General information. Caspian Sea

General information. According to its geological position, the Caspian Sea, located in the meridional direction from north to south, is located between the parallels 47° 05' and 36°35' north latitude and the meridians 46°45' and 54°45' east longitude. The length of the sea is 1200 km, the width is 435 km. The smallest width of the sea along the parallel 40° 18' north latitude is 204 km. Corresponds to the boundary between the middle and southern parts of the sea from the sign Lebyazhy Kamen on the Apsheron Peninsula to Cape KuliMayak on the Krasnovodsk Peninsula.

In accordance with the geological structure and physiographic position, the Caspian Sea is divided into three parts: the Northern, Middle and South Caspian depressions. The bottom topography is complex and consists of geotectonic structures of different ages.

The North Caspian depression represents the southern part of the Russian platform. The Middle Caspian basin is a continuation of the Mesozoic structures of the Greater Caucasus, Mountainous Mangyshlak, Kubadag, Greater Balkhan. The South Caspian is a huge sagging zone of the Alpine Intermountain Depression. The border between the northern and middle Caspian runs along the line connecting Chechen Island with Cape TyubKaragan, between the middle and southern parts of the sea along the line from the Apsheron Peninsula to the Krasnovodsk Peninsula. The shores of the Caspian Sea are formed as a result of a combination of geological processes.

RELIEF. The Northern Caspian occupies 24.3% of the area, but only 0.5% of the volume of the Caspian Sea. The total area is 91942 km2, the volume of water is 397 km3. The depth of the sea here does not exceed 410 m. The bottom relief is a slightly wavy accumulative plain, with a series of banks and islands. Bottom sediments are mainly siltstones, sands, silt, large banks consisting of concrete accumulations and whole shells. The sediments of the Volga and Ural rivers flowing into the sea here form many shoals and banks, which, with the general shallow water of this region, are dangerous for navigation of ships. Between the delta of the Ural River and the Buzachin Peninsula there is a shallow (8 m) vast depression called the Ural furrow.

On the east coast are the Buzachi peninsula, Sor Kaidak, the dead Kultuk and the Western cliffs of Ustyurt. The shores of the Northern Caspian are low and gently sloping, winding, accumulative, easily flooded. The Northern Caspian is part of the Caspian lowland. The bottom of the basin is filled with sediments from the Volga and Ural rivers. The Volga, Ural, Terek and Emba rivers flow into the Northern Caspian (during strong floods). River deltas are divided into hundreds of branches, channels, form numerous small islands. The Middle Caspian occupies 140 thousand km2 of area, the volume of water is 26439 km3. The Middle Caspian accounts for 36.4% of the total area and 33.9% of the total volume of the sea (Kasymov A.G., 1987). The maximum depth is 788 m, the average is 192 m. The greatest depth is confined to the Derbent depression. The bottom topography differs sharply from that of the North Caspian basin. The shelf, the continental slope and the bottom of the basin are clearly distinguished here. The shelf of the western coast is narrow, the continental slope of the Derbent depression is narrow and steep. The shelf of the eastern coast is wide on the northern rather gentle slope; relics of ancient river valleys have been discovered. In the south, the Middle Caspian depression is separated from the South Caspian by the Alsheron structural thresholds, on which a number of banks and islands are located.

The shores of the Northern Caspian are steep, steep, denuded. The western coast is picturesque, spurs of the Greater Caucasus Range stretch here. The eastern coast is deserted. The cliffs of Ustyurt rise above the sea, the mountain systems of Mangyshlak, Tuarkyr, Kubadag-Kubansengir and the Great Balkhan. In the east, among the Neogene heights, there are numerous drainless depressions and the KarabogazGol Bay. The Middle Caspian is separated from the South by the Apsheron Threshold, which represents underwater heights stretching from the Apsheron Peninsula to the Kubadag Kubasengir mountain system.

The South Caspian is the deepest, seismically active moving part. The total area is 148,640 km or 39.3% of the area of ​​the entire Caspian Sea. The volume of water is 51245 km3 or 65.6% of the total volume of the sea. The maximum depth is 1025 m, the average depth is 345 m. The relief of the sea bottom is complex, the shelf, continental slope, deep depressions and underwater ridges stand out. The width of the shelf in the eastern part is 130 km, the width of the western coast is 43 km. The relief of the coast of the western part is varied. The spurs of the Caucasus Mountains stretch from the city of Baku to Cape Alyat, further on, there is the Kura-Araks lowland, the delta of the Kura River. Here the coast is low, accumulative. The eastern coast of the South Caspian is deserted, low-lying, accumulative, easily flooded. The vast West Turkmen oil and gas region is located here. The relief consists of sand dunes, between them there are solonchaks and takyrs.

HYDROLOGY. The Caspian Sea as an isolated water basin has its own special hydrological regime. The peculiarity of this regime is determined by a number of factors - climatic conditions, river runoff, sea depths and bottom topography, terrain, and the nature of the coasts. River runoff significantly affects the nature of temperature distribution, salinity precipitation and water density. The large rivers Volga, Ural, Emba flow into the northern part of the sea, the total flow is about 83% of the total annual flow of river water into the Caspian. The rivers Sulak, Terek, Kura and a number of smaller rivers flow into the western coast, giving only 7% of the annual flow. The remaining 5% of the flow falls on the rivers of the Iranian coast (Gorgan, Kherad, Sefidrud). There are no permanent drains on the east coast. Ice regime. An important role in the hydrological regime of the sea is played by the depths and topography of the bottom. The deep parts of the sea contribute to the accumulation of heat in summer, the flow of which strongly affects the distribution of water temperature in winter (Lotsiya, 1975). In winter, the shallow waters of the Northern Caspian and low air temperatures contribute to a significant ice cover in this part of the sea. The entire Northern Caspian is completely covered with ice at the end of December, the thickness of the ice reaches 40,100 cm. Near the city of Aktau, in severe winters, the ice cover can last up to six months. Storm winds break the ice and form a layer of hummocks up to 12 meters high.

Caspian Sea - the largest lake on Earth, drainless, located at the junction of Europe and Asia, called the sea because of its size, and also because its bed is composed of oceanic-type earth's crust. The water in the Caspian is salty - from 0.05 ‰ near the mouth of the Volga to 11-13 ‰ in the southeast. The water level is subject to fluctuations, according to 2009 data it was 27.16 m below sea level. The area of ​​the Caspian Sea is currently approximately 371,000 km², the maximum depth is 1025 m.

Geographical position

The Caspian Sea is located at the junction of two parts of the Eurasian continent - Europe and Asia. The length of the Caspian Sea from north to south is approximately 1200 kilometers (36°34 "-47°13" N), from west to east - from 195 to 435 kilometers, on average 310-320 kilometers (46°-56° v. d.). The Caspian Sea is conditionally divided according to physical and geographical conditions into 3 parts - the Northern Caspian, the Middle Caspian and the Southern Caspian. The conditional border between the North and Middle Caspian runs along the line of about. Chechnya - Cape Tyub-Karagansky, between the Middle and South Caspian - along the line of about. Residential - Cape Gan-Gulu. The area of ​​the Northern, Middle and Southern Caspian is 25, 36, 39 percent respectively.

The length of the coastline of the Caspian Sea is estimated at about 6500-6700 kilometers, with islands - up to 7000 kilometers. The shores of the Caspian Sea in most of its territory are low-lying and smooth. In the northern part, the coastline is indented by water channels and islands of the Volga and Ural deltas, the shores are low and swampy, and the water surface is covered with thickets in many places. The east coast is dominated by limestone shores adjacent to semi-deserts and deserts. The most winding coasts are on the west coast in the area of ​​the Apsheron Peninsula and on the east coast in the area of ​​the Kazakh Gulf and Kara-Bogaz-Gol. The territory adjacent to the Caspian Sea is called the Caspian Sea.

Peninsulas of the Caspian Sea

Large peninsulas of the Caspian Sea:

  • Agrakhan Peninsula
  • The Absheron Peninsula, located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea in the territory of Azerbaijan, at the northeastern end of the Greater Caucasus, the cities of Baku and Sumgayit are located on its territory
  • Buzachi
  • Mangyshlak, located on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea, on the territory of Kazakhstan, on its territory is the city of Aktau
  • Miankale
  • Tyub-Karagan

Islands of the Caspian Sea

There are about 50 large and medium-sized islands in the Caspian Sea with a total area of ​​approximately 350 square kilometers. The largest islands:

  • Ashur-Ada
  • Garasu
  • Boyuk Zira
  • Zyanbil
  • Cure Dashi
  • Hara Zira
  • Ogurchinsky
  • Sengi-Mugan
  • seals
  • Seal Islands
  • Chechen
  • Chygyl

Bays of the Caspian Sea

Large bays of the Caspian Sea:

  • Agrakhan bay
  • Kizlyar Bay
  • Dead Kultuk (former Komsomolets, former Tsesarevich Bay)
  • Kaydak
  • Mangyshlak
  • Kazakh
  • Kenderly
  • Turkmenbashi (bay) (former Krasnovodsk)
  • Turkmen (bay)
  • Gyzylagach (former bay named after Kirov)
  • Astrakhan (bay)
  • Hasan-kuli
  • Gyzlar
  • Hyrcanus (former Astarabad)
  • Anzali (former Pahlavi)
  • Kara-Bogaz-Gol

Rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea- 130 rivers flow into the Caspian Sea, of which 9 rivers have a mouth in the form of a delta. The major rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea are the Volga, Terek, Sulak, Samur (Russia), Ural, Emba (Kazakhstan), Kura (Azerbaijan), Atrek (Turkmenistan), Sefidrud (Iran) and others. The largest river flowing into the Caspian Sea is the Volga, its average annual runoff is 215-224 cubic kilometers. The Volga, Ural, Terek, Sulak and Emba provide up to 88-90% of the annual runoff to the Caspian Sea.

Physiography

Area, depth, volume of water- The area and volume of water in the Caspian Sea varies significantly depending on fluctuations in water levels. At a water level of -26.75 m, the area is approximately 371,000 square kilometers, the volume of water is 78,648 cubic kilometers, which is approximately 44% of the world's lake water reserves. The maximum depth of the Caspian Sea is in the South Caspian depression, 1025 meters from its surface level. In terms of maximum depth, the Caspian Sea is second only to Baikal (1620 m) and Tanganyika (1435 m). The average depth of the Caspian Sea, calculated from the bathygraphic curve, is 208 meters. At the same time, the northern part of the Caspian Sea is shallow, its maximum depth does not exceed 25 meters, and the average depth is 4 meters.

Water level fluctuations- The water level in the Caspian Sea is subject to significant fluctuations. According to modern science, over the past three thousand years, the magnitude of the change in the water level of the Caspian Sea has reached 15 meters. According to archeology and written sources, a high level of the Caspian Sea is recorded at the beginning of the 14th century. Instrumental measurement of the level of the Caspian Sea and systematic observations of its fluctuations have been carried out since 1837, during this time the highest water level was recorded in 1882 (−25.2 m), the lowest - in 1977 (−29.0 m), from In 1978, the water level rose and in 1995 it reached -26.7 m, since 1996 there has been a downward trend again. Scientists associate the causes of changes in the water level of the Caspian Sea with climatic, geological and anthropogenic factors. But in 2001, the sea level began to rise again, and reached -26.3 m.

Water temperature- water temperature is subject to significant latitudinal changes, most pronounced in winter, when the temperature changes from 0-0.5 °C at the ice edge in the north of the sea to 10-11 °C in the south, that is, the water temperature difference is about 10 ° C. For shallow water areas with depths less than 25 m, the annual amplitude can reach 25-26 °C. On average, the water temperature near the western coast is 1-2 °C higher than that of the eastern coast, and in the open sea the water temperature is 2-4 °C higher than near the coasts.

Water composition- the salt composition of the waters of the closed Caspian Sea differs from that of the ocean. There are significant differences in the ratios of the concentrations of salt-forming ions, especially for the waters of areas under the direct influence of continental runoff. The process of metamorphization of sea waters under the influence of continental runoff leads to a decrease in the relative content of chlorides in the total amount of salts in sea waters, an increase in the relative amount of carbonates, sulfates, and calcium, which are the main components in the chemical composition of river waters. The most conservative ions are potassium, sodium, chloride and magnesium. The least conservative are calcium and bicarbonate ion. In the Caspian Sea, the content of calcium and magnesium cations is almost two times higher than in the Sea of ​​Azov, and sulfate anion is three times higher.

Bottom relief- the relief of the northern part of the Caspian Sea is a shallow wavy plain with banks and accumulative islands, the average depth of the Northern Caspian is 4-8 meters, the maximum does not exceed 25 meters. The Mangyshlak threshold separates the Northern Caspian from the Middle. The Middle Caspian is quite deep, the depth of water in the Derbent depression reaches 788 meters. The Apsheron threshold separates the Middle and South Caspian. The South Caspian is considered deep water, the depth of water in the South Caspian depression reaches 1025 meters from the surface of the Caspian Sea. Shell sands are widespread on the Caspian shelf, deep-water areas are covered with silty sediments, and in some areas there is an outcrop of bedrock.

Climate- The climate of the Caspian Sea is continental in the northern part, temperate in the middle part and subtropical in the southern part. In winter, the average monthly air temperature varies from -8…-10 in the northern part to +8…+10 in the southern part, in summer - from +24…+25 in the northern part to +26…+27 in the southern part. The maximum temperature of +44 degrees was recorded on the east coast. The average annual rainfall is 200 millimeters, ranging from 90-100 millimeters in the arid eastern part to 1,700 millimeters off the southwestern subtropical coast. Evaporation of water from the surface of the Caspian Sea is about 1000 millimeters per year, the most intense evaporation in the area of ​​the Absheron Peninsula and in the eastern part of the South Caspian is up to 1400 millimeters per year. The average annual wind speed is 3-7 meters per second, northerly winds prevail in the wind rose. In the autumn and winter months, the winds increase, the wind speed often reaches 35-40 meters per second. The most windy areas are the Apsheron Peninsula, the environs of Makhachkala and Derbent, where the highest wave 11 meters high was also recorded.

currents- The circulation of waters in the Caspian Sea is connected with the runoff and winds. Since most of the water flow falls on the Northern Caspian, northern currents predominate. An intense northern current carries water from the Northern Caspian along the western coast to the Absheron Peninsula, where the current is divided into two branches, one of which moves further along the western coast, the other goes to the Eastern Caspian.

Economic development of the Caspian Sea

Mining of oil and gas-Many oil and gas fields are being developed in the Caspian Sea. The proven oil resources in the Caspian Sea are about 10 billion tons, the total resources of oil and gas condensate are estimated at 18-20 billion tons. Oil production in the Caspian Sea began in 1820, when the first oil well was drilled on the Absheron shelf near Baku. In the second half of the 19th century, oil production began on an industrial scale on the Absheron Peninsula, and then on other territories. In 1949, Oil Rocks for the first time began to extract oil from the bottom of the Caspian Sea. So, on August 24 of this year, the team of Mikhail Kaverochkin started drilling a well, which on November 7 of the same year gave the long-awaited oil. In addition to oil and gas production, salt, limestone, stone, sand, and clay are also mined on the coast of the Caspian Sea and the Caspian shelf.

Shipping- Shipping is developed in the Caspian Sea. Ferry crossings operate on the Caspian Sea, in particular, Baku - Turkmenbashi, Baku - Aktau, Makhachkala - Aktau. The Caspian Sea has a navigable connection with the Sea of ​​Azov through the Volga and Don rivers and the Volga-Don Canal.

Fishing and seafood-fishing (sturgeon, bream, carp, pike perch, sprat), caviar production, as well as seal fishing. More than 90 percent of the world's sturgeon catch is carried out in the Caspian Sea. In addition to industrial production, illegal production of sturgeon and their caviar flourishes in the Caspian Sea.

Legal status of the Caspian Sea- after the collapse of the USSR, the division of the Caspian Sea has long been and still remains the subject of unsettled disagreements related to the division of the resources of the Caspian shelf - oil and gas, as well as biological resources. For a long time there were negotiations between the Caspian states on the status of the Caspian Sea - Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan insisted on dividing the Caspian along the median line, Iran - on dividing the Caspian along one fifth between all the Caspian states. The current legal regime of the Caspian is established by the Soviet-Iranian treaties of 1921 and 1940. These treaties provide for freedom of navigation throughout the sea, freedom of fishing, with the exception of ten-mile national fishing zones, and a ban on navigation in its waters of ships flying the flag of non-Caspian states. Negotiations on the legal status of the Caspian are currently ongoing.


Geographical position The Caspian Sea is located at the junction of two parts of the Eurasian continent - Europe and Asia. The Caspian Sea is similar in shape to the Latin letter S, the length of the Caspian Sea from north to south is approximately 1200 kilometers (36 ° 34 "- 47 ° 13" N), from west to east - from 195 to 435 kilometers, on average kilometers (46° - 56° E). The Caspian Sea is conditionally divided according to physical and geographical conditions into 3 parts - the Northern Caspian, the Middle Caspian and the Southern Caspian. The conditional border between the North and Middle Caspian is passed along the line Chechen (island) - Tyub-Karagansky cape, between the Middle and South Caspian - along the line Zhiloy (island) - Gan-Gulu (cape). The area of ​​the Northern, Middle and Southern Caspian is 25, 36, 39 percent respectively. Coast of the Caspian Sea in Turkmenistan.


Coastline The coastline of the Caspian Sea is estimated at about 7,000 kilometers, with islands up to 7,000 kilometers. The shores of the Caspian Sea in most of its territory are low-lying and smooth. In the northern part, the coastline is indented by water streams and islands of the Volga and Ural deltas, the shores are low and swampy, and the water surface is covered with thickets in many places. The east coast is dominated by limestone shores adjacent to semi-deserts and deserts. The most winding coasts on the west coast are in the area of ​​the Apsheron Peninsula and on the east coast in the area of ​​the Kazakh Gulf and Kara-Bogaz-Gol. The coastline of the Caspian Sea is estimated at about kilometers, with islands up to 7,000 kilometers. The shores of the Caspian Sea in most of its territory are low-lying and smooth. In the northern part, the coastline is indented by water streams and islands of the Volga and Ural deltas, the shores are low and swampy, and the water surface is covered with thickets in many places. The east coast is dominated by limestone shores adjacent to semi-deserts and deserts. The most sinuous shores on the west coast in the area of ​​the Apsheron Peninsula and on the east coast in the area of ​​the Kazakh Gulf and Kara-Bogaz-Gol


Area, depth, volume of water The area and volume of water in the Caspian Sea varies significantly depending on fluctuations in water levels. At a water level of 26.75 m, the area was approximately square kilometers, the volume of water was cubic kilometers, which is approximately 44 percent of the world's lake water reserves. The maximum depth of the Caspian Sea is in the South Caspian depression, 1025 meters from its surface level. In terms of maximum depth, the Caspian Sea is second only to Baikal (1620 m) and Tanganyika (1435 m). The average depth of the Caspian Sea, calculated from the bathygraphic curve, is 208 meters. At the same time, the northern part of the Caspian Sea is shallow, its maximum depth does not exceed 25 meters, and the average depth is 4 meters.


Water level fluctuations The water level in the Caspian Sea is subject to significant fluctuations. According to modern science, over the past 3 thousand years, the amplitude of changes in the water level of the Caspian Sea has amounted to 15 meters. Instrumental measurement of the level of the Caspian Sea and systematic observations of its fluctuations have been carried out since 1837, during this time the highest water level was recorded in 1882 (-25.2 m.), the lowest in 1977 (-29.0 m.), since 1978, the water level has been decreasing and in 1995 it reached 26.6 m, since 1996 there has been an upward trend again. Scientists associate the causes of changes in the water level of the Caspian Sea with climatic, geological and anthropological factors. The water level in the Caspian Sea is subject to significant fluctuations. According to modern science, over the past 3 thousand years, the amplitude of changes in the water level of the Caspian Sea has amounted to 15 meters. Instrumental measurement of the level of the Caspian Sea and systematic observations of its fluctuations have been carried out since 1837, during this time the highest water level was recorded in 1882 (-25.2 m.), the lowest in 1977 (-29.0 m.), since 1978, the water level has been decreasing and in 1995 it reached 26.6 m, since 1996 there has been an upward trend again. Scientists associate the causes of changes in the water level of the Caspian Sea with climatic, geological and anthropological factors.


Temperature and composition of water The average monthly water temperature of the Caspian Sea ranges from 0 degrees in the northern part to +10 in the southern part, and approximately throughout the entire Caspian Sea in the summer months. At great depths, the water temperature is approximately and practically does not undergo seasonal changes. The average monthly water temperature of the Caspian Sea ranges from 0 degrees in the northern part to +10 in the southern part, and approximately throughout the entire Caspian Sea in the summer months. At great depths, the water temperature is approximately and practically does not undergo seasonal changes. In winter, part of the surface of the Caspian Sea freezes. In the northern part of the Caspian Sea, the surface is covered with a layer of ice up to 2 meters thick, freezing begins in mid-November, and ice melts in late February. The freezing boundary passes approximately along the line of the Chechen island of Mangyshlak, on the Apsheron Peninsula, the formation and drift of ice is observed approximately once a year. The salinity of the water of the Caspian Sea varies from 0.3 ppm in the northern part near the Volga delta to 13.5 ppm near the southeastern shores, in most of the Caspian Sea it is 12.6-13.2 ppm. In winter, due to the freezing of the Volga, the salinity of the water in the northern part of the Caspian Sea increases. In winter, part of the surface of the Caspian Sea freezes. In the northern part of the Caspian Sea, the surface is covered with a layer of ice up to 2 meters thick, freezing begins in mid-November, and ice melts in late February. The freezing boundary passes approximately along the line of the Chechen island of Mangyshlak, on the Apsheron Peninsula, the formation and drift of ice is observed approximately once a year. The salinity of the water of the Caspian Sea varies from 0.3 ppm in the northern part near the Volga delta to 13.5 ppm near the southeastern shores, in most of the Caspian Sea it is 12.6-13.2 ppm. In winter, due to the freezing of the Volga, the salinity of the water in the northern part of the Caspian Sea increases.


Peninsulas and islands of the Caspian Sea Large peninsulas of the Caspian Sea Large peninsulas of the Caspian Sea located on the western coast of the Caspian in the territory of Azerbaijan, at the northeastern end of the Greater Caucasus, on its territory are the cities of Baku and Sumgayit Buzachi Buzachi Mangyshlak, located on the east coast of the Caspian, on the territory of Kazakhstan, on its territory is the city of Aktau. Mangyshlak is located on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea, on the territory of Kazakhstan, on its territory is the city of Aktau. Tub-Karagan Tub-Karagan


Islands of the Caspian Sea There are about 50 large and medium-sized islands in the Caspian Sea with a total area of ​​approximately 350 square kilometers. There are about 50 large and medium-sized islands in the Caspian Sea with a total area of ​​approximately 350 square kilometers. The largest islands: The largest islands: Ashur-Ada Ashur-Ada Garasu Garasu Gum Gum Dash Dash Zira (island) Zira (island) Zyanbil Zyanbil Kyur Dashi Kur Dashi Khara-Zira Khara-Zira Sengi-Mugan Sengi-Mugan Chechen (island) Chechen (island) Chygyl Chygyl


Bays of the Caspian Sea Large bays of the Caspian Sea: Large bays of the Caspian Sea: Agrakhan Bay, Agrakhan Bay, Komsomolets (Gulf), Komsomolets (Gulf), Mangyshlak, Mangyshlak, Kazakh (Gulf), Kazakh (Gulf), Turkmenbashi (Gulf) (former Krasnovodsk ), Turkmenbashi (Gulf) (former Krasnovodsk), Turkmen (Gulf), Turkmen (Gulf), Gyzylagach, Gyzylagach, Astrakhan (Gulf) Astrakhan (Gulf) Gyzlar Gyzlar Girkan (former Astarabad) and Girkan (former Astarabad) and Enzali (former Pahlavi). Anzali (former Pahlavi).


Kara-Bogaz-Gol Gulf of Kara-Bogaz-Gol in September 1995 Gulf of Kara-Bogaz-Gol in September 1995 Off the eastern coast is the salt lake Kara Bogaz Gol, which until 1980 was a bay-lagoon of the Caspian Sea, connected to it by a narrow strait . In 1980, a dam was built separating Kara-Bogaz-Gol from the Caspian Sea, in 1984 a culvert was built, after which the level of Kara-Bogaz-Gol dropped by several meters. In 1992, the strait was restored, through which water leaves the Caspian Sea to Kara-Bogaz-Gol and evaporates there. Every year, 8 10 cubic kilometers of water (according to other sources, 25 thousand kilometers) and about 150 thousand tons of salt enter Kara-Bogaz-Gol from the Caspian Sea.


Rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea Delta of the Volga. View from space. 130 rivers flow into the Caspian Sea, of which 9 rivers have a mouth in the form of a delta. Large rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea are the Volga, Terek (Russia), Ural, Emba (Kazakhstan), Kura (Azerbaijan), Samur (Russian border with Azerbaijan), Atrek (Turkmenistan) and others. The largest river flowing into the Caspian Sea is the Volga, its average annual runoff is cubic kilometers. The Volga, Ural, Terek and Emba give up to the annual drainage of the Caspian Sea.


Basin of the Caspian Sea Basin of the Caspian Sea The area of ​​the Caspian Sea basin is approximately 3.1 3.5 million square kilometers, which is approximately 10 percent of the world's closed water basins. The length of the Caspian Sea basin from north to south is about 2500 kilometers, from west to east about 1000 kilometers. The Caspian Sea basin covers 9 states Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan.


Currents The circulation of water in the Caspian Sea is connected with the runoff and winds. Since most of the water flow falls on the Northern Caspian, northern currents predominate. An intense northern current carries water from the Northern Caspian along the western coast to the Absheron Peninsula, where the current is divided into two branches, one of which moves further along the western coast, the other goes to the Eastern Caspian. The circulation of water in the Caspian Sea is connected with the runoff and winds. Since most of the water flow falls on the Northern Caspian, northern currents predominate. An intense northern current carries water from the Northern Caspian along the western coast to the Absheron Peninsula, where the current is divided into two branches, one of which moves further along the western coast, the other goes to the Eastern Caspian.


Bottom relief The relief of the northern part of the Caspian is a shallow undulating plain with banks and accumulative islands, the average depth of the Northern Caspian is about 48 meters, the maximum does not exceed 25 meters. The Mangyshlak threshold separates the Northern Caspian from the Middle. The Middle Caspian is quite deep, the depth of water in the Derbent depression reaches 788 meters. The Apsheron threshold separates the Middle and South Caspian. The South Caspian is considered deep water, the depth of water in the South Caspian depression reaches 1025 meters from the surface of the Caspian Sea. Shell sands are widespread on the Caspian shelf, deep-water areas are covered with silty sediments, and in some areas there is an outcrop of bedrock. The relief of the northern part of the Caspian is a shallow wavy plain with banks and accumulative islands, the average depth of the Northern Caspian is about 4-8 meters, the maximum does not exceed 25 meters. The Mangyshlak threshold separates the Northern Caspian from the Middle. The Middle Caspian is quite deep, the depth of water in the Derbent depression reaches 788 meters. The Apsheron threshold separates the Middle and South Caspian. The South Caspian is considered deep water, the depth of water in the South Caspian depression reaches 1025 meters from the surface of the Caspian Sea. Shell sands are widespread on the Caspian shelf, deep-water areas are covered with silty sediments, and in some areas there is an outcrop of bedrock.


Climate The climate of the Caspian Sea is continental in the northern part, temperate in the middle part and subtropical in the southern part. In winter, the average monthly temperature of the Caspian varies from 8 10 in the northern part to in the southern part, in summer from in the northern part to in the southern part. The maximum temperature recorded on the east coast is 44 degrees. The average annual rainfall is 200 millimeters per year, ranging from millimeters in the arid eastern part to 1,700 millimeters off the southwestern subtropical coast. Evaporation of water from the surface of the Caspian Sea is about 1000 millimeters per year, the most intensive evaporation in the area of ​​the Absheron Peninsula and in the eastern part of the South Caspian is up to 1400 millimeters per year. Winds often blow on the territory of the Caspian Sea, their average annual speed is 3-7 meters per second, north winds prevail in the wind rose. In the autumn and winter months, the winds intensify, the wind speed often reaches meters per second. The most windy areas are the Apsheron Peninsula and the vicinity of Makhachkala Derbent, where the highest wave of 11 meters was also recorded. Winds often blow on the territory of the Caspian Sea, their average annual speed is 3-7 meters per second, north winds prevail in the wind rose. In the autumn and winter months, the winds intensify, the wind speed often reaches meters per second. The most windy areas are the Apsheron Peninsula and the vicinity of Makhachkala Derbent, where the highest wave of 11 meters was also recorded.


Fauna and flora The fauna of the Caspian is represented by 1809 species, of which 415 are vertebrates. 101 species of fish are registered in the Caspian world, and most of the world's stocks of sturgeon are concentrated in it, as well as such freshwater fish as vobla, carp, pike perch. The Caspian Sea is a habitat for such fish as carp, mullet, sprat, kutum, bream, salmon, perch, pike. The Caspian Sea is also inhabited by a marine mammal, the Caspian seal. The fauna of the Caspian is represented by 1809 species, of which 415 are vertebrates. 101 species of fish are registered in the Caspian world, and most of the world's stocks of sturgeon are concentrated in it, as well as such freshwater fish as vobla, carp, pike perch. The Caspian Sea is a habitat for such fish as carp, mullet, sprat, kutum, bream, salmon, perch, pike. The Caspian Sea is also inhabited by a marine mammal, the Caspian seal. The flora of the Caspian Sea and its coast is represented by 728 species. Of the plants in the Caspian Sea, blue-green, diatom, red, brown, char and other algae predominate, from flowering zoster and ruppia. By origin, the fauna belongs mainly to the Neogene age, however, some plants were brought into the Caspian Sea by man consciously or on the bottoms of ships. The flora of the Caspian Sea and its coast is represented by 728 species. Of the plants in the Caspian Sea, blue-green, diatom, red, brown, char and other algae predominate, from flowering zoster and ruppia. By origin, the fauna belongs mainly to the Neogene age, however, some plants were brought into the Caspian Sea by man consciously or on the bottoms of ships.


Oil and gas production There are many oil and gas fields being developed in the Caspian Sea. The proven oil resources in the Caspian Sea are about 10 billion tons, the total resources of oil and gas condensate are estimated at billion tons. Many oil and gas fields are being developed in the Caspian Sea. The proven oil resources in the Caspian Sea are about 10 billion tons, the total resources of oil and gas condensate are estimated at billion tons. Oil production in the Caspian Sea began in 1820, when the first oil well was drilled on the Absheron shelf. In the second half of the 19th century, oil production began on an industrial scale in the Absheron Peninsula, and then in other territories. Oil production in the Caspian Sea began in 1820, when the first oil well was drilled on the Absheron shelf. In the second half of the 19th century, oil production began on an industrial scale in the Absheron Peninsula, and then in other territories. In addition to oil and gas production, salt, limestone, stone, sand, and clay are also mined on the coast of the Caspian Sea and the Caspian shelf. In addition to oil and gas production, salt, limestone, stone, sand, and clay are also mined on the coast of the Caspian Sea and the Caspian shelf.


Shipping, fishing and seafood production The Caspian Sea has developed shipping. There are ferry crossings on the Caspian Sea, in particular, Baku Turkmenbashi, Baku Aktau, Makhachkala Aktau. The Caspian Sea has a navigable connection with the Sea of ​​Azov through the rivers Volga, Don and the Volga-Don Canal. Navigation is developed in the Caspian Sea. There are ferry crossings on the Caspian Sea, in particular, Baku Turkmenbashi, Baku Aktau, Makhachkala Aktau. The Caspian Sea has a navigable connection with the Sea of ​​Azov through the Volga and Don rivers and the Volga-Don Canal. Fishing (sturgeon, bream, carp, pike perch, sprat), caviar, and seal fishing. More than 90 percent of the world's sturgeon catch is carried out in the Caspian Sea. In addition to industrial production, illegal production of sturgeons and their caviar flourishes in the Caspian Sea. More than 90 percent of the world's sturgeon catch is carried out in the Caspian Sea. In addition to industrial production, illegal production of sturgeon and their caviar flourishes in the Caspian Sea.


Recreational resources The natural environment of the Caspian coast with sandy beaches, mineral waters and therapeutic mud in the coastal zone creates good conditions for recreation and treatment. At the same time, in terms of the degree of development of resorts and the tourism industry, the Caspian coast noticeably loses to the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. At the same time, in recent years, the tourism industry has been actively developing on the coast of Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Russian Dagestan. The natural environment of the Caspian coast with sandy beaches, mineral waters and therapeutic mud in the coastal zone creates good conditions for recreation and treatment. At the same time, in terms of the degree of development of resorts and the tourism industry, the Caspian coast noticeably loses to the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. At the same time, in recent years, the tourism industry has been actively developing on the coast of Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Russian Dagestan.


Environmental problems Environmental problems of the Caspian Sea are associated with water pollution as a result of oil production and transportation on the continental shelf, the flow of pollutants from the Volga and other rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea, the vital activity of coastal cities, as well as the flooding of individual facilities due to the rise in the level of the Caspian Sea . Predatory harvesting of sturgeons and their caviar, rampant poaching lead to a decrease in the number of sturgeons and forced restrictions on their production and export. The environmental problems of the Caspian Sea are associated with water pollution as a result of oil production and transportation on the continental shelf, the flow of pollutants from the Volga and other rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea, the vital activity of coastal cities, as well as the flooding of individual objects due to the rise in the level of the Caspian Sea. Predatory harvesting of sturgeons and their caviar, rampant poaching lead to a decrease in the number of sturgeons and forced restrictions on their production and export.

Where Europe converges with Asia, there is one of the unique reservoirs, which is officially called the sea, and unofficially - the lake - the Caspian Sea, washing the shores of several countries at once with its waters. , or rather, its northeastern part, goes just to the Caspian coast. What mysteries does the Caspian hold, how big a role does it play in the life of the country, and what benefits can people bring to the sea itself?

Geography of the Caspian Sea

Researchers are still arguing what the Caspian Sea is - a lake or a sea. The fact is that this reservoir is the largest of all drainless. These are called those that have no connection with the oceans.

All the rivers of the Caspian Sea originate on land, but do not reach the ocean shores. Thus, it is closed and may well be called a lake. However, the Caspian is quite large, moreover, its bottom is the earth's crust, which belongs to the oceanic type. This indicates that the sea appeared here millions of years ago.

The fact that once on the planet, or rather, on the territory where Europe and Asia are located today, the huge prehistoric Sarmatian Sea splashed - this is the name given to it by scientists. This was 12 million years ago. Water covered the entire space of the current land.

The Caucasus and the Crimea were islands in this incredibly large sea. However, it gradually desalinated and dried up due to the slow rise of the land. As a result, on the site of the Sarmatian Sea, peculiar "puddles" were formed - the Caspian, Black, Aral, Azov Seas.

Finding the Caspian Sea today on a geographical map is quite simple. It is located in the region of Asia Minor and is separated from the Black Sea by the Caucasus, which acts as a kind of isthmus between these two reservoirs. It has an elongated shape from north to south. Its coordinates are 36°34"–47°13" north latitude and 46°–56° east longitude. Modern borders are the coasts of five states:

  1. Russia.
  2. Azerbaijan.
  3. Turkmenistan.
  4. Kazakhstan.
  5. Iran.

Geographers divide the territory of the sea into the North, Middle and South Caspian, and the southern part of it occupies about 40% of the area, and the northern part is only 25%. There are also limits to these divisions. So, the Middle Caspian is separated from the North by a conditional line drawn from Cape Tyub-Karagan to the island of Chechen. And the border between the South and the Middle passes through Cape Gan-Gul and Chilov Island.

Area and depth

Many are interested in what is the area of ​​the Caspian Sea, but these parameters change periodically. It all depends on seasonal fluctuations in depth. So, if the water level in the sea is about 27 meters, the reservoir can reach over 370 thousand square kilometers. During these periods, it becomes full-flowing, and holds almost 45% of the total volume of fresh lake water on the planet.

The Caspian Sea is heterogeneous in terms of depth parameters. So, the shallowest part is the northern one, its average depth does not exceed 4 meters, and the maximum is 25 meters. The southern part is the deepest, in the region of the South Caspian depression it is 1025 meters. In general, the researchers found that the average depth of the reservoir is 208 meters according to the bathygraphic curve.

The Caspian lake is in third place in terms of depth after the lakes of Baikal and Tanganyika. As for sea level, it fluctuates significantly. Scientific measurements of the reservoir began in 1837. Scientists, based on historical documents and archaeological research, argue that the highest water level was observed at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries, then the decline began.

For three thousand years of our civilization, the water level in the Caspian has changed by 15 meters. The reasons may be very different. First of all, these are geological changes in the state of the earth's crust, as well as climate fluctuations in a given region and human actions.

Temperature and climate

Since today not only industrial enterprises, but also resorts are located in the Caspian basin, the temperature of the Caspian Sea is of great interest to many. This indicator is also subject to seasonal changes, and they are very significant.

In winter, the difference in temperature fluctuations is observed within 10 degrees. In the southern part of the reservoir, water in the winter season has an average temperature of 11 degrees, while in the northern part of the sea this temperature is no more than 0.5 degrees, and sometimes even a slight glaciation is observed. The northern regions, as the most shallow, warm up faster in summer and can reach up to 26 degrees. At the same time, the water temperature in the western part of the reservoir is permanently higher than in the eastern part.

The summer period, which lasts from June to September, makes the temperature indicators the most uniform throughout the sea. At this time, in the upper layers, the water warms up to 26 degrees, and in the southern part it can increase up to 28 degrees. By the velvet season in shallow areas, the water is able to warm up even more and reaches 32 degrees.

In addition, in summer there is such a phenomenon as the rise of deep water layers to the surface. This is the so-called upwelling, however, scientists observe it not throughout the entire water area, but mainly only in the east, sometimes deep waters also rise in the southern part of the reservoir. As a result, the average water temperature can be understood by 10 degrees.

As in other marine water bodies, the water in the Caspian Sea is salty. However, the level of salt saturation may vary depending on its individual areas. The salt concentration is highest in the western and southern parts of the reservoir. In the northern regions, sea water is constantly diluted with fresh water from rivers. However, throughout the sea, the salt concentration varies depending on the season of the year.

In addition, the reason that the water becomes saltier or fresher is the winds. For example, in the South and Middle Caspian, these fluctuations are weakly expressed, in contrast to the North.

The climate of this maritime region also varies. The southern part of the sea is in a subtropical climate, the middle part is temperate, and the northern part is continental. As a result, the air temperature on the coast is different.

It is worth noting that it is hottest in the south and southeast of the reservoir. Here, the temperature can sometimes reach up to 44 degrees in summer, and the average temperature is 26-27 degrees. The north of the reservoir in the summer also cannot complain about the cold - up to 25 degrees of air temperature is recorded here. As for winter, the air temperature in the north can reach -10 degrees, and in the south - up to +10 degrees.

Pool Features

There is no need to assume that the Caspian is just a closed body of water, bounded by shores. On the map, the sea has fairly even shores, but in fact its borders are indented by small capes and peninsulas, as well as channels and estuaries. The coastline is about 7 thousand kilometers (including the islands).

The coast of the lake in its northern part looks low, there is some waterlogging due to the presence of many channels. From the east, the Caspian coast is mainly limestone, and the territories smoothly turn into semi-desert lands. The sinuosity of the coastal edges is highest in the east and west.

Any large body of water cannot do without islands, and the Caspian is no exception. The islands of the Caspian Sea are diverse, their total number is almost 50 islands of various sizes. The largest ones include:

  • Boyuk-Zira;
  • Seals;
  • Chechen;
  • Ashur-Ada;
  • Ogurchinsky;
  • Kur-Dashi;

The coast of the Caspian Sea is also rich in peninsulas, among which are Mangyshlak, Apsheron, Tyub-Karagan. Finally, the geography of the Caspian includes many large and small bays. The most famous of them are:

  • Kizlyarsky;
  • Kara-Bogaz-Gol;
  • Mangyshlak;
  • Gyzylagach;
  • Turkmenbashi;
  • Astrakhan (Astrakhan);
  • Hyrcanus.

Of these bays, one can especially distinguish Kara-Bogaz-Gol, which is located in the eastern part of the sea and today belongs to Turkmenistan. Until the end of the twentieth century, it was a kind of Caspian lagoon, which was connected to the "big water" by the strait. In the 1980s, back in the days of the USSR, a dam was first built here, and then a dam, as a result of which the water level in the bay was lowered.

To date, the situation has returned to the starting point, since the strait was able to restore. Water enters the bay in the amount of 10-17 cubic kilometers annually. However, due to the hot climate, it evaporates, so the Kara-Bogaz-Gol Bay is extremely salty.

The Caspian Sea, like other similar water bodies, has a rich flora and fauna. A variety of algae predominate here, and researchers believe that most of the Caspian is of local origin. However, it is also possible that some algae were brought here artificially - for example, on the bottoms of merchant ships from other seas.

The Caspian is quite diverse. There are over 100 types of fish. It is here that the famous sturgeon and other fish of the same family are found. Basically, the fish of the Caspian are those that live in fresh or low-salt waters: pike, carp, salmon, mullet, perch, carp, some of which are listed in. You can meet seals in the sea.


Development of waters and seabed

Who among us does not remember the famous phrase from geography textbooks: "The Volga flows into the Caspian Sea." This river is the largest of those whose mouth is the Caspian. Every year it delivers up to 224 cubic kilometers of fresh water to the sea. But there are other, smaller ones that also rush to here. In addition to the Volga, these are:

  1. Terek.
  2. Ural.
  3. Samur.
  4. Sulak.

These rivers flow through the territory of Russia, and in addition to them, the waters of the rivers Atrek (Turkmenistan), Kura (), Sefidrud (Iran), Emba (Kazakhstan) flow into the Caspian. In total, out of 130 various rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea, the mouths of nine water streams are formed in the form of a delta.

The development of the lake took place over many centuries. Today, the ports of the Caspian Sea connect the shores of the reservoir with trade routes. Of the Russian ports, the most important are Makhachkala and Astrakhan, from which ships are constantly sent to Kazakh Aktau, Azerbaijani Baku and other coastal shores of the Caspian Sea. In addition, it is connected with the Sea of ​​Azov, where they get through the Don and Volga rivers, as well as through the Volga-Don Canal.

Oil production is an important direction in the economic development of the Caspian basin and the sea area itself. The oil resources of the sea currently amount to approximately 10 billion tons - these are the estimates given by the researchers. If we add gas condensate to this, then the reserves will double.

Oil production is the most important sector of the economy of the countries of the Caspian region, therefore, for many years, disagreements regarding the use of the resources of the sea have not been resolved. During the existence of the USSR, the territory of the Caspian Sea belonged to the Soviet Union and Iran.

Until now, there are legal documents on the division of the reservoir and the use of its shelf, which were concluded between Iran and the USSR. At the same time, disputes regarding the legal division of territories do not stop. So, Iran proposes to divide equally between the five countries, and three former Soviet republics insist that the reservoir be divided along the median line of demarcation.

This issue remains very serious, because depending on where the sea should be divided, not only the volume of oil production for each Caspian state depends, but also the use of other resources of the reservoir. Here we can talk, first of all, about fisheries, because the sea is very generous with fish stocks.

They get not only fish, but also the famous caviar, as well as a seal. However, the reproduction of fish stock today would be much more efficient if it were not for the poachers of the Caspian Sea, who organize illegal sturgeon catching and illegally harvest caviar.

At the same time, they exist in almost all the Caspian countries, so that the fight against them is common for the neighboring countries of the Caspian basin. As a result, sturgeon exports have been limited in recent years, as both Russia and other Caspian countries are interested in preserving this natural wealth of the region.

Poaching is a serious problem, and today Russia, together with Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, are developing measures aimed at legally limiting illegal fishing.

However, there is another big problem of the Caspian Sea - the pollution of sea waters. The reason is oil production, as well as the transportation of oil by sea. Do not forget that large cities located on the banks of the reservoir are a constant source of water pollution. In addition, industrial enterprises, despite strict bans, sometimes still dump waste into rivers, which then end up in the sea.

Environmental violations lead not only to general pollution of the Caspian waters, but also to a change in the boundaries of the reservoir itself (waterlogging, drying up, and so on). But what is the significance of the Caspian Sea for the entire region, it is not even worth talking about.

Rest in the resorts of the Caspian Sea

In order to understand what human civilization can lose by losing the Caspian Sea, you can look at its photo. This body of water is an amazing place for a good rest, and seascapes invariably impress everyone who comes here. Rest spent on the Caspian Sea is no worse than on the Black Sea shores. Fresh air, mild climate and comfortable beaches - that's what it can give tourists.

If you decide to go to the Caspian Sea, the prices for holidays will pleasantly surprise you. Tourism is valued in many ways precisely because it turns out to be inexpensive compared to what awaits tourists traveling to resorts in other regions of the planet. Residents of Russia can relax quite cheaply within their own country and at the same time receive excellent service that does not differ in level from the Mediterranean.

There are several resorts in Russian cities (most of which are in), which are especially popular with tourists. This:

  • Astrakhan;
  • Dagestan Lights;
  • Kaspiysk;
  • Izberbash;
  • Lagan.

If tourists go to Derbent, first of all, to see its ancient sights, and to Astrakhan - to enjoy fishing, then the places for recreation in Makhachkala are among the most comfortable and comfortable beaches of the Caspian Sea.

This resort attracts not only with comfortable rest, but also with the opportunity to improve health, because there are thermal and mineral springs here. Of the foreign resorts, Kazakh Aktau, Azerbaijani Sumgayit and the Turkmen Avaza recreation area can be noted.

Today the Caspian is one of the most important world regions in economic terms. Without it, it is impossible to imagine modern Eurasia and, moreover, the history of Russia. This means that the state of this reservoir should be protected by the state.

The Caspian Sea is one of the most amazing enclosed bodies of water on Earth.

Over the centuries, the sea has changed more than 70 names. The modern came from the Caspians - the tribes inhabiting the central and southeastern part of Transcaucasia 2 thousand years BC.

Geography of the Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea is located at the junction of Europe with Asia and is geographically divided into the South, North and Middle Caspian. The middle and northern part of the sea belongs to Russia, the southern part to Iran, the eastern part to Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, and the southwestern part to Azerbaijan. For many years, the Caspian states have been dividing the Caspian water area among themselves, and quite sharply at that.

Lake or sea?

In fact, the Caspian Sea is the world's largest lake, but it has a number of marine features. These include: a large body of water, strong storms with high waves, high and low tides. But the Caspian has no natural connection with the World Ocean, which makes it impossible to call it a sea. At the same time, thanks to the Volga and artificially created channels, such a connection appeared. The salinity of the Caspian Sea is 3 times lower than the usual sea level, which does not allow classifying the reservoir as a sea.

There were times when the Caspian Sea was indeed part of the World Ocean. Several tens of thousands of years ago, the Caspian was connected to the Sea of ​​Azov, and through it to the Black and Mediterranean. As a result of long-term processes occurring in the earth's crust, the Caucasus Mountains formed, which isolated the reservoir. Communication between the Caspian and Black Seas for a long time was carried out through the strait (Kumo-Manych depression) and gradually ceased.

Physical quantities

Area, volume, depth

The area, volume and depth of the Caspian Sea are not constant and directly depend on the water level. On average, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe reservoir is 371,000 km², the volume is 78,648 km³ (44% of all world lake water reserves).

(Depth of the Caspian Sea in comparison with lakes Baikal and Tanganyika)

The average depth of the Caspian is 208 m, the northern part of the sea is considered the shallowest. The maximum depth is 1025 m, noted in the South Caspian depression. In depth, the Caspian is second only to Baikal and Tanganyika.

The length of the lake from north to south is about 1200 km, from west to east an average of 315 km. The length of the coastline is 6600 km, with islands - about 7 thousand km.

coast

Basically, the coast of the Caspian Sea is low-lying and smooth. In the northern part, it is heavily indented by the river channels of the Urals and the Volga. The swampy local shores are located very low. The eastern shores are adjacent to semi-desert zones and deserts, covered with limestone deposits. The most winding coasts are in the west in the region of the Apsheron Peninsula, and in the east - in the area of ​​the Kazakh Gulf and Kara-Bogaz-Gol.

sea ​​water temperature

(The temperature of the Caspian Sea at different times of the year)

The average water temperature in the Caspian in winter ranges from 0 °C in the northern part to +10 °C in the south. In the waters of Iran, the temperature does not fall below +13 °C. With the onset of cold weather, the shallow northern part of the lake is covered with ice, which lasts for 2-3 months. The thickness of the ice cover is 25-60 cm, at especially low temperatures it can reach 130 cm. In late autumn and winter, drifting ice floes can be observed in the north.

In summer, the average surface water temperature in the sea is + 24 °C. Most of the sea warms up to +25 °C ... +30 °C. Warm water and beautiful sandy, occasionally shell and pebble beaches create excellent conditions for a full-fledged beach holiday. In the eastern part of the Caspian Sea, near the city of Begdash, anomalously low water temperatures persist in the summer months.

Nature of the Caspian Sea

Islands, peninsulas, bays, rivers

The Caspian Sea includes about 50 large and medium-sized islands, the total area of ​​which is 350 km². The largest of them are: Ashur-Ada, Garasu, Gum, Dash and Boyuk-Zira. The largest peninsulas are: Agrakhansky, Absheronsky, Buzachi, Mangyshlak, Miankale and Tyub-Karagan.

(Tyuleniy Island in the Caspian Sea, part of the Dagestan Reserve)

The largest bays of the Caspian include: Agrakhan, Kazakh, Kizlyar, Dead Kultuk and Mangyshlak. In the east is the salt lake Kara-Bogaz-Gol, previously a lagoon connected to the sea by a strait. In 1980, a dam was built on it, through which water from the Caspian goes to Kara-Bogaz-Gol, where it then evaporates.

130 rivers flow into the Caspian Sea, located mainly in its northern part. The largest of them: Volga, Terek, Sulak, Samur and Ural. The average annual runoff of the Volga is 220 km³. 9 rivers have a delta-shaped mouth.

Flora and fauna

About 450 species of phytoplankton live in the Caspian Sea, including algae, aquatic and flowering plants. Of the 400 species of invertebrates, worms, crustaceans and mollusks predominate. There are a lot of small shrimp in the sea, which is an object of fishing.

More than 120 species of fish live in the Caspian and the delta. Fishing objects are sprat (“Kilkin fleet”), catfish, pike, bream, pike perch, kutum, mullet, vobla, rudd, herring, white fish, pike perch, goby, grass carp, burbot, asp and pike perch. Stocks of sturgeon and salmon are currently depleted, however, the sea is the largest supplier of black caviar in the world.

Fishing in the Caspian Sea is allowed all year round except for the period from late April to late June. On the coast there are many fishing bases with all amenities. Fishing in the Caspian is a great pleasure. In any part of it, including in large cities, the catch is unusually rich.

The lake is famous for its large variety of waterfowl. Geese, ducks, loons, gulls, waders, sea eagles, geese, swans and many others come to the Caspian during migration or nesting. The largest number of birds - over 600 thousand individuals is observed in the mouths of the Volga and the Urals, in the bays of Turkmenbashi and Kyzylagach. During the hunting season, a huge number of fishermen come here not only from Russia, but also from countries near and far abroad.

The only mammal lives in the Caspian Sea. This is the Caspian seal or seal. Until recently, the seals swam close to the beaches, everyone could admire the amazing animal with round black eyes, the seals behaved very friendly. Now the seal is on the verge of extinction.

Cities on the Caspian Sea

Baku is the largest city on the coast of the Caspian Sea. The population of one of the most beautiful cities in the world is over 2.5 million people. Baku is spread out on the most picturesque Absheron peninsula and is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the warm and oil-rich Caspian Sea. Smaller cities: the capital of Dagestan - Makhachkala, Kazakh Aktau, Turkmen Turkmenbashi and Iranian Bandar Anzeli.

(Baku Bay, Baku - a city on the Caspian Sea)

Interesting Facts

Scientists are still arguing about whether to call a reservoir a sea or a lake. The level of the Caspian Sea is gradually decreasing. The Volga delivers most of the water to the Caspian. 90% of black caviar is mined in the Caspian Sea. Among them, the most expensive is Almas beluga caviar ($2,000 per 100 g).

Companies from 21 countries are participating in the development of oil fields in the Caspian Sea. According to Russian estimates, hydrocarbon reserves in the sea amount to 12 billion tons. American scientists claim that one fifth of the world's hydrocarbon reserves are concentrated in the depths of the Caspian Sea. This is more than the combined reserves of such oil-producing countries as Kuwait and Iraq.

Loading...
Top