded in the Greater Caucasus Mountains (in particular, on the southwestern slope). Avalanches are common from November to April.
Snow cover in some regions (Svaneti, in the northern part of Abkhazia) can reach 5 meters. The Achishkho region is the snowiest place in the Caucasus, with snow cover reaching a depth of 7 meters.
Landscape
The Caucasus Mountains have a varied landscape, which mainly varies vertically and depends on the distance from large bodies of water. The region contains biomes ranging from subtropical low-level swamps and glacial forests (Western and Central Caucasus) to high-mountain semi-deserts, steppes and alpine grasslands in the south (mainly Armenia and Azerbaijan).
On the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, oak, hornbeam, maple and ash are common at lower altitudes, while birch and pine forests predominate at higher elevations. Some of the lowest areas and slopes are covered with steppes and grasslands. 
The slopes of the Northwestern Greater Caucasus (Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, etc.) also contain spruce and fir forests. In the high mountain zone (about 2000 meters above sea level) forests predominate. Permafrost (glacier) usually begins at approximately 2800-3000 meters.
On the southeastern slope of the Greater Caucasus, beech, oak, maple, hornbeam and ash are common. Beech forests tend to dominate at higher altitudes.
On the southwestern slope of the Greater Caucasus, oak, beech, chestnut, hornbeam and elm are common at lower altitudes, coniferous and mixed forests (spruce, fir and beech) are common at higher altitudes. Permafrost begins at an altitude of 3000-3500 m.
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The Caucasus Mountains, born in the collision of the Eurasian and Arabian plates, are like a symbol of the mentality of the peoples living next to them. Proud and tall, they stand as a miraculous wall between the Asian and European parts of our continent on land. Humanity has not yet decided whether to classify them as Europe or Asia.
Height of the Caucasus Mountains: 5642 m (Greater Caucasus) and 3724 m (Lesser Caucasus).
Length of the Greater Caucasus: 1100 km. small - 600 km.
See the geographical location of the Caucasus Mountains or where they are located and how they are located on the map. To enlarge the map of the Caucasus mountains, just click on it.
The Caucasian ranges, not crossed by rivers, are called watersheds. The Caucasus mountain system, the same age as the Alps, with a thirty-million-year history, is firmly inscribed in the memory of mankind through biblical lines and Greek myths. It was on one of the mountains of the system that the dove released from Noah’s Ark found a twig, on the top of Ararat. The legendary Prometheus, who gave fire to people, was chained to one of the Caucasian rocks.
The Caucasus is divided into two parts, which are called the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. The first extends from Taman almost to Baku and consists of the Western, Central and Eastern Caucasus. One and a half thousand square kilometers of ice, the highest point of Eurasia - Elbrus (the top of the Caucasus Mountains), Iron Mountain, and six mountain peaks five thousand kilometers high - this is what the Greater Caucasus is.
The Lesser Caucasus is a mountain range near the Black Sea, with peaks up to four kilometers high.
The Caucasus Mountains are located between the Caspian and Black Sea coasts and at the same time on the territory of several countries. These are Russia, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey.
The climate of the Caucasus is varied: from typically maritime in Abkhazia, it changes to sharply continental in Armenia.
The Caucasus is inhabited by unique animals - chamois, mountain goats, wild boars; in particularly remote and inaccessible places you can find a leopard or bear.
Alpine meadow grasses, coniferous forests climbing up from the foothills, wild rivers, lakes, waterfalls, mineral water springs, clean air.
It is thanks to this successful combination of values for human health that there are a huge number of sanatorium and resort establishments in the region.
Rock climbing lovers are attracted by the royal Elbrus and its neighbors - Shkhara, Kazbek, Dzhangitau, Dykhtau and Koshnantau. Among the snows of the Caucasus there is a place for skiers and snowboarders, lovers of hiking and thrills, rafting enthusiasts, as well as all those who value their health. The Caucasus offers health paths, Norwegian walking, rock climbing, river rafting, skiing and many other types of active recreation.
Once you have visited the mountains sung by the “genius of Lermontov”, you will remember them for the rest of your life.
Video: Wildlife of Russia 4 of 6 Caucasus Mountains.
Video: Hiking in the Caucasus Mountains.
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The Achishkho mountain range is the closest ridge to Red Polyana and the most picturesque. The highest mountain, Achishkho, has a height of 2391 meters above sea level. An interesting fact about the name of the ridge: “Achishkho” translated from Abkhaz means “horse”. This is confirmed by the view from below, from Polyana to the mountain range. If you look closely, you can see the outline of a horse. The most popular hiking route passes through a special place located on the mountainside, approximately 1800 meters above sea level, where there was a weather station from the 30s to the 90s.
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The Aibga mountain range is located on the territory of the Sochi National Park, on the eastern side of Krasnaya Polyana. The ridge extends over 20 kilometers and consists of four highest points called peaks. The most popular peak mountain among tourists is the Black Pyramid, 2375 meters above sea level. It has an unusual shape, which makes it especially popular among climbers. In addition, from the top of the mountain there is a wonderful, breathtaking landscape. Having conquered this mountain, you will see the valley of the Mzymta River, the peaks of Chugush and Pseashkho.
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One of the most beautiful resort places in our country is Dombay. The main attractions of this city are its picturesque places. The Mussa-Achitara ridge is considered the most picturesque ridge in this part of the Caucasus. In order to appreciate all the beauty that surrounds the guests of the resort, you need to climb the mountainside by cable car. From this place there is a wonderful picturesque view of the peaks and glaciers of the Main Range, the Teberda and Gonachkhiri valleys.
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Ine Peak is located near the place where the northern Dzhugurlutchat glacier originates. The name of the mountain is translated as “Needle”; the mountain got its name because of its pointed top; this unusual view for mountains attracts many tourists from all over the world. The top of Ine Peak is covered with snow all year round, and although its sheer cliffs are relatively difficult to conquer, the top of Ine Peak is quite a popular place among climbers. The height of the “needle” reaches 3455 meters, which is about 600 meters lower than the highest mountain of the Caucasus watershed ridge. It is best to view the mountain from the site of Mount Mussa-Achi-Tara; it is 400 meters lower than Ine Peak, but in exchange it can be reached by cable car.
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In the North Caucasus, among the Dombay glade, somewhat east of the Back (Small) Belalakai mountain, there is a peak called Sufrudzhu. The height of the mountain is 3871 m. A wide depression divides the massif into two even parts - Southern and Northern. Both peaks are clearly visible from the Musat-Cheri ski resort. The southern part was called Sufrudju's Tooth, which means "Tiger's Fang". The massif stretches for 3600 m and acts as the main attraction of the mountainous Dombay.
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Belalakai is a mountain located next to the village in Dombay, since the village is a resort. The mountain has become a symbol of this village and attracts a lot of tourists. Its height is 3861 meters. Although the height of this mountain is 200 meters lower than the highest in Abkhazia, it is no less a landmark. Belalakai owes its fame to quartz. Most of the mountain consists of dark soil rocks and dark granite, however, due to centuries-old geological processes, there are deposits of quartz on the mountain. It is this quartz that created the white stripes that adorn the top of this mountain; the white stripes of Belalakai are especially visible in late summer. Due to the beauty of the local landscapes, the mountain has been mentioned more than once in songs and poems.
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Dzhuguturluchat is a relatively small massif in the Greater Caucasus Range. The mountain range rose to a height of 3921 meters, which is only 120 meters less than the highest point on the Caucasus ridge. In the highest areas of the mountain range there are herds of aurochs; it was they who gave these mountains the name “Dzhugurluchat” - which translates as: “herd of aurochs”. The mountain range originates from the Dombay plateau, however, the most beautiful places open up from a place called “Mussa-Achi-Tara”; this is where most tourists gather.
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Cheget is one of the highest mountains in the Caucasus. Its height reaches about 3770 meters. It is a popular tourism destination among travelers. From the mountain you can enjoy the view of the highest peak in Europe – Elbrus. Another feature of Mount Cheget is the second line of the cable car, which passes through an area where there is snow that does not melt throughout the year.There are three lines of the cable car in total. The height of the first reaches about 1600 meters. It is one of the most popular for tourists who come to Cheget to enjoy the view of Elbrus.
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This mountain, after Elbrus, is the second most popular among climbers. This is because it is also quite high - 4454 meters above sea level.
There are several ways to get to the mountain: by cable car or on foot. Tourists who choose the first method can use the Cheget cable car at the final point, where small cafes are located. The second and more difficult path, which takes several hours, is from the Cheget meadow along a path already crowded with tourists. However, it is better to hit the road with an experienced guide, otherwise there is a chance of getting lost in the mountains.
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The North Caucasus will captivate many tourists with its beauty and landscapes. Mount Semenov-Bashi, located in the east of the Caucasus Range, is no exception. In reality, it is just a protrusion 3602 m high above the ground. The mountain was named in honor of the Russian explorer P.P. Semenov-Tyan-Shansky. This man was a traveler and was the chairman of the Russian Geographical Society.
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Mount Chotcha is part of the Caucasus range, which is famous for its picturesque mountains and rocks. Chotcha, unlike other mountains, is divided into two parts, as if someone cut the mountain in the middle into two halves. Unlike mountains that have just a smaller mountain next to them, at first glance you can see that the mountain has one base on which there are two rocks. The rock in the foreground is lower than the back one; it is 3637 meters high, which is 400 meters lower than the highest mountain of the Caucasus range. The second rock is only three meters higher than the first, it is 3640 meters above sea level.
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Mount Ertsog is on the list of one of the most visited places in the Caucasus range. The Alibek River flows at the foot of the mountain; in addition to the mountain itself, this place has a very beautiful lowland. In the gorge where the river flows, a massive slope descends; it becomes especially beautiful in the spring, when the sun illuminates the slope full of bright green vegetation. Mount Erzog is part of the Teberdinsky ridge; the ridge itself encircles a lowland with a river and makes a very strong impression on tourists who visit it.
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Mount Sulokhat is located in the Dombay region and is one of the largest points of the Caucasian watershed ridge. The height of the mountain is 3439 meters, which is about 600 meters lower than the largest mountain on the Caucasus ridge. Mount Sulohat is surrounded by many legends, the most popular about the origin of the name of the mountain. In ancient times, the foot of the mountain was inhabited by the Alan tribe. In this tribe there lived a girl named Sulohat, she was of extraordinary beauty and courage and was the daughter of the leader of the tribe.
A report about the Caucasus Mountains, a majestic landmark and highlight of the Caucasus, is presented in this article.
Message about the Caucasus Mountains
Caucasus Mountains geographical location
They are spread between Asia and Europe, the Middle and Near East. The mountains of the Caucasus region are divided into 2 systems - the Lesser and Greater Caucasus. The Greater Caucasus is located almost to Baku from Taman and includes the Western, Central and Eastern Caucasus. But the Lesser Caucasus is a mountain range near the Black Sea. They are located between the Black Sea and Caspian coasts, covering the territories of such countries as South Ossetia, Russia, Abkhazia, Armenia, Georgia, Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Translated, their name means “mountains hold up the sky.” The length of the Caucasus Mountains is 1100 km, and their width is 180 km. The most famous and highest peaks of the system are Mount Elbrus and Kazbek.
How old are the Caucasus Mountains?
The Caucasian mountain system is the same age as the Alps and has a 30-million-year history, inscribed in Greek myths and biblical lines. According to legend, when Noah released a dove from the ark in search of dry land, it brought Noah a twig from the mountains of the Caucasus system. And the myths indicate that Prometheus, the man who gave fire to people, is chained here.
What do the Caucasus Mountains look like?
The mountains are fraught with many unusual things. On their peaks you can find preserved glaciers. Earthquakes are still observed here, since the Caucasus Mountains are young from a geological point of view.
Their appearance is determined by the relief, which is represented by different shapes. Mountain peaks with sharp peaks shot up into the sky. With their outlines, they are similar either to the walls of a castle with towers, or to Egyptian pyramids. In the mountains there are also glaciers, rivers and areas with surfaces heavily damaged by wind erosion.
Climate
The climate of the Caucasus mountain system is quite diverse. These places are characterized by pronounced zonality. These mountains are a natural barrier that prevents the movement of air masses, thereby determining the diversity of the climate. The southern and western slopes receive much more precipitation than the northern and eastern slopes. The Caucasus Mountains are located in almost all climatic zones: from humid subtropics with wet and warm winters, dry hot summers to a dry continental climate, turning into semi-desert in the east.
Near the foothills there are snowy, cold winters with dry summers, and the higher you go in the mountains, the lower the temperature. At an altitude of 3.5 thousand km. it reaches -4 0 C.
Flora and fauna
The Caucasus Mountains are inhabited by unique animals. Among them are chamois, wild boars, mountain goats, foxes and bears, the mountain jerboa and ground squirrel, and in remote places bears and leopards live. On the way from the foot to the top, high-mountain meadow grasses and coniferous forests grow, which are “fed” by rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and mineral springs.
- For the first time, a person climbed the highest peak of the Caucasus Mountains system on July 22, 1829.
- There are a lot of species of invertebrate animals in the Caucasus; for example, approximately 1000 species of spiders still live there.
In the Caucasus 6349 species of flowering plants, including 1600 native species.
In the Caucasus many endemic representatives– slightly less than 1,600 species of flora, 32 species of mammals and 3 species of birds.
- Permafrost begins at altitude 3000-3500 m.
We hope that the report about the Caucasus Mountains helped you prepare for the lesson. And you can leave your message about the Caucasus Mountains using the comment form below.
