Maximum and minimum temperatures in the Caucasus. Climatic conditions of the Caucasus. Questions at the end of the paragraph

Many factors influence the climate of the Caucasus. The most important of them are latitudinal zonality and vertical zonality. However, the actions of these main factors are largely corrected by the peculiarities of the geographical location and topography.

In addition, the climate of different parts of the Caucasus is greatly influenced by the proximity of the Black and Azov Seas in the west and the Caspian Sea in the east. All these factors have created a variety of climatic and forest conditions in the Caucasus.

The high mountain ranges in the Caucasus influence the advancement and distribution of baric phenomena. Thus, the main Caucasian ridge protects the territory of Transcaucasia from the invasion of cold air masses approaching from the north. These air masses flow around the ridge and enter Transcaucasia from the west and east, being moistened due to contact with the Black and Caspian Seas and somewhat warming up under the influence of the warm land surface.

Mountains, cutting in different directions the territory of Transcaucasia, and solar radiation continue to modify the climate of the Caucasus, affecting the direction and speed of air masses, their rise, etc.

All this creates the complexity and diversity of climate elements - air and soil temperatures, the amount, intensity and distribution of precipitation, relative air humidity, wind direction and speed, etc.

The intensity of solar radiation increases with the elevation of the terrain. However, the main role belongs not to the sum of heat and solar radiation, but to the air and soil temperature. Due to the intensity of solar radiation in the mountains, there are large fluctuations in air temperatures during the day.

The soil gets very warm on sunny days, especially on the slopes of southern exposure. As a result, the soil temperature changes less with increasing altitude than the air temperature, and the difference between air and soil temperatures becomes very small. At night, the surface layer of soil on the slopes noticeably cools, but in deeper layers its temperature exceeds the air temperature.

According to the degree of moisture in the Caucasus, there are: humid subtropical regions of the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory, Western Georgia and South-East Azerbaijan; humid regions of the Northern and Western Caucasus; dry regions of Eastern Georgia, Western Azerbaijan, Armenia, Dagestan.

The climate of the Caucasus can be traced with each rise in altitude, according to scientists, for every 100 meters of rise, the amount of precipitation increases by 20%, in the Crimea by 14-15%.

Precipitation and rainy days are greatly influenced by local geographic factors. Thus, under the influence of the Black Sea in the adjacent areas of Western Georgia and the Krasnodar Territory, the average annual precipitation exceeds 1000 mm, reaching 3000 mm in the coastal strip of Adjara. In dry mountainous areas, the average annual precipitation is 300-350 mm, decreasing in some years to 100 mm.

The North Caucasus is a huge territory that starts from the Lower Don. It occupies part of the Russian platform and ends with the Greater Caucasus Range. Mineral resources, mineral waters, developed agriculture - the North Caucasus is beautiful and diverse. Nature, thanks to the seas and the expressive landscape, is unique. The abundance of light, heat, the alternation of arid and humid areas provides a variety of flora and fauna.

Landscape of the North Caucasus

On the territory of the North Caucasus are the Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories, the Rostov Region and Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia and Dagestan, Chechnya and Ingushetia. Majestic mountains, endless steppes, semi-deserts, forests make this region so interesting for tourism.

The whole system of mountain ranges is represented by the North Caucasus. Its nature changes with height above sea level. The landscape of the territory is divided into 3 zones:

1. Mountain.
2. Foothill.
3. Steppe (plain).

The northern borders of the region stretch between the rivers Kuban and Terek. There is a foothill region begins to the south, which ends with multiple ridges.

The climate is influenced by the abundance of mountains and the proximity of the seas - Black, Azov, Caspian. which can be found in the North Caucasus, contain bromine, radium, iodine, potassium.

Mountains of the North Caucasus

From the icy northern regions to the hot southern regions stretches the Caucasus - the highest mountains of the country. They formed during

The system is considered a young mountain structure, just like the Apennines, Carpathians, Alps, Pyrenees, Himalayas. Alpine folding is the last epoch of tectogenesis. It led to numerous mountain structures. It is named after the Alps, where the process took its most typical manifestation.

The territory of the North Caucasus is represented by the mountains Elbrus, Kazbek, the Rocky and Pasture Range, the Cross Pass. And this is only a small, most famous part of the slopes and hills.

The highest peaks of the North Caucasus are Kazbek, the highest point of which is at around 5033 m. And the extinct volcano Elbrus - 5642 m.

Due to the complex geological development, the territory and nature of the mountains of the Caucasus are rich in gas and oil deposits. Mining takes place there - mercury, copper, tungsten, polymetallic ores.

The accumulation of mineral springs, different in their chemical composition and temperature, can be found in this area. The extraordinary usefulness of the waters led to the question of creating resort areas. Zheleznovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk are widely known for their springs and sanatoriums.

The nature of the North Caucasus is divided into humid and arid regions. The main source of precipitation is the Atlantic Ocean. That is why the foothill areas of the western part are sufficiently moistened. While the eastern region is prone to black (dusty) storms, dry winds, and drought.

Features of the nature of the North Caucasus are in the diversity of air masses. In all seasons, the cold dry stream of the Arctic, the wet stream of the Atlantic, and the tropical stream of the Mediterranean can penetrate the territory. Air masses, replacing each other, carry a variety of weather conditions.

On the territory of the North Caucasus, there is also a local wind - foehn. Cold mountain air, descending, gradually heats up. Already a hot stream reaches the earth. This is how the wind fen is formed.

Often cold air masses penetrate through the bend around it from the east and west sides. Then a cyclone reigns on the territory, detrimental to the heat-loving flora.

Climate

The North Caucasus is located on the very border of the temperate and subtropical zones. This gives the climate softness and warmth. Short winter, which lasts about two months, long summer - up to 5.5 months. The abundance of sunlight in this area is due to the same distance from the equator and the pole. Therefore, the nature of the Caucasus is characterized by riot and brightness of colors.

There is a lot of precipitation in the mountains. This is due to the fact that the air masses, lingering on the slopes and rising up, cool, give off moisture. Therefore, the climate of the mountainous regions differs from the foothills and plains. During the winter, a layer of snow accumulates up to 5 cm. On the northern slopes, the boundary of eternal ice begins.

At an altitude of 4000 m, even in the hottest summer, there are practically no positive temperatures. In winter, snow avalanches are possible from any sharp sound, unsuccessful movement.

Mountain rivers, stormy and cold, originate during the melting of snow and glaciers. That is why floods are so intense in spring and practically dry up in autumn when the temperature is low. Snowmelt stops in winter, and turbulent mountain streams become shallow.

The two largest rivers of the North Caucasus - Terek and Kuban - give the territory numerous tributaries. Thanks to them, fertile black earth soils are rich in crops.

Orchards, vineyards, tea plantations, berry fields smoothly pass into the arid zone. These are the features of the nature of the Caucasus. The cold of the mountains is replaced by the warmth of the plains and foothills, the black earth turns into chestnut soils.

Mineral water

You should know that the features of the North Caucasus are a whole complex of factors. These include the distance from the seas, oceans. The nature of the relief, landscape. Distance from equator and pole. Direction of air masses, abundance of precipitation.

It so happened that the nature of the Caucasus is diverse. There are fertile lands and arid regions. Mountain meadows and pine forests. Dry steppes and full-flowing rivers. The wealth of natural resources, the presence of mineral waters make this area attractive for industry and tourism.

The description of the nature of the Caucasus is remarkable in that more than 70 healing springs can be found on its territory. These are cold, warm, hot mineral waters. They are different in composition, which helps in the prevention and treatment of diseases:

• gastrointestinal tract;
• skin;
• circulatory systems;
• nervous system.

The most famous hydrogen sulfide waters are located in the city of Sochi. Iron springs - in Zheleznovodsk. Hydrogen sulfide, radon - in Pyatigorsk. Carbon dioxide - in Kislovodsk, Essentuki.

Flora

The vegetation cover of the territory is as diverse as the wild nature of Russia. The Caucasus is divided into mountainous, foothill, plain zones. Depending on this, the vegetation cover of the region also changes. It is due to climatic conditions, soil, precipitation.

Mountain meadows - lush alpine, hayfields. Thickets of rhododendron add color to the herbs. There you can find juniper, a creeping shrub that is adapted to a snowy lifestyle. Broad-leaved forests rush to replace them, where oak, beech, chestnut, and hornbeam grow.

Meadow-marsh vegetation alternates with arid semi-desert areas. They are filled with artificial plantations - poppies, irises, tulips, groves of white acacia and oak.

Black-fruited lands are represented by extensive berry and vineyards. The nature of the Caucasus is favorable for fruit trees, shrubs - pears, cherry plums, hawthorn, blackthorn, dogwood.

Fauna

The steppes are inhabited by such animals as ground squirrel, jerboa, hare, steppe polecat, fox, wolf. The wild nature of Russia is also rich in them. The Caucasus, its semi-desert regions, are favorable for the eared hedgehog, comb and midday gerbil, earth hare and corsac fox. There are saigas (steppe antelopes). Roe deer, brown bear, bison live in the forests.

The nature of the Caucasus is distinguished by a large number of reptiles. Humid and warm climate is an excellent condition for their survival and reproduction. This is a steppe viper and a boa constrictor, a snake and lizards.

In you can find a wild boar, reed cat, jackals. There are waterfowl, as well as an eagle, a kite, a kestrel, a lark, a bustard, a harrier, a crane.

Minerals

The nature of the Caucasus is rich in large deposits of oil and gas. Deposits of black and brown coal, copper and manganese ores, asbestos, and rock salt are of industrial importance.

Soil studies have shown that all metals necessary for the national economy can be found in the North Caucasus. These are the deposits:

• zinc;
• copper;
• chromium;
• aluminum;
• arsenic;
• lead;
• gland.

Recently, the development of building stone has gained wide popularity. Strong tuff lava and roofing slate are especially valued. For the construction of buildings, local Neogene limestone is used. The North Caucasus is famous for its deposits of granite, marble, basalt. Deposits of gold and silver have been discovered.

Conclusion

The main features of the nature of the North Caucasus lie in its diversity. A combination of glacial mountains with chokeberry lowlands, alpine meadows with semi-deserts. Abundant precipitation of the western territory passes into dry winds of the eastern regions.

Cyclones, warm and cold air fronts form a feature of the North Caucasus. Streams from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea carry moisture. Dry air masses from Central Asia and Iran are blown over by hot winds.

Clean, transparent air, saturated with ultraviolet light, gives longevity to its multinational inhabitants. Warm, short winters, the high level of the agricultural sector attracts travelers. Healing springs, deposits of natural resources make this area tempting for the healthcare system and industry.

Multi-level landscape, numerous rivers - the natural beauty of the region is striking in its splendor. Historical and cultural sights give an energy boost to this fertile area.

Summer everywhere, with the exception of the highlands, is hot. Thus, the average temperature in the plains in summer is about 25 °C, and in the upper reaches of the mountains - 0 °C.

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

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

Precipitation.

The decisive influence on the distribution of precipitation is exerted by dry Central Asian winds penetrating through the Caspian Sea, and humid Black Sea winds.

Precipitation this territory is mainly due to coming from the west cyclones, as a result of which their number gradually decreases towards 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, rainfall drops to 600 mm per year.

Their number on the Kuban plain is approximately 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 quite humid (Sochi receives 1410 mm of precipitation per year), the eastern regions are arid (Kizlyar - 340 mm).

The Caucasus is one of the southern regions of Russia. Its extreme points lie within 50.5 ° N. sh. (northern extremity of the Rostov region) and from the village. sh. (on the border of Dagestan). The territory of the North Caucasus receives a lot of solar radiation - approximately one and a half times more than, for example, the Moscow region. Its annual amount for the plains and foothill regions is 120-140 large calories (kilocalories) per square centimeter of surface.

In different seasons of the year, the radiation flux is different. In summer, each square centimeter of the surface receives 17-18 kcal per month. At this time, the heat balance is positive. In winter, the flow of sunlight is sharply reduced - up to 3-b kcal per 1 sq. km. cm per month and a lot of heat reflects the snow-covered earth's surface. Therefore, the radiation balance becomes negative for some time in the middle of winter.

In the North Caucasus, everywhere, with the exception of the highlands, there is a lot of heat. On the plains, the average temperatures in July everywhere exceed 20°, and summer lasts from 4.5 to 5.5 months. Average January temperatures fluctuate in different regions from -10° to +6°, and winter lasts only two or three months. The rest of the year is occupied by transitional seasons - spring and autumn.

Due to the abundance of heat and light, vegetation in the Caucasus has the opportunity to develop in the northern parts of the region for seven months, in Ciscaucasia - eight months, and on the Black Sea coast, south of Gelendzhik - up to 11 months. This means that with an appropriate selection of field and garden crops, one can get one and a half crops a year * in the north of the region, and even two crops in the entire Ciscaucasia.

The movement of air masses and their transformation in the territory of the North Caucasus are exceptionally complex and diverse. The area is located on the border of temperate and subtropical latitudes, not far from the warm Mediterranean Sea. As far north as the Arctic Ocean, there are no significant orographic obstacles. In the south, on the contrary, high chains of mountains rise. Therefore, in all seasons of the year, various air masses can penetrate the North Caucasus: either the cold dry air of the Arctic, or the moisture-saturated masses formed over the Atlantic Ocean, then the humid tropical air of the Mediterranean, and, finally, although very rarely, also tropical, but dry and heavily dusty air from the desert highlands of Western Asia and the Middle East. Replacing each other, various air masses create a great diversity and variety of weather conditions, which distinguish the North Caucasus. But the main amount of precipitation is associated with westerly winds that carry moisture from the Atlantic. Their moisture is intercepted by the slopes of mountains and hills facing to the west, while to the east the dryness and continentality of the climate increases, which affects the entire landscape.

The nature of the circulation of air masses in different seasons of the year has noticeable differences. And, of course, the conditions of the plains and mountains are sharply different.

On the plains in winter, the cold dense air of Siberia and Kazakhstan (the Siberian, or Asian, anticyclone) collides with each other and the relatively warm rarefied air that sets over the Black Sea (the Black Sea depression). Under the influence of the Siberian anticyclone, streams of dry, strongly cooled air are constantly directed towards Ciscaucasia. Due to the significant difference in pressure, the air flows quickly, forming strong, often stormy easterly and northeasterly winds. These winds dominate throughout the winter in the Caspian region and in the eastern parts of Ciscaucasia. Due to the dryness of the air they bring, there is almost no precipitation here, and the thickness of the snow cover is small - 5-10 cm, in some places there is no snow at all.

Further to the west, the air of the Siberian anticyclone rarely penetrates. The entire Western Ciscaucasia is under the influence of the Black Sea depression: cyclones come from there, bringing sharp warming and a lot of precipitation. The snow cover in the west is 2-3 times thicker than in the east, the winter is unstable: frequent thaws sometimes last for a week or more, with temperatures rising to 6-12° in the north and up to 20° in the south of the region.

The Stavropol Upland is a kind of climatic boundary between the Eastern and Western Ciscaucasia. Here, air masses that are very heterogeneous in their physical properties meet each other. In this case, the winds usually increase sharply; the variable wind regime is the main feature of winter in the Stavropol Territory.

Arctic air usually comes to the North Caucasus from the northwest. In the Lower Don and Ciscaucasia, this cold air, as a rule, is delayed for a long time by the dense air of the Siberian anticyclone and mountain ranges. Then, it would seem that low temperatures are not at all characteristic of these southern places. Thus, in Pyatigorsk and Maykop, the absolute minimums, that is, the lowest of the observed temperatures, are -30°, and in Krasnodar even -33°. The average lows are also quite severe: -16°, -20°.

The cold Arctic air, as if pressed against the ground, usually does not rise high and does not cross the mountain ranges that protect the Transcaucasus from the destructive northern cold. But cold invasions can bypass the Caucasus Mountains along their eastern margin along the Caspian coast, reaching Baku and its environs, often having a detrimental effect on the coastal regions of Dagestan along the way.

In the west, on a small section of the coast from Novorossiysk to Gelendzhik, where the mountain range is low, cold and dense air accumulating in the foothills sometimes rises to the saddle of the Markotkhsky pass. Then a bora falls on the city of Novorossiysk and the Tsemess Bay, in the local north-east - a wind of hurricane strength and speed, moreover, extremely cold. It often brings serious destruction to the urban economy and causes severe storms in the coastal parts of the sea.

In the spring, air masses heated from the earth's surface rush upwards and the pressure weakens. Then conditions are created for the active invasion of warm Mediterranean air. Under its influence, the unstable snow cover melts together, the average daily temperatures rise rapidly, and already in early May, summer conditions are established throughout the entire territory of the North Caucasus, except for the highlands.

In summer, the incoming air is actively transformed under the influence of a strongly heated earth's surface, and its own air, close to the tropical type, is formed on the territory of the region. On the plains everywhere, often for many weeks, an anticyclone sets in with its characteristic weather features: hot days prevail, with weak winds, low clouds and strong warming of the surface layers of air, almost without rain.

Only from time to time anticyclonic conditions are replaced by periods of passage of cyclones. They usually invade from the Atlantic through Western Europe, Belarus and Ukraine, and much less frequently from the Black Sea. Cyclones bring cloudy weather: heavy rains fall on their leading fronts, often accompanied by thunderstorms. Occasionally, long drizzling rains fall in the rear of passing cyclones.

Cyclones almost always come from the west or northwest, and as they move east and southeast, the air masses they bring lose their moisture reserves. Therefore, not only in winter, but also in summer, the western plain Ciscaucasia is more abundantly moistened than the eastern one. In the west, the annual precipitation is 380-520 mm, while in the Caspian region it is only 220-250 mm. True, in the foothills and on the Stavropol Upland, precipitation increases to 600-650 mm, but on the plains east of the upland, it is not enough to make full use of the abundance of solar heat in agriculture and horticulture. The situation is further complicated by the extreme unevenness of precipitation over time.

In fact, the entire territory of the Lower Don and the plain Ciscaucasia is not guaranteed against the possibility of droughts with their constant companions - dry winds - a cruel, inexorable enemy of field and horticultural plants. However, not all areas are equally prone to these formidable natural phenomena. So, for the period from 1883 to 1946, that is, for 64 years, droughts occurred 21 times in the Caspian region, 15 times in the Rostov region, and only 5 times in the Kuban.

During droughts and dry winds, especially in the east, dusty or black storms often occur. They occur when the upper layers of dry soil, still loosely held together by newly emerged plants, are blown away by strong winds. A cloud of dust rises into the air, covering the sky with a thick veil. Sometimes the dusty cloud is so dense that the sun barely shines through it and appears as a hazy, blood-red disk.

Measures of protection against black storms are known. The main ones are properly planned forest shelterbelts and high agricultural technology. Much has already been done in this direction. However, until now, in the fields of Ciscaucasia, it is often necessary to re-sow (re-sow) several tens of thousands of hectares, from which the most fertile soil layer is demolished during dust storms.

In autumn, the influx of solar heat weakens. Initially, the features of the summer circulation are still preserved. Anticyclonic weather prevails with a weak movement of air masses. Subsequently, the earth's surface begins to noticeably cool, and from it the lower layers of air. In the mornings, thick milky-white fogs spread over the ground that has cooled overnight. The already strongly cooled air of the Siberian anticyclone comes more and more often, and in November a winter type of circulation is established over the entire territory of the North Caucasus.

The climate of the mountainous territories of the North Caucasus (from 800-900 m and above) is very different from the adjacent plains, although it repeats some of the most common features.

One of the main differences is that the mountain slopes, delaying the flow of air masses, make them rise up. At the same time, the temperature of the air mass decreases rapidly, and moisture saturation increases, which leads to precipitation. Therefore, the mountain slopes are much better moistened: in the mountains of the Western Caucasus at altitudes above 2000 m, 2500-2600 mm falls annually; to the east their number decreases to 900-1000 mm. The lower zone of the mountains - from 1000 to 2000 m - receives less precipitation, but still enough for the growth of lush forest vegetation.

Another difference is due to the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude: for every 100 m you rise, it drops by about 0.5-0.6°. In this regard, a belt distribution of climate is clearly manifested on the mountain slopes, and already at an altitude of 2700 m on the northern slopes of the mountains of the Western Caucasus, 3700-3800 m in the Central and 3500 m in the Eastern, there is a snow line, or the border of "eternal" snow. Above it, the warm season with positive temperatures lasts no more than 2.5-3 months, and at altitudes above 4000 m, even in July, positive temperatures are observed very rarely.

Due to the abundance of precipitation in the mountains of the Western Caucasus during the winter, 4–5 and snow accumulates, and in the mountain valleys, where it is blown away by the wind, up to 10–12 m. even a sharp sound, so that a thousand-ton mass of accumulated snow, breaking off a steep ledge, flew down with a terrible roar, destroying everything in its path. In the mountains of the Eastern Caucasus, due to the general dryness, the snow cover is much less.

The third difference between the mountain climate is that the chilled air of the highlands often, as it were, rushes down the comparatively narrow intermountain valleys. For every 100 m lowered, the air heats up by about 1°. Falling from a height of 2500 m, when it reaches the lower parts of the mountains and foothills, it heats up by 25 °, that is, instead of cold, it will become warm and even hot. Such winds are called foehns. They blow at all times of the year, but especially often in the spring, when the intensity of the general circulation of air masses increases sharply.

Finally, another important distinguishing feature of the climate of the mountains is its amazing diversity from place to place, which is due to the rugged relief with numerous bends of the slopes, differently oriented with respect to the illumination of the sun and the directions of the prevailing winds. On the plains, differences in the orientation of the slopes are less pronounced due to their low steepness.

For all the importance of each of the noted features of the climate of the mountains, the height, which determines the vertical division into climatic zones, is still of leading importance.

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

The climate of the Caucasus is changing in three directions:

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

from north to south - in the direction of increasing amounts of radiative heat

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

Cloudiness plays a special role - with an increase 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 transform into tropical ones.

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

During the winter months the territory is located south of the "major axis"; areas of low pressure are formed over the Black and the south of the Caspian. The result is an outflow of dense cold masses of the "great axis" to the Caucasus. However, the mountain wall prevents penetration to the south, it is still possible to bypass along the coasts of the seas - "nords" and "boron". In the west, there is a lot of snow in the mountains. To the east, the influence of southwestern transport weakens and the influence of the Asian anticyclone intensifies, 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 sea air of temperate latitudes from the North Atlantic are intensifying, which capture the Caucasus. They give up precipitation on windward slopes. In the second half, the Azorean maximum shifts to the north and often captures the Caucasus.

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

In general, the southern slopes are characterized by higher (summer and winter) temperatures. The annual amount of precipitation increases with elevation to 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 in the summer a local center for the formation of tropical air masses is created in Transcaucasia. The boundary of the temperate and subtropical belts runs along the axial part of the Greater Caucasus. Radiation balance 2300 MJ/m2/year (west) - 1800 (east) MJ/m2/year.

In winter, the continental air of temperate latitudes (CLA) spreads to Ciscaucasia from the Voeikov axis. East and northeast winds prevail. Cold air entering Ciscaucasia lingers on 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, cold air crosses them. Over the water area of ​​the Black Sea in winter, low pressure is established, so cold heavy air rushes towards it at high speed, literally falling from the mountains. Strong cold winds arise, the so-called Novorossiysk bora. The air temperature during boron drops to -15 ... -20 ° С. Bora is observed in the Anapa-Tuapse section.

The upper parts of the mountains are located in the free atmosphere zone, where the prevailing role belongs to the western winds. 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 climatic conditions of the cold period is greatly influenced by cyclonic activity developing on the Mediterranean branch of the polar front. The trajectories of the 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 advection of tropical air, which causes intense thaws, snow cover, the occurrence of snow avalanches in the mountains and the formation of foehns 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 temperature in winter decreases and at the Elbrus station becomes negative (-2 ... -3 ° С).

Frequent advection of heat and the influence of the sea determine the positive average monthly air temperature on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. The average January temperature in Novorossiysk is +2°С, in Sochi +6.1°С. In Ciscaucasia, the average air temperature is -1…-2°С in the western regions, dropping to -4…-4.5°С in the center and rising again towards the Caspian Sea to -2…0°С. In the mountains, the temperature decreases with height, reaching -12 ... -14 ° C in the highlands, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bperpetual snow and glaciers.

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

The intensification of cyclonic activity in the cold season causes 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 cover sets in on the plains and in the mountains of the Caucasus. It first appears on the plains with relatively warm winters only in the second half of December. In some winters, stable snow cover does not form. Snow falls repeatedly during cooling 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 Mountains (Achishkho), due to the abundance of winter precipitation and the 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 is reduced 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 highland zone, snow lies 120 days a year.

In the Javakheti-Armenian Highlands, an area of ​​high pressure is formed at this time. From here, the cold continental air of Asia Minor (temperature -12°C) is taken out, penetrating into the middle part of the Riono-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 4-6o). In winter, they constantly cross the Black Sea, where the pressure is low, and, as it were, fall into a trap between the B. and M. Caucasus ranges. 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 along the outskirts of this lowland.

In summer, the formation of the climate in the Caucasus is significantly affected by the frequency of humid Atlantic air masses and dry continental air masses that form over the spaces of the interior regions of Eurasia and come from the east. In connection with this, the importance of the submeridional climate division (the transverse uplift of the Stavropol Upland - the Central Caucasus) is enhanced. On the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus and in the Western Ciscaucasia, the air warms up to 22-23°C. In the highest parts of the Stavropol Upland and in the Mineralovodchesky region, the average temperature in July is 20-21°C. In the east of Ciscaucasia, the air warms up to 24-25°C. In the mountains, the air temperature decreases with height, reaching 10°C at an altitude of about 2500 m and 7°C at an altitude of 3000 m. At the Elbrus station (altitude 4250 m), the average July temperature is only 1.4°C.

In the first half of summer in 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 the rise up the slopes, but at the same time it noticeably decreases when moving from west to east. On the Kuban-Azov lowland, the annual amount of 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 Rocky and Lateral Ranges, especially in the "shadow" of the Rocky Range, amounting to 650-700 mm. The largest annual amount of precipitation is observed on the windward southwestern slopes of the Greater Caucasus. At the 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, the southern slope of the Western Caucasus - 1.5-2 thousand mm, Western and Middle Ciscaucasia 450-600 mm, Eastern Ciscaucasia, Terek-Kuma lowland -200-350 mm, Kuro-Araks lowland - 200-300 mm, Javakheti-Armenian highland 450-600 mm, Lankaran lowland - 1200 mm. It is warmest in summer in the Kuro-Araks lowland (26-28°C), in the rest of the territory 23-25°C, in the Javakheti-Armenian Highlands 18°C. However, temperature and precipitation are subject to change depending on the height of the mountains, forming altitudinal climatic zonality. So, the average annual temperature on the Black Sea coast is 12-14°С, in the foothills of the Caucasus it is 7-8°С, at an altitude of 2-3 thousand m -3-0°С. In summer, despite the increase in solar radiation with height, the temperature drops by an average of 0.5-0.6 ° C every 100 m, and by 0.3-0.4 ° C in winter. When climbing the mountains, the average annual positive temperature persists only up to a height of 2300-2500 m. On Elbrus it is -10°C. Similar regularities are preserved for average monthly air temperatures. Thus, the average temperature in January in the Ciscaucasia is -2-7 ° С, 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 23-25°С everywhere, at an altitude of 2-2.5 thousand m -18°С, 4000 m -2°С.

The amount of precipitation also changes with altitude. If in the northeastern Ciscaucasia they fall less than 300 m, further to the west 300-400 mm, and in the Western Ciscaucasia 400-500 mm, then already in the low-mountain regions of Stavropol - Nalchik 500-800 mm, at the latitude and height of Vladikavkaz - 800-1000 m (1.5 thous.

Climate of the Caucasus

m), at an altitude of 2 thousand m, on average 1000-1500 mm; 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 square meters. km. On B.K. - 1420 km2, their total number is 2200. Of these, 70% is located on the northern slope, 30% - on the southern. Types of glaciers - mountain-valley (20% of the area), cirque and hanging. Glaciation centers - Elbrus, Kazbek, other peaks of the Central Caucasus in M.K. - Aragats, Zangezur ridge, Javakheti ridge. All glaciers are in retreat (10-20 m/year).

The climate and features of the relief of the Caucasus determine its modern glaciation. Within Russia, there are 1,498 glaciers in the Caucasus with a total glaciation area of ​​993.6 km2, which is 70% of the total number of glaciers and the glaciation area of ​​the Greater Caucasus. The sharp predominance of glaciers on the northern slope is due to orographic features, blizzard transport of snow by western winds beyond the barrier of the Dividing Range, and slightly less insolation than on the southern slope. The snow limit lies at 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 km2). The two-headed Elbrus is covered with a firn-ice cap about 10 km in diameter, which feeds more than 50 glacial streams radially diverging from it. The largest complex valley glacier in the Caucasus is the Bezengi glacier (length 17.6 km, area 36.2 km2), 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 km2) and Karaugom (length 13.3 km, area 26.6 km2).

In the Western Caucasus, due to the low height 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 is less significant due to the great dryness of the climate and is mainly represented by small glaciers - cirque, hanging, caro-valley.

The total area of ​​glaciers is 1965 km2. 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 car and hanging. 20% - valley glaciers. Everyone regresses.

Climate of the North Caucasus

climate graph

The difference between the amount of precipitation, between the driest and wettest month is 29 mm. The change in temperature throughout the year is 25.9 °C. Helpful tips about reading the climate table: For each month, you will find data on precipitation (mm), average, maximum and minimum temperatures (in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit). The meaning of the first line: (1) January (2) February (3) March (4) April (5) May, (6) June (7) July (8) August (9) September, (10) October (11) November (12) December.

Winter holidays in the Caucasus

The North Caucasus is a place where you can come in any season and enjoy various types of recreation in a relatively small area. Mountains, the sea, mineral springs, lakes and waterfalls - this is what the Caucasus can please a tourist. Winter and New Year holidays in this part of Russia have a special flavor. Moreover, the winter in the Caucasus is mild, pleasant, it is rarely very frosty and windy.

Ski holidays in the Caucasus

Winter is the best time for skiers. And rest in the Caucasus at this time is one of the best active holidays in Russia. The North Caucasus gives you the opportunity to choose slopes for every taste: a fashionable holiday in Krasnaya Polyana or a slightly more modest, but surrounded by beautiful landscapes, skiing in the Elbrus region or Dombai. In addition to skiing, you can go snowmobiling or cross-country skiing, or go horseback riding.

In the Sochi region, where an excellent infrastructure has been built for the Winter Olympics, tourists can enjoy not only mountain slopes, but also numerous entertainments, skating rinks and cinemas, clubs and restaurants. There are no problems with accommodation: you can book a hotel room, you can rent an apartment or a room from local residents. The only problem is the high cost and exceptional popularity of the Sochi ski slopes. If you want to spend the New Year holidays in this part of Russia, then you need to organize your vacation, especially booking a hotel, in the middle of autumn.

In the Elbrus region, as in Dombai, there are few entertainments besides direct skiing from the mountains. There are enough hotels here, but they are all small and private, so you also need to book them very early, and you should not expect exceptional service.

By the way, in the Caucasus Mountains you can relax in the winter, but do not go skiing: just settle in an alpine camp or in one of several high-mountain hotels and contemplate stunning views. Such a vacation will be saving for those who are tired of the constant flow of information and need solitude and the opportunity to reflect.

New Year holidays are held in the ski resorts of the Caucasus with fun thanks to entertainment programs. To celebrate the New Year on a mountain or on a slope means to get an unforgettable experience for a lifetime. But there is one caveat: prices for hotels, food and entertainment here soar by the end of December and remain very high throughout January.

Wellness winter holidays in the Caucasus

Caucasian Mineralnye Vody is perhaps the best place in the European part of Russia where you can spend the New Year holidays with maximum health benefits. Numerous resorts provide the full range of their usual services, while each of them tries to make a good entertainment program for the whole weekend. A calm and unhurried vacation in the health resorts of the Caucasus may seem boring, but in winter the healing effect is complemented by magnificent winter landscapes and crystal clear air.

Living in Kislovodsk or Pyatigorsk gives you the opportunity to plunge into the interesting history of these cities, to visit places associated with the names of great Russian writers and public figures.

A wellness holiday in the Caucasus is a wonderful option for a winter family holiday in Russia.

Hiking and car tours in the Caucasus

The Caucasus abounds in hiking trails and they are accessible all year round. As a rule, simple trekking routes are built in such a way that people walking along them can see the maximum beauty with minimal effort. There are such trails both in cities and in remote mountainous areas, so each tourist will choose a route, focusing on the capabilities of his body. For example, you can leisurely spend the whole day in Kislovodsk, walking in the famous Resort Park on the mountain, which offers an amazing view of Elbrus.

Tours to the Chegem waterfalls in Kabardino-Balkaria are extremely popular in winter. The legendary waterfalls of the Chegem Gorge fascinate with their beauty at any time of the year, but in winter they are especially impressive. Frozen water forms pillars of ice, more like giant candles. Excursions to the mountain lakes of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria are also very popular among tourists. However, it is advisable to make trips to the mountain beauties, accompanied by experienced guides.

Combined tours

Combined tours in the North Caucasus are suitable for lovers of outdoor activities; they are offered by many travel agencies. As a rule, these tours include visits to major cities and a short trip to the sights in the mountains. So, you can visit important historical and cultural places of Kislovodsk and "visit" Elbrus in 6-7 days. The most daring can include climbing Elbrus in their tour.

Horse trips are very popular; they are organized in almost every Caucasian republic of Russia. Also interesting are safari tours, during which you can visit several beautiful places at once on off-road vehicles in a few days. This is the best New Year's holiday for collectors of impressions who want to see as many unique corners of the Caucasus as possible at one time.