Caucasus Mountains

The Caucasus Mountains are a young sublatitudinal mountain system stretching for 1,100 kilometers from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. The maximum height of the Caucasus Mountains is 5,642 m above sea level, recorded on Elbrus in Kabardino-Balkaria.

The Caucasus Mountains are one of the most important geographical features in Europe, which determine many geographical processes in the Caucasus. They have significant barrier features (both natural and political). They separate from each other: the temperate and subtropical zones; the river basins of the Azov, Black and Caspian Seas; the North and South Caucasus; Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan.

The central and oldest part of the Caucasus Mountains was formed from granite and crystalline slabs that are 600 million years old. In their western and eastern parts, the geological structure is simpler, which is associated with the development of the ridges. As the height decreases, so does the age of the constituent rocks. At an average altitude, rocks formed 200-130 and 130-70 million years ago, that is, during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, respectively, are found; in the low part of the mountains and in the foothills, rocks formed 70-30 million years ago (during the Paleogene period).

The process of mountain formation in the Caucasus continues. High-amplitude earthquakes often occur here, confirming the intensity of mountain formation at the present time. It has been established that the Caucasus Mountains rise by 10 mm annually, which is quite a large indicator.

The peaks of the Caucasus Mountains are covered with eternal glaciers and snow. There are about 800 glaciers with a total area of more than 550 km2. These figures are close to the Eastern Alps, meaning the glaciers of France and Georgia occupy almost the same area.

The Caucasus Mountains are distinguished by spectacular landscapes, landscape, biological and ethnic diversity. There are several historical and geographical provinces located here, with a unique culture and a peculiar economic structure. The highest settlement in Europe, Ushguli village, is located in the Caucasus Mountains.

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