Where is Mount Elbrus located in Russia. Where is Elbrus located? What mountains can be seen from Elbrus
Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe and Russia in particular. It is included in the catalog of the seven highest objects on the planet Earth. But this is not the only characteristic of this point in the Caucasus Mountains. It is a stratovolcano or, in other words, a layered volcano, which is formed by multi-layer hardening of lava, ash and tephra.
Such peaks are characterized by high height and steep slopes. This is due to the properties of lava masses, which have a viscous and thick consistency. And eruptions from stratovolcanoes are explosive in nature, while the lava quickly solidifies and does not spread over the relief over long distances.
The height of Mount Elbrus
This volcano has two peaks with different heights. The western one is 5642 m, and the eastern one is a little lower - 5621 m. The distance between them is 3 km, and if measured along the mountainside - 5200 meters. On this saddle between the peaks of the volcano, the highest alpine shelter in Europe for climbers and mountain climbers was built. And there are more than enough people who want to climb to such a height, starting with the first ascent to the eastern peak on July 22, 1829 by Khilar Khachirov. This is a local guide, a resident of Kabardino-Balkaria, who knows these places well. The western peak was conquered somewhat later, in 1874, by the English climbers F. Grove, F. Gardner, H. Walker, P. Knubel and the local guide A. Sottaev. After that, thousands of people from all over the world try to climb to the height of Mount Elbrus, coming to the Elbrus region every year.
controversial issues
Often on the pages of the World Wide Web you can see controversial dialogues about Elbrus, where it is, in which country. The mountain is located on the border of several territorial units, although most of it is still on the territory of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, which occupies the northern slope of the Caucasus Mountains.
But the mountain itself is located at the junction of Kabardino-Balkaria and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, its image is on the emblems of both of these regions. However, North Ossetia, Georgia, and the Stavropol Territory are very close. Therefore, in the Elbrus region there is a whole complex of resorts belonging to different republics of Russia and Georgia.
Also, disputes on the issue of Elbrus (where it is located, in which country) are also being conducted by geographers who cannot agree on a common opinion. Doubts are raised by assumptions that this volcano is located in Europe. Some argue that this is already the territory of Asia. The border between the continents runs just in the middle of the Main Caucasian Range.
mountain name
Depending on the location of Elbrus (where it is located, in which country), local residents call the volcano differently. In Iran, it is called Aitibares, which means "sparkling or shining". This name is very consistent with the appearance of the peak, when the eternal snow reflects the bright sun.
In Georgia, they call the mountain Yalbuz, which means: yal - "storm", buz - "ice". It can be seen that the inhabitants of this country have repeatedly witnessed the raging elements on the slopes of the mountain.
The Armenian name is closely phonetically related to the Georgian version. Sounds like Alberis. Many believe that this name comes from the word Alps.
The name of the mountain, invented by the Alans, sounds very beautiful. These are residents of Karachay-Balkaria. "Mingi-Tau" is translated as "the eternal mountain of consciousness and wisdom."
The world-famous name of the volcano - Elbrus - also has a local origin. Consists of several words. "El" is translated as a settlement or nationality, but "bur" is a word familiar to Russian-speaking people, meaning to twist, turn back. The last particle of the word "mustache" is translated as temper, behavior.
Based on the meaning of the word Elbrus (where it is located, in which country, we found out), a name was coined, you can understand the nature and properties of this famous volcano, which in sunny weather reflects the sun's rays with a bright brilliance, in bad weather threatens travelers with a strong snowstorm with a spinning wind freezing rain and snow. Climbers who want to conquer the summit always remember the danger of such a hike.
Glaciers of the Caucasus Mountains
Elbrus last erupted over two thousand years ago. Since then, the temperature has always been very low at the top, which does not rise above 0 degrees even in the summer heat. The glaciers that cap the mountain cover 134.5 km, which is 10% of all such formations of the Caucasus Mountains. There are only 23 glaciers on Elbrus.
The largest and most famous are Big and Small Azau, Irik, Kokurtly, which occupy vast areas of valleys and slopes. But there are also very picturesque ice ones hanging from the cliffs. These are blocks of such glaciers as Kogutai, Terskol, Garabashi. Especially a lot of eternal ice is located on the northern slope of Mount Elbrus at an altitude of over 3850 meters.
The water formed after the melting and fall of these accumulations of ice fills the river flows of the mountain rivers of Stavropol, such as the Kuban, Malka and Baksan.
The climate on the mountain
The mountain range always has changeable weather. So in Kabardino-Balkaria, Elbrus is distinguished by the frequent change of good warm weather to bad, with precipitation and winds. This is due to the mountainous terrain, which forms the circulation of air masses by season.
Summer in the Elbrus region is cool, with high humidity. More than a week of good weather is not necessary to observe. The maximum thermometer showed + 35 degrees at an altitude of 2 km, even higher, at around 3 km, and even less, a maximum of + 25.
After this mark, winter weather begins in October. There is a lot of precipitation. The height of the snow cover on average reaches 50-80 cm. The higher to the top, the deeper the snow. More snow covers are located on the north side. Southern thickness of snow cannot boast.
Spring comes to the territory of Elbrus only at the beginning of May. The summit is covered with snow all year round. Due to them, the mass of ice in glaciers is constantly growing.
Winter lasts for a long time, and at an altitude of 3 km the temperature drops to -12 degrees, the lowest temperature recorded at this point was -27 degrees.
ski resort
The largest ski resort "Elbrus Azau" was built in 1969 on the Azau glade, which is located at the foot of the majestic mountain. For the convenience of skiers, there are two cable cars: the old pendulum with 20-seater cabins and the new gondola, taking 8 people on board. Lift tickets can be purchased as a one-time or for the whole day. They also sell season tickets for the entire period of skiing (from 2 to 8 days). The cost also varies depending on the season. One ascent - 550 rubles, descent - 500. The most expensive subscription for 8 days will cost 12,700.
Ski slopes
There are 11 slopes on Elbrus for skiers of all levels: from beginners to professionals. The blue slopes are wider and gentler. The reds and blacks are for experienced riders, but they also fade into the blue, gentle slopes. A subscription to skiing from the mountain will cost from 500 to 850 rubles per day.
Perfectly organized holiday for children. For them there is a separate drag lift for 300 meters. An experienced instructor conducts classes with beginners, fun competitions and contests are often organized. There is a ski school where the child will be taught all the details of the correct and safe descent.
Infrastructure of the complexes
On the territory of the complex there are 38 hotels, cafes, restaurants, baths and saunas, ski equipment rental. There are shops and even a club. You can pay both in cash and by bank cards. Everything is done for the convenience of vacationers.
For conquerors of peaks there is an interesting complex called "Barrels". There, climbers can go through acclimatization, warm up, relax after a hard climb, have a snack and sleep.
It is located at an altitude of 3750 meters, at the end station of the Garabashi chairlift. Each "barrel" is designed for 6 people. There is everything you need: toiletries, bedding, warm blankets.
How to get there?
The best and closest way to the mountain is from Nalchik. There is an airport there, so you can fly in from different places. Further from the city to the Elbrus region, you can take a taxi or minibus number 17. Then you also need to go to Terskol by taxi.
On your car from Rostov-on-Don, you need to go along the M-4 highway, and before reaching Nalchik, turn onto A-158. The coordinates of Elbrus, which is described in the article, on the navigator are 43°18"56"N, 42°27"42"E.
Come any time of the year. Skiing is also possible in the middle of summer.
Elbrus is the most famous mountain in the world. It is an object of general attention, a dream for people who prefer extreme sports, and an object of admiration for tourists. Almost every traveler knows where Mount Elbrus is located, and therefore dreams of going to the distant and unexplored Caucasus.
For many, it is the Caucasus that is the territory that is worth visiting. After all, everyone knows that it is here that you can feel complete freedom from the hustle and bustle and fully enjoy, in truth, incredible landscapes. Since ancient times, it was considered to be the place on Earth that could be called "paradise". Nature has rewarded the area with an unusually beautiful relief and a variety of flora. The air here is clean and transparent, which is the main feature of this territory.
The Caucasus is a mountainous region of Eurasia, which has a lot of amazing places, but perhaps the most famous of them is Elbrus. This mountain has managed to become the "calling card" of the area, since it is she who gathers many tourists near her. It is worth noting that the country is divided into two parts - Southern and Northern, conventionally they are called two half-worlds. Of course, the two parts are united by common traditions and culture, but the number of tourists is different.
What is the famous mountain?
The formation of this point began more than 218 thousand years ago. Since that ancient and forgotten time, lavas and tuff have erupted 15 times. It is impossible to say much or little, but it was they who gave mankind such an extraordinary gift.
Elbrus is a stratovolcano in the Caucasus, it is called the highest point in Russia. It is one of the Great Seven of the world's most famous peaks. Its location is unique, since it is located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Outwardly, it is a two-peak cone-shaped volcano that has not erupted for a very, very long time (the last eruption dates back to 50 AD).
Each nationality has its own name for a mountain-volcano, which, more and more often, in translation means “height”, “elevation”, “highest point”. Such definitions are not accidental, because they are based on the coordinates of the height above sea level. By the way, for the first time the exact height of the mountain was determined back in 1883. This was done by the famous academician and scientist V.K. Vishnevsky. He indicated and recorded data according to which Mount Elbrus has a height of 5421 m. These figures have become unchanged, because no transformations were observed in the volcano. Until that time, exact data simply did not exist.
It should be noted that the mountain remained an object of research for a long time, each new ascent gave new information, which was recorded in the necessary documentation. Today this place is interesting for various reasons, so let's find out where Mount Elbrus is located on the map of Russia and how to find it for an ordinary traveler?
Correct coordinates
Of course, this place is known to the locals, and you can easily find the treasured mountain. But, in order not to worry, it is better to find out about everything in detail before the trip. First you need to find general information about the place you are interested in, then analyze the territory and mark the data you need.
Many travelers have developed a search pattern that is based on data from cartographic sources. From them you will know that Elbrus is located in the Caucasus, exactly 130 kilometers west of the city of Nalchik, within the northern part of the Main Caucasian Range. To find where Elbrus is located on the map, you do not need special knowledge and skills, since the most detailed maps and well-known routes are in the public domain. It will not be difficult for you to find an object, it is much more difficult to conquer it, and therefore we will continue our preparations.
About modes of transportation
Depending on what you are going to move on, you need to choose the right entrance to the mountain. Since this place is specific and not close to civilization, there is no better means of transportation than a car. Further, the route will be on foot, as it implies active rest. There is another option - to travel by bus, but it is acceptable only for large excursion groups. If you are traveling with a small group of like-minded people, then a car would be more appropriate.
Where to start climbing?
Of course, everyone has their own rules and principles for recreation, but when it comes to Elbrus, the Azau village is considered the first point of departure. Experts recommend acclimatizing and spending some time here (1-2 days), and then hit the road.
Remember that it is best to get to the mountain in the summer, when there will be no obstacles on the way. The period from September to September is a unique time in every sense and it suits every tourist in the best way.
Regarding July and August, it must be said that this is the optimal period due to the fact that the weather is incredibly warm and stable, there is no dampness, rain or any noticeable temperature changes. But sometimes, there are surprises, and therefore you should be prepared for everything in advance, because the Caucasian weather is very often unpredictable, remember this. For this reason, when planning a route, one extra day is always laid. Winter climbing is possible, but here the weather plays against you as it can get very cold at this time of the year, down to -40 at the summit.
Many come back here at other times of the year, after the first ascent, to appreciate the beauty in other contrasts. For others, coming here becomes a challenge, as the low air temperature becomes an obstacle. It is important to note that it is always beautiful here, only in its own way. Different times provide an opportunity to see unique features that will not be noticeable in another season. Also remember that there are always a lot of tourists here, and therefore you will not be alone.
Mountain coordinates:
43.3469353 north latitude
42.4528694 east longitude.
Unsolved Mystery
There is one main question, when Elbrus will wake up and whether this will happen in the future, scientists have not yet given an answer. This means that climbing it will be possible for a long time, so it's time to start your preparations for such an amazing point on our planet. After all, if the eruption takes place, then the danger will be incredible. First, there will be a release of ash, lava, and the possibility of an unprecedented flood from the melting of glaciers will increase.
Once upon a time, Elbrus was an active volcano, and now it is included in the group of the largest extinct volcanoes on the planet. The height of Elbrus is 5642 meters
The scientific study of Elbrus by Russian researchers began in the 19th century. In 1913, astronomer Academician V.K. Vishnevsky was the first to accurately determine the location and height of Elbrus. In 1829 Elbrus was visited by the first Russian scientific expedition. It included the famous Russian academician Lenz, the botanist Meyer, the architect of Pyatigorsk Bernardazzi and others. The expedition was accompanied by the head of the Caucasian line, General Emmanuel, with a detachment of 1000 Cossacks. The detachment stopped at the northern foot of Elbrus at an altitude of 2400 meters. The general did not go further, preferring to observe the actions of scientists through a telescope. An inscription was carved on the stones in the camp site: "1829 from July 8 to July 11, the camp was under the command of General Cavalier Emmanuel." 
Having started the ascent, the expedition, after spending the night at an altitude of 3000 meters, continued to climb. Part of the expedition reached only a height of 4800 meters. Here, the St. George cross and the number 1829 were carved on the stones. This inscription was discovered in 1949 by a group of Soviet climbers of the Nauka society. Only Lenz, two Cossacks and two Kabardian guides continued on their way. Lenz and Cossack Lysenkov managed to reach the saddle, it was impossible to go further, as the snow had softened greatly. Only one Kabardian, Killar, went higher. He managed to reach the summit, as his body was better adapted to mountain conditions and he went out earlier on hard snow. Emmanuel saw Killar through a spyglass near the eastern summit. The scientists welcomed the guide who returned in the evening as the first climber to Elbrus. To commemorate the work of the expedition and reaching the summit, two cast-iron boards were cast with an inscription describing this event, which were later installed in Pyatigorsk near Diana's grotto and are currently stored in the museum. Pictured is the entrance to Diana's Grotto 
According to one version, the name Elbrus comes from Iranian Aitibares - "high Mountain", more likely - Iranian "sparkling, brilliant" (like Elburs in Iran). The Georgian name Yalbuz is from the Turkic yal - "storm" and buz - "ice". The Armenian Alberis is probably a phonetic variant of the Georgian name, but the possibility of a connection with the common Indo-European base, to which the toponym "Alps" goes back, is not ruled out. According to another version, Elbrus is translated from the Karachay-Balkarian language as follows: El is a village, people, state; Bur is twist, gate, is one root with the word Buran; Us it means character, behavior, disposition. Having the habit of creating a snowstorm or a volcano that twisted, turned back the villages, the people. Now Elbrus is an extinct volcano, but the local residents of Karachay-Balkarians still remember the times when Elbrus was an active volcano. 
Elbrus height- 5642 meters. Few volcanic mountains in the world surpass Elbrus in height. Only the extinct volcano Aconcagua (6960 m) and the active fire-breathing mountain Lullaillaco (6723 m), located in South America, exceed Elbrus by a little more than one kilometer. The greatest volcano in Africa, Kilimanjaro, is almost equal to Elbrus, surpassing it by only 253 meters, the same can be said about the largest volcano in North America, Orizaba (5700 m), surpassing Elbrus by 58 meters. Among the mountains of Asia, Elbrus is the highest volcanic peak, following it, Mount Damavend is inferior to Elbrus in height by 38 meters 
Elbrus, like many other volcanoes, is divided into two parts: a pedestal of rocks, and an earthen cone formed as a result of eruptions. The pedestal of Elbrus reaches approximately 3700 meters. This means that the "growth" of Elbrus due to its eruptions is approximately 2000 meters.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka has the largest mound cone among all volcanoes. The bulk cone of this volcano reaches 4572 meters and exceeds the Elbrus cone by almost three kilometers. 
The outlines of the two-headed blue or pink - depending on the lighting - Elbrus cone are well known to Stavropol residents. Elbrus is visible from all, even the most northern points of the region, where the horizon is not obstructed by other, closer elevations. Interest in Elbrus among Stavropol residents is also explained by the fact that the waters of its glaciers feed the largest rivers of our region - the beautiful Kuban and the stormy Terek 
Elbrus is a classic volcanic mountain. In its vast cone, poured during numerous eruptions, the history of the volcano seems to be recorded; it is successfully read by Soviet geologists in layers of lava, ash and volcanic tuff 
Elbrus arose at the end of the Neogene during the rise of the Caucasus Range. The eruptions of Elbrus probably resembled the eruptions of modern Vesuvius, but were more powerful. From the craters of the volcano at the beginning of the eruption, powerful clouds of vapors and gases, saturated with black ash, rose many kilometers up, covering the entire sky, turning day into night. The earth shook from powerful underground explosions. The air was torn by incessant lightning and fiery streaks from thousands of volcanic bombs flying out of the vent. Streams of ash mud rushed along the slopes of the mountain, sweeping away vegetation and stones in their path. Each eruption ended with the release of red-hot lava, which quickly solidified on the surface. Layers of ash, lava, stones, layering on each other, expanded the slopes of the volcano, increased its height. The volcano possessed colossal power, its ashes are found in the area of Nalchik, on the slopes of Mount Mashuk, 90 kilometers away from Elbrus. Elbrus probably belongs to the ash deposits found in the north of our region near the city of Novoaleksandrovsk. But the epochs of eruptions were replaced by periods of calm, during which rivers and glaciers vigorously destroyed the volcanic cone, which had been piled up until then, almost to the ground. The volcanic rocks were overlain by thick moraines and river deposits. From the moment of the birth of Elbrus to the present, the periods of erosion and revival of the cone have been repeated up to ten times. 
The activity of Elbrus continued in the ice age of the Quaternary period, when people already lived in the Caucasus, and stopped about 2500 years ago. During the onset of ice, its slopes were repeatedly covered with a powerful ice shell; during the next eruptions, they were washed away by stormy water flows. Elbrus eruption sites have been repeatedly moved. Both domes, currently crowning Elbrus, are the youngest. In the southwestern part of the mountain, in the form of rocks of Hotu-Tau-Azau, the remains of the most ancient crater have been preserved. Glaciers originate from here, feeding the Baksan River and the tributaries of the Kuban with water. The eastern and western peaks of Elbrus seem to be embedded in the upper part of the ancient crater. The youngest crater, the eastern peak of the mountain, had to finish the work of Elbrus. It is possible that both cones sometimes worked simultaneously 
Geographers of the 16th century considered Elbrus an active volcano. In books and on maps, it was depicted as a fire-breathing mountain, the same is described in many folk legends. Rumors sometimes spread among the inhabitants of the mountains and foothills that Elbrus had begun to operate again or that Elbrus was expected to be revived in the near future. These stories are not justified. Elbrus, perhaps, can be called not an extinct, but a fading volcano. It is sometimes the center of small earthquakes propagating within Ciscaucasia. In the depths of the batholith that fed Elbrus before, magma cools down, it supplies mineral springs with carbon dioxide, turning them into narzans, which are very numerous at the foot of Elbrus. In some places on the slopes of Elbrus, sulfurous gases come out of the cracks, which gives other scientists reason to argue that:
"The results of many years of research ... clearly indicate the activity of volcanic processes proper on Elbrus in the Holocene, including historical time. Elbrus is a modern volcano that is in a state of relative rest. The absence of eruptions over the past millennium cannot be a sign of the end of volcanic activity. The roof of the magma chamber is located, apparently, at a depth of 6 - 7 kilometers from the surface. Based on geological data, we come to the conclusion that the Elbrus volcano is on the ascending branch of development. "
The two-headed giant Elbrus keeps inexhaustible riches in its bowels. At its foot there are healing springs: the famous "Narzanov Valley" near the source of the Malka River is the brainchild of Elbrus. This is a future resort, not inferior to Kislovodsk in terms of the number of springs and the quality of narzans. Internal warmth, various minerals of Elbrus are waiting for their use. 
Elbrus has a harsh climate, which makes it related to the Arctic region. The average temperature of the warmest month is -1.4°. There is a lot of precipitation on Elbrus, two or three times more than on the Stavropol plains, but they fall only in the form of snow. At the Elbrus meteorological station at an altitude of 4250 meters, for three years of observations, rain has never been recorded. Elbrus is sometimes compared to a piece of ice 6 kilometers in size, abandoned far to the south from the Arctic regions. Naturally, the warm air masses coming from the Atlantic Ocean, meeting this obstacle, rising and cooling, are forced to give up part of their moisture to the slopes on the approaches to this mountain. As a result, Elbrus changes the weather in vast areas of neighboring regions, which is noted by the sign of local residents: "When Elbrus puts on a cloudy hat on a clear day, there will be bad weather." The coldest month on Elbrus is February. The average air temperature in February is 15° lower than in Stavropol. In the warmest month, in July, the average air temperature is approximately equal to the December temperatures in the Stavropol Territory, and the highest daily temperature in this month reaches only eight degrees Celsius. August is the best month for climbing Elbrus, at this time the snow melts, all the cracks in the ice open, even where they are usually not visible. 
The glory of Elbrus as the highest and most beautiful mountain of the Caucasus has been going on since time immemorial. Even before our era, Herodotus wrote about him. The peoples of the Caucasus and the Middle East have songs and legends about Elbrus. A.S. Pushkin, M.Yu. Lermontov, many Caucasian poets dedicated inspired lines to him.
Conquered giant
…In the depths of your gorges
The ax will rattle.
And an iron shovel
Into the stone chest
Mining copper and gold
It will cut a terrible path.
The caravans are already passing by
Through those rocks
Where only mists were rushing
Yes, king eagles.M.Yu. Lermontov.
Due to its symbolic significance as the highest point in Europe, Elbrus became the scene of a fierce confrontation during the Great Patriotic War, which was also attended by units of the German Edelweiss mountain rifle division. During the Battle for the Caucasus on August 21, 1942, after occupying the Krugozor and Shelter of Eleven mountain bases, the Nazi Alpine riflemen managed to install Nazi banners on the western peak of Elbrus. By the middle of the winter of 1942-1943, the fascist troops were driven off the slopes of Elbrus, and on February 13 and 17, 1943, Soviet climbers climbed the western and eastern peaks of Elbrus, respectively, where red flags were hoisted. 
The entire infrastructure is mainly concentrated on the southern slopes of Elbrus, where there is a pendulum and chairlift leading to a height of 3750 meters to the Bochki shelter, which consists of twelve six-seater insulated residential trailers and a kitchen. Currently, this is the main starting point for those climbing Elbrus. Below is a map of the cable car 
At an altitude of 4200 m, the highest mountain hotel "Shelter of the Eleven" is located, which burned down at the end of the 20th century, on the basis of the boiler room of which a new building has now been rebuilt, also actively used by climbers. Pastukhov rocks are located at an altitude of 4700 m. Above them is an ice field (in winter) and an oblique ledge. Further, the route to the Western peak passes through the saddle. From the saddle, the peaks rise to a height of about 500 m. 
More detailed map-scheme of Elbrus and Elbrus (click on the map to enlarge) 
In this photo, Elbrus is captured from a bird's eye view 
Since 2007, work has been underway to build a rescue shelter (“Station EG 5300”) on the saddle of the mountain (height 5300 m). The shelter will be a hemisphere of a geodesic dome with a diameter of 6.7 m, installed on a gabion foundation. In 2008, a reconnaissance of the area was carried out, a base camp was prepared, and the design of a shelter began. In 2009, the structures of the dome were made, construction work began: gabions were erected by the expedition members, the elements of the dome were transported to the construction site (including using a helicopter). Completion of construction is planned for 2010 
On the north side, the infrastructure is poorly developed, and is represented by several huts on one of the moraines (at an altitude of about 3800 m), which are used by tourists and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. As a rule, this point is used for climbing the Eastern peak, the path to which passes through the Lenz rocks (from 4600 to 5200 m), which serve as a good guide for all climbers 
Giant's Snowcap
And in their circle there is a two-headed colossus.
In a crown of shining ice,
Elbrus is huge, majestic
White in the blue sky.A.S. Pushkin.
In 2008, Elbrus was recognized as one of the seven wonders of Russia, according to the results of the voting "7 Wonders of Russia" 
Articles in this place:
The two peaks crowning the cone-shaped volcano are separated by a saddle, the height of which is 5300 m. The peaks of Elbrus are two independent volcanoes formed on an ancient volcanic base. The height of the young cone, located in the east, is 5621 m. This volcano has retained its classic cone shape with a clearly defined crater. The height of the maximum point of Elbrus - the western peak - reaches 5642 m. This volcano has a fairly ancient history, which is reflected in the state of its upper part - it is partially destroyed by a vertical fault.
Elbrus is a saddle-shaped volcano cone that was last active in 50 AD. e. It was most active about 225 thousand, then 110-70 thousand and less than 30 thousand years ago. The mountain, formed about a million years ago, consists of alternating layers of lava, ash and tuff.
The slopes of Elbrus are mostly gentle, but starting from a height of 4000 meters, the average slope angle reaches 35 degrees. The northern and western slopes are strewn with steep rocky areas up to 700 meters high. The eastern and southern ones are more gentle and even.
Flowers on the southern slope of Elbrus:
At an altitude of more than 3500 meters, the volcano is covered with stone placers, rocks and glaciers. The number of the latter is about 70 pieces, and their total area is 134.5 km². The most famous glaciers of Elbrus are: Terskop, Big and Small Azau. The streams erupting from them, uniting, create the three main rivers of the region - Baksanu, Kuban and Malka. The surface free from glaciers is covered with moraines. A huge cap of ice and snow preserves the picturesque shape of a Kazakhstani volcano all year round. It is because of this snow cap that Elbrus is called Little Antarctica.
The first written mention of a two-peak volcano can be found in the "Book of Victories" written by the Persian historian and poet, Sharaf ad-Din Yazdi. It tells about the Central Asian conqueror Tamerlane, who, during his military campaigns, climbed to the top of Elbrus to pray.
The peoples of the Caucasus and the Middle East composed a large number of songs and legends about Elbrus. One of the legends tells that before the mountain was one-humped. On its top lived the magical bird Simurgh, who bestowed happiness and prosperity on the highlanders who inhabited the valleys of the mountain gorges. This idyll lasted for many centuries, until the desire to take possession of the bird's throne under heaven did not lead two greedy people to its possessions. Their fierce struggle was stopped by higher powers: a blinding lightning cut the sky, a terrible thunder broke out and Elbrus split in two, spewing fiery streams that incinerate everything in its path. After such a terrible duel, the magical bird Simurgh hid deep underground, upset by the ingratitude and greed of people.
According to scientists, Elbrus has not reminded of itself for quite a long time, but despite this, the current degree of activity does not give specialists a reason to classify it as an extinct volcano, now it has the status of "sleeping". The volcano is indeed quite active in external and internal activities. In its depths there are still hot masses that heat the local "Hot Narzans" - springs saturated with mineral salts and carbon dioxide, the temperature of which reaches +52°C and +60°C. In the bowels of the volcano, the life of many famous springs of the medical resorts of Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk and the entire region of the Caucasian Mineral Waters begins.
The climate on Elbrus is characterized by severity, which makes it related to the Arctic regions. The average temperature in the warmest month of the year does not rise above -1.4°C. There is a lot of precipitation here, but they are mainly represented only in the form of snow.
Around the two-headed giant are the most beautiful peaks of the Caucasus: Nakra-Tau, Ushba, Donguz-Orun.
For the first time, a person managed to reach the eastern (lower) peak of the volcano on July 22, 1829. This was done by the conductor of the Russian scientific expedition, a Kabardian by nationality, Kilar Khashirov. The highest peak of Elbrus (western) was conquered by a team of climbers led by Florence Grove in 1874. The first to reach both peaks was the Balkar hunter and shepherd Ahiya Sottaev. During the period of his long life, he conquered Elbrus nine times: he made his first ascent at the age of more than forty, and the last - in 1909, when he was 121 years old.
On top of Elbrus:
View from the top of Elbrus:
The study of Elbrus by Russian scientists began actively in the 19th century. Academician V.K. Vishnevsky in 1913 was the first to determine the height and location of the volcano. In addition to the status of a unique natural landmark, the famous Caucasian peak is also an important scientific base. Even before the war, the first experiments with cosmic rays in the Soviet Union were carried out here, and today the most highly located geophysical laboratory is located there.
The territory of the Elbrus region is a major center of tourism and skiing. The bulk of the guests are fans of winter sports, including extreme ones, which are very popular in these mountains. In addition to the usual snowboarding, sledding and freeride, thrill seekers were offered a new entertainment, which is climbing to the top of Elbrus by helicopter and then skiing down the mountain. For more conservative skiers, cable cars are provided, the average capacity of which is 2,400 people per hour.
A report about Mount Elbrus will tell you what Mount Elbrus is known for and where it is located.
Message about Mount Elbrus
Elbrus- stratovolcano in the Caucasus - the highest mountain peak in Russia and Europe, included in the list of the highest peaks of the parts of the world "Seven Summits".
In the 19th century, scientific research began on the summit. The exact height and location was determined only in 1913. The goal of the first expedition in 1829 was to reach the top of the Elbrus volcano. It included such great scientists as Kupfer, Lenz, Minetrier. Having reached a height of 2400m, the group went further. Above the mark of 4800 m, only 5 people reached, and only three people reached the saddle of Elbrus. They could not go further because of the very softened snow.
The first to conquer the peaks of Elbrus was Ahiya Sottaev, when he was already over 40 years old. After the first ascent, he climbed the mountain 8 more times. Moreover, Sottaev made the last ascent at the age of 121.
Elbrus mountain where is located?
Elbrus is not only the highest point in Europe, but also a place of pilgrimage. It is located between Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, and the peoples living there have created many legends. For example, about the origin of the name. From the Iranian "Aytbares" means high Mountain, from the Georgian "Yalbuz" means ice and storm. According to another theory, the name of the mountain is composed of three words: "El" - settlement, "Bur" - twist, "Us" - character.
Mount Elbrus description
Elbrus height above sea level is 5642 m. Moreover, the height of the western peak is 5642 m, and the eastern peak is 5621 m. Between them there is a saddle, inferior in height to only 300 m. There are more than 80 glaciers on the mountain, the largest are Bolshoy Azau, Irik and Terskol . They give rise to many rivers Malka, Terek, Baksan and Kuban.
Below the location of the glaciers are alpine meadows and coniferous forests. The slopes are rocky. The mountains formed more than a million years ago, and in the beginning Elbrus was an active volcano. Today, scientists are still arguing about whether the volcano is sleeping or is extinct. The "sleeping" version is favored by the fact that hot masses are preserved in its depths, which heat up local thermal springs up to +60°C.
The mountain itself consists of layers of tufa, ash and lava. The last eruption was recorded in 50 AD.
Climate
Climatic conditions near the slopes are mild. Humidity here is low, so frosts are tolerated quite easily. But above, on the volcano, the climate is already harsh, similar to the Arctic. At the foot of the mountain, the average winter temperature ranges from 10 0 C to -25 0 C, and at the top it reaches -40°C. On Elbrus, precipitation is abundant and frequent, mainly in the form of snow. The air warms up in summer to +10°C at an altitude of 2500 m, and even higher in July the temperature barely reaches -14°C. The weather is characterized by instability - a windless clear day can be replaced by a snowy storm with strong wind gusts.
Relief
The climate at the foot of the mountain is varied: many gorges, stony placers. And on the slopes, even in summer, you can see melting snowflakes. On the surface of Elbrus there are glaciers with an ice thickness of 400 m. Glacial water forms streams that fall down like waterfalls. Starting from a height of 3500 m, moraine, cirques, and glacial lakes are common.
Flora and fauna
Velvet greenery, pine forests, trees and shrubs grow on the meadows of Elbrus. Flora has 3000 species. It includes pine, alder, mint, celandine, sea buckthorn, thyme, fennel, wormwood, wild rose, St. John's wort and coltsfoot.
The animal world is represented by aurochs, mountain goats, ground squirrels, raccoon dogs, wild boars, chamois, jackals, roe deer, foxes, wolves, wild cats, lynxes, squirrels and bears.
Vultures, eagles and kites, golden eagles, saker falcons, titmouses, bullfinches, thrushes, woodpeckers conquered the heavenly expanses.
- The local population calls Elbrus "Mingi-tau", which means "Mountain of the Thousands". The name emphasizes its height and size.
- This is a very difficult mountain to climb. In winter, it is generally forbidden to climb it.
- Elbrus is mentioned in the works of Herodotus. The ancient Greek historian pointed out that the god Zeus chained Prometheus to it because he gave fire to people.
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