Along the southern borders of Russia, from the Irtysh to the Amur region, one of the largest mountain belts in the world stretches for 4.5 thousand km. It consists of the Altai Mountains, the Western and Eastern Sayans, the Baikal region, the Transbaikalia highlands, the Stanovoy Range and the Aldan Highlands. The mountains formed within a giant geosynclinal zone. It arose as a result of the interaction of large blocks earth's crust- Chinese and Siberian platforms. These platforms are part of the Eurasian lithospheric plate and experience significant horizontal movements, which in the zone of their contact are accompanied by folding of sedimentary rocks and the formation of mountains, faults of the earth's crust and the introduction of granite intrusions, earthquakes, and the formation of various (ore and non-metallic) mineral deposits.
The mountains were formed during the Baikal, Caledonian and Hercynian folding eras. During the Paleozoic and Mesozoic, mountain structures were destroyed and leveled. The clastic material was carried into intermountain basins, where thick layers of hard and brown coals simultaneously accumulated. In Neogene-Quaternary times, as a result of intense movements of the earth's crust, large deep faults were formed. In the lowered areas, large intermountain basins arose - Minusinsk, Kuznetsk, Baikal, Tuva; in the elevated areas - medium-altitude and partially high mountains. The highest mountains are Altai, where the highest point in all of Siberia, Mount Belukha (4506 m), is located. Thus, all mountains Southern Siberia epiplatform folded-block revived.
Vertical and horizontal movements of the earth's crust continue, so this entire belt belongs to the seismic regions of Russia, where the strength of earthquakes can reach 5-7 points. Particularly strong earthquakes occur in the lake area. Baikal.
Tectonic movements of the earth's crust were accompanied by processes of magmatism and metamorphism, which led to the formation of large deposits of various ores - iron and polymetallic ores in Altai, copper and gold in Transbaikalia.
The entire mountain system is located inland, so its climate is continental. Continentality increases to the east, as well as along the southern slopes of the mountains. Heavy rainfall occurs on the windward slopes. There are especially many of them on the western slopes of Altai (about 2000 mm per year). Therefore, its peaks are covered with snow and glaciers, the largest in Siberia. On the eastern slopes of the mountains, as well as in the mountains of Transbaikalia, the amount of precipitation decreases to 300-500 mm per year. There is even less precipitation in the intermountain basins.
In winter, almost all the mountains of Southern Siberia are under the influence of the Asian High atmospheric pressure. The weather is cloudless, sunny, with low temperatures. It is especially cold in intermountain basins, in which heavy air flowing from the mountains stagnates. The temperature in winter in the basins drops to -50...-60°C. Against this background, Altai especially stands out. Cyclones often penetrate here from the west, accompanied by significant cloudiness and snowfall. Clouds protect the surface from cooling. As a result, Altai winters differ from other areas of Siberia in their great softness and abundance of precipitation. Summer in most of the mountains is short and cool. However, in the basins it is usually dry and hot with an average July temperature of +20°C.
In general, the mountains of Southern Siberia are an accumulator within the arid continental plains of Eurasia. Therefore, the largest rivers of Siberia - the Irtysh, Biya and Katun - the sources of the Ob; originate in them; Yenisei, Lena, Vitim, Shilka and Argun are the sources of the Amur.
The rivers flowing from the mountains are rich in hydropower. Mountain rivers They fill lakes located in deep basins with water, and above all the largest and most beautiful lakes in Siberia - Baikal and Teletskoye.
54 rivers flow into Baikal, and only one river flows out - the Angara. In its deepest lake basin in the world, gigantic reserves are concentrated fresh water. The volume of its waters is equal to all Baltic Sea and accounts for 20% of global and 80% of domestic fresh water volumes. The water of Lake Baikal is very clean and transparent. It can be used for drinking without any cleaning or treatment. The lake is home to about 800 species of animals and plants, including such a valuable commercial fish, like omul and grayling. Seals also live in Baikal. Currently, a number of large industrial enterprises and cities. As a result, the unique qualities of its waters began to deteriorate. In accordance with government decisions, a number of measures are being taken to protect nature in the lake basin to maintain the cleanliness of the reservoir.
Differences in temperatures and the degree of moisture on mountain slopes are directly reflected in the nature of the soil and vegetation cover of the mountains, in the manifestation of altitudinal zonation. Steppes rise along the slopes of Altai to a height of 500 m in the north and 1500 m in the south. In the past, feather grass and mixed-grass steppes were also located along the bottom of intermountain basins. Above the steppe belt, on the wet western slopes of Altai, there are spruce-fir forests with an admixture of cedar. In the drier Sayan Mountains, the Baikal Mountains and Transbaikalia, pine-larch forests dominate. Mountain taiga permafrost soils formed under the forests. Top part The forest belt is occupied by dwarf cedar. In Transbaikalia and the Aldan Highlands, the forest zone almost entirely consists of shrub thickets of dwarf cedar. Above the forests in Altai there are subalpine and alpine meadows. In the Sayan Mountains, on the Baikal and Aldan highlands, where it is much colder, the upper sections of the mountains are occupied by mountain tundra with dwarf birch.
The article talks about the mountain ranges of southern Siberia and explains what determines the specifics of the mountain climate. Indicates the factors that formed the basis for the formation of mountain peaks. Supplements acquired knowledge of geography (8th grade).
The movement of tectonic plates was the main factor that influenced the formation of the mountain range.
The result of this movement has characteristics characteristic of folded-block formations dating back to the Mesozoic period, which took their current form.
Rice. 1. Mountains of Southern Siberia.
The mountains of Southern Siberia have attracted the attention of Russian researchers since early XVII centuries. It was then that Cossack explorers founded the first cities here.
In the first half of the 18th century, manufactories and factories focused on the mining industry and non-ferrous metallurgy were founded here.
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The mountain belt of southern Siberia stretches up to 4500 km.
The most typical are mountain taiga larch and dark coniferous forests, which occupy about 3/4 of the entire territory. They dominate in the mountains natural areas characteristic of the taiga, and above 2000-2500 m already - for the mountain tundra.
Significant elevation above sea level is the main factor that indicates a pronounced altitudinal zone in the division of reliefs. The most common are mountain taiga landscapes, which cover over 60% of the entire territory.
Extremely rugged terrain and significant altitudinal amplitudes outline the diversity and contrast of natural conditions.
The largest mountain systems in Russia that are part of the South Siberian ridge are:
- Baikal region;
- Transbaikalia;
- Eastern and Western Sayans;
- Altai.
The Altai mountain Belukha is considered the highest peak.
Rice. 2. Mount Belukha.
The mountain range is located on moving plateaus. This is a natural cause of fairly frequent seismological tremors that lead to earthquakes.
A natural wall of pinnacles is located in the interior of the mainland area. This explains the continental nature of the local climate.
It is worth noting that these areas are characterized by the presence of mountain steppes. In mountainous areas they rise to different heights and occupy small areas.
The peaks do not allow penetration air flows from the west and from the north to Central part Asia. They serve as a natural and reliable barrier to the spread of flora and fauna of Siberia to Mongolia.
Only in Altai the climate is slightly milder due to the characteristic high cloudiness. It protects the array from freezing. Summer period is fleeting here.
Rice. 3. Russia’s borders with other states in the region of the mountains of southern Siberia.
Geographical position
The mountain peaks of Southern Siberia are “sandwiched” between the river basin of the Arctic Ocean, the internal drainage region of Central Asia and the Amur basin. The peaks have clear natural limits to the north and west. Here they separate the territory from neighboring states. The southern border is Russia's neighborhood with Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China. In the eastern part, the boundaries of the massifs go north.
The mountains of Southern Siberia represent the most complex system mountain ranges and massifs, stretching along the southern borders of Russia from Altai to the Amur region for 4.5 thousand km. Like a giant barrier, they separate the Siberian plains from the high plateaus of Central Asia.
The modern relief of the mountains of Southern Siberia was formed quite recently, in Quaternary times, under the influence of recent tectonic movements and processes of intense river erosion. All the mountains of Southern Siberia belong to the revived fold-block mountains. Characteristic feature The relief of these mountains is characterized by large differences in elevation.
Rice. 130. Mountains of Southern Siberia
What minerals are the mountains of Southern Siberia rich in?
Mountain building in the past, and in some places at the present time, was accompanied by earthquakes, faults of the earth's crust and the intrusion of magma with the formation of various ore deposits. This mountain belt belongs to the seismically active regions of Russia.
Formed here large deposits iron ores in Gornaya Shoria (south Kemerovo region) and Khakassia, polymetallic - in Transbaikalia, on the Salair Ridge and Altai, copper and gold - in Transbaikalia. The depths of the mountains also contain deposits of tin (Sherlovaya Mountain in the Chita region), molybdenum and tungsten. To increase copper production in the country in the future great importance has the largest Udokan deposit, located in the north of the Chita region.
The surface of large intermountain basins - Kuznetsk, Minusinsk, Tuva and others - is composed of loose clastic deposits carried down from the ridges. A thick layer of hard and brown coals has accumulated in these basins.
What are the characteristics of the climate and mountain rivers?
The mountainous terrain of Southern Siberia has determined a distinct altitudinal zone and climate contrast. Continentality increases to the east, and is also more pronounced along the southern slopes of the mountains. Heavy rainfall occurs on the windward slopes. They are associated with the spread of numerous snows and glaciers on the slopes and peaks Western Altai. On the eastern slopes of the mountains, as well as in the mountains of Transbaikalia, the amount of precipitation decreases to 300-500 mm per year. There is even less precipitation in the intermountain basins; there there is rarely more than 100-200 mm per year (as in the desert).
Rice. 131. Orographic diagram of the mountains of Southern Siberia
Compare the physical and tectonic maps of Russia with the given map and explain why Southern Siberia is an alternation of mountain ranges, intermountain basins, highlands and plateaus. Show them on the map.
Rice. 132. Rafting on a mountain river
In winter the weather is cloudless, sunny, with low temperatures. It can be especially cold (up to -50°C) in intermountain basins, in which cold air flowing down from the mountains stagnates. The exceptions are Altai Mountains with relatively mild and snowy winters. This is due to the fact that cyclones often penetrate here from the west, accompanied by significant cloudiness and precipitation; clouds protect the surface from cooling. Summer is short and cool almost everywhere, with the exception of intermountain basins, where it is usually dry and hot with an average July temperature of about +20°C.
In the mountains of Southern Siberia are the sources of all the largest Siberian rivers: the Yenisei, Ob (Biya and Katun), Lena, Vitim, Amur (Shilka and Argun). Most of them are mountainous in nature; they have developed narrow, deep valleys with picturesque steep slopes. These rivers feed melt water and precipitation falling in the summer-autumn period, and in high mountain areas and glacial waters. Mountain rivers are rich in hydropower and are of great interest to athletes and tourists.
Rice. 133. Mountain taiga
In many mountains there are lakes that fill deep tectonic basins. The largest and most beautiful of them are Baikal and Teletskoye.
What is it characterized by? vegetable world mountainous areas?
Differences in temperatures and the degree of moisture on mountain slopes are directly reflected in the nature of the soil and vegetation cover of the mountains and in the manifestation of altitudinal zonation. In the past, feather grass and mixed-grass steppes were located on the slopes of Altai and along the bottoms of intermountain basins of other mountains of Southern Siberia. Nowadays, the fertile black soils of the steppe basins are almost completely plowed and occupied by crops.
Mountain taiga landscapes occupy a total of up to 70% of the total area. The most widely represented are park-type larch forests and pine forests. On the damp western slopes of Altai there are spruce-fir forests with an admixture of cedar. In the drier Sayan Mountains, in the Baikal region and in Transbaikalia, pine-larch forests dominate. The upper part of the forest belt is occupied by dwarf cedar.
Above the upper border of the forest at the most high ridges There is a high-mountain belt, within which subalpine and alpine meadows predominate (in Altai and Western Sayan), then thickets of subalpine shrubs (and in the east, dwarf cedar), and then various variants of upland tundra.
The alpine meadows of the Siberian mountains are famous for the bright colors of the lush and rich grass stand; they are used as pasture for sheep, horses and cattle.
Rice. 134. Altitudinal zone of the mountains of Southern Siberia
Try to explain the differences in quantity and composition altitude zones mountains of Southern Siberia.
conclusions
The mountain belt of Southern Siberia is a vast mountainous country, distinguished from the rest of the Asian part of Russia by its diverse nature and rich resources, but extremely unevenly populated by people. Next to the industrial areas and agricultural lands of the intermountain basins and mountain slopes, there are still vast areas of practically undeveloped forested mountains.
Questions and tasks
- The mountains of southern Siberia experienced a “rebirth”. What age mountains can they be classified as - young or old? Give reasons for your answer.
- Find and show on the map the location of the largest mountain ranges and basins in Southern Siberia. Assess their geographical location.
- How can one explain the extreme diversity of natural landscapes in the mountain belt of Southern Siberia?
- What minerals are the mountains of Siberia rich in and how are these minerals used?
- Describe the barrier role of the mountain belt of Southern Siberia. How does it affect the nature of the surrounding areas?
The mountain system of southern Siberia is located in the very center of the Eurasian continent and is mountains of tectonic origin. They owe their formation to the movements of the lithospheric plates of the earth's crust.
An example of primary tectonic formations is the Himalayas. The mountain ranges of the South Siberian mountains were formed as a result of tectonic processes occurring in the old mountainous countries; repeated movements and uplifts led to the formation of folded block mountains.
All mountains of Southern and Eastern Siberia belong to this type.
Geographical position
This is one of the largest mountain systems in Russia, and even the former Soviet Union. Geographically, the system is formed by two mountainous countries, Altai-Sayan and Baikal. They include the Altai, Eastern and Western Sayan mountains, the Tonnu-Ola ridge, the Kuznetsk Alatau, the Yablonevy ridge of Transbaikalia and the Stanovoye Highlands, which borders the Khabar-Daban ridges. Geographically, this Eastern Siberia- Tyva, Buryatia, Altai Republic, Khakassia, Krasnoyarsk region and Kemerovo region.
Relief features
(Picturesque mountains, transparent river Altai Territory )
Relief features, natural landscape, forest vegetation zones are very diverse, the main thing that unites all these mountains is the taiga zone. Foothills from the side Western Siberia and Altai Territory are represented by taiga and boreal forests, which pass into the southern taiga zone and, above 2000 meters above sea level, into the mountain taiga. If the Kuznetsk Alatau is a low-mountain and mid-mountain terrain, then the Sayans and Altai are mountains with alpine high-mountain terrain.
Mountain taiga in the upper tiers is inferior to alpine and subalpine meadows, char are common, and in intermountain basins small glaciers. The Khabar-Daban and Tonnu-Ola ridges are a typical mountain taiga with all its diversity of flora and fauna, bear and wapiti, an abundance of the most ancient bird of our forests - wood grouse, blueberry and blueberry glades.
In the Western Sayan Mountains, areas of high-mountain tundra are common. Here you can meet reindeer and cranberries. The main wealth of the taiga of all the South Siberian mountains is the Siberian cedar pine. It is the mountains that are the main place of growth of this coniferous species, which is considered sacred for all the peoples of Siberia.
The mountain system of the South Siberian Mountains influences the climate of the entire region. The most noticeable places in Siberia in this regard are the wide mountain basins - Minusinsk, Tuva, Kurai, Chui. On them, as nowhere else, a special favorable microclimate is clearly expressed for the life of indigenous peoples and Agriculture. The height of the mountains of Siberia reaches 2500-2600 meters above sea level.
All the rivers of Siberia and Far East originate in the mountains. Glaciers and mountain springs are the sources of all the mighty Siberian rivers. Additionally, we can add that the climate features of the Siberian mountain system also contribute to replenishment water resources. Sharp- continental climate Southern Siberia with cold winters and hot summers in the mountains is abundantly flavored with precipitation. Mountain areas Siberia is one of the wettest regions in terms of precipitation. In everything historical eras this led to the formation of raised swamps, and at higher levels - glaciers.
(Lake Akkem at the foot of Mount Belukha, Altai Territory)
Most of the most famous mountain peaks of Russia are located in this region - Mount Belukha in Altai, the highest point in Siberia, 4506 m. Kodar Range in the Stanovoye Highlands, height 3072 m. Peaks of the Western Sayan - Aradansky (famous Ergaki) height 2456 m, Zvezdny height 2265 m. Kyzyl-taiga, height 3121 m. Eastern Sayan ridges with highest point Munku-Sarlyk with a height of 3491 m and the Grandiozny peak (the node of this mountainous country) 2982 m. This is not only an attractive place for pioneers and climbers, the mountains of southern Siberia are a storehouse of minerals, precious metals and uranium ores. Such researchers and writers as Vyacheslav Shishkov, Grigory Fedoseev, Vladimir Arsenyev, Nikolai Ustinovich were fans of this mountain system and described it in their books.
The mountains of Southern Siberia are one of the largest mountainous countries Russia: its area is more than 1.5 million km 2. Most of the territory is located inland at a considerable distance from the oceans. Stretching from west to east for almost 4,500 km - from the plains of Western Siberia to the coastal ridges Pacific Ocean, the mountains of Southern Siberia form a watershed between the great Siberian rivers flowing to the Northern Arctic Ocean, and rivers that give their waters to the drainless region of Central Asia, and in the extreme east to the Amur River.
In the west and north, the mountains of Southern Siberia are separated from neighboring countries clear natural boundaries coinciding with the ledges of the outlying areas of the mountains above the adjacent plains. The state border of Russia and Mongolia is taken as the southern border of the country; the eastern border runs from the confluence of the Shilka and Arguni north to the Stanovoy Range and further to the upper reaches of the Zeya and Maya.
The mountains of Southern Siberia include Altai, Kuznetsk Alatau and Salair, Sayan Mountains, Tuva, Baikal region, Transbaikalia and Stanovoy Range. Within the country are the Republics of Buryatia, Tuva, Altai and Khakassia, the Chita region, a significant part of the Kemerovo region, some areas of Yakutia, the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Irkutsk, Novosibirsk and Amur regions.
The geographical location of the country and its continental climate determine the peculiarities of landscape formation. Harsh winter promotes widespread permafrost, but comparatively warm summer determines the high position of the upper boundary of landscape belts for these latitudes. Steppe landscapes rise in the southern regions of the country to 1000-1500 m, and in some intermountain basins - even above 2000 m. In Altai and in the Tannu-Ola mountains upper limit the forest belt reaches 2300-2450 m, i.e. lies much higher than in the Western Caucasus.
The adjacent territories also have a great influence on the nature of the country. The low steppe foothills of Altai are similar in soil and vegetation to the steppes of neighboring Western Siberia, the mountain forests of Northern Transbaikalia resemble the taiga of Southern Yakutia, and the steppe landscapes of the intermountain basins of Tuva and Eastern Transbaikalia are similar to the steppes of Mongolia. For its part, the mountain belt of Southern Siberia isolates Central Asia from penetration air masses from the west and north and complicates the migration of Siberian plants and animals to Mongolia, and Central Asian ones to Siberia.
If there were a plain in place of the mountains of Southern Siberia, there would probably be three latitudinal landscape zones: forest, forest-steppe and steppe. However, the highly rugged mountainous terrain of the country and its large amplitudes determine a clearly defined altitudinal zonation in the distribution of landscapes. Particularly typical are mountain taiga landscapes, which occupy more than 60% of the country's territory. Areas of steppes are found only in the foothills and vast basins; Woody vegetation is also absent on the tops of the highest ridges.
The mountains of Southern Siberia have attracted the attention of Russian travelers since the beginning of the 17th century, when Cossack explorers founded the first cities here: Kuznetsky fort (1618), Krasnoyarsk (1628), Nizhneudinsk (1648) and Barguzinsky fort (1648). G.). In the first half of the 18th century. enterprises of the mining industry and non-ferrous metallurgy arise here (Nerchinsk silver smelting and Kolyvan copper smelting plants). The first ones begin Scientific research nature of mountain areas.
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