Last week I was in the Elbrus region to test the new Ford Ranger. At the same time, we climbed on the cable car to the "Bochki" shelter, located at an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level.
Meanwhile, Elbrus itself is considered the highest point in Russia and Europe. It has two peaks (this is an extinct volcano) with a height of 5621 and 5642 meters. To climb to the top, there are three lines of cable cars, then the ascent is possible either on foot or on a snowcat.
2. The cable car starts at the Azau station, located at an altitude of 2350 meters above sea level. There was a heavy downpour during the night, resulting in a mudflow. This Niva turned out to be a prisoner of the elements, but when we went downstairs they had already dug it out and she left.
3. There are two lifts on the first stage. An old pendulum cable car with two cabins with a capacity of 20 people each. And a new gondola-type cable car with detachable cabins (58 in total) with a capacity of 8 people each. They arrive at the Stary Krugozor station (altitude 3,000 meters).
4. The next line of cable cars goes from the Stary Krugozor station (3000 meters) to the Mir station (3500 meters). Here is exactly the same traffic pattern with two cable cars: the old one (pendulum) and the new one (gondola type). The cost of a sightseeing lift on a gondola cable car is 600 rubles, on a pendulum one - 300.
6. If in Mineralnye Vody that day the temperature was +30 °C, then here, at an altitude of more than 3500 meters, it became cold.
7. Tourists descend to the cable car.
8. The tops of Elbrus are densely covered with clouds. In the foreground, you can see numerous snowmobiles and snowmobiles that offer to take you a little higher for 1000 rubles. Further, there is Shelter 11 (height 4130 meters), where in 1938 the highest mountain hotel in Russia was built, which burned down in 1998.
9. Melting glacier.
10. General view of the shelter "Barrels".
11. Disassembled snowcat.
12. Shelter "Barrels" consists of 9 six-seater residential containers-barrels, where tourists undergo acclimatization before climbing to the top of Elbrus. And also pay attention to how the concrete slabs in front of them led.
13. Shop with beer at an altitude of 3800 meters. That's right, what else to do during the acclimatization period.
14. Because There is no time for acclimatization and climbing Elbrus, and we fly to Moscow on the same day - we go down.
15. Finally, a picture of an excellent high-mountain toilet-type toilet, located at the Mir station (altitude 3500 meters above sea level). And one more thing, I almost forgot to say - I was extremely surprised at the availability of free Wi-Fi Internet at this height. I won’t even write about the amount of garbage, and everything is clear ...
Elbrus is the highest peak in Russia. It is located in the North Caucasus, where the border between Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia passes. Immediate big cities- Mineral waters, Nalchik, Pyatigorsk. Elbrus is considered the standard natural beauty and a symbol of a healthy lifestyle. Recently, the legendary peak became a laureate of the 7 Wonders of Russia competition.
Anatomy of Elbrus
From the side, Elbrus resembles a two-humped camel, since it has two peaks at once. One is only two dozen meters higher than the other. The western one reaches a height of 5642 m. The eastern one is slightly lower - 5621 m. From a distance it seems that they are located very close to each other. In fact, they are almost a mile and a half apart. The peaks are separated by the so-called saddle of Elbrus. The steepness of the rocks is on average 350.
There is an honorary world ranking, which is called the "Seven Peaks". It includes the highest mountains from six parts of the world. Elbrus is the leader in Europe. The second place is occupied by Mont Blanc. He lags behind his Caucasian competitor by as much as 832 m! The nuance is that there are several methods for determining the border between Europe and Asia. Elbrus is considered "European" if it is carried out along the Greater Caucasus Range. Due to uncertainty, both peaks, Elbrus and Mont Blanc, were included in the rating.
Photo: Once upon a time, fiery lava flowed along the slopes of Elbrus
From a geological point of view, Elbrus is a typical stratovolcano, which is characterized by a conical shape. Its thickness consists of layers of hardened lava and volcanic ash. Three million years ago, real hell reigned in these places. In total, Elbrus erupted for almost 250 thousand years! Looking at the peaceful peak today, it's hard to believe. Last surge volcanic activity occurred about 80 thousand years ago. By human standards - a huge period, and by geological - an instant. Some scientists believe that the volcano is still waiting for a burst of activity.
There is no bad weather
The Elbrus region is characterized by a sharp change in weather. On average, cycles last about a week. Good weather is replaced by bad weather, then the idyll reigns again. In the first half of summer, rains are frequent guests. At an altitude of up to 2000 m, the maximum temperature can reach +35. The average temperature is much lower. It also goes down with height. However, this is enough to slightly melt the glaciers. They are the ones that give rise to major rivers like Kuban, Malka and Baksan.
Autumn in the mountains comes in the second half of August, and winter at an altitude of more than 2000 m can come as early as October. The average January temperature is -12, but drops sharply with altitude. Because of this, Elbrus is called "Little Antarctica". For every 200 m of ascent, the temperature decreases by one degree. In winter, frost is fierce at the top. The temperature can drop to -40, and the wind speed, on the contrary, increase to 40 m/s! Such harsh conditions prevail at an altitude of more than 4000 m.
Most of the snow falls on the southern slopes. To a lesser extent, the northern side is covered with snow. The average thickness of the snow cover is 0.8 meters. The beginning of spring in the mountains falls on the first half of May. During this period, at an altitude of up to 3000 m, the snow actively melts and descends in the form of wet avalanches. All year round the danger is the bright sun. To save yourself from an overdose of ultraviolet radiation, you must have a protective cream and dark glasses.
Photo: Most of the snow falls on the southern slopes
Climatic conditions determine the specifics of the fauna and flora of the Elbrus region. Caucasian turs, chamois, and roe deer live in the mountains. There are wild boars at the foot. If you're lucky, you can meet yaks on the slopes. They tried to breed artificially, but the experiment was not successful. Moose, jackals, wolves, foxes are found in the forests. The belt of alpine meadows was chosen by the Caucasian black grouse, mountain turkey, stone partridge, as well as raptors - black vulture, lamb, golden eagle and others. It is worth being afraid of vipers, although the highlanders say that meeting with her is fortunate!
Why Elbrus?
Names are given by people, so Elbrus remained nameless for a long time after the birthday. With the advent of people, the mountain received several names at once. This is due to the fact that they were invented by representatives of different tribes who did not have a written language and did not communicate with each other. The Kabardino-Balkarians called it "Mingi Tau" - "Eternal Mountain". In Kumyk, her name sounded like "Askhar-tau" - "Snow Mountain of Ases." The Adyghes called "Kuskhemakha" - "Mountain that brings happiness."
By official version the word "Elbrus" comes from the Persian "al-bordzhi", which means "surging". At least on the territory of modern Iran there is a mountain called Elburz. The Ossetian language has the word "albors" - a high mountain. Georgians call the "snow mane" "yalbuz". Apparently, over time, the names merged and transformed. This is how the “arithmetic mean” Elbrus appeared.
Photo: Elbrus region - the territory of traditions and legends
As with any place of worship, many legends are associated with Elbrus. Some of them explain the presence of two peaks. It is believed, for example, that they owe their appearance to Noah, who, during the Flood, touched the top with his ark and split it in two. To repair the damaged ship, he tried to land on the mountain, but was unable to do so. Then Noah cursed her, wishing her eternal winter. Since then, the two peaks of Elbrus have always been covered with ice and snow.
Brief history of ascents
As a prospector dreams of finding the largest nugget, so climbers have always dreamed of conquering Elbrus. And not only dreamed, but conquered. The pioneers were the scientists. This happened in July 1829. Then the mountain peak was stormed by such famous personalities as the founder of the St. Petersburg geophysical observatory Adolf Kupfer and physicist Emil Lenz. For a while, even the botanist Karl Meyer and the artist Joseph Bernardazzi became climbers!
The expedition was led by General George Emmanuel. Then he commanded the Caucasian fortified area. The event was purely scientific in nature. The ascent was provided by 650 soldiers and 350 Cossacks. Scientists, guides and 20 Cossacks took part directly in the assault on Elbrus. Before Eastern summit only four came. And the West Summit was first climbed only in 1874.
Photo: General George Emmanuel
Forty years later, Elbrus submitted to the English climbers. Then came the era of records. German Merzbacher and Austrian Purcheller climbed up in just eight hours! In 1925, the first woman conquered the summit. Since the middle of the 20th century, climbers have become mass ascents. And now the folk trail does not overgrow here. Elbrus beckons and attracts like a huge magnet.
In the history of conquests there were legendary cases. So in 1974, three UAZ-469 SUVs climbed to a height of 4200 meters! This was done without the help of winches. Since the air at such an altitude is very rarefied, the engines did not work at full strength. Cars often got stuck in the snow. They had to be dug out with shovels. However, the people and cars endured. A unique "ascent" took place!
Elbrus for skiers
If there are slopes and snow, then there are ski resorts. The Elbrus region is no exception in this regard. Ski resorts"Azau" and "Cheget" are located in the Elbrus region of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, 186 km from Mineralnye Vody. The Azau ski area is suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. "Cheget" is more suitable for advanced "users".
The skiing season in the Elbrus region lasts from October to May. The high season is from February to April. In the spring, not only ride on the slopes, but also sunbathe. Skating on the glaciers is possible all year round.
Photo: The skiing season lasts from October to May
On the slopes of "Azau" there are 3 tracks: "Polyana Azau - Krugozor" (length - 5100 m, difficult), "Krugozor - World" (5110 m, medium), "Mir - Gara-Bashi" (2000 m, easy). The stations are located at altitudes from 2350 to 3847 m. It is possible to climb even higher, but for this you will have to use a snowcat. The elevation difference on the tracks is from 347 to 650 m. The total length of the slopes is 12.2 km, and the total elevation difference is 1497 m. The width of the tracks is from 60 to 80 m. The artificial snow system allows skiing up to 180 days a year.
The capacity of the lifts to the Mir station is 2400 people/hour, to Gara-Bashi - 1400 people/hour. From the station "Krugozor" the Baksan valley is clearly visible. Above you will see a panorama of the Greater Caucasus Range. And from the maximum point - glaciers. The station "Gara-Bashi" "soars" above the clouds and is considered the highest mountain in Europe. The opening hours of the lifts are from 9:00 to 17:00. On the rise - until 16:00.
There are eight types of ski passes on sale - from a one-time lift to a six-day subscription. Children under 6 years old - entrance to the ski lifts is free. On weekends, the cost of a ski pass increases by an average of 20%. In the period from 22.05 to 01.12, summer tariffs are in effect, providing for only one-time descent and ascent. At this time, not skiers, but climbers climb the mountains.
In "Cheget" there are more difficult conditions for skiing. Local routes are more difficult than many European ones. In 1963, skiers first went upstairs on a cable-chair lift. Now Cheget has 15 tracks. They are laid at altitudes from 2100 to 3050 m. total length reaches 20 km. There are luxurious conditions for snowboarders and freeriders. The easiest route is on the top of the slope.
There are three lines of the cable car on Cheget. One- and two-seat lifts operate from the Chegetskaya Polyana to the Cheget-2 station (2100-2750 m). To the station "Cheget-3" (2750-3000 m) they rise on a single-seat or drag lift. Up to the highest point (3070 m) only a drag lift operates. The resort offers two options for a ski pass - one-time and one-day. On the "Chegenskaya Polyana", in the immediate vicinity of the ski lifts, there are several hotels.
The resorts have shops that sell everything you need for skiing. skiing and snowboarding. Equipment rental available. Beginners can hire an instructor. Excursions are organized for tourists. The main attractions are the Narzans Valley, the Chegem waterfalls, the Bezengi glacier, Blue Lake, waterfall " Girlish braids», national park"Prielbrusye".
Currently, there are more than 70 accommodation places in the Elbrus region, including alpine camps, guest houses, boarding houses and hotels. Living conditions can vary greatly in cost depending on the services provided. In addition to hotels, you can stay in the private sector in the villages of Terskol, Baidaevo, Tegenekli, Elbrus, Neutrino. The price of housing falls in proportion to the distance from the ski lifts.
Photo: There are more than 70 accommodation places in the Elbrus region
Climbing routes
For beginners, climbing Elbrus along the southern slope is optimal. The route starts at the Azau Polyana. To the station "Gara-Bashi", located at an altitude of 3847 m, the lift delivers tourists in one hour. Those who wish can climb up to the Oblique shelf at an altitude of 5100 m on a snowcat. For those who want to test themselves, it is better to overcome this stage on their own, without the use of technical means.
The southern route passes by Priyut 11 (4130 m) and Pastukhov rocks (4700 m), which are named after the famous Russian climber Andrey Pastukhov. Then you will have to overcome the Saddle at an altitude of 5300 m. This part of the route is quite simple. But at the final stage, you will have to work hard. To conquer Elbrus, it is necessary to overcome a rather steep climb. But the view from the Western peak is amazing!
The northern slope of the mountain is considered more difficult. The route is designed for trained climbers. Climbing to the top along the classic path of pioneers is not an easy task. This route is more often used to conquer the Eastern Summit. From a height of 3800 m, the glacier begins, so here you will need "cats". At the Lenz Rocks at an altitude of 4800 m, you will have to stop for a rest to acclimatize. Gaining strength and getting used to the rarefied air, you can storm the summit.
From the east side to Elbrus, a route was laid along the Achkeryakol lava flow. This is a rather long and difficult climbing option. The route goes through Irik-Chat (3667 m) - one of the most beautiful passes in the Elbrus region. From here you have a great view of the lava flow and the Jikauchenkez ice plateau. The object of conquest is the Western peak.
The name "Wild West" is best suited to the western slope of Elbrus. This is an option for extreme sportsmen. Civilization has bypassed these places - there are no snowcats or ski lifts. It is chosen by tourists in good physical shape, since all equipment from beginning to end will have to be carried in backpacks. Victory is celebrated on the Western Summit.
For those who make the ascent, there are shelters in the mountains. This is the name of the place where you can hide from the weather, relax, spend the night. The first shelter on Elbrus appeared in 1909 at an altitude of 3200 m. It could accommodate only five people. In 1932, at an altitude of 4200 meters, the Shelter of Eleven appeared. It already accommodated 40 people. Then the shelters "Sedlovina" and "Shelter of the Nine" were opened. They operate to this day.
Of the new shelters, "Barrels" should be noted. About a dozen six-seater cylindrical houses are located near the Gara-Bashi station at an altitude of 3847 m. For climbers, this is the most popular place start before the assault on Elbrus. Nearby are the Khasan shelter for 12 people and the Kotelnaya shelter, which accommodates up to 50 people. On the south side there are shelters Shuvalov, "Maria" and "Esen".
LeapRus is considered to be the highest mountain comfortable shelter. It is located on the southern slope at an altitude of 3900 m and is designed for 48 people. It has all the charms of civilization - heating, hot water and lighting. Solar panels provide electricity to tourists.
Photo: High-level mountain hotel
Our tourist club offers the following Elbrus climbing programs:
- Climbing with tents from the north side to the east peak
How to get there
By plane you can get to Mineralnye Vody or Nalchik. From there, take a bus or taxi to Terskol, a village in Kabardino-Balkaria. It is considered a resort center. Organized tourists order a transfer through travel agencies. The trip from Nalchik will take about 3 hours, from Mineralnye Vody - 4 hours.
There are railway stations in Nalchik, Pyatigorsk, Mineralnye Vody and Prokhladny. A daily train runs between Moscow and Nalchik. By trains Moscow - Kislovodsk you will get to Mineralnye Vody or Pyatigorsk, and by train Moscow - Vladikavkaz - to Prokhladnaya station.
Up to large settlements Elbrus region there are intercity buses. In their cars, tourists go to Elbrus through Krasnodar or Rostov-on-Don.
The highest peak in Russia belongs to the mountain system Caucasus mountains. This is the two-headed Elbrus, located on the border of two Caucasian republics - Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The highest mountain in Russia has a height of 5642 meters. Some researchers have awarded her the title of the highest in Europe, but this is not entirely true. Alpine Mont Blanc (4807) is really inferior in height to Elbrus. But Elbrus is located north of the Main Caucasian Range, along which the border between Europe and Asia passes. The lateral ridge, to which Mount Elbrus belongs, definitely belongs to Asia.
Mount Elbrus - photo
The first mention of the highest peak in Russia in historical literature can be found in the Book of Victories. In the descriptions of Tamerlane's military campaigns, there is information that the "great lame man" climbed Elbrus in order to pray there.
On top of Elbrus
Mount Elbrus - photo
The Caucasus also attracted conquerors at a later time. During the Great Patriotic War Great interest in the Elbrus region was shown by the German special service "Ahnenerbe", which was engaged in the study of paranormal phenomena and occult forces. During the battle for the Caucasus, a special group of mountain shooters of the Edelweiss division was allocated, which in 1942 installed German flags on both peaks of Elbrus. Soviet troops removed them in February 1943, and the battle for the Shelter of Eleven went down in history as the highest mountain battle of the Second World War. Until now, frozen bodies of the dead and various ammunition are found in the Caucasian glaciers.
Elbrus It is an extinct volcano with two peaks. They are interconnected by a saddle at an altitude of approximately 5300 meters. The lower peak, which has a height of 5621 meters, is considered by geologists to be younger in age. It retained a clear crater and the shape of a regular cone. The older peak of Mount Elbrus, lying to the trap, has been substantially destroyed.
Two peaks of Elbrus - photo
The greatest peak of the Caucasus last erupted around 50 AD. This does not allow us to call the volcano extinct, since volcanoes that have not erupted in the memory of mankind are called such. Volcanologists prefer to call it dormant and believe that the peaks of its activity occurred at periods of 30, 100 and 220 thousand years ago. The structure of volcanic ash, cooled lava and tuff, arranged in layers, is also characteristic.
Mount Elbrus - photo
Mount Elbrus - photo
The slopes of Elbrus, relatively gentle at the bottom, above the mark of 4000 meters acquire a steepness of up to 35 degrees. It is easier to climb from the east or south, as there are a lot of steep sections on the northern and western slopes with elevation changes of up to 700 meters.
Climbing route to Elbrus
All the Caucasus is characterized by altitudinal zonality, which is expressed in the alternation of natural zones during the rise from the foot to the top. On Elbrus, the snow line is located at an altitude of 3500 meters. End here alpine meadows and above there are only rocks, snow and glaciers. Since the snow does not melt above this line, the mountain constantly has a snow-white cap, which allows us to call it Little Antarctica. This hat is clearly visible in the photo of Mount Elbrus.
Mount Elbrus - photo
The total area of glaciers is 135 square kilometers. Among the largest are Big and Small Azau, as well as Terskop. They serve as the basis of the nutrition of the Caucasus, including the Kuban. Numerous tongues of glaciers descend into the valleys, where they melt, leaving deposits.
The first documented ascent to the eastern, lower peak took place in 1829. Kabardian Kilar Khashirov, who served as a guide for the Russian expedition, climbed it on July 22.
The height of Mount Elbrus was a great irritant for climbers, and in 1874 the highest point of the Caucasus was conquered by the team of Florence Grove. A simple hunter Ahiya Sottaev became a true champion in ascents. He was not only the first to visit both peaks, but also made nine ascents, the last at a more than venerable age. At that time, he was 121 years old!
Elbrus is a popular tourist area. The volcanic heat produced hot mineral springs. Their temperature reaches 60 degrees. Bathing in the springs is used in the prevention and treatment of many types of diseases.
Alpine hotel "Shelter of Eleven"
These places are popular with ski lovers. They have numerous slopes equipped with ski lifts. On most of them, the season lasts from October to May, but on peaks above 3800 meters, skiing is possible all year round. Lots of lovers extreme sports. They get to the very tops of the mountains with the help of helicopters and descend on skis or snowboards. Often such extreme athletes become the culprits of avalanches.
Shelter "barrels"
The tourist attraction of Elbrus has increased after the Olympics in Sochi. It was used to attract not only Russian, but also foreign tourists and amateurs to the region. winter views sports. This was partly successful, and Mount Elbrus for foreigners is now associated not only with the highest point in Russia, but also with high-quality ski slopes.
Thus, the height of Mount Elbrus, which is more than five and a half kilometers, can become not only a part of geographical statistics, but also a starting point for the development of an entire region.
Views from the top of Elbrus
The two peaks crowning the cone-shaped volcano are separated by a saddle, the height of which is 5300 m. The peaks of Elbrus are two independent volcanoes formed on an ancient volcanic base. The height of the young cone, located in the east, is 5621 m. This volcano has retained its classic cone shape with a clearly defined crater. The height of the maximum point of Elbrus - the western peak - reaches 5642 m. This volcano has enough ancient history, which was displayed on the state of its upper part - it is partially destroyed by a vertical fault.
Elbrus is a saddle-shaped volcano cone that was last active in 50 AD. e. It was most active about 225 thousand, then 110-70 thousand and less than 30 thousand years ago. The mountain, formed about a million years ago, consists of alternating layers of lava, ash and tuff.
The slopes of Elbrus are mostly gentle, but starting from a height of 4000 meters, the average slope angle reaches 35 degrees. The northern and western slopes are strewn with steep rocky areas up to 700 meters high. The eastern and southern ones are more gentle and even.
Flowers on the southern slope of Elbrus:
At an altitude of more than 3500 meters, the volcano is covered with stone placers, rocks and glaciers. The number of the latter is about 70 pieces, and their total area equal to 134.5 km². The most famous glaciers of Elbrus are: Terskop, Big and Small Azau. The streams erupting from them, uniting, create the three main rivers of the region - Baksanu, Kuban and Malka. The surface free from glaciers is covered with moraines. A huge cap of ice and snow preserves the picturesque shape of a Kazakhstani volcano all year round. It is because of this snow cap that Elbrus is called Little Antarctica.
The first written mention of a two-peak volcano can be found in the "Book of Victories" written by the Persian historian and poet, Sharaf ad-Din Yazdi. It tells about the Central Asian conqueror Tamerlane, who, during his military campaigns, climbed to the top of Elbrus to pray.
The peoples of the Caucasus and the Middle East folded about Elbrus a large number of songs and legends. One of the legends tells that before the mountain was one-humped. On its top lived the magical bird Simurgh, who bestowed happiness and prosperity on the highlanders who inhabited the valleys of the mountain gorges. This idyll lasted for many centuries, until the desire to take possession of the bird's throne under heaven did not lead to its possessions of two greedy people. Their fierce struggle was stopped by higher powers: a blinding lightning cut the sky, a terrible thunder broke out and Elbrus split in two, spewing fiery streams that incinerate everything in its path. After such a terrible duel, the magical bird Simurgh hid deep underground, upset by the ingratitude and greed of people.
According to scientists, Elbrus has not reminded of itself for quite a long time, but, despite this, the current degree of activity does not give specialists a reason to attribute it to extinct volcanoes, now he has the status of "sleeping". The volcano is indeed quite active in external and internal activities. In its depths there are still hot masses that heat the local "Hot Narzans" - springs saturated with mineral salts and carbon dioxide, the temperature of which reaches +52°C and +60°C. In the bowels of the volcano, the life of many famous springs begins medical resorts Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk and the entire region of the Caucasian Mineralnye Vody.
The climate on Elbrus is characterized by severity, which makes it related to the Arctic regions. The average temperature in the warmest month of the year does not rise above -1.4°C. There is a lot of precipitation here, but they are mainly represented only in the form of snow.
Around the two-headed giant are the most beautiful peaks of the Caucasus: Nakra-Tau, Ushba, Donguz-Orun.
For the first time, a person managed to reach the eastern (lower) peak of the volcano on July 22, 1829. This was done by the conductor of the Russian scientific expedition, a Kabardian by nationality, Kilar Khashirov. The highest peak of Elbrus (western) was conquered by a team of climbers led by Florence Grove in 1874. The first to reach both peaks was the Balkar hunter and shepherd Ahiya Sottaev. During the period of his long life, he conquered Elbrus nine times: he made his first ascent at the age of more than forty, and the last - in 1909, when he was 121 years old.
On top of Elbrus:
View from the top of Elbrus:
The study of Elbrus by Russian scientists began actively in the 19th century. Academician V.K. Vishnevsky in 1913 was the first to determine the height and location of the volcano. In addition to the status of a unique natural landmark, the famous Caucasian peak is also an important scientific base. Even before the war, the first experiments with cosmic rays in the Soviet Union were carried out here, and today the most highly located geophysical laboratory is located there.
The territory of the Elbrus region is a major center of tourism and skiing. The bulk of the guests are fans of winter sports, including extreme ones, which are very popular in these mountains. In addition to the usual snowboarding, sledding and freeride, thrill seekers were offered a new entertainment, which is climbing to the top of Elbrus by helicopter and then skiing down the mountain. For more conservative skiers, there are cable cars, with an average capacity of 2,400 people per hour.
A report about Mount Elbrus will tell you what Mount Elbrus is known for and where it is located.
Message about Mount Elbrus
Elbrus- stratovolcano in the Caucasus - the highest Mountain peak Russia and Europe, included in the list the highest peaks parts of the world "Seven Peaks".
In the 19th century, scientific research began on the summit. The exact height and location was determined only in 1913. The goal of the first expedition in 1829 was to reach the top of the Elbrus volcano. It included such great scientists as Kupfer, Lenz, Minetrier. Having reached a height of 2400m, the group went further. Above the mark of 4800 m, only 5 people reached, and only three people reached the saddle of Elbrus. They could not go further because of the very softened snow.
The first to conquer the peaks of Elbrus was Ahiya Sottaev, when he was already over 40 years old. After the first ascent, he climbed the mountain 8 more times. Moreover, Sottaev made the last ascent at the age of 121.
Elbrus mountain where is located?
Elbrus is not only the highest point in Europe, but also a place of pilgrimage. It is located between Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, and the peoples living there have created many legends. For example, about the origin of the name. From the Iranian "Aytbares" meaning high mountain, from the Georgian "Yalbuz" means ice and storm. According to another theory, the name of the mountain is composed of three words: "El" - settlement, "Bur" - twist, "Us" - character.
Mount Elbrus description
Elbrus height above sea level is 5642 m. Moreover, the height of the western peak is 5642 m, and the eastern peak is 5621 m. Between them there is a saddle, inferior in height of only 300 m. There are more than 80 glaciers on the mountain, the largest are Bolshoi Azau, Irik and Terskol . They give rise to many rivers Malka, Terek, Baksan and Kuban.
Below the location of the glaciers are alpine meadows and coniferous forests. The slopes are rocky. The mountains formed more than a million years ago, and at first Elbrus was active volcano. Today, scientists are still arguing about whether the volcano is sleeping or is extinct. The "sleeping" version is favored by the fact that hot masses are preserved in its depths, which heat up local thermal springs up to +60°C.
The mountain itself consists of layers of tufa, ash and lava. The last eruption was recorded in 50 AD.
Climate
Climatic conditions near the slopes are mild. Humidity here is low, so frosts are tolerated quite easily. But higher, on the volcano, the climate is already harsh, similar to the Arctic. At the foot of the winter mountain average temperature ranges from 10 0 С to -25 0 С, and at the top it reaches -40°С. On Elbrus, precipitation is abundant and frequent, mainly in the form of snow. The air warms up in summer to +10°C at an altitude of 2500 m, and even higher in July the temperature barely reaches -14°C. The weather is characterized by instability - a windless clear day can be replaced by a snowy storm with strong wind gusts.
Relief
The climate at the foot of the mountain is varied: many gorges, stony placers. And on the slopes, even in summer, you can see melting snowflakes. On the surface of Elbrus there are glaciers with an ice thickness of 400 m. Glacial water forms streams that fall down like waterfalls. Starting from a height of 3500 m, moraine, cirques, and glacial lakes are common.
Flora and fauna
Velvet greenery, pine forests, trees and shrubs grow on the meadows of Elbrus. Flora has 3000 species. It includes pine, alder, mint, celandine, sea buckthorn, thyme, fennel, wormwood, wild rose, St. John's wort and coltsfoot.
The animal world is represented by aurochs, mountain goats, ground squirrels, raccoon dogs, wild boars, chamois, jackals, roe deer, foxes, wolves, wild cats, lynxes, squirrels and bears.
Vultures, eagles and kites, golden eagles, saker falcons, titmouses, bullfinches, thrushes, woodpeckers conquered the heavenly expanses.
- The local population calls Elbrus "Mingi-tau", which means "Mountain of the Thousands". The name emphasizes its height and size.
- This is a very difficult mountain to climb. In winter, it is generally forbidden to climb it.
- Elbrus is mentioned in the works of Herodotus. The ancient Greek historian pointed out that the god Zeus chained Prometheus to it because he gave fire to people.
We hope that the report about Mount Elbrus helped you in preparing for the classes. And you can leave your message about Mount Elbrus through the comment form below.
