Western coast of the Caspian Sea. Caspian Sea (lake): recreation, photos and map, shores and countries where the Caspian Sea is located. Anthropological and cultural history of the Caspian Sea
The Caspian Sea is inland and located in a vast continental depression on the border of Europe and Asia. The Caspian Sea has no connection with the ocean, which formally allows it to be called a lake, but it has all the features of the sea, since in past geological eras it had connections with the ocean.
The sea area is 386.4 thousand km2, the volume of water is 78 thousand m3.
The Caspian Sea has a vast drainage basin, with an area of about 3.5 million km2. The nature of the landscapes, climatic conditions and types of rivers are different. Despite its vastness, only 62.6% of its area is in waste areas; about 26.1% - for non-drainage. The area of the Caspian Sea itself is 11.3%. 130 rivers flow into it, but almost all of them are located in the north and west (and the eastern coast does not have a single river reaching the sea). The largest river in the Caspian basin is the Volga, which provides 78% of the river waters entering the sea (it should be noted that more than 25% of the Russian economy is located in the basin of this river, and this undoubtedly determines many other features of the waters of the Caspian Sea), as well as the Kura River , Zhaiyk (Ural), Terek, Sulak, Samur.
Physiographically and according to the nature of the underwater relief, the sea is divided into three parts: northern, middle and southern. The conventional border between the northern and middle parts runs along the line Chechen Island–Cape Tyub-Karagan, and between the middle and southern parts along the line Zhiloy Island–Cape Kuuli.
The shelf of the Caspian Sea is on average limited to depths of about 100 m. The continental slope, which begins below the shelf edge, ends in the middle part at approximately 500–600 m depths, in the southern part, where it is very steep, at 700–750 m.
The northern part of the sea is shallow, its average depth is 5–6 m, the maximum depths of 15–20 m are located on the border with the middle part of the sea. The bottom topography is complicated by the presence of banks, islands, and grooves.
The middle part of the sea is an isolated basin, the region of maximum depths of which - the Derbent depression - is shifted to the western coast. The average depth of this part of the sea is 190 m, the greatest is 788 m.
The southern part of the sea is separated from the middle by the Absheron threshold, which is a continuation Greater Caucasus. The depths above this underwater ridge do not exceed 180 m. The deepest part of the South Caspian depression with a maximum sea depth of 1025 m is located east of the Kura delta. Several underwater ridges up to 500 m high rise above the bottom of the basin.
The shores of the Caspian Sea are diverse. In the northern part of the sea they are quite indented. Here are the Kizlyarsky, Agrakhansky, Mangyshlaksky bays and many shallow bays. Notable peninsulas: Agrakhansky, Buzachi, Tyub-Karagan, Mangyshlak. Large islands in the northern part of the sea are Tyuleniy and Kulaly. In the deltas of the Volga and Ural rivers, the coastline is complicated by many islands and channels, often changing their position. Many small islands and banks are located in other areas coastline.
The middle part of the sea has a relatively flat coastline. The Absheron Peninsula is located on the western coast, on the border with the southern part of the sea. To the east of it, the islands and banks of the Absheron archipelago stand out, of which the most large island Residential. The eastern coast of the Middle Caspian is more indented; the Kazakh Gulf with Kenderli Bay and several capes stand out here. The largest bay of this coast is Kara-Bogaz-Gol.
South of the Absheron Peninsula are the islands of the Baku archipelago. The origin of these islands, as well as some banks off the eastern coast of the southern part of the sea, is associated with the activity of underwater mud volcanoes lying on the bottom of the sea. On east coast There are large bays of Turkmenbashi and Turkmensky, and near it the island of Ogurchinsky.
One of the most striking phenomena of the Caspian Sea is the periodic variability of its level. IN historical time The Caspian Sea had a level lower than the World Ocean. Fluctuations in the level of the Caspian Sea are so great that for more than a century they have attracted the attention of not only scientists. Its peculiarity is that in the memory of mankind its level has always been below the level of the World Ocean. Since the beginning of instrumental observations (since 1830) of sea level, the amplitude of its fluctuations has been almost 4 m, from –25.3 m in the eighties of the 19th century. to –29 m in 1977. In the last century, the level of the Caspian Sea changed significantly twice. In 1929 it stood at about -26 m, and since it had been close to this level for almost a century, this level position was considered to be a long-term or secular average. In 1930 the level began to decline rapidly. By 1941 it had dropped by almost 2 m. This led to the drying out of vast coastal areas of the bottom. The decrease in level, with its slight fluctuations (short-term slight rises in level in 1946–1948 and 1956–1958), continued until 1977 and reached –29.02 m, i.e. the level reached its lowest position in history the last 200 years.
In 1978, contrary to all forecasts, sea level began to rise. As of 1994, the level of the Caspian Sea was at –26.5 m, that is, over 16 years the level rose by more than 2 m. The rate of this rise is 15 cm per year. The level increase in some years was higher, and in 1991 it reached 39 cm.
The general fluctuations in the level of the Caspian Sea are superimposed by its seasonal changes, the long-term average of which reaches 40 cm, as well as surge phenomena. The latter are especially pronounced in the Northern Caspian Sea. For the north west coast characterized by large surges created by the prevailing, especially in the cold season, storms of the east and south-eastern directions. A number of large (more than 1.5–3 m) surges have been observed here over the past decades. A particularly large surge with catastrophic consequences was noted in 1952. Fluctuations in the level of the Caspian Sea cause great damage to the states surrounding its waters.
Climate. The Caspian Sea is located in temperate and subtropical climatic zones. Climatic conditions change in the meridional direction, since the sea stretches from north to south for almost 1200 km.
Various circulation systems interact in the Caspian region, however, winds from eastern directions predominate throughout the year (influence of the Asian High). The position at fairly low latitudes provides a positive balance of heat influx, so the Caspian Sea serves as a source of heat and moisture for passing air masses for most of the year. The average annual temperature in the northern part of the sea is 8–10°C, in the middle - 11–14°C, in the southern part - 15–17°C. However, in the northernmost areas of the sea, the average January temperature is from –7 to –10°C, and the minimum during intrusions of Arctic air is down to –30°C, which determines the formation of ice cover. In summer, rather high temperatures dominate over the entire region under consideration - 24–26°C. Thus, the Northern Caspian is subject to the most dramatic temperature fluctuations.
The Caspian Sea is characterized by very a large number of precipitation per year is only 180 mm, with most of it occurring in the cold season of the year (from October to March). However, the Northern Caspian differs in this respect from the rest of the basin: here the average annual precipitation is lower (for the western part only 137 mm), and the seasonal distribution is more uniform (10–18 mm per month). In general, we can talk about closeness climatic conditions to arid ones.
Water temperature. The distinctive features of the Caspian Sea (large differences in depths in different parts of the sea, the nature of the bottom topography, isolation) have a certain influence on the formation of temperature conditions. In the shallow Northern Caspian Sea, the entire water column can be considered homogeneous (the same applies to shallow bays located in other parts of the sea). In the Middle and Southern Caspian Sea, surface and deep masses can be distinguished, separated by a transition layer. In the Northern Caspian and in the surface layers of the Middle and Southern Caspian, water temperatures vary over a wide range. In winter, temperatures vary from north to south from less than 2 to 10°C, the water temperature off the west coast is 1–2°C higher than that on the east, in the open sea the temperature is higher than at the coasts: by 2–3°C in the middle part and by 3–4°С in the southern part of the sea. In winter, the distribution of temperature with depth is more uniform, which is facilitated by winter vertical circulation. During moderate and severe winters in the northern part of the sea and shallow bays of the east coast, the water temperature drops to freezing temperature.
In summer, the temperature varies in space from 20 to 28°C. The highest temperatures are observed in the southern part of the sea; temperatures are also quite high in the well-warmed shallow Northern Caspian Sea. The zone where the lowest temperatures occur is adjacent to the east coast. This is explained by the rise of cold deep waters to the surface. Temperatures are also relatively low in the poorly heated deep-sea central part. In open areas of the sea, at the end of May–beginning of June, the formation of a temperature jump layer begins, which is most clearly expressed in August. Most often it is located between 20 and 30 m in the middle part of the sea and 30 and 40 m in the southern part. In the middle part of the sea, due to the surge off the eastern coast, the shock layer rises close to the surface. In the bottom layers of the sea, the temperature throughout the year is about 4.5°C in the middle part and 5.8–5.9°C in the southern part.
Salinity. Salinity values are determined by factors such as river flow, water dynamics, including mainly wind and gradient currents, the resulting water exchange between the western and eastern parts of the Northern Caspian and between the Northern and Middle Caspian, bottom topography, which determines the location of waters with different salinities, mainly along isobaths, evaporation providing a deficit fresh water and an influx of saltier ones. These factors collectively influence seasonal differences in salinity.
The Northern Caspian Sea can be considered as a reservoir of constant mixing of river and Caspian waters. The most active mixing occurs in the western part, where both river and Central Caspian waters directly flow. Horizontal salinity gradients can reach 1‰ per 1 km.
The eastern part of the Northern Caspian Sea is characterized by a more uniform salinity field, since most of river and sea (Middle Caspian) waters enter this area of the sea in a transformed form.
Based on the values of horizontal salinity gradients, it is possible to distinguish in the western part of the Northern Caspian the river-sea contact zone with water salinity from 2 to 10‰, in the eastern part from 2 to 6‰.
Significant vertical salinity gradients in the Northern Caspian are formed as a result of the interaction of river and sea waters, the determining role here is played by runoff. The strengthening of vertical stratification is also facilitated by the unequal thermal state of the water layers, since the temperature of the surface desalinated waters coming from the seashore in summer is 10–15°C higher than the bottom waters.
In the deep-sea depressions of the Middle and Southern Caspian Sea, fluctuations in salinity in the upper layer are 1–1.5‰. The largest difference between the maximum and minimum salinity was noted in the area of the Absheron threshold, where it is 1.6‰ in the surface layer and 2.1‰ at a 5 m horizon.
The decrease in salinity along the western coast of the South Caspian Sea in the 0–20 m layer is caused by the flow of the Kura River. The influence of the Kura runoff decreases with depth; at horizons of 40–70 m, the range of salinity fluctuations is no more than 1.1‰. Along the entire western coast to the Absheron Peninsula there is a strip of desalinated water with a salinity of 10–12.5‰, coming from the Northern Caspian Sea.
In addition, in the Southern Caspian Sea, an increase in salinity occurs when salted waters are carried out from bays and bays on the eastern shelf under the influence of southeastern winds. Subsequently, these waters are transferred to the Middle Caspian Sea.
In the deep layers of the Middle and Southern Caspian Sea, the salinity is about 13‰. In the central part of the Middle Caspian, such salinity is observed at horizons below 100 m, and in the deep-water part of the Southern Caspian, the upper limit of waters with high salinity drops to 250 m. Obviously, in these parts of the sea vertical mixing water is difficult.
Surface water circulation. Currents in the sea are mainly wind-driven. In the western part of the Northern Caspian, currents of the western and eastern quarters are most often observed, in the eastern part - southwestern and southern ones. Currents caused by the runoff of the Volga and Ural rivers can be traced only within the estuary coastal area. The prevailing current speeds are 10–15 cm/s, in open areas of the Northern Caspian Sea the maximum speeds are about 30 cm/s.
In the coastal areas of the middle and southern parts of the sea, in accordance with the wind directions, currents of the northwest, north, southeast and southern directions, off the east coast there are often easterly currents. Along the western coast of the middle part of the sea, the most stable currents are southeastern and southern. Current speeds are on average about 20–40 cm/s, with maximum speeds reaching 50–80 cm/s. Other types of currents also play a significant role in the circulation of sea waters: gradient, seiche, and inertial.
Ice formation. The Northern Caspian Sea is covered with ice every year in November, the area of the frozen part of the water area depends on the severity of the winter: in severe winters the entire Northern Caspian Sea is covered with ice, in mild winters the ice remains within 2–3 meter isobath. The appearance of ice in the middle and southern parts of the sea occurs in December-January. On the eastern coast the ice is of local origin, on the western coast it is most often brought from the northern part of the sea. In severe winters, shallow bays freeze off the eastern coast of the middle part of the sea, shores and fast ice form off the coast, and on the western coast, drifting ice spreads to the Absheron Peninsula in abnormally cold winters. The disappearance of ice cover is observed in the second half of February–March.
Oxygen content. The spatial distribution of dissolved oxygen in the Caspian Sea has a number of patterns.
The central part of the waters of the Northern Caspian Sea is characterized by a fairly uniform distribution of oxygen. An increased oxygen content is found in the areas near the Volga River near the mouth, while a decreased oxygen content is found in the southwestern part of the Northern Caspian Sea.
In the Middle and Southern Caspian highest concentrations oxygen are confined to coastal shallow areas and pre-estuary coastal areas of rivers, with the exception of the most polluted areas of the sea (Baku Bay, Sumgait region, etc.).
In the deep-water areas of the Caspian Sea, the main pattern remains the same throughout all seasons - a decrease in oxygen concentration with depth.
Thanks to autumn-winter cooling, the density of the North Caspian Sea waters increases to a value at which it becomes possible for North Caspian waters with a high oxygen content to flow along the continental slope to significant depths of the Caspian Sea.
The seasonal distribution of oxygen is mainly associated with the annual course and seasonal relationship of production-destruction processes occurring in the sea.
In spring, the production of oxygen during photosynthesis very significantly covers the decrease in oxygen caused by a decrease in its solubility with increasing water temperature in spring.
In the areas of the coastal mouths of rivers feeding the Caspian Sea, in the spring there is a sharp increase in the relative oxygen content, which in turn is an integral indicator of the intensification of the photosynthesis process and characterizes the degree of productivity of the mixing zones of sea and river waters.
In summer, due to the significant warming of water masses and the activation of photosynthesis processes, the leading factors in the formation of the oxygen regime are photosynthetic processes in surface waters, and biochemical oxygen consumption by bottom sediments in bottom waters.
Thanks to high temperature water, stratification of the water column, a large influx of organic matter and its intense oxidation, oxygen is quickly consumed with minimal entry into the lower layers of the sea, as a result of which an oxygen deficiency zone is formed in the Northern Caspian Sea. Intensive photosynthesis in open waters The deep-sea regions of the Middle and Southern Caspian Sea cover the upper 25-meter layer, where oxygen saturation is more than 120%.
In autumn, in the well-aerated shallow areas of the Northern, Middle and Southern Caspian Sea, the formation of oxygen fields is determined by the processes of water cooling and the less active, but still ongoing process of photosynthesis. The oxygen content is increasing.
The spatial distribution of nutrients in the Caspian Sea reveals the following patterns:
- Increased concentrations of nutrients are characteristic of areas near the mouth of coastal rivers that feed the sea and shallow areas of the sea that are subject to active anthropogenic influence(Baku Bay, Turkmenbashi Bay, water areas adjacent to Makhachkala, Fort Shevchenko, etc.);
- The Northern Caspian, which is a vast mixing zone of river and sea waters, is characterized by significant spatial gradients in the distribution of nutrients;
- in the Middle Caspian Sea, the cyclonic nature of the circulation contributes to the rise of deep waters with a high content of nutrients into the overlying layers of the sea;
- in the deep-water regions of the Middle and Southern Caspian Sea, the vertical distribution of nutrients depends on the intensity of the convective mixing process, and their content increases with depth.
The dynamics of nutrient concentrations throughout the year in the Caspian Sea are influenced by factors such as seasonal fluctuations in nutrient runoff into the sea, the seasonal ratio of production-destructive processes, the intensity of exchange between soil and water mass, ice conditions in winter time in the Northern Caspian, processes of winter vertical circulation in deep-water areas of the sea.
In winter, a significant area of the Northern Caspian Sea is covered with ice, but biochemical processes actively develop in subglacial water and in ice. The ice of the Northern Caspian, being a kind of accumulator of nutrients, transforms these substances entering the sea from and from the atmosphere.
As a result of the winter vertical circulation of water in the deep-water regions of the Middle and Southern Caspian Sea during the cold season, the active layer of the sea is enriched with nutrients due to their supply from the underlying layers.
Spring for the waters of the Northern Caspian Sea is characterized by a minimum content of phosphates, nitrites and silicon, which is explained by the spring outbreak of phytoplankton development (silicon is actively consumed by diatoms). High concentrations of ammonium and nitrate nitrogen, characteristic of the waters of a large area of the Northern Caspian Sea during floods, are due to intensive leaching river waters.
In the spring season, in the area of water exchange between the Northern and Middle Caspian Seas in the subsurface layer, with a maximum oxygen content, the phosphate content is minimal, which, in turn, indicates the activation of the photosynthesis process in this layer.
In the Southern Caspian, the distribution of nutrients in spring is basically similar to their distribution in the Middle Caspian.
IN summer time in the waters of the Northern Caspian, a redistribution of various forms of biogenic compounds is detected. Here the content of ammonium nitrogen and nitrates decreases significantly, while at the same time there is a slight increase in the concentrations of phosphates and nitrites and a rather significant increase in the concentration of silicon. In the Middle and Southern Caspian Sea, the concentration of phosphates has decreased due to their consumption during photosynthesis and the difficulty of water exchange with the deep-sea accumulation zone.
In autumn in the Caspian Sea, due to the cessation of activity of some types of phytoplankton, the content of phosphates and nitrates increases, and the concentration of silicon decreases, as there is an autumn outbreak of the development of diatoms.
Oil has been extracted on the Caspian Sea shelf for more than 150 years.
Currently, large hydrocarbon reserves are being developed on the Russian shelf, the resources of which on the Dagestan shelf are estimated at 425 million tons in oil equivalent (of which 132 million tons of oil and 78 billion m3 of gas), on the shelf of the Northern Caspian Sea - at 1 billion tons of oil .
In total, about 2 billion tons of oil have already been produced in the Caspian Sea.
Losses of oil and its products during production, transportation and use reach 2% of the total volume.
The main sources of pollutants, including petroleum products, entering the Caspian Sea are removal with river runoff, discharge of untreated industrial and agricultural wastewater, municipal wastewater from cities and towns located on the coast, shipping, exploration and exploitation of oil and gas fields. located on the bottom of the sea, oil transportation by sea. The places where pollutants enter with river runoff are 90% concentrated in the Northern Caspian, industrial wastes are confined mainly to the area of the Absheron Peninsula, and increased oil pollution of the Southern Caspian is associated with oil production and oil exploration drilling, as well as with active volcanic activity (mud) in zone of oil and gas bearing structures.
From the territory of Russia, about 55 thousand tons of petroleum products enter the Northern Caspian annually, including 35 thousand tons (65%) from the Volga River and 130 tons (2.5%) from the runoff of the Terek and Sulak rivers.
Thickening of the film on the water surface to 0.01 mm disrupts gas exchange processes and threatens the death of hydrobiota. The concentration of petroleum products is toxic to fish at 0.01 mg/l and to phytoplankton at 0.1 mg/l.
The development of oil and gas resources on the bottom of the Caspian Sea, the forecast reserves of which are estimated at 12–15 billion tons of standard fuel, will become the main factor in the anthropogenic load on the sea ecosystem in the coming decades.
Caspian autochthonous fauna. The total number of autochthons is 513 species or 43.8% of the entire fauna, which include herring, gobies, mollusks, etc.
Arctic species. The total number of the Arctic group is 14 species and subspecies, or only 1.2% of the entire Caspian fauna (mysids, sea cockroach, white fish, Caspian salmon, Caspian seal, etc.). The basis of the Arctic fauna are crustaceans (71.4%), which easily tolerate desalination and live at great depths of the Middle and Southern Caspian Sea (from 200 to 700 m), since the lowest water temperatures are maintained here throughout the year (4.9– 5.9°C).
Mediterranean species. These are 2 types of mollusks, needle fish, etc. At the beginning of the 20s of our century, the mollusk mytileaster entered here, later 2 types of shrimp (with mullet, during their acclimatization), 2 types of mullet and flounder. Some Mediterranean species entered the Caspian Sea after the opening of the Volga-Don Canal. Mediterranean species play a significant role in the food supply of fish in the Caspian Sea.
Freshwater fauna (228 species). This group includes anadromous and semi-anadromous fish (sturgeon, salmon, pike, catfish, carp, and also rotifers).
Marine species. These are ciliates (386 forms), 2 species of foraminifera. There are especially many endemics among higher crustaceans (31 species), gastropods (74 species and subspecies), bivalves (28 species and subspecies) and fish (63 species and subspecies). The abundance of endemics in the Caspian Sea makes it one of the most unique brackish bodies of water on the planet.
The Caspian Sea produces more than 80% of the world's sturgeon catches, the bulk of which occur in the Northern Caspian Sea.
To increase sturgeon catches, which sharply decreased during the years of falling sea levels, a set of measures is being implemented. Among them are a complete ban on sturgeon fishing in the sea and its regulation in rivers, and an increase in the scale of sturgeon factory farming.
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The Caspian Sea is the most big lake of our planet, which is located in a depression of the earth’s surface (the so-called Aral-Caspian Lowland) on the territory of Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Iran. Although they consider it as a lake, because it is not connected with the World Ocean, but by the nature of the formation processes and history of origin, by its size, the Caspian Sea is a sea.
The area of the Caspian Sea is about 371 thousand km 2. The sea, stretching from north to south, has a length of about 1200 km and an average width of 320 km. The length of the coastline is about 7 thousand km. The Caspian Sea is located 28.5 m below the level of the World Ocean and its greatest depth is 1025 m. There are about 50 islands in the Caspian Sea, mostly small in area. The large islands include such islands as Tyuleniy, Kulaly, Zhiloy, Chechen, Artem, Ogurchinsky. There are also many bays in the sea, for example: Kizlyarsky, Komsomolets, Kazakhsky, Agrakhansky, etc.
The Caspian Sea is fed by more than 130 rivers. Largest quantity water (about 88% of the total flow) is brought by the rivers Ural, Volga, Terek, Emba, which flow into northern part seas. About 7% of the flow comes from the large rivers Kura, Samur, Sulak and small ones that flow into the sea on the west coast. The rivers Heraz, Gorgan, and Sefidrud flow into the southern Iranian coast, bringing only 5% of the flow. Not a single river flows into the eastern part of the sea. The water in the Caspian Sea is salty, its salinity ranges from 0.3‰ to 13‰.
Shores of the Caspian Sea
The shores have different landscapes. The shores of the northern part of the sea are low and flat, surrounded by low-lying semi-desert and somewhat elevated desert. In the south, the shores are partly low-lying, bordered by the coastal lowland small area, behind which the Elburz ridge runs along the coast, which in some places comes close to the coast. In the west, the Greater Caucasus ranges approach the coast. In the east there is an abrasion coast, carved out of limestone, and semi-desert and desert plateaus approach it. The coastline changes greatly due to periodic fluctuations in water levels.
The climate of the Caspian Sea is different:
Continental in the north;
Moderate in the middle
Subtropical in the south.
At the same time, there are severe frosts and snowstorms on the northern shore, while fruit trees and magnolias bloom on the southern shore. In winter, strong storm winds rage at sea.
On the coast of the Caspian Sea there are big cities, ports: Baku, Lankaran, Turkmenbashi, Lagan, Makhachkala, Kaspiysk, Izberbash, Astrakhan, etc. 
The fauna of the Caspian Sea is represented by 1809 species of animals. More than 70 species of fish are found in the sea, including: herring, gobies, stellate sturgeon, sturgeon, beluga, white fish, sterlet, pike perch, carp, bream, roach, etc. Of the marine mammals, only the smallest in the world, the Caspian seal, is found in the lake. not found in other seas. The Caspian Sea lies on the main migratory route of birds between Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Every year, about 12 million birds fly over the Caspian Sea during migration, and another 5 million usually winter here.
Vegetable world
The flora of the Caspian Sea and its coast includes 728 species. Basically, the sea is inhabited by algae: diatoms, blue-greens, red, characeae, brown and others, of the flowering ones - rupee and zoster.
The Caspian Sea is rich in reserves natural resources, many oil and gas fields are being developed in it, in addition, limestone, salt, sand, stone and clay are also mined here. The Caspian Sea is connected by the Volga-Don Canal with Sea of Azov, shipping is well developed. A lot of different fish are caught in the reservoir, including more than 90% of the world's sturgeon catch.
The Caspian Sea is also a recreation area; on its shores there are holiday homes, tourist centers and sanatoriums.
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The Caspian Sea is located on the continent of Eurasia. What is surprising is that the Caspian Sea, with an area of 370 thousand square kilometers, is actually the most big lake, since it has no communication with the ocean. Although it is difficult to call it a lake, because the composition of the water, flora and fauna are similar to those of the sea. The salinity of the water is close to oceanic (from 0.05% to 13%).
Photo: Seagulls on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
About 50 million years ago, the Tethys Sea was located on the territory of Eastern Europe, which, when drying up, was divided into several large bodies of water - the Caspian, Black and Mediterranean seas.
Thanks to mineral waters and the healing mud of the Caspian Sea has great recreational and health potential. Therefore, there is an increase in the popularity of the coasts of Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan and Russian Dagestan among tourists.
Particularly popular resort area in the Baku region, where it is located popular resort in Amburan, as well as the area of the village of Nardaran, sanatoriums in the villages of Zagulba and Bilgah. In the north of Azerbaijan, the resort in Nabran is gaining popularity.
Unfortunately, tourism in Turkmenistan is poorly developed, which is due to the policy of isolation. And in Iran, Sharia law prohibits foreign tourists from vacationing on the coast.
But if you decide to relax on the Caspian Lake, then you will enjoy walking through protected areas; you will see extraordinary floating islands, various plants and animals that live in fresh and salt waters.
There is a greater variety of ways to have a good time throughout the year. For example, you can go on boat cruises, go fishing or waterfowl hunting, or you can just enjoy healing waters, looking at seals and various birds. The protected areas of the sea coast are very beautiful, for example the Astrakhan International biosphere reserve and the Volga delta with lotus fields.
A special feature of the Caspian zone is the oriental flavor with hookah and mesmerizing dances. Traditional music will delight your ears, and East Asian cuisine will satisfy your hunger.
See where the Caspian Sea is located on the world map.
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Video: Caspian Sea. Storm. 07/08/2012.
Today, the Caspian region is no longer as popular a place as it used to be. One of the main reasons is the undeveloped tourism infrastructure.
On this moment local authorities are doing everything possible to ensure that the resorts of the Caspian Sea become popular places for a comfortable holiday. Already now, anyone who wants to enjoy the hot sun and pleasant air can safely buy tickets to this amazing region.
The main resorts of the Caspian Sea and their features
Caspian Sea resorts are suitable for all people who want to relax inexpensive trip in a pleasant region. Summer days here start from May to September. At this time, the beach season opens in the Caspian region. You can go to the resorts by purchasing a ticket or using your own car. Before you go on a trip, it is better to book accommodation in advance, because you may simply not have time to book it on site.
There are many hotels, inns and private homes in the region. Anyone here will find their own accommodation at reasonable prices, based on the financial capabilities of the tourist. Holidays in this region are suitable for people who want to retire and forget the weekday bustle of the city and have a great holiday on the coast. Amazing nature and others romantic places will not leave romantics indifferent. Many resort towns Great for fishing and hunting. The Caspian Sea is perfect place for tourists who want to relax and improve their health.
Astrakhan is the capital of the Caspian region of Russia, despite the fact that the distance from the city to the sea is relatively far.
Previously, this region united the European and Asian regions, since it was along this route that an important trade route of that time passed. There are many exclusive and rare cultural monuments in the Astrakhan region.
Most public tourism sites offer visitors comfortable accommodation at low prices. In addition, in Astrakhan you can see a large number of cultural and historical buildings and attractions. In the region, many tourists often take boat trips.
The coastline includes a wide range of beaches to suit every taste, but you won’t find many tourists here because Caspian resorts not as popular as the Black Sea coast.
Nature of Astrakhan
Nature here enchants with its landscapes. One of the main natural sites is the Astrakhan Nature Reserve, on whose territory only in spring and summer seasons You can admire the variety of lotuses that are beautifully spread along the Volga River.
In Astrakhan there is an Architectural - historical Museum which is one of the most popular attractions in the region, on the territory of which the Astrakhan Kremlin is located, as well as other historical and cultural monuments. The local history museum houses a unique collection of weapons, various jewelry and coins that date back to the period of the Golden Horde. The art gallery contains many Russian and Western paintings, as well as icons ancient Rus'
To get to the Caspian Sea, you can rent a boat and raft on it along the Volga River.
Very beautiful landscapes can be seen in the desert Astrakhan region, dune Big Brother. You can get to Big Brother from Astrakhan in 1.5 hours. There are 20-meter sand ridges here.
Do not forget that the Astrakhan region is one of the most popular places For fishing.
For everyone who wants to undergo a course of treatment, the Caspian medical sanatorium is suitable. It is located 40 km from Makhachkala. The center has everything necessary for modern diagnostics, including modern diagnostic equipment. After a full course of treatment, which lasts 21 days, your health will return.
Another notable sanatorium is Lezzet. Located 9 km from Makhachkala airport. This resort is known as one of the best mud resorts.
At the end of summer in Astrakhan you can try the famous Astrakhan watermelons.
Boat trips regularly take place along the Volga and the Caspian Sea.
Fishing in Astrakhan
The Caspian Sea and the freshwater Volga are famous for the abundance of various species of fish. In the Astrakhan region you can successfully engage in winter and summer fishing, and a large fish catch is practically guaranteed. In the salt water of the sea there are both sea and river fish species. One of the most popular fish species is, naturally, sturgeon. In the lake you can also catch carp, pike perch and roach in large quantities.
Local residents offer to rent a boat at reasonable prices. Located in the Astrakhan region great amount fishing bases where fishermen can find shelter, and use the services of local rangers. Beautiful and comfortable houses, next to which you can fish, will not leave you indifferent and will leave a lot of impressions. The most popular base is the Dardanelles. Here all tourists are offered a triple room at a low price. On the territory of the base you can visit a real Russian bathhouse.
The wild nature of the Astrakhan region has always attracted tourists who want to go to independent trips around the region in search of adventure and exploration of the ancient land.
The city of Derbent is one of the oldest cities in Russia and the most southern city Russia. Some of the most popular attractions are Naryn - Kala, the Dzhem Mosque and the Derbent Wall. In 2003, these places were included in the list of UNESCO cultural heritage sites.
It is worth noting that Derbent is one of the centers beach holiday among the resorts of the Caspian Sea. There are many hotel complexes on the territory, as well as places for camping.
It is worth noting that the surroundings of Derbent are surrounded by beautiful amazing landscapes, abundant vegetation and many quiet places. Beautiful view opens from the Naryn-Kala fortress.
The region's subtropical climate contributes to a long beach season. The season starts in May and ends at the end of September and is counted. Not every resort in the Caspian region has a swimming season that lasts so long.
The Kaspiysk resort is located in Dagestan. Here you can not only relax on the beach, but also stroll through the city’s attractions. Some of these attractions are the Holy Kazan Church, various monuments and the Museum of Local Lore. If you decide to go to Kaspiysk, then you should admire the equally beautiful and rare plants in the Primorsky Park.
Izberbash resort offers excellent comfortable conditions for complete relaxation and recovery. This resort is visited by many people from the art world, artists and photographers. The resort has many private sector residential buildings, including restaurants, hotels and motels. The city is also famous for its natural mineral springs.
Izberbash has a very good combination of mountain and sea landscapes that will not leave either photographers or artists indifferent. Izberbash is surrounded by unique nature combined with healing fresh air and mineral springs. Many tourists go here to take a break from everyday problems and improve their health. In Izberbash you will find everything you need for a calm and moderate holiday, and at different price categories, based on your financial capabilities.
In Makhachkala there are a large number of tourist and fishing camps and sanatoriums where you can have a good time. There is everything you need for a real good rest. Thermal springs, shell beaches, which are equipped for a comfortable stay, and there are also many beautiful and attractive places to relax. There are many in the city beautiful places, historical architectural monuments and attractions.
The capital of Dagestan is famous for its cultural heritage and is considered best region in the Caspian Sea. In addition to relaxing on the sea coast, you have the opportunity to visit thermal springs which will bring enormous health benefits.
Makhachkala is one of the most visited places on the Caspian Sea with its healing air and big amount a variety of places where you can have fun and relax. One of the most famous sanatoriums is Caspian, which is located 36 km from the city and can accommodate up to 800 people. Besides relaxing holiday In the sanatorium you can undergo treatment for diseases of the nervous and musculoskeletal tissues.
Despite the fact that in the Russian Federation there are many resorts in the south Krasnodar region, the Caspian region is also beginning to gradually gain popularity in Russia. The reason lies in the underdeveloped tourism sector in this region.
At the moment, the resorts of the Caspian Sea are not so popular in Russia and not many tourists visit them, but in any case, there is always a demand for tourist packages in this direction. Sometimes it is not always possible to find a calm and secluded place here. Before you travel, be sure to book your accommodation in advance. You can choose a room based on your financial capabilities and budget.
Caspian Sea- the largest lake on Earth, located at the junction of Europe and Asia, called the sea because of its size. Caspian Sea represents closed lake, and the water in it is salty, from 0.05% near the mouth of the Volga to 11-13% in the southeast.
The water level is subject to fluctuations, currently approximately 28 m below sea level.
Square Caspian Sea currently - approximately 371,000 km2, maximum depth- 1025 m.
Length of coastline Caspian Sea is estimated at approximately 6,500 - 6,700 kilometers, with islands - up to 7,000 kilometers. Shores Caspian Sea Most of its territory is low-lying and smooth. In the northern part, the coastline is indented by water channels and islands of the Volga and Ural deltas, the banks are low and swampy, and the water surface in many places is covered with thickets. On east coast Limestone coasts predominate, adjacent to semi-deserts and deserts. The most winding shores are on the western coast in the area of the Absheron Peninsula and on the eastern coast in the area of the Kazakh Gulf and Kara-Bogaz-Gol.
IN Caspian Sea 130 rivers flow in, of which 9 rivers have a delta-shaped mouth. Large rivers, flowing into the Caspian Sea - Volga, Terek (Russia), Ural, Emba (Kazakhstan), Kura (Azerbaijan), Samur (Russian border with Azerbaijan), Atrek (Turkmenistan) and others.
Map of the Caspian Sea
The Caspian Sea washes the shores of five coastal states:
Russia (Dagestan, Kalmykia and Astrakhan region) - in the west and northwest, coastline length 695 kilometers
Kazakhstan - in the north, northeast and east, the length of the coastline is 2320 kilometers
Turkmenistan - in the southeast, the length of the coastline is 1200 kilometers
Iran - in the south, coastline length - 724 kilometers
Azerbaijan - in the southwest, the length of the coastline is 955 kilometers
Water temperature
is subject to significant latitudinal changes, most clearly expressed in winter, when the temperature varies 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 difference in water temperature 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 off the west coast is 1 - 2 °C higher than that on the east, and in the open sea the water temperature is 2 - 4 °C higher than on the coasts.
Climate of the Caspian Sea- continental in the northern part, temperate in the middle part and subtropical in the southern part. In winter average monthly temperature The Caspian Sea 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 recorded on the east coast was 44 degrees.
Animal world
The fauna of the Caspian Sea is represented by 1809 species, of which 415 are vertebrates. IN Caspian Sea 101 species of fish are registered, and it contains the majority of the world's sturgeon reserves, as well as freshwater fish such as roach, carp, and pike perch. Caspian Sea- habitat for fish such as carp, mullet, sprat, kutum, bream, salmon, perch, pike. IN Caspian Sea also inhabited by a marine mammal - the Caspian seal.
Vegetable world
Vegetable world Caspian Sea and its coastline is represented by 728 species. From plants to Caspian Sea The predominant algae are blue-green, diatoms, red, brown, characeae and others, and flowering algae include zoster and ruppia. By origin, the flora belongs mainly to the Neogene age, however, some plants were brought in Caspian Sea by a person knowingly or on the bottoms of ships.
Mining of oil and gas
IN Caspian Sea Many oil and gas fields are being developed. Proven oil resources in 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 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 on the Absheron Peninsula, and then in other territories.
In addition to oil and gas production, on the coast Caspian Sea Salt, limestone, stone, sand, and clay are also mined on the Caspian shelf.
Ecological problems
Ecological problems Caspian Sea 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 Caspian Sea, the life activity of coastal cities, as well as the flooding of individual objects due to rising levels Caspian Sea. Predatory production of sturgeon and their caviar, rampant poaching lead to a decrease in the number of sturgeon and to forced restrictions on their production and export.