Elbrus is the mountain where the country is located. Elbrus - a mountain in the greater Caucasus

A report about Mount Elbrus will tell you what Mount Elbrus is known for and where it is located.

A message about Mount Elbrus

Elbrus- a 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 on the summit began. The exact height and location were determined only in 1913. The goal of the first expedition in 1829 was to reach the summit of the Elbrus volcano. It included such great scientists as Kupfer, Lenz, Minetrie. Having reached an altitude of 2400m, the group moved on. 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 who conquered the peaks of Elbrus was Akhiya 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 rise at the age of 121.

Where is Elbrus mountain?

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 Iranian "Aytbares" means high Mountain, from Georgian "Yalbuz" means ice and storm. According to another theory, the name of the mountain is composed of three words: "El" - settlement, "Bur" - to 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 one is 5621 m. Between them there is a saddle that is inferior in height by 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.

Alpine meadows and coniferous forests are located below the location of the glaciers. The slopes themselves are rocky. The mountains were formed more than a million years ago, and at the beginning Elbrus was an active volcano. Today, scientists are still arguing about whether the volcano is asleep or extinguished. The “sleeping” version is favored by the fact that hot masses are preserved in its depths, which heat the local thermal springs to + 60 ° C.

The mountain itself is composed of layers of tuff, ash and lava. The last eruption was recorded in 50 AD.

Climate

Climatic conditions soft near slopes. Humidity is not high here, so frosts are easily tolerated. But higher, on the volcano, the climate is already harsh, similar to the arctic. Winter at the foot of the mountain average temperature ranges from 10 0 С to - 25 0 С, and at the top up to -40 ° С. On Elbrus, precipitation is abundant and frequent, mainly in the form of snow. The air warms up to + 10 ° C in summer at an altitude of 2500 m, and even in July the temperature barely reaches -14 ° C. The weather is characterized by instability - a calm clear day can be replaced by a snow storm with strong wind gusts.

Relief

The climate at the foot of the mountain is varied: there are many gorges, rocky deposits. 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 break down with waterfalls. Moraines, circuses, glacial lakes are widespread from an altitude of 3500 m.

Flora and fauna

On the meadows of Elbrus, velvet greenery, pine forests, woody and shrubby plants grow. The flora includes 3000 species. It includes pine, alder, mint, celandine, sea buckthorn, thyme, fennel, wormwood, rose hips, St. John's wort, and coltsfoot.

The fauna is represented by the tour, mountain goat, gopher, raccoon dog, wild boar, chamois, jackal, roe deer, foxes, wolves, wild cat, lynx, squirrels and bears.

The sky was conquered by vultures, eagles and kites, golden eagles, saker falcons, titmouses, bullfinches, blackbirds, woodpeckers.

• The local population calls Elbrus "Mingi-tau", which means "Mountain of thousands". The name emphasizes its height and size.
• This is very difficult mountain for climbing. 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 her because he gave fire to people.

We hope that the report on Mount Elbrus helped you in preparing for the classes. And you can leave your message about Mount Elbrus through the comment form below.

Numerous photographs of Mount Elbrus can be found on most sites that provide tourist services associated with the organization of mountaineering tours in the mountains and the conquest of new peaks with a worldwide reputation. Elbrus is included in the list of 7 highest mountain peaks.

In terms of its geological structure, the mountain is a stratovolcano, so there is always a risk of magma eruption. The Elbrus glaciers are an irreplaceable source of fresh water for most of the rivers in the Caucasus and the South of the European part of Russia.

Elbrus is a mountain with rich history, the existence of which was known to many peoples the globe living far beyond Caucasus region... Legends about this mountain peak can be found in Greek epics, as well as in the legends of ancient Rome.

It is not possible to establish the exact nature of the origin of the name of the mountain. There are only theoretical assumptions that are supported or refuted by researchers of the stratovolcano.

Most scientists adhere to the version that the name of the mountain came from the word of Persian origin - "Elburz".

Its literal translation sounds like "high mountain". Indigenous population the Caucasian region calls the mountain peak Mingi-Tau, which in translation from the Karachay-Balkarian dialect means "eternal mountain". Among the peoples of the Turkic-speaking group, the mountain is called Jin-Padishah, which means "the lord of the spirits."

The mountain peak is located on the side of the Greater Caucasus Range. If we consider the system of mountains on the map, then we can see that stratovolcano is located at a distance of 10 km from the central line of passage Caucasian ridge. Elbrus is a natural border separating such republics of the Russian Federation as Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria.

Elbrus is located at an altitude of 5642 meters above sea level and is the most high mountain in Russia and Europe

Myself mountain range has a volcanic nature. The diameter of the height of its base is 15 km.

The formation of Elbrus began in the Pliocene. This is about 3 million years ago. From that moment on, the mountain peak continued to grow until the Holocene period. All this time, increased volcanic activity was observed with frequent magma eruptions and seismic activity.

Based on the calculations of researchers, Elbrus was an active volcano for 250 thousand years.

The height of Mount Elbrus

The photo is not able to fully convey the entire height of Mount Elbrus. To feel the greatness of this mountain peak, it is necessary to conquer it as part of a tourist group, to undergo psychological and physical tests in thin air.

The height of Elbrus is heterogeneous, therefore, the following peak heights are distinguished, depending on their location:

• 5642 m above sea level Is the most high part mountains located on its western side (similar geological formations with a similar height are absent on the territory of the Russian Federation and Europe).
• 5621 m- The eastern peak of the mountain, to which a separate a tourist route with the built infrastructure.
• 5416 m- The saddle of an upland that divides Elbrus into its Eastern and Western parts (visually resembles a mountain pass).

For physically unprepared people or those with chronic diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular system, the conquest of these peaks is almost impossible: in conditions of a lack of oxygen, the climber's body begins to malfunction, acute pulmonary failure, oxygen starvation, and a change in consciousness develop.

Climate on the mountain

Elbrus is a mountain (a photo of a hill cannot fully convey its weather), the main influence on the formation of climatic conditions of which is exerted by air masses circulating in a circle depending on the season. The area located at the top of the mountain is characterized by frequent and abrupt weather changes.

There are heavy rains with increased cloudiness, the duration of which ranges from 5 to 7 days.

The summer season is always cool with high level humidity. At an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, the temperature reaches +35 degrees, and when rising to 3000 m, it is already +25, but there may be lower temperatures depending on the movement of cyclones and anticyclones. At the end of August, the calendar autumn already begins, which is accompanied by a sharp decrease in daily temperatures.

At an altitude of 3000 m, average temperature indicators January, are -13 degrees Celsius.

The absolute minimum drop in air temperature is -27 degrees. The main cold snap occurs at the end of January - beginning of February. The spring season on Elbrus begins from the 1st to the 10th of May. During this period, the snow is filled with excess moisture and avalanches descend at the level of 3000 m, which make the mountain dangerous for tourist visits.

At an altitude of 3000 - 5000 m, snow massifs and firn fields are preserved year-round, due to the presence of which, glaciers increase their total mass. At high altitudes, the process of loss of glacial and snow mass is completely absent.

This phenomenon is not affected by the weather conditions of the mountain peak and the air temperature, which all year round remains close to minus indicators.

Volcanic activity

Elbrus is a mountain (the photo shows its shape) with a conical top. This is due to the fact that the geological upland belongs to the category of stratovolcanoes, therefore its structure is formed from several magmatic layers. There are also rock alloys that have been destroyed by high temperatures.

Currently Elbrus does not show volcanic activity, but despite this, there is always the risk of an eruption. Periodic outbursts of molten rock mass are typical manifestations of this type of volcano.

Scientists studying the volcanic activity of Elbrus have not yet noted the seismic danger of the formation of faults or the layering of tectonic plates that could cause the eruption of the mountain peak. It is believed that the last ejection of magma from the Elbrus crater occurred no later than 250 thousand years BC.

Therefore, the likelihood that the mountain peak will again acquire the same volcanic activity is minimal. In addition, given the height of the Elbrus peak, hot magma will cool down almost immediately after it is released into the earth's atmosphere.

Relief

Elbrus is a mountain (the photo of the Eastern and Western peaks of the summit shows that they are separated by the Saddle of Elbrus), which has a kind of pass that can be used for communication between the two heights. Distance between mountain peaks is 1500 m.

The relief of Elbrus is distinguished by relatively gentle slopes, the average steepness of which is within 35 degrees. The maximum elevation of the basement is 3800 m. The relief of Elbrus was first investigated in 1813 and described in detail by Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.K. Vishnevsky.

Flora and fauna

The flora and fauna of the mountain peak is concentrated at its base, which is called the Elbrus region. In order to preserve the flora and fauna of this part of the Caucasian region, on September 22, 1986 was created national park, whose territory is protected by law.

This is part of Elbrus, which is actually the beginning big mountain, is intended for the free development of local animal species, as well as the growth of trees, grasses and shrubs. Mountaineering, hiking and outdoor recreation are permitted here.

The fauna of the low-lying part of Elbrus is more than 63 species of mammals, at least 112 species of birds, 11 species of reptiles (the main part of reptiles), 8 species representing the family of amphibians, 6 species of fish and an infinite variety of insects, 15% of which have not yet been studied by science ...

The most common are wild animals and birds of the following species:

• marten;
• wild cat;
• brown bear;
• steppe ferret;
• partridge;
• mole rat;
• roe;
• hamster;
• otter;
• black grouse;
• ular.

Thanks to human conservation activities in the Elbrus region, individuals of the tour have survived and multiplied. The population of these animals already totals 4,600 individuals. In the mountain rivers of Elbrus, which originate from melted glaciers, brook trout live, preferring exclusively clear waters.

Flora of Elbrus is notable for its diversity flora and is represented by such conifers of trees as spruce, pine, fir. Alpine and subalpine meadows prevail at an altitude of over 1500 m. At lower altitudes, the flora of a mountain peak is formed by a forest-steppe zone of a mountain type.

Occasionally, there are small areas of open shrub forests.

The following species of Elbrus flora are protected by the Red Book:

• all types of angiosperms;
• birch Radde;
• small chickpeas;
• columnar quarry;
• baksan wolf;
• bell is dolomite.

In spring, more than 3,000 wild grasses bloom on the subalpine and alpine meadows of Elbrus. Their numerical population exceeds 50% of the total number of field plants growing on the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria.

The mountain peak of the Caucasus region witnesses many exciting adventures and is fraught with many mysteries.

Here are some real life stories in which Elbrus played a key role:

• unlike other stratovolcanoes, this mountain has 2 peaks at the same time, the difference in elevation of which does not exceed 21 m;
• Elbrus was conquered for the first time in 1829, when there was no such modern mountaineering equipment;
• each ethnic group of the Caucasus has its own name for a mountain peak and a legend of origin;
• on the slopes of this mountain was first built cable car, capable of delivering tourists to an altitude of 3750 m, which at the time of construction had no analogues in the world;
• Elbrus has almost a Teska - Elbrus(high mountain ridge in Iran, with which it is regularly confused);
• the highest hotel in the world is located on the mountain;
• despite the fact that the volcano is one of the active ones, its last eruption was in antiquity, which is already considered a geological phenomenon;
• in some areas of the mountain peak, the thickness of the glaciers in permafrost conditions reaches 400 m and more;
• on the Eastern and Western peaks of Elbrus, the atmosphere is so transparent that looking at the horizon line, you can see 2 seas at once - the Black and the Caspian;
• the mountain is officially recognized as one of the 7 wonders Russian Federation ;
• in 1997 the Russian traveler Alexander Abramov converted his SUV and conquered the Elbrus mountain peak on it.

The list above contains those interesting facts that are in the public domain and at one time made Elbrus famous throughout the Russian Federation and other countries of the world. Ordinary climbers and people visiting the mountain for tourist purposes, in a conversation, can tell no less interesting and exciting facts about this mountain peak.

Attractions of the area

Elbrus is a mountain (the photo shows that the territories in its surroundings are mountainous areas, the attractions of which are directly related to

Elbrus, which includes the following places of interest for tourists:

At the foot of Elbrus, you can see the monument to the first pioneers and conquerors of the mountain peak. Some tourists note that monumental sculptures inspire them and add vitality and self-confidence.

The first conquest of the summit

The expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences included the following scientists and travelers:

• Georgy Emmanuel (general of the tsarist army and leader of the campaign);
• Joseph Bernardation;
• Edward Minetrie;
• Karl Meyer;
• Adolph Kupfer.
• Janos Besse.

For the first time, the expedition members carried out studies of the mountain at an altitude of over 3000 m. In addition, Joseph Bernardation, being on the peak of Elbrus, made several drawings of the mountain in order to capture all the landscapes of its slopes that open from the top.

A brief history of ascents

After the first successful hike to the mountain peak, the following domestic and foreign climbers managed to climb Elbrus:

• in 1890 and 1896 - Andrey Pastukhov was able to conquer the mountain twice;
• in 1891 - Germans Ludwig Purcheller, two local residents as guides and Gottfried Merzbacher;
• in 1910 - the Swiss de Ramy and Gugi, were able to climb the Eastern and Western parts of the mountain;
• in 1925 - Elbrus was first conquered by a woman climber, who became A. Japaridze;
• in 1934 - climbers from the USSR Gusev and Korzunov first climbed the peak of the mountain in the winter season.

Climbing a mountain peak 80-100 years ago was more difficult than the challenges faced by modern climbers. The pioneers of the mountain did not have such modern equipment, maps, satellite navigation, radio communications in case of worsening weather conditions or emergencies.

Danger of Elbrus

Any mountain peak, the height of which is 3000 m or more, carries a potential threat to people, flora and fauna located in the surrounding territory.

To date, the following dangers of Elbrus are distinguished:

• the possibility of an eruption;
• the occurrence of seismic activity;
• convergence of avalanches;
• rapid destruction of glaciers;
• stone rubble.

The indigenous population never built their homes too close to at the foot of the mountain, so as not to endanger your life and loved ones. Tourists who go to hiking on mountainous terrain or decided to conquer its peak, it is necessary to keep in mind these threats at all times.

How is the ascent going, routes

The best way to climb Elbrus is as part of a climbing expedition led by a guide who acts as a guide, safety instructor and guide. The most popular are the following tourist destinations:

Classic route

It originates from the Barrel shelter, located at an altitude of 3720 m, and then along an almost straight path goes to the Eastern Peak of Elbrus. Along the way, there will be other parking lots and shelters created for the safety and recreation of climbers.

What route to choose for beginners who are going to conquer Elbrus, you can learn from this story:

The average duration of the ascent is from 7 to 10 days. The weather conditions, the reaction of the tourist's organism to the liquefied air play an important role. Athletes with excellent physical fitness and practical experience of mountaineering overcome this route 3-4 times faster.

East Ridge Route

If we consider this direction on the scale of complexity, then it has the designation 2B. The hike begins near the base camp-village of Elbrus, passes along the bottom of the Irikchat depression. It will be necessary to go through the mountain pass, to overcome the glacier, which stretches along the entire length of the eastern ridge.

After reaching the Achkyeryakol lava flow, the group takes a vertical direction and moves straight to the mountain peak.

Other routes

An alternative route is the simultaneous ascent to both peaks of the mountain. It is called the Elbrus Cross. It belongs to more difficult tourist destinations, since within the framework of one trip the expedition actually conquers the stratovolcano twice.

Only experienced athletes can go on other routes that do not go through the standard climbing trails.

Infrastructure

The territory in the circumference of Elbrus, as well as sections of climbing trails, are equipped with shelters, parking lots, cafes and other conditions that allow organizing leisure in high altitude conditions.

Alpine shelters

The first shelter of this type was built in 1909. at the level of 3200 m by members of the Caucasian society. It resembled a dugout, which was covered with stones on top. At the same time, no more than 5 people could be in it. Today, there are modern and comfortable shelters on the territory of the mountain, in which the climber feels safe.

Namely:

• Shelter of Eleven;
• Saddle;
• weather station Shelter of nine;
• Barrels;
• EG station

In addition, along the route of the climbing routes, periodically there are insulated trailers, in which you can also warm up, wait out a blizzard or provide the first medical assistance victim in case of injury.

Cable cars

The development of the Elbrus cable car and the territory of its foot dates back to 1969. At that time, the first cable car was built, which brought tourists along the Azau - Krugozor route. The maximum height that the lifts could climb - 3000 m.

With the development of mountaineering and mountain tourism, the following cable cars were built:

• Krugozor - Mir station - the terminal point of the line was at an altitude of 3500 m, and the date of completion of construction is 1976;
• Mir - Gara-Bashi station is an improved and safer type of chairlift, which was put into operation in 1979 and could deliver people to an altitude of 3780 m.

In 2015, on Mount Elbrus, all these lines underwent a comprehensive modernization, during which the component parts of the lifts, nodal connections and units, cabins were replaced. Photos of the updated line were replicated in the media and on tourism-related websites.

The cable car received new technical capabilities, allowing it to transport 3-4 times more people than it was at the end of the 70s.

At a time, each of the lines can deliver 750 tourists to their final destination. In the future, it is planned to carry out additional technical measures that will allow the installation of the final arrival station at the Eastern Peak of Elbrus.

Article formatting: E. Chaikina

Useful video clip about Elbrus

Video about what clothes you should wear to climb Elbrus:

Highest mountain Europe, the highest volcanic peak in Eurasia and just one of the "7 Wonders of Russia" - meet Elbrus.

The first scientific studies of this peak began in the 19th century, although the exact height and location were determined only in 1913 after calculations by Academician Vishnevsky. The first expedition to reach the summit of this volcano was organized in 1829. It consisted of several eminent scientists at once, for example, the founder of the St. Petersburg geophysical laboratory, Adolph Kupfer, physicist Emiliy Lenz, famous zoologist Eduard Minetrie.

The expedition was accompanied by a detachment of thousands of Cossacks led by General Georgy Emmanuel. It was he who became the author of a commemorative inscription carved on a rock at an altitude of 2400m. The general himself preferred to stay at this height and watched the ascent from the camp.

Continuing the ascent, the expedition spent the night at an altitude of 3000. Only part of the group, continuing the ascent, reached the mark of 4800 m, where a memorial sign and the figure 1829 were carved. This mark was later discovered during the Soviet expedition of 1949. Only five people climbed above it, and three people reached the saddle - Academician Lenz, Cossack Lysenkov and Kabardian Killar. See what Mount Elbrus looks like in the photo - two peaks with an impressive saddle between them. This is where the most stubborn members of the expedition arrived.

Further ascent was impossible due to the heavily softened snow. However, the Kabardian, being adapted to the mountain conditions, continued his ascent and was able to reach the top. It was he who became the first person to climb Elbrus. More precisely, one of the almost equal peaks (the difference is only 21 m).

The first to whom both peaks conquered was the Balkar guide Akhiya Sottayev. He made his first ascent when he was over forty. After that, he climbed Elbrus eight more times, and the last time he did it at the age of one hundred twenty-one! Here it is, the famous Caucasian health and longevity. Among other things, Sottaev was twice a guide for British expeditions to Elbrus.

Where is Elbrus

The Caucasus is the center of a large number of peaks, whose height has stepped far over 3000 meters above sea level. But when they remember Caucasus mountains Elbrus pops up in the memory first. And How interesting object for exploring, both as the highest point in Europe, and as a place of pilgrimage for climbers from all over the world. Where Elbrus is located, that is, between Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, many peoples live, and each has created a lot about it beautiful legends... There is no consensus in the answer to the question of where his current name came from. There are several theories about the origin of the name Elbrus:

1. From the Iranian word Aytbares - high Mountain.
2. From the Georgian name of the mountain Yalbuz, which in turn comes from the Turkic words "storm" and "ice".
3. Another theory suggests that the name was formed from three words of the Karachay-Balkarian language: El - settlement; Drill - twist; Us - character. That is, the name can be translated as having a disposition to send a blizzard. Apparently, we are talking here not so much about snowstorms as about volcanic eruptions. In folk legends, there are references to eruptions.

Elbrus is a giant dormant volcano

With its 5642 meters, Mount Elbrus is the fifth highest volcano in the world. It, like most similar volcanoes, consists of two parts: the base and the cone, which was formed during the eruptions. The base height in the case of Elbrus is 3700 meters. Thus, during the eruptions, the mountain grew by almost 2000 meters. The characteristic outlines of the two-headed summit, which, depending on the lighting, changes its color, are visible from almost any corner Stavropol Territory... There are 23 glaciers that feed such large rivers like the Kuban and Terek.

By its structure, Elbrus is a typical stratovolcano. It has a well-defined conical shape. The cone itself is composed of numerous layers of lava, ash and volcanic tuff, in which the entire history of the eruptions is recorded. The base of Elbrus began to form in the Neogene, when the Caucasian ridge was actively forming. According to scientists, the volcanic eruptions resembled the eruptions of Vesuvius, but were much stronger.

Its strength can be judged at least by the fact that today its ashes are found almost 100 kilometers from the volcano itself. It is noteworthy that the periods of violent activity and intensive growth of the cone were replaced by periods of "hibernation", during which the glaciers grind down the cone almost completely. According to volcanologists, there have been at least ten such cycles in the entire history of the volcano. The most ancient crater, or rather its remains, can be observed in the form of a rocky formation Khotu-Tau-Azau on the southwestern slope.

The violent activity of Elbrus ended 2500 years ago, although the geographers of the 16th century. the volcano was considered active and was depicted on maps as a fire-breathing mountain. The last time the volcano showed its tough temper was in the first decades of our era. It is interesting that the active eruptions of Elbrus and Kazbek became the main reason the exodus of Neanderthals from the Caucasian region 40-45 thousand years ago. Currently, volcanologists are in no hurry to classify the volcano as extinct. It is rather a dying volcano and the likelihood of activation (albeit very small) still remains. The mountain is also the center of minor earthquakes in the region.

Today, the main wealth of these places is the numerous sources. The Narzan Valley near the source of the Malka River is the product of a dying volcano. This place should soon become a resort, which neither in the number of sources, nor in quality mineral waters will not yield to Kislovodsk.

The weather on the slopes is more than harsh, and at times is comparable to that of the Arctic. The average July temperature is only -1.4 C, and even the daytime temperature rarely rises above +8 C. There is a lot of precipitation here, several times more than at the foot of the ridge, but you can see them only in the form of snow. The meteorological station at an elevation of 4250 meters, having worked for three years, did not record a single rain.
Being of great importance as the highest point in Europe, Elbrus attracted the attention of German troops during the Second World War.

Hitler wanted to rename the mountain after himself. The famous Edelweiss division, trained in the conduct of military operations in the mountains, took part in the local hostilities. In August 1942, the soldiers of the Third Reich first captured two intermediate stations, and on August 21 they raised the flag of Nazi Germany over the western peak. The soldiers of the division did not last long - winter and the soldiers of the Red Army did their job. Already in February 1943, the red flags of the Land of the Soviets were already flying over the snow-white peak of the mountain.

Historically, the entire infrastructure is located on south side the mountains. It was here that the cable car was built, which lifts tourists to a height of 3750 meters. The ascent to Elbrus consists of several intermediate points:

• Cable car;
• Shelter "Bochki" at an altitude of 3750 m (this is where the ascent begins);
• Hotel "Shelter of Eleven" (4200m);
• Rocks of Pastukhov (4700m)
• Station EG5300, which was built recently. It is located in the saddle between two peaks at an altitude of 5300 meters.

It is the EG5300 station that is the last point of the route on the way to one of the peaks. After it, about 500 meters of ascent remains.

The northern slopes are more than modestly equipped. There are only a few huts at an altitude of 3800 meters, which are more often used by rescuers than climbers. The northern route is usually used when climbing the eastern peak. In this case, the Lenz rocks, which are stretched at heights from 4600 to 5200 meters, serve as a reliable reference point.

Elbrus phenomenon

And finally, a few interesting facts about the highest point of Russia, and at the same time the whole of Europe:

• The Balkars themselves today prefer to call the mountain "Mingi-tau", which in their native language means "Mountain from thousands", which emphasizes its exceptional size and height.
• The distance between the peaks in a straight line is 1500 meters. But on foot you will have to overcome about 3 km.
• The next highest mountain in Europe, Mont Blanc, is almost eight hundred meters below the Caucasian giant. In other words, even having climbed the saddle between the peaks, you will already be "above all" in Europe.
• Despite the relatively well-equipped and well-worn routes, the ascent to Elbrus is unlikely to be an easy walk. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, 15 to 20 people die on the slopes every year. Getting up in the winter months is considered suicide. The nominal temperature here easily drops to -30C, and the perceived temperature, thanks to strong winds, is even lower.
• Elbrus is not only mentioned in the works of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, but also participates in Greek myths. It was here that Zeus decided to chain Prometheus, for his gift to people - fire.

By the way, the habitat of the Greek gods, Mount Olympus, is just a dwarf compared to Elbrus - only 2917 meters.

Mount Elbrus fascinates not only climbers, but also ordinary travelers. From year to year, tourists come to the foot of the mountain to see the greatness and power of the peak. Few remain indifferent and disappointed. This mountain, shrouded in secrets and legends, incredible ascents of the past and present, make it even more attractive and popular.

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Geographic characteristics

Elbrus is marked on the map of Russia, between the two republics - Karachay-Cherkess and... The nearest town at the foot of Mount Tyrnauz is the town of Elbrus.

The summit has two highest peaks, the height of the eastern peak is 5621 meters, and the height of the western one is 5642 meters. The distance between them is 1500 meters. The average steepness of the slopes is 35 degrees. Academician V.K. Vishnevsky was the first to determine the height of Elbrus, and it was 5421 meters.

23 glaciers flow down from the slopes of the mountain. The area of ​​glaciers is 134 square kilometers... The maximum length of glaciers is about 7-9 km. Their total area has decreased by 19% over the past 100–150 years. The glacier that flows into the Kuban valley has decreased by 33%. Elbrus glaciers feed on three large Caucasian and Stavropol rivers:

• Kuban;
• Malku;
• Baksan.

Until now, the exact boundaries between Asia and Europe have not been determined, so the mountain is often referred to as the highest mountain peak in Europe and equated to the "Seven Peaks" mountains. The two-peaked stratovolcano was formed on an ancient volcanic base. It is believed that these two peaks are completely independent volcanoes and do not depend on each other. Both peaks have their own distinct shape and a well-defined crater.

Finding a mountain on the map will not be difficult, since today a wide variety of maps and public routes with detailed descriptions.

general description

Elbrus - height which is famous for its ancient history... The age of the mountain is determined by the condition of the upper part. Its top has a vertical break. The last eruption highest peak Russia happened around the 50s. NS.

The riddle of the name of the mountain

Where is Elbrus located? Perhaps almost every student in the country will answer this question. But where the name of the mountain comes from, few people know. It is worth noting that the peak has more than one name and has a total of about ten.

Today it is very difficult to understand which name appeared earlier. If speak about modern name, then according to one of the versions, it comes from the Iranian word "aytibares". Translated, it sounds like a high or shiny mountain. The summit in the Karachai-Balkarian language is called "Mingi - tau", which in Russian means "a mountain of thousands". But there is also another name for the Balkars - "Minge-tau", which translates as "saddled mountain." Modern representatives of this community call Elbrus - "a mountain around which the wind whirls" ("Elbrus - tau").

Names in other languages ​​are also common:

• “Jin padishah” - “lord of spirits” (Turkic);
• "Orfi - tub" - "mountain of the blessed" (Abkhazian);
• "Yal - buz" - "snow mane" (Georgian).

Local climate

Under the influence of seasonal air masses, the climate of the mountainous region is formed. Climatic conditions are typical for mountainous terrain... The Elbrus region is characterized by the circularity of good and bad weather.

In summer, the cycle is a week... In the first days of June, the weather is worse than in July. The climate during this period is humid and cool. The temperature at an altitude of 2 thousand meters sometimes reaches +35 degrees, and at higher altitudes - +25 degrees. Autumn begins at the end of August. Winter comes already in October, at an altitude of over 3 thousand meters. At this point, the average temperature is -12 degrees. The absolute minimum is fixed at minus 27 degrees. Spring comes only at the beginning of May. During this period, snow is actively melting at elevations of 3 thousand meters. It often descends in the form of wet avalanches.

The higher the height, the thicker the cover is. So, 60–80 cm is the average thickness of the top cover. On northern slopes there is more snow than the southern ones. At higher altitudes, eternal snowfields and firn fields remain. Due to them, the mass of all Elbrus glaciers is increasing.

Volcanic activity

Elbrus is considered an extinct volcano... When studying the mountain, geologists examined its layers, which contain the ash of the volcano. It has been proven that this particular ash has been formed since ancient times as a result of eruptions. Having studied the first layer, scientists have found that the first eruption of the summit occurred about 45 thousand years ago. NS. The next - the second layer, formed after the eruption of the Kazbek volcano. It was also formed about 40 thousand years ago.

Today it has been proven for sure that it was the second eruption that was the most powerful, even by modern standards. People - Neanderthals living at the foot of the mountain at that time, were forced to leave the sedentary places in order to look for more favorable conditions for living. It has been established that the last time the volcano erupted was 2 thousand years ago. NS.

The history of climbing Elbrus

Back in 1829, the first conquest of Elbrus was completed. The leader of the climbing expedition is Georgy Emmanuel. Famous physicists, zoologists, botanists, geologists and other scientists were members of the scientific expedition. It was they who became the pioneers and conquerors of the highest peak of the Earth - the eastern part of Elbrus.

In 1868, a re-ascent was carried out by an English group of scientists to eastern part the mountains. In the same year, the first conquest of Mount Kazbek was completed. The western summit of Elbrus was conquered in 1874 by alpinists from England, the expedition was guided by A. Sottaev.

During a scientific expedition to map the Caucasus in 1890-1896, an ascent was made to the eastern and western mountains of Elbrus. The expedition was headed by a Russian scientist, military topographer A.V. Pastukhov. It was he who left behind detailed maps terrain and mountains Elbrus - photo. For the exploration of the Caucasus and Elbrus, a part of the Elbrus rocks (southern part) was named in honor of Pastukhov. The height of the Pastukhov Rocks is 4800 meters.

In 1891, the shortest ascent time in history was recorded - only 8 hours... The ascent began at the foot of the southern slopes and ended at the eastern summit.

Swiss climbers, for the first time in history, carried out the so-called Elbrus Cross in 1910. They climbed two peaks at the same time, as part of one expedition.

The first woman to conquer Elbrus - A. Japaridze (1925).

Soviet climbers made the first winter ascent in 1934. And in 1939, the first ski slope from Elbrus was carried out by the Moscow skier V. Gippenreiter.

From the first part of the twentieth century, climbing Elbrus began to be the most massive. So, in 1928, 32 groups of climbers carried out the ascent, in 1935 about 2016 people visited Elbrus, and in 1960 - 1395 climbers.

In 1963 he climbed on a motorcycle Berberashvili - Soviet athlete... In 1997, already by car, the whole team conquered the summit. And in 2015, the Russian athlete A. Rodichev climbed the mountain with a barbell that weighed 75 kg.

Climbing Elbrus in 2016, entered in the Guinness Book of Records. Russian climbers A. Kuimov and S. Baranov ascended by means of an ATV to a height of 5642 meters.

In our time, it will not be difficult to climb Elbrus. For tourists and travelers, the path is made easier by shelters - parking lots and cable cars.

They say that Prometheus was chained to one of the rocks of this particular mountain because he gave people fire. It was here, according to Homer, that Jason went for the Golden Fleece. And also there are legends that it was Elbrus who turned out to be the first piece of Earth that Noah met after the flood, and his ship literally hit the top and split it.

The Elbrus stratovolcano is located at some distance from the Greater Caucasus Range (20 km to the north) and is highest point Russia. Since there is no clearly defined border between Asia and Europe, many believe that it is the highest mountain peak European continent, the height of which is 5642 meters.

Elbrus was formed somewhat differently than the rest of the Caucasus Mountains, of which it is a part: they appeared earlier, about 5 million years ago, and have a folded character. And the volcano was formed later, about 1 million years ago, as a result of complex and lengthy geological processes: first, the western summit appeared, and then, on the eastern side of the lateral crater, a second cone began to form. In our time, the volcano is not active, but it cannot be called extinct either: manifestations of volcanic activity are still observed here.

What does Elbrus look like

The nature here is diverse: mountain meadows, rare plants and animals, coniferous forests, turbulent rivers leave no one indifferent, and some time ago the Elbrus National Park was created in the region of the volcano, and therefore neither hunt, nor cut down the forest, nor engage in construction here it is forbidden.

At the foot of Elbrus there is a huge number of extremely beautiful gorges, and on the north side there is the famous Dzhyly-Su tract with mineral thermal springs and the most beautiful waterfalls with a height of 20 to 40 meters, among which the Sultan waterfall located in the upper reaches of the Malka River stands out.

On the slope of the mountain, at an altitude of about three hundred meters, there is a huge ice lake Jikaugenkez. In its middle part rises reminiscent medieval castle Kalitsky peak, whose height exceeds 3.5 km, where there is a site with cult sanctuaries, which were created from large stones.

The volcano itself looks like this:

• Elbrus has two peaks, each of which is two independent volcanoes, connected by a saddle, the height of which is 5.3 km. The distance between the peaks is about three kilometers;
• The eastern, younger cone is slightly lower than the western one, and its height is 5621 m. It has a well-defined crater, 200 meters in diameter and about 80 m deep;
• The height of the western peak is almost extinct volcano- 5642 meters, crater diameter - 600 meters, depth - 300 m, and the upper part of the volcano is partially destroyed;
• The slopes of the mountain are mostly gentle, but closer to the top, starting from the mark of 4 thousand km, the angle of inclination increases to 35 degrees;
• On the northern and western sides of Elbrus there is a huge number of sheer cliffs about 700 meters high;
• Starting from an altitude of 3.5 km, the volcano is covered with stones and glaciers; in total, there are about 70 glaciers on Elbrus, the area of ​​which exceeds 130 km². The water flowing down from the Elbrus glaciers creates three main streams that feed the main rivers of this region - Baksanu, Kuban and Malka;
• The surface of the volcano, free of glaciers, is covered with loose rocks;
• The snow cover on the Elbrus summit lies throughout the whole year.

On the northern slope of the mountain, at an altitude of about 3 km, there is the Birdzhal lava tract with a huge number of outliers of melted sand, which, under the influence of precipitation, weathering, soil erosion, collapsed and created numerous heaps of bizarre shapes that formed grottoes and caves. They hang one above the other, forming bridges, arches, consoles and, diverging in different directions, acquire various bizarre shapes.

Volcano activity

It is believed that for the entire period of existence active volcano showed volcanic activity about four times, and the age of the most ancient volcanic rocks of this mountain is about three million years.

The volcano showed the greatest volcanic activity about 225 thousand years ago, then its activity gradually subsided, and the last time it erupted was about two thousand years ago (according to scientists, it was about 50 AD). Despite the fact that this eruption was not recorded anywhere, lava flows dating from this period up to 24 km and 260 km in length were discovered on the mountain. sq. volcanic debris, indicating that the emissions were quite strong.

Although the volcano does not remind of itself for an extremely long time, volcanologists consider it not extinct, but dormant (active), since it demonstrates active external and internal activity - first of all, this is manifested in the release of sulfuric acid and chloride gases on the eastern slopes, as well as in the presence world famous mineral thermal springs"Hot Narzan", the temperature of which reaches + 52 ° С and + 60 ° С (apparently, the magma chamber of the volcano is located at a depth of 6-7 km from the earth's surface).

Many scientists agree that the volcano is unlikely to wake up in the next two to three centuries.

Some scientists believe that Elbrus may well become active already in this century (albeit not earlier than fifty years later), arguing their conclusions not only by the manifestation of fumarolic activity by the volcano, but also because of the colony of green mosses found on the western peak of the mountain. The soil temperature in this place was + 21 ° C, while the temperature indicators of the environment showed a minus temperature (-20 ° C).

Elbrus weather

Not everyone who starts climbing Elbrus will be able to conquer it, especially if he decides to do it in the off-season - in spring or autumn. Closer to the summit, even well-trained climbers may well be stopped not only by the fierce cold, but also by the terrifying force, knocking down the wind, whose gusts reach 100 km / h.

The most stubborn can, despite the bad weather, get to an altitude of 4 thousand km, but such weather will stop anyone - snow, storm and temperature of minus thirty degrees, in these conditions it is extremely dangerous to go upstairs.

Since near Elbrus warm and humid Mediterranean and Black Sea cyclones meet cold Antarctic cyclones, the climate of Elbrus is extremely changeable: summer heat quickly replaces severe cold, and clouds in a few minutes can cover an entire mountain, hide absolutely all landmarks - and the traveler will have to rely only on his instinct ...

Wet air currents coming from the Black Sea cause numerous precipitation on Elbrus, mainly in the form of snow, which on high altitude can fall out both at minus and plus temperatures. Most of the precipitation falls here in summer and winter, which is why the most favorable time for the rise is November, when a constant dense snow cover is established, and winter.

The most dangerous period for climbing a volcano is the spring or autumn months: the weather at this time is bad and unstable, and the temperature at the peaks, even in May, can drop to -50 degrees Celsius. So, several years ago, a group of twelve climbers made an attempt to climb the volcano at the end of spring. But due to a sharp deterioration in the weather and loss of visibility, the climbers got lost, and then completely froze to death - only one person could go down.

Elbrus rescue station

To avoid such situations, it was decided to create a rescue shelter on Elbrus - work began in 2007 and ended five years later. The construction was not easy, since it was necessary to deliver materials and fastening systems to a great height, which was done with the help of a helicopter. The first opening of the shelter took place in 2010, but a month later a hurricane completely destroyed the building.

Considering the need for such a structure, it was decided to restore the shelter, but to make it smaller and more wind-resistant - and by August 2012, the highest rescue shelter on the European continent was erected on the saddle of Elbrus (5300 above sea level).