The Main Caucasian (Watershed) Range is a continuous mountain chain stretching more than 1,100 km from northwest to southeast from the Black Sea (Anapa region) to the Caspian Sea (Mount Ilkhydag northwest of Baku). The Caucasus ridge divides the Caucasus into two parts: Ciscaucasia ( North Caucasus) and Transcaucasia (South Caucasus).
The Main Caucasus Range separates the basins of the Kuban, Terek, Sulak and Samur rivers in the north and the Inguri, Rioni and Kura rivers in the south.
The mountain system that includes the Main Caucasus Range is called the Greater Caucasus (or Greater Caucasus Range), in contrast to the Lesser Caucasus - a vast highland located south of the Rioni and Kura valleys and connected directly with the highlands of Western Asia.
For a more convenient overview, the Caucasus ridge can be divided along its length from west to east into seven parts:
Black Sea Caucasus (from the Anapa meridian to the Fisht - Oshten mountain group - approx. 265 km),
Kuban Caucasus (from Oshten to the source of the Kuban) - 160 km,
Elbrus Caucasus, or western (Karachay-Circassian) Elbrus region (from the source of the Kuban to the peak of Adai-Khokh) - 170 km,
Terek (Kazbek) Caucasus (from Adai-Khokh to Barbalo) - 125 km,
Dagestan Caucasus (from Barbalo to the top of Sari-dag) - 130 km,
Samur Caucasus (from Sari-dag to Baba-dag) - approx. 130 km,
Caspian Caucasus (from Baba-dag to the peak of Ilkhydag) - approx. 170 km.
A more enlarged division is also accepted:
Western Caucasus (bounded from the east by Elbrus);
Central Caucasus;
Eastern Caucasus (bounded from the west by Kazbek).
The entire system of the Main Caucasus Range occupies approximately 2,600 km². The northern slope occupies about 1450 km², and the southern slope - about 1150 km².
The width of the Caucasus Range in the western (slightly west of Elbrus, and including the Elbrus mountain range) and eastern (Dagestan) parts is about 160...180 km, in the central - about 100 km; both ends taper greatly and are (especially the western) insignificant in width.
The highest is the middle part of the ridge, between Elbrus and Kazbek (average heights about 3,400 - 3,500 m above sea level); Its highest peaks are concentrated here, the highest of which - Elbrus - reaches an altitude of 5,642 m above sea level. m.; East of Kazbek and west of Elbrus, the ridge decreases, more significantly in the second direction than in the first.
In general, in height, the Caucasus Range significantly exceeds the Alps; it has no less than 15 peaks exceeding 5,000 m, and more than 20 peaks higher than Mont Blanc, the highest peak in all Western Europe. The advanced elevations accompanying the Main Range, in most cases, do not have the character of continuous chains, but represent short ridges or mountain groups connected to the watershed ridge by spurs and broken in many places by deep river gorges, which, starting in the Main Range and breaking through the advanced elevations, descend to the foothills and emerge onto the plains.
Mount Elbrus from the air - the roof of Europe 
Thus, almost along its entire length (in the west - from the south, in the east - from the north) the watershed ridge is adjacent to a number of high basins, in most cases of lake origin, closed on one side by the heights of the watershed, as well as its spurs, and on the other - separate groups and short ridges of advanced hills, which in some places exceed the main chain in height.
WITH north side The watershed is dominated by transverse basins, and in the south, except for its western extremity, longitudinal basins. It is also characteristic of the Caucasus Range that many of the primary peaks lie not on the Vodorazdelny ridge, but at the ends of its short spurs heading north (this is the position of the peaks Elbrus, Koshtan, Adai-Khokh, etc.). This is the so-called Lateral Caucasian Ridge, which stretches in the vast majority of cases (in many places) even below the Skalisty.
Northern slope of the Caucasus ridge
The northern, more developed slope of the Caucasus Range, formed by many spurs, generally adjacent almost perpendicular to the Main Range and separated by deep transverse valleys, reaches very significant development in the vicinity of Elbrus (Elbrus ledge). The most significant uplift [Elbrus-Mineralovodskaya fault zone] goes from this peak directly to the north, serves as a watershed between the waters of the Kuban (Azov) and Terek (Caspian Sea) and, lowering with ledges further, spreads into the island mountains of Pyatigorye and the vast Stavropol upland (the main uplift forward ledges reaches the Pastbishchny ridge, bordering the horseshoe Kislovodsk basin, turns south (of Kislovodsk) to the east, along with gorges and river valleys, stretches to the Tersko-Sunzhensky interfluve - forming the Tersko-Sunzhensky upland, and further - up to the Andean ridge).
The northern slope is even more developed in the eastern part of the Caucasus ridge, where numerous, and very significant in height and length, its spurs form the vast mountainous country of Dagestan (Dagestan ledge) - a large mountainous region, closed by the high Andean, Sala-Tau and Gimrynsky (2334 m ) ridges. Gradually descending to the north, the northern slope is formed by many advanced hills, which in some places appear in the form of ridges and mountain spurs; These mountain ranges include the so-called Black Mountains (see) (Pasture Range), located north of the Main Range, at a distance of 65 km from it. The Black Mountains form gentle and long slopes, in most areas covered with dense forests (hence the name), and fall into steep cliffs to the south. Rivers flowing from the Main Range break through the Black Mountains through deep and narrow, very picturesque gorges (the Sulak Canyon is up to 1800 m deep); the height of this advanced chain, in general, is insignificant, although (in the west of the Dagestan ledge) in the upper reaches of the Ardon and Urukh, some of their peaks reach an altitude of more than 3,300 m above sea level (Kion-Khokh - 3,423 m, Kargu-Khokh - 3 350 m, Vaza-Khokh - 3,529 m (Rocky and Side ridges)).
view of the Caucasus Range from the Rosa Khutor base
The southern slope is particularly poorly developed in the western and eastern parts ridge, reaching a fairly significant orographic development in the middle, where parallel hills adjoin it, forming the longitudinal valleys of the upper reaches of the Rioni, Inguri and Tskhenis-tskhali, and long spurs extending to the south, separating the Alazani, Iori and Kura basins.
The steepest and least developed section of the southern slope is where it falls towards the Alazani valley; The city of Zagatala, located at an altitude of 355 m at the southern foot of the Caucasus Range, is located in a straight line only 20 km from its crest, which here reaches an altitude of more than 3,300 m above sea level. The Caucasus Range is not particularly passable; only at its western and eastern extremities are there convenient and low passes that are quite accessible all year round for message.
Throughout the rest of the length, with the exception of the Mamison and Cross passes (see Georgian Military Road), the paths through the ridge in most cases are pack or even pedestrian paths, partly completely inaccessible for use in winter time year. Of all the passes highest value has Krestovy (2,379 m), through which the Georgian Military Road passes.
Central Caucasus
Glaciers of the Caucasus
In terms of the number of glaciers, their area and size, the Caucasus Range is almost as good as the Alps. Largest number significant glaciers are located in the Elbrus and Terek parts of the ridge, and there are about 183 glaciers of the first category in the Kuban, Terek, Liakhva, Rioni and Inguri basins, and 679 of the second category. In total in the Greater Caucasus, according to the “Catalog of Glaciers of the USSR” (1967-1978 ), 2,050 glaciers with a total area of 1,424 km². The size of the Caucasian glaciers is very diverse, and some of them (for example, Bezengi) are almost as large as the Aletsch glacier in the Alps. The Caucasian glaciers nowhere descend as low as, for example, the glaciers of the Alps, and in this respect they present great diversity; Thus, the end of the Karaugom glacier descends to an altitude of 1,830 m above sea level, and the Shah-Dag glacier (ShahDag (4243 m), in the Bazar-Dyuzu region) - to an altitude of 3,320 m above sea level. The most famous glaciers of the Caucasus Range are:
Mount Fisht, Caucasus
Name of the glacier (Mountain from which it descends)
Bezengi (bass by Cherek Bezengisky) Shota Rustaveli peak, Shkhara
Dykh-Su [Dykh-Kotyu-BugoySu]
Karaugom (Urukh, bass. Terek) Adai-khoh
Tsaneri [Tsanner] (bass. Inguri) Tetnuld
Devdoraki (bass Amali) Kazbek
Big Azau (Baksan, Terek basin) Elbrus, southern shoulder
Snow Valley Jikiugankez
Malka and Baksan Elbrus, eastern shoulder
Tsey (Ardon, bass. Terek)
Lekhzyr [Lekzyr, Lekziri] (bass Inguri)
Ezengi (Yusengi)
Donguzorun-Cheget-Karabashi (west), Yusengi ridge (east)
Shkheldy glacier (Adylsu, Baksan basin)
Shhelda (4368 m),
Chatyntau (4411 m)
panorama of the Caucasus ridge 
During the Ice Age, the glaciers of the Caucasus Range were much more numerous and extensive than now; from the numerous traces of their existence found far from modern glaciers, we can conclude that ancient glaciers extended in length to 53, 64 and even up to 106.7 or more kilometers, descending into valleys to heights of 244...274 meters above sea level. Currently, most of the glaciers of the Caucasus Range are in a period of retreat that has lasted for several decades.
Main Caucasus Range - Abkhazia
MAIN PEAKS AND GLACIERS OF THE CAUCASUS RIDGE
Bezengi is a mountainous region of Kabardino-Balkaria, central, most high part Caucasus Mountains, including the Bezengi wall of the main Caucasus ridge and the side ridges adjacent to the north, forming the Cherek Bezengi river basin.
Bezengi wall
The Bezengi Wall is a 42-kilometer mountain range, the highest section of the main Caucasus ridge. Usually the boundaries of the wall are considered to be the peaks Lyalver (in the west) and Shkhara (in the east).
To the north, the wall drops steeply to 3000 m to the Bezengi glacier (Ullu-Chiran). To the south, to Georgia, the terrain is complex, there are wall sections and high-altitude glacial plateaus.
Tops of the area
Bezengi wall
Lyalver (4350)
Yesenin Peak (4310)
Gestola (4860)
Katyntau (4974)
Dzhangitau (5085)
Sh. Rustaveli Peak (4960)
Shkhara (5068)
Mount Dykhtau, Side Range
Side ridge
Koshtantau (5152)
Krumkol (4676)
Tikhonov Peak (4670)
Mizhirgi (5025)
Pushkin Peak (5033)
Dykhtau (5204)
Warm corner
Gidan (4167)
Archimedes Peak (4100)
Georgia, Trinity Monastery near Mount Kazbek
Salynan-bashi (4348)
Ortokara (4250)
Peak Ryazan
Peak Brno (4100)
Misses-tau (4427)
Peak Cadets (3850)
Mount Shkhara
THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN OF GEORGIA
Shkhara (Georgian: შხარა) is a mountain peak in the central part of the Main Caucasus (Watershed) Range, the highest point in Georgia. Elevation 5,068 m above sea level, some sources estimate 5,201 m. Located in Svaneti from the south and Bezengi in Kabardino-Balkaria from the north, on the border with Russia, approximately 90 km north of the city of Kutaisi. It is part of a unique 12-kilometer mountain range known as the Bezengi Wall.
It is composed of granites and crystalline schists. The slopes are covered with glaciers, on the northern slope there is the Bezengi glacier, on the southern slope there is the Shkhara glacier, from which the Inguri River partially originates. Popular mountaineering spot. Soviet climbers first climbed Shkhara in 1933.
At the foot of the southern slopes of Shkhara, at an altitude of 2,200 m above sea level, there is the village of Ushguli in the Mestia region of Svaneti, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
MOUNT TETNULD Main Caucasus Range 
Tetnuld (Georgian: თეთნულდი “white mountain”) is a peak in the spur of the Bezengi Wall, the Main Caucasus Range in the Upper Svaneti region, Georgia, 2 km south of the peak of Gestola and the border Russian Federation(Kabardino-Balkaria).
Height - 4,869 m.
The peak is two-headed, composed of ancient crystalline rocks. The glaciers Oish, Nageb, (headwaters of the Inguri), Adish and others flow down from Tetnuld. Total area glaciers - 46 km².
The regional center of Mestia is located 22 km west of the peak.
Mount Gestola
TSEISKY GLACIER
The Tsey glacier (Ossetian: Tsyæy tsiti) is a valley glacier on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus, one of the largest and lowest-sloping glaciers in the Caucasus.
Tseysky glacier is located in North Ossetia and feeds mainly on the snows of Mount Adai-Khokh (4,408 m). The Tseysky glacier descends to a height of 2,200 m above sea level, that is, below the vast majority of glaciers in the Caucasus. Its length, together with the firn fields, is about 9 km, the area is 9.7 km². At the very bottom it is quite narrow, and above it it widens greatly, reaching 1 km in width. Constrained by rocks at an altitude of 2,500 m above sea level, it forms countless cracks and has several icefalls, but higher up its surface becomes smoother again.
The Tseysky glacier is formed from 2 large and 2 smaller branches. From the ice arch of the Tseya glacier flows the beautiful river Tseya (Tseydon), which flows from west to east along a deep picturesque and covered pine forest gorge. It flows into the Ardon on the left side.
Near the Tseysky glacier there are mountaineering camps and the Ossetia tourist center, as well as the Goryanka hotel, the SKGMI scientific station and a weather station. There are two cable cars leading to the glacier. Mountain climatic resort area - Tsey.
Many poems by both famous authors (for example, “Tseyskaya” by Yuri Vizbor) and folk ones are dedicated to the Tseysky glacier and the gorge:
What a wonderful camp Tsey, /
I have many friends here. /
And the mountains are nearby - I won’t hide that. /
As soon as you step outside the threshold, /
Before the eyes of Adai-Khokh, /
And the gray block “Monk” overhead...
Mount Adai-Khokh
Friend, give thanks for the cup,
I hold the sky in my hand
Mountain air of the state
Drinking on the Tseysky glacier.
Nature itself keeps here
A clear trace of bygone times -
nineteenth year
Cleansing ozone.
And below from the pipes of Sadon
Gray smoke stretches out,
So that when it comes to me
This cold didn’t carry me away.
There under the roofs, like a net,
The rain breathes and trembles,
And along the line a trolley
Runs like a black bead.
I am present at the meeting
Two times and two heights,
And prickly snow on your shoulders
Old Tsei gives it to me.
Moscow, 1983. Arseny Tarkovsky
Mount Monk
MOUNTAIN Donguzorun-Cheget
Donguzorun-Cheget-Karabashi or Donguz-Orun is the top of the Main (or Watershed) Ridge of the Greater Caucasus, in the Elbrus region. Located in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria of the Russian Federation. Height - 4454 m.
Nearby, at an altitude of 3203 m, there is the Donguzorun mountain pass across the Main Range between the valleys of the Baksan (Russia) and Inguri (Georgia) rivers. At the foot of the Donguzorun-Cheget-Karabashi flows one of the tributaries of the Baksan - the Donguz-Orun River.
MOUNTAIN ACHISHKHO
Achishkho (Adyghe goat mountain: Achi - “goat”, shkho - “height”, “peak”.) (Nedezhui-Kushkh) - a mountain range in the Western Caucasus, located in the territory Krasnodar region Russian Federation. Height up to 2391 m (Mount Achishkho, 10 km northwest of Krasnaya Polyana).
The ridge is composed of clayey shales and volcanic (tuffaceous) rocks. The landscapes of the Achishkho ridge are characterized by ancient glacial landforms and ridge lakes (including karst ones), and there are waterfalls.
The ridge is located in a humid climate zone - the annual precipitation is up to 3000 mm (the highest value in Russia), the thickness snow cover reaches 10 m. The number of sunny days does not exceed 60-70 days a year.
The slopes of Achishkho are covered with broad-leaved, mainly beech, fir forests in the north, and mountain meadows on the tops.
The ridge is popular among hikers. There are dolmens.
Caucasian State Natural
biosphere reserve
The reserve is the legal successor of the Caucasian bison reserve, established on May 12, 1924, located in the Western Caucasus, on the border of temperate and subtropical climatic zones. The total area of the reserve is more than 280 thousand hectares, of which Krasnodar region— 177.3 thousand hectares.
On February 19, 1979, by decision of UNESCO, the Caucasian Nature Reserve was given biosphere status, and in January 2008 it was named after Kh. G. Shaposhnikov. In 1999, the territory of the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve was included in the World Heritage List
Kuban hunting
In 1888, on behalf of the Grand Dukes Peter Nikolaevich and Georgiy Mikhailovich, about 80 thousand acres of land in the Greater Caucasus Range were leased from the forest dachas of the Ministry of State Property and the Kuban Regional Military Administration. An agreement was concluded with the Kuban Rada for the exclusive right of hunting in these territories for the grand dukes. Subsequently, the territory became known as the Grand Ducal Kuban Hunt.
A few years later, the princes stopped traveling to Kuban for health reasons, and then in 1892 they transferred the right to hunt to Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich, who began actively developing the territory.
Bison Reserve
In 1906, the expiring lease period for the Kuban hunting territory was extended for another three years, after which it was planned to divide these lands between the villages Kuban Cossacks. In 1909, Kh. G. Shaposhnikov, who worked as a forester of the Belorechensky forestry of the Kuban Troops, sent a letter to Russian Academy sciences with justification for the need to reserve the territory leased from the Kuban Army. The main reason for creating the reserve was the protection of the endangered Caucasian bison. The letter also outlined the boundaries of the reserve. Based on this letter, Academician N. Nasonov made a report, and the Academy of Sciences created a commission. As a military forester, Shaposhnikov participated in her work to organize the reserve. However, for a number of reasons related to the division of land by the Kuban Cossacks, the matter did not progress significantly.
Repeated attempts to create a reserve were made in 1913 and 1916. Finally, in 1919, a positive decision was made.
With the establishment of Soviet power in the region, the issue of the reserve had to be resolved anew. Only in May 1924 was the state Caucasian bison reserve established.
Cross Pass - the highest point of the Georgian Military Road
DEFENSE OF THE CAUCASIAN RIDGE
Fighting on the passes.
In mid-August 1942, the 1st and 4th divisions of the 49th German Mountain Rifle Corps, concentrated in the area of Nevinnomyssk and Cherkessk, began to move freely to the passes of the Main Caucasus Range, since there were no our troops in this direction, but 46 The I Army, which was entrusted with organizing the defense, did not even have time to approach the southern slopes of the passes. There were no engineering structures at the passes.
By August 14, the 1st German Mountain Rifle Division reached the Verkhnyaya Teberda, Zelenchukskaya, Storozhevaya areas, and the 4th German Mountain Rifle Division reached the Akhmetovskaya area. Strong groups Specially trained enemy climbers, who had experienced guides, forestalled our units and, from August 17 to October 9, occupied all the passes in the area from Mount Elbrus to the Umpyr Pass. In the Klukhor and Sanchar directions, the Nazis, having overcome the Main Caucasus Range, reached its southern slopes, moving forward 10-25 km. There was a threat of the capture of Sukhumi and the disruption of supplies along the communication line that ran along Black Sea coast.
On August 20, the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command demanded that the commander of the Transcaucasian Front, along with the creation of a strong defense in the main operational directions, immediately strengthen the defense of the Main Caucasian Ridge, especially the Georgian Military, Ossetian Military and Sukhumi Military roads. The headquarters ordered to blow up and fill up all passes and paths, mountain passes on which no defensive structures had been created, and to prepare the areas defended by the troops for explosion in case of withdrawal. It was proposed to appoint commandants on all roads and directions, giving them full responsibility for the defense and condition of the roads.
Following the instructions of the Headquarters, the command of the Transcaucasian Front began to deploy forces to stop the offensive Nazi troops on the passes of the Main Caucasus Range.
In the Elbrus direction, units of the 1st German Mountain Rifle Division, taking advantage of the absence of our troops, on August 18 occupied the Khotyu-Tau and Chiper-Azau passes, the Krugozor and Shelter of Eleven tourist bases on the southern slopes of Mount Elbrus. Units of the 8th motorized regiment of the NKVD and the 63rd cavalry division drove the enemy back from these passes to the “Shelter of Eleven”, where he was held until January 1943.
The Klukhorsky pass was covered by a company of the 815th regiment. On August 15, the enemy threw a regiment here. Unable to withstand the strong blow, the defenders of the pass began to retreat to the southern slopes, where two more companies were located. The fighting was fierce. Having learned about them on August 17, the command of the 46th Army sent two battalions and an NKVD detachment to help the units of the 816th Regiment, which, upon approaching the battle area on August 22, stopped the further advance of the Nazis. On September 8, enemy units were thrown back to the Klukhor Pass, where they remained until January 1943.
On September 5, the enemy regiment, after a concentrated bomb strike aviation and a fire attack by artillery and mortars began an attack on the Marukh Pass, which was defended by two battalions. After stubborn fighting, the defenders were forced to leave the pass on September 7. Further German advance here was stopped by arriving reinforcements, but it was not possible to reset them from the pass until January 1943. The Sanchar Pass was defended by one company and a combined detachment of the NKVD. The fascist German command sent a regiment against them on August 25. The Nazis managed to drive our units out of the pass and almost unhindered to reach the area, which is 25 km from Gudauta and Sukhumi. An urgently created Sanchar group of troops was sent towards the enemy, consisting of one rifle regiment, two rifle battalions, two NKVD regiments and a detachment of cadets of the 1st Tbilisi infantry school. On August 29, the group came into contact with German units, stopped them, and on August 6, with the support of aviation, went on the offensive.
Two days later, she captured the village of Pskhu, which served as the enemy’s main base on the southern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range. Now the Nazis did not have a single settlement left in this area. By October 20, our troops in the Sanchar direction, with the support of the Black Sea Fleet aviation, pushed them back to the northern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range.
The role of the Black Sea Fleet aviation in the defeat of the enemy group in the Sanchar direction is enormous. DB-3, SB, Pe-2 and R-10 aircraft, based at the airfields of Gudauta and Babushery at a distance of 25-35 km from the front line, carried out 6 - 10 sorties daily to carry out bombing strikes on enemy troops, and on days of intense fighting - up to 40 sorties. In total, in September 1942, Black Sea Fleet aviation dropped about a thousand FAB-100s onto the Sancharsky and Marukhsky passes.
Thus, our troops, having almost no artillery and mortars, received the greatest and only support from naval aviation.
The fascist German command also tried to capture the Umpyrsky and Belorechensky passes. On August 28, the Nazis sent two reinforced battalions to the Umpyrsky Pass, which was defended by two companies. However, thanks to a well-organized defense, bold actions Soviet soldiers Numerous enemy attacks were repulsed. The Belorechensky Pass was stormed by an infantry regiment and several squadrons of enemy cavalry with artillery support. Thanks to the energetic actions of our forces and arriving reserves, the enemy was stopped and then thrown back far to the north.
So, by the actions of units of the 46th Army and the aviation of the Black Sea Fleet, the offensive of the German 49th Mountain Rifle Corps, specially prepared for combat operations in the mountains, was thwarted. By the end of October 1942, a stable defense of the Main Caucasus Ridge was created.
Anti-landing defense of the Poti naval base. In July - December, the defense of the Black Sea coast from the Soviet-Turkish border to Lazarevskaya was carried out by the forces of the Poti naval base together with the 46th Army of the Transcaucasian Front. In the second half of August, when Nazi troops approached the passes of the Main Caucasus Range, the 46th Army was redirected to repel this main danger; coastal defense became the sole task of the Poti naval base.
The composition of the base forces changed with the situation. The enemy intensified reconnaissance of the main fleet base and began bombing the base and ships. By the end of December the base area air defense was replenished with a regiment and thus included three anti-aircraft regiments and a separate anti-aircraft artillery division. The base's rifle units also increased by one battalion and two platoons. Marine Corps. But these forces were clearly not enough to organize a reliable defense of the coast, so it was built on the principle of creating separate resistance centers that covered the main directions. Between the nodes of resistance, blockages and abatis were built, separate machine gun points were installed, and anti-personnel minefields were set up.
The strongest defense from land was created in the region of Poti and Batumi, where it was decided to equip four lines: forward, main, rear and internal. The forward line of defense was supposed to be 35 - 45 km from the base, the main line - 25 - 30 km, the rear line - 10 - 20 km from Poti and Batumi, the internal line - directly on the outskirts and in the depths of the vegetable gardens. To conduct street fighting, the construction of barricades and anti-tank obstacles was envisaged.
However, planned engineering defensive structures were not built. The forward and main lines of defense were not equipped at all due to the lack of manpower, and on the rear line, work on the rear line was only 75% completed by October 25.
The entire land defense area of Poti was divided into three sectors. The first sector was defended by a battalion of marines supported by eleven coastal artillery guns, the second sector by a coastal defense school and a border detachment (343 people and seven guns), the third sector by personnel of the 1st torpedo boat brigade and a border detachment (105 people and eight guns). ). There were about 500 people in the reserve of the commander of the Poti naval base. In addition, all sectors were supported by naval artillery.
In order to better use forces in the defense of the coast, a manual on the anti-landing defense of the Poti naval base was developed.
However, there were also significant shortcomings in the organization of coastal defense. The engineering structures created at the beginning of 1942, due to the long time frame for their construction, had fallen into disrepair by 30-40% and required extensive repairs. Coastal artillery was poorly prepared to repel the enemy from land. Batteries No. 716 and 881 had no shrapnel shells at all. Over 50% of the personnel of the 164th separate artillery battalion did not have rifles.
There were also major shortcomings in the organization of the air defense of the base, which were revealed during an enemy air raid on Poti on July 16. First of all, the surveillance and warning system was poorly developed. Thus, due to the location of patrol boats near the base, the command of the base air defense area did not have the opportunity to detect the enemy in time and raise fighter aircraft, and some anti-aircraft batteries were not even notified of the approach of enemy aircraft.
However, despite all these shortcomings, formations and units of the Poti naval base ensured reliable basing of the fleet and created favorable conditions for the actions of units of the 46th Army on the passes of the Main Caucasus Range.
Conclusions on the actions of the Black Sea Fleet in the defense of bases and coasts
As a result of a five-month offensive in the second half of 1942, fascist German troops achieved significant successes. They captured the North Caucasus and the Taman Peninsula, reached the foothills of the Main Caucasus Range and the Terek River and captured the passes. The enemy managed to occupy important economically areas and create a difficult situation for our troops in the Caucasus, but he was unable to overcome the defense of our troops and achieve strategic success.
During fierce defensive battles, Soviet troops and the Black Sea Fleet bled the enemy dry, stopped his advance in the foothills and at the turn of the Terek River, and thus thwarted Hitler’s plans to capture the entire Caucasus and the Soviet Black Sea Fleet.
The Black Sea Fleet and the Azov Military Flotilla, operationally subordinate to the command of the North Caucasus Front and then the Transcaucasian Front, closely interacting with these fronts, provided them with great assistance in the defense and defeat of the Nazi troops in the Caucasus. The Black Sea Fleet and the Azov Flotilla reliably covered the coastal flank of our ground forces, organizing an anti-landing defense of the Azov and Black Sea coasts, allocating for this purpose about 40 thousand people from marine units, coastal and anti-aircraft artillery units, 200 anti-aircraft guns, 150 coastal artillery guns, 250 warships, vessels and watercraft and up to 250 aircraft.
Units of the marine corps, coastal artillery and aviation operating on land showed resilience, high moral and political spirit, mass heroism and an unyielding will to defeat the enemy.
Although the anti-landing defense of the coast by the Black Sea Fleet was organized in accordance with the situation and fully justified itself, it should be admitted that it was poorly saturated with rifle units, which gave the enemy the opportunity to land on September 2, 1942, on the Taman Peninsula and attempt to land on the night of October 30 landing on the eastern shore of Tsemes Bay.
The experience of the defense of Novorossiysk and Tuapse showed that the delay in organizing forces for defense, the shallow depth of defense and the dispersion of forces led to significant losses in manpower and equipment and the loss of Novorossiysk, and the timely creation of the Tuapse defensive region made it possible to organize a deep, strong defense of the base from land and not allow the enemy into the defended area. The experience of base defense also showed that one of the main reasons for their rapid decline was the lack of reserves at the base command, which did not allow them to repel enemy attacks in a timely manner.
The experience of base defense confirmed the need to organize interaction and unite all forces under a single command. Best form Such an organization received a fully justified defensive area, divided into sectors and combat areas.
The heroic defense of the Caucasus was a good combat school for units of the Soviet Army and the Black Sea Fleet. In the course of it, they accumulated enormous combat experience and mastered the tactics of action in the mountains. Soviet troops were re-equipped with light weapons, rifle units were reinforced with engineering units, commanders mastered the art of command and control in difficult conditions, the rear organized supply for troops in mountainous conditions, using aviation and all types of transport, including pack transport.
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SOURCE OF INFORMATION AND PHOTO:
Team Nomads.
B.A. Garf. Bezengi Gorge. - Moscow: State Publishing House of Geographical Literature, 1952.
A.F. Naumov. Central Caucasus. — Moscow: “PHYSICAL CULTURE AND SPORTS”, 1967.
http://www.sk-greta.ru/
Bush I. A. Glaciers of the Western Caucasus. Notes of Russian Geographical Society By general geography. T. XXXIII. No. 4, 1905,
Dictionary of modern geographical names / Under general edition acad. V. M. Kotlyakova. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria, 2006.
Around Elbrus. Tourist route map (M. 1:100,000). Pyatigorsk: North-Kav. AGP. 1992. Roscartography 1992, 1999 (with more detailed description)
http://www.anapacity.com/bitva-za-kavkaz/glavnyj-kavkazskiy-hrebet.html
Topographic map K-38-13. - GUGK USSR, 1984.
Wikipedia website.
Opryshko O. L. Sky-high front of the Elbrus region. - M.: Voenizdat, 1976. - 152 p. — (The heroic past of our Motherland). — 65,000 copies.
Beroev B. M. Elbrus region: Essay on nature. Chronicle of the conquest of Elbrus. Tourist routes. - M.: Profizdat, 1984. - 208 p. - (One hundred paths - one hundred roads). — 97,500 copies.
http://ii1.photocentra.ru/
http://photosight.ru/
Few people are indifferent to the mountain landscape of the Black Sea coast Caucasus. After all, the coast is a narrow strip of land between the sea and the mountains. Wherever you are, the mountains, one way or another, appear in your field of vision. Caucasus is a mountainous country with an area of 440 thousand sq. km., which stretches for 1100 km. from the Sea of Azov to the Caspian. And it is located at the foot of this huge country. Big Caucasus How mountain system According to length, they are usually divided into 3 regions:
West Caucasus: from the Sea of Azov to (mountain peak height 5642 m);
Central Caucasus: From Elbrus to Kazbek (mountain peak 5033 m high);
Oriental Caucasus: From Kazbek to the Caspian Sea.
In the longitudinal direction, the following ridges are distinguished:
Main or Watershed Ridge;
Side ridges.
Northern slopes Caucasus formed by the ridges: Skalisty, Pastbishchensky and Black Mountains.
Caucasus Mountains is a young mountain range that was formed during the Tertiary period (about 28 - 23 million years ago). Its formation is not completed; it continues to this day. The mountains are growing, and seismic activity in the area is evidence of this. Residents of the Western Caucasus sometimes they feel slight vibrations, hear the dishes clinking in the cupboard, and see the chandelier sway. Most often, earth tremors are so weak that they are detected only by ultra-sensitive equipment of seismological stations in this region.
Residents of Central Caucasus I had to go through it more than once big earthquakes with an intensity ranging from 6.5 to 7 on the Richter scale. As an example, one of the most terrible earthquakes at the end of the 20th century on Caucasus- earthquake in (Armenia) December 7, 1988. This day became a day of national tragedy for Armenia, the city was destroyed to the ground, more than 25 thousand people died, about 20 thousand were injured.
Growth continues because Caucasus Mountains are folded mountains formed by the movement of the earth's crust, which was folded into folds and rose under the influence of powerful underground forces. This giant fold was formed due to the movement of the Arabian geological platform to the north, which, under the influence of this movement, began to deform, which led to the formation of the Caucasus Mountains. The movement of these platforms, which began millions of years ago, continues to this day, which entails seismic activity in the Caucasus region.
One of the structural features Caucasus Mountains, which is typical for Caucasus and is not repeated in the structure of any mountain ranges in the world, is correct gradual decrease heights from the center to the ends of the mountain range. And the higher the mountains, the wider the mountain range. Accordingly, the lower the mountains, the narrower the mountain range.
So, if in the region, whose height is 5,642 m, and the height of the surrounding ridges fluctuates in the region of 4000–5000 m above sea level, the width of the mountain range is over 160 km, then in the region, with mountain heights up to 550 m above sea level sea, the width of the mountain range from north to south is 50–60 km.
Also characteristic feature Caucasus Mountains is the presence of mountain ranges running parallel to it on the Main Range (Black Mountains). Sometimes these ridges run strictly parallel and are separated from the Main Range by wide valleys. Sometimes these ridges are connected to each other or to the Main Range by mountain junctions.
The valleys that are located between the Main Caucasus Range and parallel ridges are called longitudinal. They are quite wide and flat, their formation occurred together with the formation of mountain ranges.
But there are valleys that are formed by the flow of rivers coming from the peaks Caucasus Mountains and directed perpendicular to mountain ranges. These valleys are called transverse. Mountain rivers, with their frantic flow, seem to break through the mountains, forming in some places deep and narrow gorges, in other places, spilling over flatter terrain, leading to the formation of valleys with high steep sides.
Over the millions of years of its existence, mountains Caucasus were exposed to the sun, water and air currents. Their appearance was changed by the movements of glaciers and the activity of volcanoes, which led to the creation of a mountainous country of unique beauty that attracts lovers of active recreation at any time of the year.
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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. Interesting fact o 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. She has unusual shape, due to which it is 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. Southern part They named the Tooth Sufrudja, which translated means “Tiger 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 and dark granite, but due to centuries-old geological processes There are quartz deposits 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. At the most high areas The mountain range is home to 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 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 person 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 big mountains 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.
Russia is a huge country. It is not surprising that it contains all the terrain that is found in nature. Among the plains and steppes they occupy a special place mountain ranges and peaks. They attract travelers and researchers, scientists and tourists, archaeologists and climbers. What mountains are there in Russia? What should you pay attention to?
Origin
Mountainous regions are formed as a result of complex processes. Tectonic crushing, faulting and faulting of rocks occur in the earth's crust. They are carried out continuously during the entire existence of the planet, in ancient time eras such as the Paleozoic, Mesozoic or Cenozoic. Those who are located in the Far East, Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands are considered young. These areas often experience seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.
In the European part of Russia there is a large plain, which has geographical boundary in the east in the form of . These are unique natural sculptures that evoke national pride.
Interesting! Only in the Urals there is nature reserve, protecting mineralogy. The Ilmensky place has a huge variety of minerals, unique and amazing in their structure and structure.
There are many tourist centers in the Urals, with ski resorts located on them. Climbers conquer these majestic heights.
Variants of the Russian mountains
- Baikal region and Transbaikalia;
- Altai;
- Sayan Mountains;
- Verkhoyansky and Stanovoy ridges;
- Chersky ridge.
Each of the areas is interesting and beautiful, the names of the mountains in their composition are unique and owe their origin to the peoples who inhabit the surrounding territories. These regions attract harsh conditions, tests for body and spirit. Altai is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. But the Chersky ridge is on the map, but so far little has been studied, but experts suggest that it will also become attractive place for travelers.
Diversity of territories
The Far East is a region consisting primarily of mountainous terrain. The southern territorial part consists of medium and low ones, but in the north there are high ridges. The highest point in the Far East is Klyuchevskaya Sopka is a volcano 4750 m high.
The mountains in this region are constantly growing; they are located at the junction of plates that are in motion, which is why there are many volcanoes. In addition to them, there is a unique object for which it is worth going to Kamchatka - the Valley of Geysers.
Important! Sikhote-Alin, located in the Primorye region, is part of world heritage. This system is rich not only in the diversity of flora and fauna. This point of Russia on the map is the homeland of the Far Eastern leopard and Amur tiger.
Caucasus
The Caucasus deserves a separate description. This massif extends from the Black to the Caspian, its length is more than 1200 km. The Caucasus Range is divided into the Northern part and Transcaucasia.
The height of the Caucasus Mountains varies along the entire length of the ridge. It is he who has the highest point in the whole country and Europe– this is Elbrus. The mountain was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption. It has an altitude of 5600 m above sea level. Elbrus is located in such a place that it can be seen from all sides. Travelers approached it back in the early 19th century. At its peak, the temperature does not rise above -14 degrees. Snow falls on the mountain constantly, which makes its snow cap ideal. This peak feeds the two largest ones - Kuban and Terek.
In the Greater Caucasus there are three highest mountains Russia:
- Elbrus;
- Dykhtau;
- Kazbek.
Interesting! In addition to the Caucasus Mountains, Kamchatka and Altai are famous for their large hills, among them: Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Belukha, Ichinskaya Sopka.
10 high mountains
A little more detail about each of the largest hills:
- It’s already clear about Elbrus; it is an inactive volcano that is part of the national park. Its height is 5642 meters.
- Dykhtau ranks second among the country's mountain peaks. This mountain, part of the Caucasus Range, rises to 5200 m. The ascent to this peak was first carried out only in 1888.
- The country's third largest mountain is located on the border of Russia and Georgia. This is Pushkin Peak. It rises near Dykhtau in the center of the Caucasus ridge. Its conquest took place in 1961. It is interesting that this ascent was made not by professionals, but by football players of the Spartak club. The height of the peak is 5100 meters.
- A little lower, namely a hundred meters, rises Kazbek. It is also related to the Greater Caucasus, located in its lateral part in the Khokh mountain range. Three London climbers conquered this peak back in the mid-19th century.
- Near the border of Georgia and Kabardino-Balkaria there is the fifth highest point in size in Russia called Gestola. At its top, glaciers have accumulated that date back to the Paleozoic era. The most famous of them is Adishi.
- Sixth in the top ten is the peak of Shota Rustaveli. Although the name on the map of the peak is of a famous person of Georgian origin, it still refers to the Russian part of the Caucasus. The peak is on the border, no wonder both countries claim rights to it. The mountain has 4895 meters.
- A little lower (4780 meters) is Mount Jimara. It is located in Alanya, near the border of Russia and Georgia. Again, this is part of the Greater Caucasus.
- In ninth place is Mount Saukhokh, again from the Greater Caucasus, located in North Ossetia. The height of the peak is 4636 meters. It belongs to the unconquered peaks, just like Kukurtli-Kolbashi. This mountain completes the list of the ten largest peaks in Russia, its height is 4324 meters.
Interesting! So far no one has conquered rock formations, located in 8th, 9th and 10th places on the list. This may prompt travelers to new exploits.
Lowest mountains
In addition to the highest mountain peaks, it is interesting to know the rating of the lowest ones. Such a concept as the lowest mountain is very difficult. It turns out that it is not so easy to name it. Only those things that are higher can be called mountains.
Like the distant and mysterious Himalayas, the Caucasus mountains have long attracted the attention of numerous travelers, researchers and poets. They attracted people to them, enchanted them with their beauty and defiance, and concealed a great many mysteries and dangers. Yes, that's the Caucasus. The peaks of its peaks rest in icy silence, at a height inaccessible to the highest points of the famous Alps.
The Caucasus Mountains are a paradise for rock climbers!
Hotly loved by climbers for their pristine, rugged beauty, the Caucasus Mountains have long served as a place of pilgrimage for the most skilled climbers from both Russia and Europe. Many hundreds of brave daredevils were ready to risk their lives for the right to climb the treasured Caucasian peak and look around. But what is all this for? What makes people move up? The answer will most likely be: beauty. Yes, even if this familiar word sounds banal, it is still “beauty”. It was the beauty of these proud blue ridges that Lermontov reveled in his time, and Vysotsky conveyed the euphoria of being among them in his songs.
The Caucasus Mountains are the best place for active tourism!
Today, the Caucasus Mountains are one of the favorite tourist regions. Fans of active recreation storm their picturesque slopes, trying to understand and experience for themselves what it means to be in the mountains. The best remedy To achieve this goal is “trekking”, a hike along a certain ecological route. Taking long walks and filling their lungs with the purest mountain air, the “guests” of the Caucasus are gradually approaching their goal: to feel and get to know it.
Nature has generously rewarded this corner with wonderful views, allowing you to admire the surrounding landscape at any time of the year. Speaking about the sights of the Caucasus Mountains, many will immediately name: “Elbrus”. Of course, the highest and most famous point in Europe cannot but attract the attention of tourists and professional climbers. Elbrus rises to 5,642 meters, and from its top a truly magnificent view opens.
In addition to Elbrus, those who want to conquer new peaks are happy to climb the fabulous, lonely Kazbek (5,034 m), the magnificent slopes of which are remembered by a bunch of ancient tales and legends; inaccessible Ushba (4,690 m) will be opened only by the most experienced and prepared of climbers; the favorite mountains Fisht (2867) and Belalakaya (3861) are not so high, but the bizarre peaks also attract the human gaze and are etched in the memory forever.
However, Elbrus, Kazbek or Ushba are not only snowy peaks. In addition to climbing ridges of varying difficulty, tourists are treated to magnificent panoramas of the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. Visitors are offered clear waterfalls and fast cold rivers, many small mountain lakes, beautiful gorges and a carpet of green grass await everyone. Luxurious alpine meadows delight the eye and amaze “guests” with the diversity of their vegetation: more than six thousand different plants grow in the Caucasus!
The unique “Valley of Roses”
Not far from Kislovodsk there is a wonderful “Valley of Roses”, reminiscent of a real sea of flowers, into which delighted tourists plunge. There is also a park where visitors have the opportunity stroll among beautifully trimmed trees and massive stone sculptures along neat alleys.
Winter in the Caucasus is no less beautiful than summer. The snow-covered slopes of the Caucasus Mountains not only evoke exclamations of admiration for their snow-white beauty, but also provide considerable opportunities for active winter recreation. Crowds of people wanting to ski or snowboard storm the slopes of Elbrus and other peaks, driven by a thirst for movement, speed and adrenaline. When making ski trips, tourists can choose for themselves: whether to stay on the route and spend the night in the lap of nature near the fire, or go to one of the many cozy hotels, where visitors are greeted with unfailing cordiality and surrounded by care.
Perhaps not everyone knows, but the Caucasus is famous for its mineral springs. Even in the time of Lermontov, people suffering from various ailments went to the Caucasus to improve their health. The city of Kislovodsk is just a place that is ideal for restoring the body. The city itself is located on an 800-meter elevation, which provides its residents with a constant supply of clean, oxygen-rich air. By absorbing large portions of oxygen, the body is cleansed and renewed. But air is not the only positive aspect of “Caucasian therapy”. Kislovodsk has long been famous for its mineral waters. Many thousands of people come to the sanatoriums of Kislovodsk precisely for the sake of “Narzan”.
Wildlife lovers and photographers may have a lucky chance to see representatives of the fauna of the Caucasus: rare Caucasian aurochs, mighty bison, wild boars, chamois, bears, roe deer and other amazing animals.
