Climate. The climate of North-East Siberia is sharply continental. Its formation is influenced by many factors. The large extent of the territory from north to south between 73 and 55° N latitude. predetermines the uneven arrival of solar heat: a large amount of solar insolation in summer and its almost complete absence in most of the territory in winter. The structure of the relief and the cold water areas surrounding the territory determine the free penetration of cold continental Arctic air masses of the Arctic Ocean. Temperate sea air comes from the Pacific Ocean, bringing the bulk of precipitation, but its supply to the territory is limited to the coastal ridges. The climate is influenced by the Asian maximum, the Aleutian minimum, as well as circulation processes on the Arctic front.

The Northeast is located in three latitudinal climatic zones: arctic, subarctic and temperate. Most of the territory is located in the subarctic zone.

The harsh winter of Northeast Siberia lasts about seven months. North of the Arctic Circle the polar night begins. On the Arctic coast it lasts from mid-November to the end of January. At this time, the Arctic Northeast does not receive solar heat, and south of the Arctic Circle the sun is low on the horizon and sends out little heat and light, so the radiation balance is negative from October to March.

The Northeast cools greatly in winter, and an area of ​​high pressure forms there, which is the northeastern spur of the Asian High. The mountainous terrain also contributes to strong cooling of the area. Cold and dry arctic air is formed here. The Arctic front passes along the coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. Therefore, the anticyclonic type of weather with a predominance of calms and very low temperatures is typical for intermountain basins and valleys. Isotherms of the coldest month -40...-45°C outline many intermountain basins. In the areas of Verkhoyansk and Oymyakon, the average January temperature is about -50°C. The absolute minimum temperature reaches -7°C in Oymyakon, and -68°C in Verkhoyansk. The interior regions of the Northeast are characterized by temperature inversions. For every 100 m rise, winter temperatures here increase by 2°C. For example, in the basin of the upper part of the Indigirka on the Oymya-Konsky highlands and on the adjacent slope of the Sun-tar-Khayata ridge, the average January temperature at an altitude of 777 m is -48 ° C, at an altitude of 1350 m - 36.7 ° C, and at at an altitude of 1700 m - only - 29.5°C.

To the east of the Omolon Valley, winter temperatures increase: an isotherm of -20°C passes through the eastern part of the Chukotka Peninsula. On the coastal plains it is warmer in winter than in the Verkhoyansk area, by about 12-13°C. In the mountains, tundra and on the coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, low temperatures are combined with strong winds. Cyclonic activity manifests itself on the Okhotsk coast and Chukotka in connection with the development of the Arctic front.

In the interior regions of the Northeast, all types of frosty weather form in winter, but weather with increased frostiness (hard, severe and extremely frosty) predominates. On the coast, moderate to significantly frosty weather is more common. The cold and windy weather that characterizes these areas creates significant winter severity in coastal areas.

Stable snow cover lasts 220-260 days, its height is about 30 cm on the coast of the Laptev Sea and in the Verkhoyansk region; to the east and south it increases to 60-70 cm, on the windward slopes of the mountains of the Okhotsk-Chukchi arc it reaches 1-1.5 m. During the period of maximum snow accumulation (March - April), avalanches occur in all mountains. Areas with significant avalanche danger include the Verkhoyansk and Chersky mountain systems. There, avalanches are widespread in many places and occur year-round. Favorable conditions for avalanches are a sufficient amount of precipitation in the mountains and its redistribution under the influence of the strong eastern spur of the Asian High. The mountainous terrain also contributes to strong cooling of the area. Cold and dry arctic air is formed here. The Arctic front passes along the coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. Therefore, the anticyclonic type of weather with a predominance of calms and very low temperatures is typical for intermountain basins and valleys. Isotherms of the coldest month -40...-45°C outline many intermountain basins. In the areas of Verkhoyansk and Oymyakon, the average January temperature is about -50°C. The absolute minimum temperature reaches -7°C in Oymyakon, and -68°C in Verkhoyansk. The interior regions of the Northeast are characterized by temperature inversions. For every 100 m rise, winter temperatures here increase by 2°C. For example, in the basin of the upper part of the Indigirka on the Oymyakonsky highlands and on the adjacent slope of the Suntar-Khayata ridge, the average January temperature at an altitude of 777 m is -48 ° C, at an altitude of 1350 m it is 36.7 ° C, and at an altitude of 1700 m - total - 29.5°C.

In summer, solar heat gain increases. The territory is filled mainly with continental air of temperate latitudes. The Arctic front passes over the northern coastal lowlands. Summer in most of the territory is moderately cool, but in the tundra it is cloudy and cold, with a very short frost-free period. In the mountains from an altitude of 1000-1200 m there is no frost-free period, strong winds prevail and temporary snow cover can form during all summer months. The average July temperature in most of the territory is about 10°C, in Verkhoyansk 15°C. However, on some days the temperature can rise in the internal intermountain basins to 35°C. When arctic air masses invade, warm weather may give way to cold snaps, and then the average daily temperature drops below 10°C. In the coastal lowlands, summers are cooler than in inland areas. The weather is changeable, with strong winds. The sum of active temperatures reaches a maximum in the basins, but is only 600-800°C.

The following types of weather are typical for the summer period: cloudy and rainy, with daytime cloudiness and strong heating of the underlying surface; with night clouds (typical for coastal areas). In July, partly cloudy, dry weather occurs in the basins for up to 10-12 days. Many mountainous regions are characterized by frosty weather during advective cooling.

Summer precipitation is highly variable from year to year. There are dry years and wet and rainy years. Thus, in Verkhoyansk, over 40 years of observations, the minimum amount of precipitation was 3 mm, and the maximum was 60-80 mm.

The distribution of annual precipitation over the territory is determined by atmospheric circulation and relief. In the Pacific Ocean basin, a lot of precipitation falls when southern and southeastern air currents predominate. Therefore, the largest amount of them (up to 700 mm per year) is received by the eastern slopes of the mountains of the Taygonos Peninsula and the southern slopes of the Okhotsk-Kolyma watershed. In the Arctic Ocean basin, precipitation falls with the arrival of northwestern air masses.

The western slopes of the Verkhoyansk mountain system and Suntar-Khayat receive the greatest amount of them (718 mm at an altitude of 2063 m), in the mountain system of the Chersky ridge - 500-400 mm. Intermountain basins and plateaus, as well as the coast of the East Siberian Sea, receive the least amount of precipitation per year - about 200 mm (in Oymyakon - 179 mm). Maximum precipitation occurs during the short warm period of the year - July and August.

Inland waters. Rivers from the Northeast flow into the Arctic and Pacific oceans. The watershed between them runs along the Dzhugdzhur, Suntar-Khayata ridges, the Kolyma Plateau, the Anadyr Plateau and the Chukotka Plateau, therefore, the watershed is close to the Pacific Ocean. The largest rivers - Kolyma and Indigirka - flow into the East Siberian Sea.

The Kolyma River begins on the slopes of the southern ridges of the Chersky mountain system, has a length of 2130 km and a basin area of ​​​​about 643 thousand km 2. Its main tributary, the Omolon River, is 1114 km long. Flood of the rivers of the entire basin occurs in June, which is associated with melting snow. The water level at this time is high, since much more snow falls in its basin than in the Yana and Indigirka basins. The high levels are partly due to ice jams. The formation of powerful floods is associated with heavy rains, especially in early summer. The river's winter flow is insignificant. The average annual water flow is 4100 m3/s.

The Indigirka River originates on the slopes of the Suntar-Khayata ridge, flows through the Oymyakon Highlands, cuts through the Chersky mountain system through deep gorges and emerges into the Momo-Selen-nyakh depression. There it receives a large tributary - the Moma River and, bending around the Momsky ridge, comes out to the Aby lowland, and then to the Yano-Indigirsky lowland. The length of the river is 1726 km, the basin area is about 360 thousand km 2. Its main tributaries are the Seleniyakh and Moma rivers. Indigirka is fed by snow and rainwater, melting snowfields and glaciers. The rise of water and the main flow (about 85%) occurs in spring and summer. In winter, the river has low water and in some places on the plain it freezes to the bottom. The average annual flow is 1850 m3/s.

The Yana River begins in the Verkhoyansk Mountains and flows into the Laptev Sea. Its length is 879 km, the basin area is 238 thousand km 2. In some places it flows through wide ancient valleys filled with alluvium. There are outcrops of fossil ice in the coastal cliffs. Ice intrusions - hydrolaccoliths - are widespread in lacustrine-alluvial deposits. The spring flood is weakly expressed, since an insignificant amount of snow falls in the Yana basin. Floods usually occur in the summer when it rains. The average annual water flow is about 1000 m 3 /s.

The Kolyma, Indigirka and Yana rivers at their confluence form vast low-lying swampy deltas with numerous small lakes. In deltas at shallow depths from the surface lie buried ice. The area of ​​the Yana delta is 528 km2, the Indigirka delta is 7700 km2. In the mountains, rivers have predominantly narrow valleys, fast currents, and rapids. In the lower reaches, all the valleys are wide, the rivers flow through vast swampy lake lowlands.

The rivers of the Northeast freeze in October and open in late May - early June. The water temperature reaches 10°C, but in places in June-August it can rise to 20°C. In many areas in the lower reaches of the river, they freeze to the bottom in winter. An interesting and important feature of the winter regime of rivers in the Northeast is the widespread distribution of aufeis (in Yakut - taryns).

Ice dam is a complex, complex geographical concept. It develops under a combination of hydrological, climatic, permafrost and other conditions. But the ice itself influences the morphology, the nature of sediments, the microclimate and vegetation of the valley, and also creates its own natural complex. The first researchers of aufeis on the rivers of the Northeast were N.G. Magnitsky (1851) A.F. Middendorf, G.L. Maydel, I.D. Chersky et al.

The ice dams in the Northeast are among the largest in the world. Some of them occupy areas of more than 100 km2. Their formation occurs most intensively in tectonically mobile areas, where they are associated with places of rock disturbances caused by faults. Ice deposits grow throughout the winter, filling river beds and floodplains, especially in the mountainous areas of the Yana, Indigirka and Kolyma basins. The largest of them, the Mom-skaya naledi, is located on the Moma River and has an area of ​​150 km 2. Almost all large ground ice dams are fed by sub-permafrost waters emerging along tectonic fault lines. Powerful rising springs in places of tectonic fracturing overcome the cooled layer of soil, come to the surface, form ice and feed them all winter, even in frosts of 40°C and below. In summer, large ice fields persist for a long time, and some remain into the next winter.

The ice deposits contain a large amount of water, which enters the rivers in the summer and is additional source their nutrition. In winter, polynyas form on some mountain rivers. Their occurrence is also associated with the release of warm sub-permafrost waters. Fogs appear above them and ice and frost forms. Sources of sub-permafrost waters, especially in winter, are of great practical importance for water supply to the population and the mining industry.

All large rivers of the North-East in the lower reaches are navigable: the Kolyma - from the mouth of the Bakhapchi River (the village of Sinegorye), the Indigirka - below the mouth of the Moma River, and along the Yana, ships go from Verkhoyansk. The duration of navigation on them is 110-120 days. The rivers are rich in valuable species of fish - nelma, muksun, whitefish, sturgeon, grayling, etc.

Lakes. In the lowlands, especially in the lower reaches of the Yana, Indigirka, Alazeya and Kolyma, there are a lot of lakes and swamps. Most lake basins are of thermokarst origin. They are associated with the thawing of permafrost and underground ice. The lakes freeze in September - early October and during the long winter they are covered with thick ice (up to 2-3 m), which leads to frequent frosts and death of the ichthyofauna. Ice melting occurs in May and early June, and floating ice on large lakes occurs in July.

In the article we will talk about the climate of Eastern Siberia. This is a very large region with its own natural laws. We will try to examine individual territories in detail in order to form a comprehensive opinion.

Siberia

Eastern Siberia includes the Asian part of Russia, starting from the Yenisei to the watershed ridge that runs along the Pacific Ocean. Note that the population in large cities of Siberia has grown very quickly over the past century. The area of ​​the territory is 7.2 million km. The largest cities are Krasnoyarsk, Chita, Yakutsk, Bratsk, Norilsk, Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude. The taiga type of vegetation predominates here.

General climate characteristics

It should be said that the climate of Eastern Siberia is quite moderate. It is continental, sharply continental, moderately continental, steppe and foothill. At the same time, we will talk about the climate in specific areas below. Note that there is much less precipitation here than in many western regions of the country. The snow cover is most often not too heavy, but permafrost is common in the north. In the northern regions, winter is very cold and long, and temperatures sometimes reach -50 °C. In the south, summers are very hot and long, temperatures are quite high.

Climate of Krasnoyarsk

This city is considered the largest in this region. The climate type in Eastern Siberia is sharply continental. The territory of the Krasnoyarsk Territory extends from the Arctic Ocean to the mountain ranges Southern Siberia. This region is distinguished by the fact that it has very rich and diverse natural resources and conditions. In this vast territory, researchers distinguish as many as 2 climatic zones, namely the Arctic and subarctic. Within each of them there are some changes against the general background of the nature of Eastern Siberia. The Western and Eastern climatic regions, the border of which intersects with the Yenisei River valley, are especially distinguished.

The northern part of the Krasnoyarsk Territory is characterized by a very harsh climate. It's winter here almost all year round. The central part has a flat terrain with fertile soils. The territory is characterized by hot but short summers and long, cold winters. The temperature changes here very quickly. In the south of the region there are warm summers and moderate snowy winters. There are many healing springs and lakes here, thanks to which the construction of resorts, recreation centers and sanatoriums is developing. Interestingly, in the north of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, winter begins in September. The coldest months are December, January and February, as at this time the average daily temperature is -36 °C.

Peculiarities

The peculiarities of the climate of Eastern Siberia in the Krasnoyarsk Territory are that frosty weather sets in against the backdrop of very strong winds. Note that Norilsk is considered one of the coldest cities in the world. Permanent snow cover forms already in October. Spring in the northern part begins only at the end of May, when the snow actively melts. In the central and southern regions, spring begins in April. It is quite cold and can sometimes be accompanied by snow. The amount of precipitation increases, but nature comes to life.

Krasnoyarsk region has unique natural conditions. You can relax here both actively and passively. It is best to go here in the summer if you are not adapted to the cold. Sanatoriums and recreation centers operate all year round and provide all conditions.

The Republic of Khakassia

We have already learned what type of climate is typical for Eastern Siberia, since we have decided on three main directions.

The Republic of Khakassia has a sharply continental climate. Note that this territory is located almost in the center of Asia. There are also two reservoirs here - Sayano-Shushenskoye and Krasnoyarsk. They slightly soften the climate of the area. Khakassia has long and frosty winters, and summers are too short and warm. Due to the fact that the area is quite open, a lot of arctic air enters here. At the same time, the Republic of Khakassia is considered a rather sunny region. Indeed, there are the most sunny days here. On average there are more than 200 of them per year.

Winter begins in early November. It is not characterized by heavy snowfalls, although sometimes there are strong snowstorms. Ice is not typical for this area. The coldest month is January. Spring begins in early April, as the snow melts at this time. In spring there are very strong winds. In May, all nature wakes up and the temperature can even rise to + 18 °C. Summers are generally warm, but are characterized by some hot spells. July is considered the hottest month, as the average daily temperature can reach +25 °C. In August the temperature drops slightly. Autumn begins in early September, during which time dry weather prevails. At the same time, the night temperature drops quite quickly. The climate is characterized by the fact that there is very little rainfall here, and it is quite uneven. Strong winds occur throughout the year. Khakassia is an ideal place for lovers of active recreation. There are high mountains, forests, virgin rivers. It is best to visit this area in the warm season, as then you can enjoy all the beauties. The worst time to visit Khakassia is autumn, as at this time the weather is most unstable and rainy.

Tyva

The type of climate of Eastern Siberia that we will consider now is characteristic of the Republic of Tyva. Here it is sharply continental. This small area is distinguished by a variety of natural conditions. The peculiarities of the climate of North-Eastern Siberia in this region are that it combines two natural zones, namely the vast dry Asian deserts and the South Siberian forest. Dry periods occur very often. Winter here begins in early November and lasts for five whole months. Usually it is not windy and frosty. Little snow falls. The coldest month is January. Spring begins in early April and lasts only two months. The snow disappears completely only in the middle of the month. Summer begins in June and lasts just over 80 days. It is warm and dry, sometimes even hot. However, in mountainous areas the summer period is short and cool.

Nature reserve

Irkutsk region

It is believed that this is an area with the largest number sunny days. Lake Baikal has a huge influence on the climate of Eastern Siberia. It’s interesting that the number of warm days a year is not inferior even to Crimea. Winter begins at the end of October and is characterized by clear and calm weather. At the same time, high atmospheric pressure is observed. In winter, snow does not fall for a very long time, which is why the soil freezes. The coldest month is January. At the same time, the winter period is characterized by frequent precipitation. Spring begins in early April and lasts only 30 days. At this time, nature awakens and comes to life. The amount of solar energy increases and the air temperature rises. Summer begins at the end of May. It is characterized by low pressure and short duration. Autumn begins at the end of August. It is characterized by sharp temperature fluctuations during the day and early frosts. The distribution of precipitation in the Irkutsk region is very uneven. It is best to go here on vacation in the summer months, as you will have the opportunity to see many of the natural beauties of Lake Baikal.

The Republic of Buryatia

What is the climate of Eastern Siberia in this area? Here, too, a sharply continental climate type prevails. Unique natural conditions have formed due to the remoteness of the territory from the seas and oceans. The climate is very heterogeneous and is characterized by large fluctuations in air temperature. Winters here are cold, summers are very hot. The cold season begins in November. It is characterized by low temperatures, little snow and dry conditions. Partly cloudy and clear weather prevails, precipitation is minimal. The lowest temperatures are recorded in basins and river valleys, but the area near Lake Baikal is a real heat accumulator. Winter lasts almost 5 months, spring begins in April. It is characterized by windiness and coolness. Summer begins in June, but it is quite short and hot. However, it is still cool at night. Heavy rainfall occurs in July and August. Autumn begins already in the last days of August. It comes on very gradually. The air temperature drops and the amount of precipitation increases. It is best to go here in the warm season. Buryatia is the most beautiful region of Eastern Siberia, which is why it is worth seeing with your own eyes how unrivaled it is.

Transbaikal region

What climate is typical for Eastern Siberia in the Trans-Baikal Territory? It is also sharply continental. The territory is unevenly removed from the oceans. The weather is frosty throughout the year and there are few winds. The cold begins at the end of October. Winter lasts more than 6 months. The peculiarity of this region is that there is practically no wind. February and March are the least frosty months. Spring comes in the first ten days of April. It is quite short and very windy. It is also characterized by severe frosts at night. Storms occur very often here, especially in the eastern part. Summer begins in June and lasts only two and a half months. But it is quite hot, which causes fires very often. The first days of autumn arrive at the beginning of September. This period is relatively short and moderately important. Frosts are recorded at night, but in general the weather is quite warm, dry and cozy.

North-Eastern Siberia is located east of the Lena valleys and the lower reaches of the Aldan, from the Verkhoyansk Range to the shores of the Bering Sea and is washed by the seas of the Arctic and Pacific oceans in the north and south. It is located in the eastern and western hemispheres. On the Chukotka Peninsula is the easternmost point of Russia and all of Eurasia - Cape Dezhnev.

The geographical position in the subpolar and subpolar latitudes near the cold seas and the dissected relief with a semi-circular orographic barrier from the south, west and east and a slope to the north predetermined the harsh natural conditions of the country with bright, unusually contrasting physical and geographical processes, typical only for this territory.

North-Eastern Siberia is a country of young and ancient structures, expressed by mountain systems, ridges, highlands, plateaus, coastal and intermountain plains. The relief combines ancient glacial forms and modern mountain glaciers, deep terraced valleys with numerous thermokarst lakes. The subarctic climate prevails, almost continuous permafrost, fossil ice and giant ice dams are developed. Here, many rivers freeze to the bottom in winter, and in some valleys, on the contrary, sub-permafrost warm waters emerge and feed non-freezing watercourses all winter. Rare larch taiga and dwarf pine thickets are widespread. Large areas are occupied by flat and mountain tundras. There are areas of steppe vegetation up to the north of the Chukotka Peninsula. All these are specific features of the nature of the Northeast as an independent physical and geographical country.

Geological structure

North-Eastern Siberia belongs to the area of ​​Mesozoic folding. The direction of Mesozoic structures was significantly influenced by ancient massifs - Paleozoic and pre-Paleozoic - located within the Northeast and in neighboring territories. The intensity and direction of tectonic processes in Mesozoic times depended on their stability, tectonic activity and configuration. In the west, the Northeast borders the Siberian Precambrian platform, the eastern edge of which had a decisive influence on the direction and intensity of folds in the Verkhoyansk anticlinal zone. The structures of Mesozoic folding were formed in the Early Cretaceous as a result of the collision of the ancient Siberian continent with the microcontinents of Chukotka and Omolon.

In the Northeast, rocks of different ages are found, but Mesozoic and Cenozoic ones are especially widespread. The protrusions of the pre-Riphean basement are composed of gneisses, granite gneisses, crystalline schists and marbled limestones and are overlain by Paleozoic and Mesozoic sediments. They are located in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the Chukotka Peninsula (Chukchi Massif), in the upper reaches of the Omolon River (Omolon Massif), on the Taigonos Peninsula (Taigonos Massif) and in the Okhota River basin (Okhotsk Massif). The Kolyma massif is located in the central part of the North-East. It lies at the base of the Alazeya and Yukagir plateaus, the Kolyma and Abyi lowlands. Its pre-Riphean foundation is overlain by marine and continental sediments of the Paleozoic and Mesozoic. Along the edges of the Kolyma massif there are outcrops of Mesozoic granitoids.

Between the ancient massifs and the Siberian platform there are geostructures of Mesozoic folding. Mesozoic folded areas and ancient massifs are bordered on the south and east by the Okhotsk-Chukotka volcanogenic belt. Its length is about 2500 km, width - 250-300 km. All rocks within its boundaries are intruded and overlain by volcanogenic dislocated formations of the Lower and Upper Cretaceous, the thickness of which reaches several thousand meters. Cenozoic effusive rocks are poorly developed and distributed mainly off the coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. The emergence of the Okhotsk-Chukchi belt is apparently associated with the subsidence and fragmentation of the marginal part of the Mesozoic land in connection with the movements of the continental Eurasian, North American and Pacific oceanic lithospheric plates.

Mesozoic-Cenozoic magmatism covered vast areas of North-East Siberia. The metallogeny of this region is associated with it - numerous deposits of tin, tungsten, gold, molybdenum and other metals.

After the completion of folding, the uplifted territory of the Northeast was subject to erosion. In the Upper Mesozoic and Paleogene, there apparently was a hot climate. This is confirmed by the composition of plant remains (deciduous and evergreen forms) of the Upper Mesozoic and Paleogene deposits, the carbon content of these deposits and the presence of a laterite-type weathering crust.

In the Neogene, under conditions of tectonic quiescence, the formation of planation surfaces occurs. The subsequent tectonic uplifts led to the dismemberment of the planation surfaces, their movement to different heights, and sometimes deformation. The regional mountain structures and the Chersky highlands rose most intensively, and some coasts sank below sea level. Traces of marine transgressions are known at the mouths of rivers in the eastern part of the Chukotka Peninsula. At this time, the northern shallow part of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk sank, the land of Beringia, and the New Siberian Islands separated from the mainland.

Volcanic eruptions occurred along the faults. The volcanoes are confined to a strip of tectonic faults extending from the Momo-Selennyakh depression to the Kolyma valley. The depression arose as a rift zone at the site of the moving apart Eurasian Plate and the Chukotka - Alaska block of the North American Plate. It apparently extends from the Arctic Ocean from the rift of the Gakkel Ridge to the young depressions cutting through the Chersky Highlands. This is one of the seismic zones in Russia.

The rise and fall of individual land areas led to increased erosion-accumulation activity: rivers deeply eroded mountain systems and created terraces. Their alluvial strata contain placer deposits of gold, tin and other minerals. In the river valleys of the North-East there are up to ten terraces with heights ranging from 2-5 to 400 m. Terraces up to 35-40 m in height were formed in post-glacial times. River interceptions are associated with changes in erosion bases.

Thus, in the development of the relief of the Northeast after the Mesozoic mountain building, two periods can be outlined: 1) the formation of widespread planation surfaces (peneplains); 2) the development of intense new tectonic processes that caused splits, deformation and movement of ancient planation surfaces, volcanism, and violent erosion processes. At this time, the formation of the main types of morphostructures took place: 1) folded-block areas of the ancient middle massifs (Alazeya and Yukagir plateaus, Suntar-Khayata, etc.); 2) mountains revived by the latest arch-block uplifts and depressions of the rift zone (Momo-Selennyakh depression); 3) folded and block-folded Mesozoic structures (Verkhoyansk, Sette-Daban, Anyui mountains, etc., Yanskoye and Elga plateaus, Oymyakon highlands); 4) stratified-accumulative, sloping plains created mainly by subsidence (Yana-Indigirka and Kolyma lowlands); 5) folded-block ridges and plateaus on the sedimentary-volcanic complex (Anadyr Plateau, Kolyma Plateau, ridges - Yudomsky, Dzhugdzhur, etc.). As we see, neotectonic movements determined the basic plan of the modern relief.

By the beginning of the Quaternary glaciation the territory had a dissected topography with significant contrasts in heights. This had a significant impact on the development of various types of glaciation. Traces of several ancient glaciations are known on the plains and mountains of the Northeast. Many researchers have been and are studying the ancient glaciation of this territory, but there is still no consensus on the number and types of glaciation, the size of the ice sheets, and their relationship with the glaciations of Siberia and all of Eurasia.

According to V.N. Sachs (1948), there were three glaciations in the mountains and plains: maximum, Zyryansky and Sartan. In the work of D.M. Kolosov (1947) said that in the North-East there were two types of ancient glaciation - mountain and plain-cover.

Glaciations developed differently on different landforms, and therefore several types of mountain glaciation formed. The glaciation of mountain ranges resulted in the development valley glaciers with ice collection in karas and through valleys on passes (the length of glaciers reached 300-350 km). On separate mountain domes formed ice caps, from which valley glaciers extended along radii. Huge developments developed on the plateaus pass ice fields, combined with valley glaciers of dissected plateaus. In the highlands, glaciation took on a varied character: ice collections formed at the tops of mountain ranges and massifs, glaciers descended along the slopes of the ridges and then emerged on the surface of the plateau base, and even lower valley glaciers descended to the edge of the plateau base. At the same time, under the influence of climate in different parts of the mountains, the same types of mountain glaciation reached different stages of development. Glaciation of the outer edge of mountain structures, which is under oceanic influence, developed to its maximum. Modern glaciation of the southern parts of the Chersky and Verkhoyansky mountain systems is also developing on these same mountain slopes.

For the northern plains, one glaciation is assumed, preserved as a relic of the Lower Quaternary ice sheet until the end of the Pleistocene. The reason for this is that there were no conditions for a complete interglacial. Several glacial and interglacial eras have been recorded in mountain structures. Their number has not yet been established. There is an opinion about a double glaciation, and many authors reject the existence of glaciation on the northern plains east of the Lena. However, a number of authors (Groswald M.G., Kotlyakov V.M. et al., 1989) convincingly prove the spread of the Zyryansky ice sheet in the Yana-Indigirskaya and Kolyma lowlands. The glaciers, in their opinion, descended south of the New Siberian Islands and the East Siberian Sea.

In the mountains of the Northeast, glaciation, depending on the relief, had a different character: semi-cover, valley-network, valley-cirque and cirque. During maximum development, glaciers reached foothill plains and shelves. The glaciation was synchronous with the glaciations of the entire Siberia and, apparently, was caused by global climate fluctuations.

The morphological and geological activity of glaciers and their meltwater in conditions of a cold continental climate and permafrost determined the main types of morphosculpture and Quaternary deposits of the entire territory. The mountains are dominated by relict cryogenic-glacial denudation morphosculptures with erosional reworking and Upper Pleistocene glacial deposits, above which colluvial accumulations of different ages are common on the mountain slopes. The plains are covered with lacustrine-alluvial deposits with cryogenic and erosive landforms.

Relief

The North-East of Russia, in contrast to other physical-geographical countries of Siberia, is characterized by sharp orographic contrasts: medium-altitude mountain systems predominate, along with them there are plateaus, highlands and lowlands.

In the west, the country’s orographic barrier is the Verkhoyansk mountain system. To the south of Verkhoyansk stretch the Sette-Daban and Yudomsky ridges, separated by the Yudomo-May Plateau, and further along the coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, the Dzhugdzhur ridge runs. The Chersky ridge stretches 1800 km in the eastern Verkhoyansk Mountains in a northwestern direction.

Between the Chaun Bay and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk there is a medium-altitude mountain system consisting of numerous, differently oriented ridges. This entire regional system of mountains and highlands forms the eastern and southern orographic barriers for the interior regions of the Northeast. The main Pacific-Arctic divide runs along them, where maximum altitudes of about 2000 m are concentrated. Between the mountains lie deep tectonic basins that open to the sea or are separated from it by a mountain barrier. The intermountain basins are lowered in relation to the watersheds by 1000-1600 m. The eastern Chaunskaya Bay, and the Chukotka Highlands with altitudes of 1600-1843 m extend to the shores of the Bering Strait. It also serves as a watershed for two oceans.

In the interior regions of the North-East there are large highlands and plateaus: Yukaghirskoye, Alazeyskoye, Oymyakonskoye, etc. The lowlands occupy coastal areas or enter the intermountain spaces to the south in narrow “bays”.

Thus, the Northeast is a huge amphitheater inclined towards the Arctic Ocean. The complex combination of large relief forms is predetermined by the long history of the development of this largest peninsula of Eurasia, located in the contact zones of the main continental and oceanic lithospheric plates of the Earth (Eurasian, North American and Pacific).

Climate

The climate of North-East Siberia is sharply continental. Its formation is influenced by many factors. The large extent of the territory from north to south between 73 and 55° N latitude. predetermines the uneven arrival of solar heat: a large amount of solar insolation in summer and its almost complete absence in most of the territory in winter. The structure of the relief and the cold water areas surrounding the territory determine the free penetration of cold continental Arctic air masses of the Arctic Ocean. Temperate sea air comes from the Pacific Ocean, bringing the bulk of precipitation, but its supply to the territory is limited to the coastal ridges. The climate is influenced by the Asian maximum, the Aleutian minimum, as well as circulation processes on the Arctic front.

The Northeast is located in three latitudinal climatic zones: arctic, subarctic and temperate. Most of the territory is located in the subarctic zone.

Harsh winter Northeast Siberia lasts about seven months. North of the Arctic Circle the polar night begins. On the Arctic coast it lasts from mid-November to the end of January. At this time, the Arctic region of the Northeast does not receive solar heat, and south of the Arctic Circle the sun is low on the horizon and sends out little heat and light, so the radiation balance is negative from October to March.

The northeast cools greatly in winter, and an area of ​​high pressure forms there, which is the northeastern spur of the Asian High. The mountainous terrain also contributes to strong cooling of the area. Cold and dry arctic air is formed here. The Arctic front passes along the coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. Therefore, the anticyclonic type of weather with a predominance of calms and very low temperatures is typical for intermountain basins and valleys. Isotherms of the coldest month -40...-45°C outline many intermountain basins. In the areas of Verkhoyansk and Oymyakon, the average January temperature is about -50°C. The absolute minimum temperature reaches -71°C in Oymyakon, and -68°C in Verkhoyansk. The interior regions of the Northeast are characterized by temperature inversions. For every 100 m rise, winter temperatures here increase by 2°C. For example, in the basin of the upper part of the Indigirka on the Oymyakon Highlands and on the adjacent slope of the Suntar-Khayata ridge, the average January temperature at an altitude of 777 m is -48 ° C, at an altitude of 1350 m it is already -36.7 ° C, and at an altitude of 1700 m - only -29.5°C.

To the east of the Omolon Valley, winter temperatures increase: an isotherm of -20°C passes through the eastern part of the Chukotka Peninsula. On the coastal plains it is warmer in winter than in the Verkhoyansk area, by about 12-13°C. In the mountains, tundra and on the coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, low temperatures are combined with strong winds. Cyclonic activity manifests itself on the Okhotsk coast and Chukotka in connection with the development of the Arctic front.

In the interior regions of the Northeast, all types of frosty weather form in winter, but weather with increased frostiness (hard, severe and extremely frosty) predominates. On the coast, moderate to significantly frosty weather is more common. The cold and windy weather that characterizes these areas creates significant winter severity in coastal areas.

Stable snow cover lasts 220-260 days, its height is about 30 cm on the coast of the Laptev Sea and in the Verkhoyansk area; to the east and south it increases to 60-70 cm, on the windward slopes of the mountains of the Okhotsk-Chukchi arc it reaches 1-1.5 m. During the period of maximum snow accumulation (March-April), avalanches occur in all mountains. Areas with significant avalanche danger include the Verkhoyansk and Chersky mountain systems. There, avalanches are widespread in many places and occur year-round. Favorable conditions for avalanches are a sufficient amount of precipitation in the mountains and its redistribution under the influence of strong winds (creation of multi-meter snow faces and snow cornices), intense solar insolation in the summer, promoting the recrystallization of snow into firn, slight cloudiness and forest cover of the slopes, as well as the spread clay shales, the moistened surface of which facilitates the sliding of avalanches.

In summer solar heat gain increases. The territory is filled mainly with continental air of temperate latitudes. The Arctic front passes over the northern coastal lowlands. Summer in most of the territory is moderately cool, but in the tundra it is cloudy and cold, with a very short frost-free period. In the mountains from an altitude of 1000-1200 m there is no frost-free period, strong winds prevail and temporary snow cover can form during all summer months. The average July temperature in most of the territory is about 10°C, in Verkhoyansk 15°C. However, on some days the temperature can rise in the internal intermountain basins to 35°C. When arctic air masses invade, warm weather may give way to cold snaps, and then the average daily temperature drops below 10°C. In the coastal lowlands, summers are cooler than in inland areas. The weather is changeable, with strong winds. The sum of active temperatures reaches a maximum in the basins, but is only 600-800°C.

The following types of weather are typical for the summer period: cloudy and rainy, with daytime cloudiness and strong heating of the underlying surface; with night clouds (typical for coastal areas). In July, partly cloudy, dry weather occurs in the basins for up to 10-12 days. Many mountainous regions are characterized by frosty weather during advective cooling.

Summer precipitation is highly variable from year to year. There are dry years and wet and rainy years. Thus, in Verkhoyansk, over 40 years of observations, the minimum amount of precipitation was 3 mm, and the maximum was 60-80 mm.

The distribution of annual precipitation over the territory is determined by atmospheric circulation and relief. In the Pacific Ocean basin, a lot of precipitation falls when southern and southeastern air currents predominate. Therefore, the largest amount of them (up to 700 mm per year) is received by the eastern slopes of the mountains of the Taygonos Peninsula and the southern slopes of the Okhotsk-Kolyma watershed. In the Arctic Ocean basin, precipitation falls with the arrival of northwestern air masses.

The greatest amount of them is received by the western slopes of the Verkhoyansk mountain system and Suntar-Khayat (718 mm at an altitude of 2063 m), in the mountain system of the Chersky ridge - 500-400 mm. Intermountain basins and plateaus, as well as the coast of the East Siberian Sea, receive the least amount of precipitation per year - about 200 mm (in Oymyakon - 179 mm). Maximum precipitation occurs during the short warm period of the year - July and August.

Modern glaciation and permafrost

Modern glaciation developed in many mountain systems: the Suntar-Khayata, Verkhoyansk, Chersky (Ulakhan-Chistai ridge) and the Chukotka Plateau. The total area of ​​glaciation formed by glaciers and large snowfields is about 400 km 2. The number of glaciers is more than 650. The largest center of glaciation is the Suntar-Khayata ridge, where there are more than 200 glaciers with a total area of ​​​​approximately 201 km 2. The mountains of the Indigirka basin contain the largest number of glaciers. This is explained great height mountains, rugged terrain and abundance of snow.

The formation of glaciation is greatly influenced by moist air masses coming from the Pacific Ocean and its seas. Therefore, this entire territory is classified as a glaciological region of predominantly Pacific nutrition.

The snow line in the Indigirka basin runs at an altitude of 2350-2400 m, on the Suntar-Khayat glaciers it reaches about 2200-2450 m. The ends of the glaciers are located in the Indigirka basin at an altitude of about 2000 m. Numerous snowfields are located at various levels. The most common are cirque and valley glaciers. The length of glaciers is up to 8 km. There are many hanging glaciers on the steep, steep mountain slopes. Currently, the size of glaciers is decreasing. This is evidenced by the division of large glaciers into smaller ones and the retreat of glacier tongues from the terminal moraine to a distance of 400-500 m. However, some glaciers advance, block even the terminal moraine and descend below it.

The modern harsh climate favors conservation and development permafrost(underground glaciation). Almost the entire Northeast is covered with low-continuous (almost continuous) permafrost, and only small areas of the coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk have patches of permafrost among the thawed soil. The thickness of frozen soil reaches 200-600 m. The greatest freezing of soil with minimum temperatures is in the middle part of the country, in its mountainous region - from Lena to Kolyma. There the permafrost thickness is up to 300 m under the valleys and 300-600 m in the mountains. The thickness of the active layer is determined by slope exposure, vegetation, local hydrological and climatic conditions.

Water

Rivers from the territory of the Northeast they flow into the Arctic and Pacific oceans. The watershed between them runs along the Dzhugdzhur, Suntar-Khayata ridges, the Kolyma Plateau, the Anadyr Plateau and the Chukotka Plateau, therefore, the watershed is close to the Pacific Ocean. The largest rivers - Kolyma and Indigirka - flow into the East Siberian Sea.

River Kolyma begins on the slopes of the southern ridges of the Chersky mountain system, has a length of 2130 km and a basin area of ​​​​about 643 thousand km 2. Its main tributary, the Omolon River, has a length of 1114 km. Flood of the rivers of the entire basin occurs in June, which is associated with melting snow. The water level at this time is high, since much more snow falls in its basin than in the Yana and Indigirka basins. The high levels are partly due to ice jams. The formation of powerful floods is associated with heavy rains, especially in early summer. The river's winter flow is insignificant. The average annual water flow is 4100 m3/s.

River Indigirka It originates on the slopes of the Suntar-Khayata ridge, flows through the Oymyakon Highlands, cuts through the Chersky mountain system through deep gorges and exits into the Momo-Selennyakh depression. There it receives a large tributary - the Moma River and, going around the Momsky ridge, comes out to the Abyi lowland, and then to the Yano-Indigirskaya lowland. The length of the river is 1726 km, the basin area is about 360 thousand km 2. Its main tributaries are the Seleniyakh and Moma rivers. Indigirka is fed by snow and rainwater, melting snowfields and glaciers. The rise of water and the main flow (about 85%) occurs in spring and summer. In winter, the river has low water and in some places on the plain it freezes to the bottom. The average annual flow is 1850 m3/s.

River Yana begins in the Verkhoyansk Mountains and flows into the Laptev Sea. Its length is 879 km, the basin area is 238 thousand km 2. In some places it flows through wide ancient valleys filled with alluvium. There are outcrops of fossil ice in the coastal cliffs. Ice intrusions - hydrolaccoliths - are widespread in lacustrine-alluvial deposits. The spring flood is weakly expressed, since an insignificant amount of snow falls in the Yana basin. Floods usually occur in the summer when it rains. The average annual water flow is about 1000 m 3 /s.

The Kolyma, Indigirka and Yana rivers at their confluence form vast low-lying swampy deltas with numerous small lakes. Buried ice lies in deltas at shallow depths from the surface. The area of ​​the Yana delta is 528 km 2 , the Indigirka delta is 7700 km 2 . In the mountains, rivers have predominantly narrow valleys, fast currents, and rapids. In the lower reaches, all the valleys are wide, the rivers flow through vast swampy lake lowlands.

The rivers of the Northeast freeze in October and open in late May - early June. The water temperature reaches 10°C, but in places in June-August it can rise to 20°C. In many areas in the lower reaches of the river, the river freezes to the bottom in winter. An interesting and important feature of the winter regime of rivers in the Northeast is widespread distribution of aufeis(in Yakut - taryn).

Naledi is a complex geographical concept. It develops under a combination of hydrological, climatic, permafrost and other conditions. But the ice itself influences the morphology, the nature of sediments, the microclimate and vegetation of the valley, and also creates its own natural complex.

The ice dams of the Northeast are among the largest in the world. Some of them occupy areas of more than 100 km2. Their formation occurs most intensively in tectonically mobile areas, where they are associated with places of rock disturbances caused by faults. Ice deposits grow throughout the winter, filling river beds and floodplains, especially in the mountainous areas of the Yana, Indigirka and Kolyma basins. The largest of them - Momskaya naledi - is located on the Moma River and has an area of ​​150 km 2. Almost all large ground ice dams are fed by sub-permafrost waters emerging along tectonic fault lines. Powerful rising springs in places of tectonic fracturing overcome the cooled layer of soil, come to the surface, form ice and feed them all winter, even at frosts of -40°C and below. In summer, large ice fields persist for a long time, and some remain into the next winter.

A large amount of water is concentrated in the aufeis, which flows into the rivers in the summer and is an additional source of their nutrition. In winter, polynyas form on some mountain rivers. Their occurrence is also associated with the release of warm sub-permafrost waters. Fogs appear above them and ice and frost forms. Sources of sub-permafrost waters, especially in winter, are of great practical importance for water supply to the population and the mining industry.

All major rivers of the Northeast in the lower reaches are navigable: Kolyma - from the mouth of the Bakhapchi River (Sinegorye village), Indigirka - below the mouth of the Moma River, and along the Yana, ships go from Verkhoyansk. The duration of navigation on them is 110-120 days. The rivers are rich in valuable species of fish - nelma, muksun, whitefish, sturgeon, grayling, etc.

Lakes. In the lowlands, especially in the lower reaches of the Yana, Indigirka, Alazeya and Kolyma, there are a lot of lakes and swamps. Most lake basins are of thermokarst origin. They are associated with the thawing of permafrost and underground ice. The lakes freeze in September - early October and are covered with thick ice (up to 2-3 m) during the long winter, which leads to frequent frosts and death of the ichthyofauna. Ice melting occurs in May and early June, and floating ice on large lakes occurs in July.

Soils, vegetation and fauna

A variety of physical and geographical conditions (mountainous and flat terrain, low air and soil temperatures, varying amounts of precipitation, small thickness of the active layer, excess moisture) contribute to the formation of variegated soil cover. Harsh climatic conditions and permafrost delay the development of chemical and biological weathering processes, and therefore soil formation occurs slowly. The soil profile is thin (10-30 cm), gristly, with a low humus content, peaty and moist. Common in lowlands tundra-gley, humus-peat-bog and gley-taiga permafrost soils. On the floodplains of river valleys there are developed floodplain humus-turf, frozen-gley or frozen-marsh soils. In the floodplains of tundra rivers, permafrost lies at shallow depths, and sometimes layers of ice appear in the coastal cliffs. The soil cover is poorly developed.

In the mountains under forests they predominate mountain podburs, taiga are also common permafrost soils, among which are found on gentle slopes, gley-taiga permafrost. On the southern slopes, permafrost-taiga soils with slight podzolization are common. The mountains of the Okhotsk coast are dominated by mountain podzolic soil. In mountain tundras, underdeveloped rough-skeletal mountain tundra soils, turning into rocky placers.

Vegetation North-East Siberia consists of representatives three floras: Okhotsk-Kamchatka, East Siberian and Chukotka. The most diverse in species composition is the Okhotsk-Kamchatka flora, which occupies the coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. Most of the mountains are covered with northern taiga sparse forests and mountain tundra. The lowlands are occupied by tundra, turning into forest-tundra.

The history of the development of the Northeast and adjacent territories (the ancient landmass of Beringia, Okhotia and Eoarctic, connecting the Northeast with Alaska), as well as the climate, predetermined the modern appearance of the vegetation cover of the tundra, forest-tundra and taiga, therefore they differ in species composition from similar zones of neighboring territories Siberia.

On far north, on the coastal lowland, located tundra. Lichen tundras are not typical for it, since clay soils are heavily waterlogged and bog-peat and peat-gley soils predominate. The hummocky-hypnum-sphagnum tundra dominates here. Its surface is formed by dense hummocks of cotton grass. The height of the grass stand is up to 30-50 cm. The hummocky tundra occupies approximately 30-50% of the area of ​​tundra groups. Uneven thawing and freezing of the soil leads to soil deformation, soil rupture and the formation of bare spots (0.5-1 m in diameter) around hummocks, in the cracks of which mosses, lichens, saxifrage, and creeping polar willow nest.

South there's a streak coming forest-tundra. It is formed by alder, willow, and birch shrubs, which alternate with tussocks of cotton grass and individual specimens of oppressed Cajander larch.

All the rest of the plains and lower parts of the mountains covered larch forests on gley-taiga abominable soils and mountain taiga podburs. The main forest-forming tree species is the Cajander larch. Among the deciduous species in floodplain forests, there are fragrant poplar and relict Korean willow Chozenia. Pine and spruce are common only on the southern slopes of the mountains of the Verkhoyansk Range and rise into the mountains only to a height of 500 m.

In the undergrowth of larch forests, dwarf cedar, shrubby alder, blue currant, or spruce grouse, and thickets of Middendorf and lean birches are common; The ground cover consists of lingonberry shrubs, crowberries and lichens. There are few lichens on the northern slopes; mosses dominate there. The tallest larch forests grow on southern-facing slopes. On the slopes of northern exposure, forest-tundra is predominantly common.

On the slopes of the southern exposure of valleys and high terraces, steppe plots. They are known in the wide valleys of the Yana (between the mouths of its tributaries Dulgalakh and Adycha), Indigirka (in the mouth parts of the Moma, etc.) and Kolyma, as well as in the Chukotka tundra. The vegetation of the steppes on the slopes consists of steppe sedge, bluegrass, typica, wheatgrass, and forbs - speedwell, cinquefoil. Thin, gravelly soils close to chestnut soils formed under the steppes. On the terraces above the floodplain there are grass-forb steppes, developing in drained areas, and sedge-grass-forb steppes, located in the lowest areas. Among the steppe vegetation, local species are distinguished, genetically related primarily to the vegetation of the mountainous regions of Southern and Central Siberia, other species came along river valleys from Central Asia during the warm interglacial period, and species preserved from the “tundra-steppe” past of the Beringian North.

The predominance of mountainous terrain within the Northeast determines altitudinal zone in the placement of vegetation. The nature of the mountains is extremely diverse. It determines the structure of the zonality of each system while maintaining the general type of altitudinal belts, characteristic only of the North-East of Siberia. They are clearly shown on maps of soils and vegetation, as well as on an altitudinal diagram. The altitudinal zone in the lower parts of the slopes begins with light coniferous taiga (except for the Kharaulakh Mountains and the Chukotka Plateau), but it does not rise high into the mountains: in the Chersky ridge system - up to 650 m, and in the Dzhugdzhur ridge - about 950 m. Above the taiga, a closed shrub belt forms dwarf cedar up to 2 m high with an admixture of dwarf birch.

Northeast is one of the main growing areas cedar dwarf- a nut-bearing plant adapted to the harsh subarctic climate and thin gravelly soils. Its life forms are different: bushes 2–2.5 m high grow along river valleys, and single-trunked trees spread on the top plateaus and hills. With the onset of frost, all branches are pressed to the ground and are covered with snow. In spring, the warm rays of the sun “raise” them. Elfin nuts are small, with a thin shell and very nutritious. They contain up to 50-60% oil, a large amount of protein, B vitamins, and young shoots of the plant are rich in vitamin C. On the slopes of hills and ridges, elfin wood is an important regulator of runoff. Elfin forests are favorite places for many animals of all altitudinal zones; here they find shelter and abundant food.

At the upper limits of the belt, the elfin forest gradually thins out, is more and more pressed to the ground and is gradually replaced by mountain tundra with rocky placers. Above 800-1200 m, tundras and cold deserts with many snowfields dominate. The tundra descends in separate spots into lower belts of dwarf cedar and larch woodlands.

There is no such combination of altitudinal zones in any mountain system in Russia. The proximity of the cold Sea of ​​Okhotsk determined a decrease in altitudinal zones in the coastal ranges, and even at the foot of the mountains of the Taigonos Peninsula, cedar tundras give way to hummocky tundras - analogues of the northern lowland tundras (this happens at the latitude of southern Timan and northern Lake Onega).

Animal world North-East Siberia belongs to the Arctic and European-Siberian subregions of the Paleoarctic region. The fauna consists of tundra and taiga forms. However, many animal species typical of the taiga do not live in the eastern Verkhoyansk Mountains. The fauna of the Chukotka Peninsula is very similar to the fauna of Alaska, since the Bering Strait was formed only at the end of the Ice Age. Zoogeographers believe that the tundra fauna formed on the territory of Beringia. The Northeast moose is close to the moose of North America. The white-tailed goose nests on the Chukotka Peninsula and winters off the rocky coasts of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. The guillemot is endemic to the Northeast and Alaska. Dallia (black pike) from the order Salmonidae is found in small rivers, lakes and swamps of the Chukotka Peninsula and in northwestern Alaska. This is the most frost-resistant fish breed. In winter, when water bodies freeze, it buries itself in the ground and overwinters there in a frozen state. In the spring, the dallia thaws and continues to live normally.

Mountain tundra species of animals penetrate far to the south through the char, into the forest zone. Of these, the most typical is the endemic yellow-bellied lemming, which does not penetrate east of Indigirka. Next to them, in the mountain tundras of the Northeast, open-space animals of Central Asian origin live. They penetrated here during the xerothermal period and are now preserved here. These include, for example, the black-capped marmot (tarbagan). During the cold season (eight to nine months) it falls asleep in burrows located in permafrost soil. The Kolyma ground squirrel, an inhabitant of the forest zone, also falls asleep for the same long period. The mountain finch has penetrated the open high-mountain landscapes to the Lena delta. Predators in the taiga include bear, fox, and ermine. Lynx and wolverine are sometimes found. Sable was almost completely destroyed. But now it has been restored and there are separate pockets of its habitat in the Kolyma, Oloy, Yana basins and on the Koni Peninsula.

Of the ungulates, wild reindeer is widespread in the taiga and tundra, and elk is widespread in the taiga. Musk deer live on the rocky forested slopes of the mountains. Bighorn sheep (Chukchi subspecies) live in the mountain tundra. It lives at altitudes from 300-400 to 1500-1700 m and prefers rocks when choosing sediments. The most common rodent in mountain forests is the squirrel, which is the main game animal. In the past, the Asian river beaver lived in the Kolyma and Omolon basins; the northern border of its distribution was about 65° N. Currently, there is a variety of small rodents: red-backed vole, root vole, forest lemming, northern pika. The white hare is common in the thickets of river valleys.

Of the birds, it should be noted the stone grouse, hazel grouse, shura, kuksha, nutcracker and tundra partridge living on stone placers. A very beautiful bird, the pink gull, is called the pearl of the Arctic. The little swan, the white goose, the beautiful Siberian crane, the white-billed loon, the falcons - the falcon, the gyrfalcon and the salvage, the hawks - the white-tailed eagle and the golden eagle have become rare.

Mountainous regions and provinces

In the Northeast, natural complexes of plains and mountains are developed. The lowlands contain natural zones of tundra, forest-tundra and sparse taiga. On the territory of the plains, two physical-geographical provinces are distinguished: tundra and forest-tundra Yano-Indigiro-Kolyma and Abyisko-Kolyma northern taiga. The rest of the territory is occupied by mountains and is divided into mountainous regions.

The Yana-Indigir-Kolyma province is located along the Arctic coast within the Yana-Indigir and Kolyma lowlands.

Zoning appears in the distribution of vegetation and soils. The coast is occupied by Arctic tundra on gley, peaty-gley and swamp soils. To the south they are replaced by typical moss-lichen soils, which turn into forest-tundra with gley-permafrost soils. A specific feature of the Northeast is the absence of the shrub tundra subzone. Within their distribution zone, open larch forests also appear, which is due to the sharp continental climate. Larch open forests and shrub tundras alternate with areas of sedge-cotton grass hummocky tundras.

The Yana-Kolyma tundra is the main nesting site for many waterfowl, and among them are the pink gull and the Siberian Crane. The pink gull makes nests on hummocks of sedge-cotton grass tundra and islands near small lakes and channels. After nesting (late July - early August), adult and young birds fly to the north, northwest and northeast. The winter migration area of ​​the pink gull extends from the Bering Strait to the southern islands of the Kuril ridge. The main nesting sites for the Siberian Crane are lowland, heavily moist, lake-filled tundras between Yana and Alazeya. The birds fly to Southeast China for the winter.

The Abyysko-Kolyma province is confined to the largest intermountain depression. The surface of the watersheds here is covered with sparse larch forests, sedge-cotton grass swamps and lakes. Along the river valleys there are swampy meadows and thickets of bushes, and in drier areas there are forests of larch, sweet poplar and choicenia.

Verkhoyansk region occupies a marginal western position. The altitudinal zonation of the soil and vegetation cover is most fully expressed on the Suntar-Khayata and Setta-Daban ridges. The lower zone here is represented by northern taiga sparse larch forests, which rise on the northern slopes to 1200-1300 m, and on the southern slopes to 600-800 m. The ground cover is dominated by lichens; The shrub layer is formed by lingonberries, crowberries and wild rosemary. A dwarf birch has been developed from the Middendorf birch. Along the river valleys on sand and pebble deposits stretch gallery forests of fragrant poplar and choicenia with an admixture of larch, birch, aspen and Siberian mountain ash.

Above the upper boundary of the larch forest, thickets of dwarf birch, shrubby alder and dwarf cedar, combined with lichen-shrub tundras, dominate. The next belt is mountain-tundra with taryns. Its upper limit should be drawn at the ends of the glaciers (1800-2100 m). Higher up are high mountain deserts with glaciers and snowfields. Avalanches occur in autumn, winter and spring.

Anyui-Chukotka region extends from the lower reaches of the Kolyma to the Bering Strait for almost 1500 km.

The tundra of Chukotka differs from other tundras of the Arctic coast of Russia in that its main part is mountain tundra with rocky placers, rocks and thickets of bushes, and the coastal part is flat tundra of grass-shrubs and hummocks with cotton grass and creeping wild rosemary.

The flora of vascular plants of the Chukotka tundra contains about 930 species and subspecies. This is the richest flora of the Arctic region. Chukotka was part of Megaberingia, and this had a significant impact on the composition of the flora of its plant communities. On the southern slopes of the ridges and above-floodplain terraces, mountain-steppe vegetation has been preserved - the remains of the Beringian tundra-steppe landscapes. North American plant species grow there: among the dryad tundras on the limestones there are Meckenzie's pennywort, dense cat's paw, and in the willow-herbaceous communities there are balsam poplar and edible viburnum. Primula egalikensis is common in the nival tundra. Lena fescue is common in steppe areas. B.A. Yurtsev calls it the emblem of the steppe complexes of North-East Siberia. Once upon a time, horses, bison, saiga and other herbivores lived in the tundra and steppes of Beringia. Now the problem of the sunken Beringia is attracting the attention of various specialists.

In Chukotka, off the Bering coast, there are thermal springs with temperatures ranging from 15 to 77°C. They create favorable conditions for the development of lush and diverse vegetation. There are up to 274 plant species here. In harsh climatic conditions, the flora at hot springs has a subarctic and temperate character with a predominance of arctic-alpine elements - mountain shrub-moss communities. Among them grow cassiopeia, diapensia, loiselaria, phyllodoce, Kamchatka rhododendron, etc., as well as mountain-tundra Asian-American or Beringian species - anemone, chrysanthemum, primrose, saxifrage, sedge, etc.

Anthropogenic impact on nature

The nature of the Northeast is experiencing significant anthropogenic impact due to off-road transport (all-terrain vehicles), construction, geological surveys and mining, deer grazing and frequent fires.

Fur farming and fur fishing for squirrel, arctic fox, ermine, mountain hare, and muskrat are developed in the territory. Plain and mountain tundras and forest-tundras serve as good pastures for deer. One of the main food for reindeer in winter is bushy lichen-cladonia (reindeer moss). The restoration of its reserves takes five to seven years. Due to anthropogenic impact, the pasture fund is declining, so strict adherence to pasture load and careful attitude of the entire population to reindeer pastures is necessary.

The main commercial fish - vendace, muksun, nelma, omul, whitefish, etc. - are concentrated in the lower sections of the Yana, Indigirka and Kolyma rivers. In the warm areas of the valleys of the Yana, Indigirka, Kolyma and other rivers, early varieties of cabbage, potatoes and other vegetables are grown using special agricultural technology.

Active development of the territory contributed to changes in natural landscapes, reduction in the numbers and habitats of many species of animals and plants, for example, the Chukchi bighorn sheep, the Siberian Crane and the Spade-tailed Elder, which nest only in Russia, the Bairdov's sandpiper, the present slipper, etc.

The nature of the Northeast is very vulnerable, therefore, with increased human activity, entire natural complexes (ecosystems) are dying. For example, during the development of placer deposits, significant areas of floodplains are completely destroyed, where a wide variety of animals and plants are concentrated. On the territory of this huge physical-geographical country, there is so far only one reserve - Magadan, several complex and sectoral reserves (nesting waterfowl) and natural monuments, and among them is a protected zone for the location of mammoth fauna.

Scientists propose to create a number of protected areas here, for example, the Buordakhsky Natural Park with the basins of the left tributaries of the Moma and Mount Pobeda. The unique geographical objects of this region include the world's largest ice dam, Ulakhan-Taryn (Momskaya), which does not completely melt every year, and in the valley on the gravelly slopes of the southern exposure - the Yakut mountain steppes, turning into steppe alpine lawns and mountain tundras. It is also proposed to create the Central Yakut Nature Reserve as a biosphere reserve, where the Chukchi bighorn sheep are preserved on the rocky shores of Lake Elgygytgyn, where there are calving grounds for wild reindeer - the only large population in the entire Northeast. Here, poplar-chosenia valley forests are at the limit of their distribution, and steppe areas have been preserved.

• Using the atlas map, determine the specifics of the geographical location of Eastern Siberia.
• Compare the area of ​​this region with other regions of Russia and with foreign countries in Europe.

Composition of the territory. Eastern Siberia covers an area of ​​more than 7 million km2.

The vast territory of the region stretches from west to east from the Yenisei River to the Pacific watershed. Eastern Siberia extends far beyond the Arctic Circle; here is the northernmost point of Asia - Cape Chelyuskin. In the north, Eastern Siberia has a broad front facing the Arctic Ocean, and in the south it borders on Mongolia and China. The length of the territory from north to south is more than 3 thousand km.

Rice. 117. Orographic scheme of Eastern Siberia and the Far East

The region includes the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Irkutsk and Chita regions, the republics of Khakassia, Buryatia, Tyva, Sakha (Yakutia).

The area of ​​the listed territories could accommodate several large European states, such as France, Great Britain, Germany, and Spain.

History of the development of Eastern Siberia. In the southern part of Eastern Siberia, back in the Upper Paleolithic (that is, 40 thousand years BC), there were numerous settlements of hunters and fishermen. The harsh conditions of its northern regions delayed human penetration there for many millennia. Even the hordes of the Huns and Genghis Khan did not go further than the southern borders of the region. The first information about Eastern Siberia appeared in Russia in the 15th century, when Russian campaigns began in Western Siberia. Even then, the name “Siberian Land” appeared in Russian chronicles.

First, the Russians opened the way to the lower reaches of the Yenisei, and then to the northeastern part of the region. They were attracted by fur wealth, and primarily by sable, which then played a large role in foreign trade.

In 1601, the city of Mangazeya was built 180 km from the mouth of the Taz River. The Cossacks sought to penetrate further to the east. In 1609, on the right bank of the Lower Tunguska at its confluence with the Yenisei, the Turukhansk winter hut was founded, where Mangazeya was then moved, renamed Turukhansk in 1782.

In 1628, Krasnoyarsk was founded, which for 80 years remained the southernmost Russian city in Eastern Siberia. The next stage of the development of Eastern Siberia (1630-1649) is associated with the penetration of the Cossacks from the Yenisei into the Lena basin, and then, moving further east, they reached the Pacific Ocean and built several strong points along this way.

In 1631, the Bratsk fort was founded on the Angara River, from which the Cossacks went on campaigns to the regions of the Baikal region and Transbaikalia.

The inclusion of Eastern Siberia into Russia occurred in the 18th century. The Russians brought a culture to Eastern Siberia that was superior to that of the indigenous population. They brought agriculture, more developed cattle breeding, and more advanced types of housing to Siberia.

By the end of the 18th century. throughout Eastern Siberia the Russian population became quantitatively predominant. Such a rapid advance of the Russians to the east is explained by the fact that the local tribes were small in number and were at enmity with each other, as well as by the fact that significant territories were not developed by anyone at all.

Rice. 118. Lena pillars

Features of nature. The nature of Eastern Siberia is grandiose and harsh. High-water rivers stretching for thousands of kilometers, endless taiga, mountain ranges and plateaus occupying 3/4 of the entire territory, low-lying plains of the tundra strip - all this is Eastern Siberia. In terms of natural features, this is a country with pronounced continental features.

Rice. 119. Yakutia

The relief is characterized by a general significant elevation above sea level. Most of the region is occupied by the Central Siberian Plateau, the average height of which is 500-700 m. It was formed within the oldest section of the earth's crust - the Siberian Platform. The Central Siberian Plateau in the north, south and east is edged by a giant amphitheater of mountain ranges. These mountains are distinguished by a complex geological structure and large fluctuations in relative heights.

The mountains of Southern Siberia include Altai and the Salair Ridge. Kuznetsk Alatau, Sayan Mountains, Baikal and Transbaikalia ranges, Vitim Plateau, Stanovoy Range, North Baikal, Stanovoe, Patom and Aldan highlands. The highest point of the mountains of southern Siberia is Mount Belukha, which has two peaks: Eastern (4506 m) and Western (4460 m), which are covered with eternal snow and glaciers. In the mountains there are many intermountain basins of different altitudes and sizes. The largest among them are Kuznetsk, Minusinsk, Tuva and Baikal.

The mountains of southern Siberia were formed in Cenozoic times as a result of recent tectonic movements, when folded block mountains formed in place of ancient Precambrian and Paleozoic mountains. Tectonic movements of the earth's crust continue today. Over the past 200 years, more than 800 earthquakes have occurred in the mountains surrounding Baikal, some of which reached magnitude 9.0. An earthquake with a magnitude of 4-5 occurred in 1995 in Buryatia.

Vast territories of the northeastern regions of Eastern Siberia belong to the Mesozoic folding. High mountain ranges (height more than 1500 m) form a powerful arc along its outskirts, which outlines a complex system of mountains and plateaus rising within it.

Using the atlas maps, compare the sizes and heights of the Vitim Plateau, Stanovoy and Aldan Highlands with the mountains of Europe.

The relief of the interior regions of the Yana-Kolyma region is quite contrasting. High rocky ridges are separated by vast rocky plateaus. The highest peak of the region - Mount Pobeda - reaches 3147 m and belongs to the Chersky ridge system.

The huge area and great diversity of the geological structure of Eastern Siberia determines the presence in its depths of various minerals associated with Precambrian, Paleozoic and Mesozoic rocks. Numerous deposits of iron ores, non-ferrous and rare metals, gold, diamonds, graphite, mica, various raw materials for the chemical industry and the production of building materials have made Eastern Siberia one of the richest regions of Russia in mineral raw materials.

Tell us about the largest deposits in Eastern Siberia, about the patterns of their location. What are the difficulties associated with their development?

Climate of Eastern Siberia everywhere sharply continental.

The continental climate is manifested in a large range of temperatures between winter and summer (it reaches 50°, and in Eastern Yakutia - 100°), as well as sharp fluctuations in temperature during the day and a relatively small amount of precipitation. Precipitation occurs mainly in July and August.

The large extent of the territory causes large differences between different regions of Eastern Siberia. Some areas in the south receive no less solar heat than the southern regions of Ukraine. About a quarter of the region's territory is located above the Arctic Circle, where in winter the polar night reigns and the sun does not rise above the horizon for two months.

In what climatic zones is the region located? Remember the distinctive features of a sharply continental climate in comparison with maritime and moderate continental ones.

The distribution of precipitation is greatly influenced by relief. A striking example of this is the Khamar-Daban ridge: its northwestern slopes facing Lake Baikal receive 800-1400 mm of precipitation per year, and on the southeastern slopes less than 300 mm falls per year.

Match physical card Eastern Siberia and a map of precipitation distribution on its territory and make sure of the influence of relief on the distribution of precipitation.

The position of Eastern Siberia almost in the center of a huge continent affects the circulation of air masses. In winter, when the land quickly cools, atmospheric pressure increases significantly and a vast area of ​​the Asian (Siberian) anticyclone is formed. Therefore, in winter, clear, partly cloudy and dry, but very cold weather prevails. In summer, when the land quickly warms up, air pressure decreases. Therefore, colder Arctic air masses from the north or more humid Atlantic air masses from the west move here. Average annual temperatures in Eastern Siberia are almost everywhere below 0 °C. The severity of the Siberian climate is characterized primarily by very low winter temperatures. Nowhere in the Northern Hemisphere are there such severe frosts as there are in January in Oymyakon or Verkhoyansk.

Rice. 120. Remoteness of the territory from the ocean

But thanks to the great dryness of the air, the abundance of clear, sunny days and the absence of winds, severe frosts are tolerated relatively easily in Siberia. Residents of Irkutsk or Chita consider frost of -30°C to be as invigorating as Muscovites of ten degrees. Summer is relatively warm, and in the south - in Khakassia, Tuva and Transbaikalia it is even hot. The most important consequence of the sharply continental climate of the region can be considered the widespread occurrence of permafrost.

Using the map, determine where the boundary of the continuous distribution of permafrost lies in Eastern Siberia.

In many areas in the north, soils thaw in summer to a depth of less than 1 m from the surface. The underlying rocks maintain subzero temperatures for thousands of years.

Explorers also paid attention to this unique natural phenomenon and wrote about it even to the Tsar himself: “And in Yakutsk... there is no hope of arable land - the earth, sir, does not all melt in the middle of summer.”

Permafrost has a huge impact on the formation of landscapes in Eastern Siberia. The sea coasts, composed of thick layers of fossil ice, have a specific character. In the tundra, sinkholes (thermokarst) lake basins form. In many areas there are hydrolaccoliths - characteristic dome-shaped hills with an ice core. The Yakuts call them Bulgunnyakhi.

Questions and tasks

1. Find and outline mineral deposits; write the names of the main landforms of the region.
2. Determine in which time zones Eastern Siberia is located. With which regions of Russia does it have the biggest time difference?
3. Name the main features of the nature of Eastern Siberia and explain their reasons.
4. On the contour map write the names of the centers of regions and territories, the capitals of the republics that are part of Eastern Siberia.
5. Analyze the physical map of Eastern Siberia and explain why physical geographers distinguish three independent regions on its territory: 1) Central Siberia; 2) North-Eastern Siberia; 3) mountains of Southern Siberia.

The climate of the Krasnoyarsk Territory is sharply continental. Due to the large extent of the region in the meridional direction, the climate is very heterogeneous. Stretching from the shores of the Arctic Ocean to the mountains of Southern Siberia, the region is distinguished by its exceptional diversity and richness of natural conditions and resources. The vast territory is divided into 3 climatic zones: arctic, subarctic and temperate. Within each of them, changes in climatic characteristics are noticeable, not only from north to south, but also from west to east. Therefore, western and eastern climatic regions are distinguished, the border of which runs along the valley of the Yenisei River.

Cheap flights to Krasnoyarsk

The climate of the northern part of the Krasnoyarsk Territory is extremely harsh. It's winter here almost all year round, with very low temperatures. The coast of the Taimyr Peninsula, located in the far north of the region, is indented by numerous bays and bays of the Kara Sea and the Laptev Sea. The central part of the peninsula is occupied by the Byrranga Mountains, which drop steeply in the south to the heavily swampy North Siberian Lowland with a large number of lakes (called, within the region, the Yenisei-Khatanga depression).

The central part of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, predominantly flat, with island forest-steppes and fertile soils, is characterized by relatively short hot summers, long cold winters, and rapid temperature changes. In the south of the region there are warm summers and moderately harsh winters with little snow. Dry, clean air, an abundance of sunny days in summer, healing waters from springs and numerous lakes create favorable conditions for the construction of resorts, sanatoriums and recreation centers.

In the northern part of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, winter begins in September. The region has an average negative air temperature for 8 months a year; the period of persistent frost lasts about 280 days a year; At the same time, there are more than 130 days with blizzards. Large cities of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, such as Dudinka and Norilsk, located in the far north of the region, have a subarctic climate. Winter here is long and harsh, frosts can reach -50 °C or more.

Thaws in winter are excluded. December, January and February are the coldest months. The average daily temperature in January is -36°C. A feature of the Krasnoyarsk winter of the subarctic climate is the frequent occurrence of frosty weather, coupled with strong and very strong winds, which is why the effective temperature, that is, the temperature at which the body feels the air, is sometimes -101°C (!!!). At the hardest frost (-64.3°C), and the highest possible wind speed, the effective temperature can even be -118°C!

Norilsk - one of the coldest cities in the world, significantly colder than Murmansk, located at almost the same latitude. The average annual air temperature in Norilsk is -16°C, the temperature range is 96°C. Norilsk is the thirty-second settlement in the world in terms of absolute minimum temperatures (ranked 22nd in the list of the coldest cities in Russia), and the fourth most windy city in the world, along with Dudinka and the Antarctic station “Vostok”, in terms of maximum average temperatures. year, wind speeds. The climatic winter lasts until the beginning of May, and frosts are possible here all year round.

In the southern part of the Krasnoyarsk Territory the climate is much milder than in the northern part. The central and southern parts of the region belong to the temperate climate zone. But despite this, the climate here is harsher than in other regions of the country located at the same latitudes. This is due to the great distance between the central and southern parts of the Krasnoyarsk Territory from the seas and oceans. Winter here begins at the beginning of October and ends at the end of April. Winter is characterized by frosty weather, and thaws are rare.

A stable snow cover forms in October, on different dates, depending on the latitude of the area, and disappears only in April. In the mountains of Eastern and Western Sayan, snow, in some years, persists all year round. Here the snow lies at an altitude of 2400 - 2600 m, in the Putorana mountains - at an altitude of 1000 - 1300 m. The snow cover is highest (16 cm, on average) in February.

December is colder than February, but its average temperature is slightly closer to February than to January. The coldest month of winter is January, with an average temperature of -20°C. But in any of the winter months the temperature can drop below -40 °C, and for these latitudes such low air temperatures are the rule rather than the exception. Weather conditions are often complicated by snowstorms and ice, which leads to serious accidents on the roads. Gusty winds penetrate to the very bones, making it difficult to tolerate low temperatures. By the way, the Yenisei does not freeze in winter, since a hydroelectric power station is based on it.

Spring in the north of the Krasnoyarsk Territory begins only in mid-May, when the snow actively begins to melt. In the largest cities of the subarctic zone, the average daily air temperature in May rises to +5 - +7°C; on the islands of the Arctic seas, the temperature is still negative.

In the central and southern regions of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, spring begins in early April. In general, the Krasnoyarsk spring is quite cold, even in May snow can still fall, and sunny weather, as a rule, is rare. At the beginning of April it rapidly warms up, and massive snow melting begins. Along with this, the rains become more frequent. However, there is more precipitation than in winter, but the relative humidity is lower (58% in April and 55% in May). Nature comes to life: young grass emerges from under the frozen ground, green leaves “peck” on the trees, and the singing of birds rejoicing in spring can be heard everywhere. May is the only month when there are no severe frosts at night; during the day the thermometer is close to +16 - +17 °C.

On the Arctic islands of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, there is no summer as such. In the warmest month of the year – July, the daytime air temperature does not exceed +5 °C. With such temperatures it is difficult to talk about summer; it is so cold and very short that the ground does not have time to thaw, and the few Arctic mosses and lichens only slightly dilute the dull landscape of the Arctic. But in the summer there is a polar day here, and it is light day and night.

Cheap hotels in Krasnoyarsk

In the northern continental cities of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, such as Norilsk, Dudinka, summer begins, on average, only at the end of June, when the average daily temperature begins to steadily exceed +15°C. At these latitudes, the polar day lasts 67 days, the polar night lasts only 46 days. In general, summer is characterized by warm weather and the highest amount of precipitation. The warmest time is the second half of July - at this time the air temperature can warm up to + 25°C. But July is also considered the rainiest month. Summer, which has barely begun, ends quite quickly, and from the second half of August we can safely say that autumn has come to this region.

In the southern regions of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, summer begins in early June. At these latitudes, summers are short but quite warm. In summer there are a large number of sunny hours, not inferior in number to the Crimean Peninsula. The weather is mostly comfortable, there is no stuffiness or sweltering heat. The average daily temperature of the hottest month, July, is +20°C. Sometimes the weather indulges in hot days, on which the thermometer crosses the mark of +27 -28 °C. Despite this, in the evening the temperature drops quite significantly, to +10 - +15 °C, and it becomes cool. In the mountains, in the evening, the temperature can drop to negative levels, and you need to be prepared for this. In the second half of summer, the amount of precipitation begins to increase. On average, precipitation in July is slightly less than 6 times more than in February. With decreasing precipitation, nature is gradually leading to another time of year - autumn.

On the Arctic islands of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, we can say that autumn begins in early August. Although it’s just that the air temperature smoothly transitions from “summer” (+5°C) to autumn (0°C). Autumn is developing rapidly. By the end of the month, strong winds are raging, there are heavy snowfalls, in general, everything that you can imagine in the fall, all this can be seen here in August.

In the northern regions of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the climate is still a little better. Here autumn begins in the second week of August, it is a little more protracted than in the Arctic, that is, it rains for some time before it snows and the wind drives snowstorms. But autumn is cold, at night the air temperature is negative, and as we get closer to October, the daytime temperature becomes negative. In the second half of September it snows more and more often, which very actively replaces rain. At the beginning of October, we can say that a long, harsh winter has already arrived at this latitude.

In the southern part of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, autumn comes in early September. It is noticeably colder and the rains are becoming more frequent. By the beginning of October, the leaves fall from the trees, and it snows more and more often. The snow cover manages to settle down thoroughly in mid-October. And from now on we can safely say that winter has come...

The vast territory of the Krasnoyarsk Territory belongs to a zone with sufficient moisture. Precipitation occurs mainly in summer. Their number ranges from 200 - 300 mm per year in the north, to 400 - 600 mm on the Central Siberian Plateau, and 800 - 1200 mm on the northern slopes of the mountains of Southern Siberia; in the intermountain basins of the southern part - 250 - 300 mm. In most of the region, especially north of the Lower Tunguska, permafrost is widely developed.

When to go to the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The Krasnoyarsk region is distinguished by amazing natural and climatic conditions. Relaxation here ranges from passive, which consists of spending time near the water, to active - extreme water or mountain skiing, participation in various excursion and environmental tours, and simply relaxation for health purposes. Thanks to the healing properties of the waters of underground sources and sources on the surface, lakes in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, many rest houses and sanatorium-resort centers are comfortably located. It is in the Krasnoyarsk Territory that you can begin your journey to the North Pole. From here you can get to the area where the Tunguska meteorite fell.

Of course, the best time for a holiday in the Krasnoyarsk Territory will be the summer period, from June to September. At this time, relaxation on the banks of the mighty Yenisei is extremely good; a large number of tourist centers will make your vacation more comfortable and interesting. Hiking along the Sayan ridges, climbing to the peaks and rafting along the rivers of mountain slopes are included in the standard set of excursions at many recreation centers in Krasnoyarsk and the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Summer is the best time to visit famous nature reserves such as the Krasnoyarsk Pillars and the Sayano-Shushensky Nature Reserve, which offer excellent wildlife viewing conditions.

In winter - from November to April, the Krasnoyarsk Territory is incredibly beautiful. Frosty winters paint nature with unique patterns; this time is impressive and exciting. In winter, amateur skiing and sledding are extremely popular here. The peaks of the Sayan Mountains are covered with snow all year round. Fans of active, extreme recreation can try themselves as climbers and climb mountain peaks, accompanied by an instructor. It is worth remembering that winters here are harsh and very cold, sometimes even the warmest clothes cannot save you. Therefore, you should avoid traveling on extremely cold days.

May and September are a great time to visit cities and get to know the culture and customs. Krasnoyarsk is a city beloved by tourists and definitely worthy of your attention. The Krasnoyarsk Museum of Local Lore, which has been operating for almost a century and a half, and the largest shopping and entertainment center in Siberia - “Planet”, will appeal to many.

Sanatorium recreation centers operate year-round, providing treatment with the healing waters of the Krasnoyarsk lakes, as well as other comprehensive programs for healing and cleansing the body. This is a fairly popular tourist destination; people even come here from abroad. Stunning clean air, in a cocktail with healing mineral springs, have a beneficial effect on the body.

If you love an extreme form of recreation, or your long-time dream is to visit the Arctic, then you should think about a trip to the Taimyr Peninsula. Of course, visiting such an interesting and unfriendly, by climatic standards, place is worth visiting only in the “summer time”, when air temperatures allow traveling through this area, and there is a polar day around the clock. The Great Arctic Nature Reserve is definitely worth a visit here. It covers a huge territory, it is one of the largest nature reserves in the world, and in Russia it is the largest. For rafting enthusiasts, the reserve is attractive because it is here that you can make the world's northernmost rafting trip on the Khutuda Bige River (which translates as a river rich in life). Diving is organized in the coastal zone of the Arctic Ocean.

Climate of the Republic of Khakassia

The climate of the Republic of Khakassia is sharply continental. Khakassia is located almost in the very center of Asia, between the Sayan and Kuznetsk Alatau mountain ranges. The creation of two reservoirs in the 60s - 80s - Krasnoyarsk and Sayano-Shushenskoye - slightly softened the sharply continental climate of the republic, due to its location far from the oceans. This climate is characterized by long, frosty winters and short but warm summers. The openness of the territory from the north facilitates the penetration of Arctic air. The amplitude of temperature fluctuations, in some years, exceeds 80°C (from -40°C to +40°C).

Cheap flights to Abakan

According to the nature of the relief, mountainous (eastern slopes of the Kuznetsk Alatau and Abakan ridge, northern slopes of the Western Sayan - height up to 2930 m) and flat (Minusinsk, Chulym-Yenisei basins) parts are distinguished. The flat areas are confined to wide river valleys and are called steppes (Abakanskaya, Koibalskaya and others). The Sayan Mountains, whose height sometimes exceeds 2000 m, occupy two-thirds of the territory and are located in the west and south of the republic.

The Republic of Khakassia is a sunny land. It is no coincidence that the name “sunny Khakassia” is used; indeed, there are more sunny days in Khakassia than in Sochi. There are, on average, 311 absolutely clear and sunny days a year. In the Abakan Lowland, where there are the greatest number of sunny days, watermelons and apricots, pears and even grapes ripen. There are four distinct seasons in a year: winter, spring, summer and autumn.

Winter in the Republic of Khakassia begins in early November. As a rule, winter is long and quite cold, although it does not indulge in heavy snowfalls. Snow cover forms in early November. At the same time, ice forms on the rivers. In December, air temperatures are still relatively low, but this month, as a rule, there is a lot of snow and snowstorms are frequent. Ice is observed extremely rarely.

The average temperature of the coldest month, January, in the eastern republic reaches -18°C, in the mountainous part it rises to -14°C. Soil freezing, due to the insignificant height of the snow cover (15 -20 cm) and snow blowing into ravines and hollows, occurs to a depth of 2 m or more.

February is also a very cold winter month, the temperature difference compared to January is only +2°C. March is still a winter month, but due to the large influx of sunlight it becomes noticeably warmer, and in the daytime the snow melts abundantly.

Spring in the Republic of Khakassia begins in early April. At the beginning of the month, ice drifts on the rivers. At this time, the snow melts over most of the territory, although in the forests and mountains it persists in some places until July. Spring time is characterized by strong winds, up to 15 m/sec. The transition of the average daily air temperature over +5°C begins at the end of April. Slow warming of the soil in the spring delays the development of microbiological processes. The spring period is characterized by relatively low relative air humidity, which, with a lack of moisture in the soil, causes complex soil-air drought.

In May, everything around blooms and active plant growth begins. In May, daytime air temperatures reach +18°C, but despite such high temperatures, frosts are often observed at night. Frosts end at the end of May, in the mountains - at the end of June.

Cheap hotels in Abakan

Summer in the Republic of Khakassia begins in early June, in the mountains - in early July. In general, summers in Khakassia are warm, with rare periods of real heat. June is a moderately warm month, this harsh land is warming up, the forests are coming to life, and nature is wildly replete with colors.

The hottest month of the year is July, its average daily air temperature reaches +25°C. It is in this month that the most frequent incursions of real drying heat and scorching heat, with temperatures up to +35 - +37 °C. People who are accustomed to experiencing severe cold and frost most of the year find it quite difficult to endure such heat, plus drought is a great danger for agriculture at such temperatures.

In August, the temperature declines; this month the heat rarely comes and the largest amount of precipitation falls (more than 55% of the annual norm), mainly in the form of torrential rains. The main reason for the dry climate this month is the influence of mountain ranges creating a rain shadow.

Autumn in the Republic of Khakassia begins in early September. In September, mostly dry, sunny weather prevails. A fairly comfortable temperature in the evening gives way to severe frosts, and in the middle of the month, the night temperature can drop below zero. The end of the month is characterized by the beginning of cold drizzling rains.

October is the second and last month of autumn. It is a gloomy, gray time, with endless drizzles, cold gusty winds that furiously tear off the last leaves from the trees, and severe frosts on the ground. In the second half of the month, slightly negative air temperatures are often observed, and drizzling rain often changes to snow. This is a time of very unstable and changeable weather, but nature says one thing is true: winter will come soon. And winter really comes at the beginning of November, a long, harsh winter...

There is little precipitation in the Republic of Khakassia and its distribution is extremely uneven, both by year and by growing season. The minimum amount of precipitation falls in the lower parts of the Minusinsk basins - 275-375 mm; in the forest-steppe - 380-500 mm, in the forest belt - 1,000 mm; the largest amount - up to 1,500 mm - falls on the high mountain ranges of the Western Sayans. Most of the precipitation falls in the warm season, in May - September (up to 75%), in October - April about 25% of the annual precipitation falls.

Throughout the year, winds prevail in Khakassia, mainly from the southwestern and northern directions. The average annual wind speed is 2.6 m/s. The maximum wind speed (more than 15 m/s) is observed in the transition seasons, spring and autumn. In winter, almost throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Khakassia, southern and southwestern winds predominate, and in summer, the northwestern wind direction predominates.

When to go to the Republic of Khakassia. Khakassia has everything a traveler could want: high snow-capped mountains, forests that never heard the sound of an axe, cool and clean rivers, endless fragrant steppes and a huge number of different reservoirs. And of course, the best time to visit all these majestic beauties of nature will be the warm summer time - from June to September. The water resources of Khakassia are complemented by 300 lakes, salty and fresh, the most famous of which are the healing lakes Shira, Belyo and Khankul. Here you can have a pleasant time by the water, relax in the wild nature, swim, and go fishing. Boarding houses and holiday homes in Khakassia offer tourists a wonderful holiday in these places. Magnificent mountains attract and attract climbers, trekkers and hiking. The mountains are covered with dark coniferous taiga, there are sharp peaks and snow-capped chars, and create a truly beautiful landscape around.

May and September are cool months for outdoor recreation, so they should be devoted to sightseeing in the republic. About 30 thousand historical monuments are under the Khakass sky - ancient settlements, mounds, rock paintings, menhirs with runic writings of the ancient Khakass, sanctuaries and even the ancient astronomical observatory Chests.

Winter time - from December to mid-March is excellent for active recreation. Fans of winter sports will find modern ski resorts and tourist recreation centers in Khakassia, which are located in the Western Sayan Mountains. Located on the slopes and at the foot of the mountains, they delight vacationers with their ski slopes and many other entertainments. Real taiga and mountain taiga rivers add a touch of Siberian exoticism to your holiday.

Not the best time to visit Khakassia is autumn October and winter November. The worst weather in these parts occurs in October, and if you don’t want to completely ruin your vacation, it’s better not to come here at this time. November is the first winter month here, the temperature is more predictable, but nevertheless, an unstable weather background can present certain surprises, and a small snow cover will not allow active winter sports.

April is a transitional spring month, rain, mud and slush are guaranteed, so it is better to avoid this time for travel. It is strictly forbidden to climb the mountains in April and May - the risk of avalanches is very high, since, albeit slowly, spring is also beginning in the mountains.

Climate of the Republic of Tyva

The climate of the Republic of Tyva is sharply continental. Tyva is one of the few regions of our planet where such a variety of natural conditions can be found in a small area. Located in the very heart of the Asian continent, Tuva combines elements of two natural zones. The South Siberian tundra and forests coexist with the sandy Central Asian deserts, and reindeer live next to wolves and camels. The alpine meadows of Tuva delight with a riot of colors and flowers, and the highlands, where harsh conditions reign, are home to rare animals: local yaks and snow leopards.

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The climatic conditions of the Republic of Tyva, due to the harsh, sharply continental climate, have left their mark on the nature of this region. Sharp deviations in weather conditions in some years - dry periods, worsening conditions for seed germination and seedling development, late spring frosts before June 15, and early autumn frosts from August 15, significantly shorten the active growing season. Low temperatures in winter down to -48 - -53°C, causing deep frost cracks, strong winds up to 20 m/sec or more, causing windbreaks and windfalls, combined with low natural soil fertility, negatively affect the growth and development of plantings, especially young trees and forest crops. Mountains play the role of a wall, isolating from outside climate change, which determines the climate of Tyva - sharply continental, with cold winters and hot, sunny summers.

Winter in the Republic of Tyva begins in early November and lasts 5 months. Winter is characterized as frosty, windless and with little snow. Stable snow cover is established at the end of October and reaches 15-20 cm, and in the mountains up to 1-2 meters. The number of days with snow cover varies from 140 to 190 days, with increasing altitude above sea level. The severity of the winter regime is determined by the predominance of anticyclonic weather with frequent lulls and persistent frosts, which are not interrupted by thaws for entire months.

The coldest winter month is January. Average daily temperatures in January range from -25°C to -34°C, sometimes frosts down to -55 - -58°C occur. On some days in the eastern part of the valley-steppe zone the temperature can drop to -60˚С (Saryg-Sep). The air temperature at the tops of mountains is usually 20°C higher than at the bottom of basins. During all 5 winter months, sunny and rather frosty weather prevails in the region; persistent frosts stop only in the third ten days of March.

Spring in the Republic of Tyva begins in the first half of April and lasts only 2 months. Snow melting begins in the first ten days of April, the last snow melts only in the middle of the month, and in the mountains, only in the middle of May. Spring in the Republic of Tyva is a relatively short time of year, characterized by clear, dry and slightly windy weather.

The transition of the average daily temperature through 0°C occurs in the third ten days of April, however, night frosts continue until the end of May and are often possible in early June, until June 12-13. The transition of the average daily temperature through + 5°C, marking the beginning of the growing season, occurs only in the middle or end of May.

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Summer in the Republic of Tyva begins in early June and lasts, on average, 85 days. Summer is dry, warm, even hot in the intermountain basins, but short and cool in the mountains. The hottest summer month is July. The average daily temperature in the lowland part of the republic is +20 - +30°C, on some days it reaches +40°C in the basins, and +25 - +30°C in the mountains. The period with temperatures above +10°C is 100-125 days in the valleys, and at an altitude of 1400 meters no more than 80 days. The main amount of precipitation (60-70%) falls precisely in the summer months. After August 15, frosts begin, which indicates the beginning of the autumn period.

Autumn in the Republic of Tyva begins in the second half of August, towards the end of the month, and lasts until the end of October - beginning of November. Autumn is dry, sunny, the best time of the year. Autumn is coming quickly. The first half of September is the velvet season. Warm autumn days are accompanied by clear sunny weather and secondary flowering of herbaceous vegetation in the intermountain basins. However, night frosts in September are frequent, while during the day the air temperature can rise quite significantly to +33°C (Kyzyl). After warm sunny days, cold, snowless weather sets in, followed by rapid leaf fall. Snow begins to fall at the end of September - beginning of October, and in the second half of October a stable snow cover is already established, winter begins...

Precipitation in the Republic of Tyva is sparse and unevenly distributed. In the basins, 150 - 400 mm of precipitation falls per year (in the Tuva basin - 200 - 220 mm, in the Todzhinskaya - 350 - 400 mm), in mountainous areas from 400 - 600 mm to 800 - 1000 mm per year. There are areas of permafrost throughout the area. Relative air humidity, which characterizes the degree of air saturation with water vapor, varies widely throughout the year, from 30 -50% in May and up to 70 -75% in December - January. In Tyva there are from 36 to 72 dry days a year (days with relative humidity less than 30%). The number of humid days with a relative humidity of 80% or more varies from 22 (Erzin) to 72 (Kyzyl), with fewer in the west and more in the east.

The winds over Tyva are weak, especially in winter. In spring, there is an increase in wind activity, the maximum speed often exceeds 15 m/s, in some years it reaches 20 -25 m/s. Strong winds also occur in summer, usually in the afternoon.

When to go to the Republic of Tyva. The best time to travel to Tyva is, of course, the warm summer months - from June to September. The beauty of Tuvinian nature amazes with its splendor. High mountains, numerous waterfalls, rivers and lakes are truly conducive to eco-tourism and a relaxing holiday in the lap of nature.

Tyva is a favorite place for hunters and fishermen. Here are the largest bears and reindeer in the world. The most popular for fishing and hunting are the Sorug River and Lake Choygan-Khol, located at the spurs of the Eastern Sayan Mountains. The water resources of Tyva are very great. In addition to the numerous rivers of the Upper Yenisei basin, there are up to five thousand lakes inhabited by eighteen species of fish. Here you can catch large grayling, burbot, taimen, lenok, pike or perch.

Tuva boarding houses invite vacationers to experience the healing power of this region. The Republic of Tyva is the birthplace of healing springs. The most famous of them are the hot springs Tarys and Ush-Beldir in the mountains of Eastern Tyva, in which hot water comes out of the ground with a temperature of +52 - +82°C. The republic also has its own Dead Sea - Lake Svatikovo (Dus-Khol). This is a salt lake that has no drainage, and its healing properties even surpass, in this regard, the Dead Sea and Lake Tuz. Many diseases are effectively cured here, including diseases of the joints, skin, and nervous diseases.

May and September are a great time for excursion tours around the Republic of Tyva. At this time it is not so hot, the weather is pleasant and sunny. Tyva is a very ancient land, as evidenced by ancient petroglyphs, stone remains in the desert south, and the burial mounds of the Scythian kings who have been sleeping here for over two and a half thousand years. Traveling back into the depths of time will give you an unforgettable experience, you will be able to make amazing discoveries.

The winter months, from November to mid-March, are a good time to travel through the snow-covered, untouched nature of the republic. There are no major ski resorts here, which is why there are few tourists in the region, and this is one of the best places to be alone with the unique mountain nature. However, winter here is very harsh; if you are planning a trip at this time of year, you should carefully plan your wardrobe, because thaws are extremely rare in the region.

You should not visit the Republic of Tyva during the transition months - April and October. At this time, the weather is unstable, the region is quite dirty and cool, you are unlikely to experience the pleasure of being outdoors in bad weather. In addition, gray gloomy colors will not allow you to experience delight and experience all the beauty of this region.

Climate of the Irkutsk region

The climate of the Irkutsk region is sharply continental. This is facilitated by the remoteness of the Irkutsk region from the seas and its location in the center of the Asian continent. Compared to territories located at the same latitudes in the European part of Russia, the Irkutsk region has the longest winter, a record number of hours of sunshine, a large annual absolute amplitude of air temperatures, high pressure and rapid weather changes in spring and autumn.

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Lake Baikal and the Angara reservoirs play a major role in shaping the climate of the Irkutsk region. The enormous mass of water and the area of ​​these reservoirs smooth out sharp average annual and average daily changes. Of the atmospheric processes, climate formation is influenced by the western transport of air masses and the Asian anticyclone. Air masses from the seas of the Far East do not reach the region. Warm air masses from the south and southwest rarely penetrate and cause short-term warming in winter. The average annual air temperature throughout the region is negative, with the exception of the coast of Lake Baikal (Peschanaya Bay).

Maximum annual air temperature changes can exceed 80°C, and daily differences can exceed 30°C. Closer to the northern regions, the temperature varies between winter and summer, and also a large difference in temperature is observed during the day and night. The frost-free period in the region is significantly shorter compared to areas of the European part of Russia lying at the same latitude. This is explained by the intense loss of heat from the earth's surface at night, and the invasion of cold air masses. In the southern regions of the region, the frost-free period lasts 80 - 100 days, in the north - 57 days, while in Minsk the frost-free period lasts 157 days, and in Ryazan - 145 days. In most areas of the region, there are frosts in the summer, including even in July. A significant part of the region's territory is covered by permafrost; its preservation is facilitated by low snow cover and low air temperatures in winter.

In terms of the number of sunny days, the Irkutsk region is not inferior to the Crimea and the North Caucasus. The annual number of hours of sunshine, depending on the area, ranges from 1700 to 2500 hours. For example, in Kislovodsk there are 2007 hours of light per year, and on the southern coast of Crimea there are 2300 hours of light.

Winter in the Irkutsk region begins in late October - early November. In winter, windless, clear and frosty weather sets in on the territory of the Irkutsk region, with characteristic temperature inversions and high atmospheric pressure. The duration of winter in most of the territory of the Irkutsk region is about 180 days, and in the northern regions and in the mountains - up to 200 days. Stable snow cover is established in October - in the north of the region, and in November - in the south, and persists for 160 -175 days (in the north - 185 - 206 days). The height of the snow cover in most of the territory is 30 - 40 cm (in the north 50 - 60 cm). In some places the cover may be zero, in other regions it can reach 60 cm or more. Snow cover of 1,000 cm is recorded in the mountains. The duration of freeze-up is 160-200 days, and the maximum ice thickness can reach 1,000 mm.

At the beginning and end of the winter season, there is often a long period of snowlessness, which leads to severe freezing of the soil and ground. These are the most unfavorable periods for plants. Early snowfall protects plants from freezing and the soil from drying out. Cold, dense winter air, driven by gravity, accumulates in low places and creates peculiar cold zones. At the same time, higher temperatures are often observed in higher places.

January is the coldest winter month of the year, daytime air temperatures reach -18°C in the south, and -35°C in the northern part of the region. In some northern areas the temperature may drop below -50°C. In winter, it is much warmer near Lake Baikal than far from it, since the large volume of water gives off heat to the surrounding area and softens the climate. However, the Irkutsk winter is not characterized by monotonous cold weather throughout the entire winter period. In winter, repeated warmings often occur due to the passage of cyclones from the west, southwest and northwest.

February differs from January in air temperature, approximately 2 - 3 degrees warmer than in January, but the general background of a sunny, frosty winter persists until mid-March, sometimes interrupted by short-lived thaws.

In the northern and northeastern parts of the Irkutsk region there are permafrost zones. Its individual sections at different depths can be found in the southern regions of the Irkutsk region: Nizhneudinsky, Kachugsky and other areas. The preservation of permafrost is facilitated by negative average annual temperatures.

Spring in the Irkutsk region begins in early April. Spring is a symbol of youth and beauty; it is the shortest season (30-35 days), when the average daily air temperature passes through 0°C to + 10°C. In the south of the region, spring begins in the first ten days of April and ends in the third ten days of May; in the north it begins at the end of April and ends at the end of May or early June. The beginning of spring coincides with the complete removal of snow from open areas. The soil thaws at a depth of 10-20 cm, and crops overwintering under the snow awaken. At the same time, the rivers are cleared of ice.

Spring – this is the period of nature’s awakening from a long period of rest, under the influence of an ever-increasing supply of solar radiation. Snowdrops, the first spring flowers, appear on the southern slopes. Spring is characterized by an increase in solar radiation, an increase in daytime air temperatures and an increase in daily amplitudes, periodic returns of cold weather, instability of weather conditions, and a small amount of precipitation.

The average daily temperature in most of the territory of the Irkutsk region becomes steadily positive only in early May. The end of spring, as a rule, coincides with the end of bird cherry flowering, the end of regular spring frosts, and the beginning of sowing grain crops.

Under the influence of warming up the earth's surface and increasing air temperature, the effect of passing anticyclones weakens, air pressure decreases, and favorable conditions for cyclonic activity are created. The passage of cyclones creates unstable spring weather, however, in the second half of spring, generally clear, dry and windy weather prevails.

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Summer in the Irkutsk region begins in the last days of May and lasts 90-110 days. Summer is short but can be very hot. The surface of the earth quickly heats up, an area of ​​low pressure forms above it and a cyclonic type of weather sets in, although the first half of summer is usually hot and dry.

The hottest summer month is July. Its average daily air temperatures range from +20°C to +25°C. According to temperature indicators in July, the region is approaching summer air temperatures in the southern part of Belarus. But maximum summer temperatures, in most areas of the Irkutsk region, can exceed +30 °C. The increase in average daily air temperature occurs mainly due to daytime heating of the soil. At this time, the animal and plant world is rapidly developing.

At the end of July and August there are often prolonged rains. At this time, up to 85% of the annual precipitation can fall. The rivers are experiencing a rapid rise in water levels and an increase in its flow. The process of evaporation from the surface of the earth reaches its maximum development, and moisture circulation increases.

Autumn in the Irkutsk region begins on August 25 - 30 in the north, and September 6 -9 in the south, and ends on October 15 in the north and October 25 in the south of the region. Its characteristic feature is that sharp daily temperature fluctuations occur and early frosts begin. The first autumn month is September, a very pleasant season that lives up to its name “golden autumn”. In autumn, the number of clear days increases, air transparency increases, and visibility range increases. At this time, the height of the sun above the horizon decreases, the length of the day shortens, and the daily air temperature drops noticeably. On clear autumn days, from the hills of the western outskirts of the city of Irkutsk, the snow-capped peaks of Khamar-Daban and the Kitoi Mountains are clearly visible.

In the second half of autumn, the Asian anticyclone begins to form, and the amount of precipitation decreases compared to summer. At the end of September, snow may fall, and in October the height of the snow cover in the north reaches 10 cm; in the south at this time there may be no snow. In mid-October, the average daily air temperature drops below zero.

Autumn is dragging on on the shores of Lake Baikal, where the water, heated over the summer, continues to give off its heat to the surrounding area. Here the snow cover sets in later. Most of the rivers freeze by November. The freezing period ranges from 7 to 21 days.

The distribution of precipitation in the Irkutsk region is uneven, both over the territory of the region and over the seasons. In terms of precipitation, the region is close to the southeast of the European part of Kazakhstan. In the cold season, only 15-20% falls, in the warm season 80-85% of the annual precipitation. This significantly distinguishes the climate of the region from the climate of the southeast of the European part of Russia. In the flat areas, on average, 300-400 mm of precipitation falls per year, in the mountains - over 600 mm. In the Eastern Sayan and on the North Baikal Highlands, precipitation falls from 650 mm to 1400 mm, on Olkhon Island only 197 mm. As the altitude of the area increases above sea level, the amount of precipitation increases. Precipitation occurs in the form of rain, snow and hail. Rains in summer can be both heavy and torrential. Hail falls rarely and in relatively small areas.

Compared to other areas Russian Federation lying at the same latitudes, the Irkutsk region is distinguished by the predominance of high atmospheric pressure throughout the year, which reaches 770 mm. This is due to the fact that the region’s territory is located within the Arctic Ocean. Air pressure decreases in the summer, when the sun's rays warm the earth's surface and air, however, this pressure remains high compared to other areas (719 mm). As air temperatures drop in autumn, pressure rises again.

When to go to the Irkutsk region. The best time to travel to the Irkutsk region is the warm summer months, from June to September. In summer, many walking excursions are offered to the protected corners of the Baikal coast; in the warm season, it will be nice to go on a cruise on the lake, relax as savages in tents in the lap of pristine nature, or go on a horseback ride. The Eastern Sayan Mountains are the best place for lovers of eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts. The region's beautiful national parks and the most beautiful places in Eastern Siberia are located precisely in the Irkutsk region.

And what a wonderful summer holiday it is on the shores of the famous Baikal. In some places of Baikal, the water warms up so much that it is quite possible to swim. Baikal is a unique lake in all respects, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is the main attraction for tourists from all over the world to the Irkutsk region. But it is worth remembering that in the summer, in the key tourist spots of Lake Baikal - Listvyanka, Slyudyanka, Olkhon, Maksimikha or Enkhaluk - there are a lot of vacationers, places and tickets should be booked in advance, prices for everything are high, and normal service is often lost in the bustle , and the atmosphere of this place.

May and September are the most suitable months for excursion tours to the cities of the region, sightseeing, and leisurely walks in nature. The weather is favorable, the sun does not burn mercilessly, the air temperature is usually very comfortable, but do not forget that frosts are possible in the morning and also at night. You should always have warm clothes and shoes with you.

Winter - the period from November to the second half of March - is an excellent time for winter sports lovers. In winter, ski resorts operate here and a variety of winter activities are offered, such as snowmobile riding on the ice of Lake Baikal or ice fishing. In winter, Lake Baikal is covered in a thick layer of unusually transparent ice. And this itself is already an attraction for tourists. Everyone who sees the Baikal ice for the first time flops down on their stomachs and tries to look for something in the depths of the lake. The ice from the purest Baikal water has a bluish tint, sometimes even bright blue, almost blue. Winter Baikal, without exaggeration, is the largest ice skating rink in the world. And the most beautiful. In addition, it is smooth and very slippery - you can only walk on it in ordinary shoes in small steps. So skates are an ideal means of transportation around Lake Baikal over short and even long distances.

But the most popular activity on Lake Baikal in the winter is fishing! The Baikal ice fishing season begins in January, when the bays freeze over. At this time, you can catch fish, which the locals disparagingly call trash - perch, sorog, pike, dace. The colder it is, the thicker the ice, the further the fishermen go from the shore. Riding around Lake Baikal on snowmobiles and cheesecakes, individual excursions, championships in all kinds of sports - from ice golf to curling, exhibitions of ice sculptures and an eventful program in open-air museums - all this awaits you in the Irkutsk region in winter season. It is also worth mentioning the absence of large crowds of tourists, and reasonable prices in tourist places. But we should also not forget that the Irkutsk region is still Siberia, and winters in Siberia are cold...

You should not come to the Irkutsk region during the transition months of April and October. At this time, the weather remains unstable, with fairly heavy lingering precipitation and a gray, gloomy sky. Dank weather, combined with mud on the roads and generally quite low air temperatures, can ruin the mood of even the most optimistic travelers. All the beauty of these places can only be fully appreciated in good weather, and this should be taken into account when planning your trip to these unique places.

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Climate of the Republic of Buryatia

The climate of the Republic of Buryatia is sharply continental. The remoteness of the territory of Buryatia from the seas and oceans, its location in the center of the Eurasian continent and the mountain-basin relief determined a peculiar and unique climate. A unique feature of climate is sharp and frequent spatial variability: the presence of mountain ranges of different heights and orientations, the existence of intermountain depressions and intermountain valleys - all this greatly influences the local circulation of air masses, dramatically changing the main climatic indicators throughout the year and day. The climate of the republic is extremely heterogeneous, with large annual and daily fluctuations in air temperature, and an uneven distribution of precipitation across the seasons. This mountain taiga land, located in the central part of the Asian continent, is characterized by cold winters and hot summers.

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The climate is formed under the influence of three contrasting components: the dry and cold climate of the northern regions, the hot and dry climate of the Mongolian deserts and the humid Pacific climate. The average annual temperature in the Republic of Buryatia is negative and amounts to -1.6°C. And such areas as Barguzinsky, Bauntovsky Evenki, Kurumkansky, Muisky, Okinsky, Severo-Baikalsky, in terms of their climatic characteristics, are generally equated to the regions of the Far North. A distinctive feature of the climate of Buryatia is the long duration of sunshine, approximately 1900 - 2200 hours per year, which even exceeds some southern regions of Russia.

Winter in the Republic of Buryatia begins in early November. Buryat winter is cold, with dry frost and little snow. During the cold period of the year, the development of a powerful northeastern spur of the Siberian anticyclone is observed, which appears in September - October and disappears only in April - May. Therefore, winter in the Republic of Buryatia is characterized by a large number of sunny days and low air temperatures, which, however, are quite easily tolerated due to the dry air.

In winter, partly cloudy, little windy or calm weather prevails with minimal precipitation in the year. The lowest air temperatures are observed in river valleys and basins, where stagnation and intense cooling of the air occurs. Throughout the winter period, the air temperature rarely changes; thaws practically do not occur in this region. As a rule, the average air temperature in winter in Buryatia is -22 - - 23°C. The coldest winter month is January (mid-winter), with an average daily temperature of -25°C. Several times during the winter period, the weather “tightens the temperature”, and very severe frosts come to the region, with temperatures of -45 - -55°C.

Lake Baikal is a huge heat accumulator, therefore winters near the lake are always warmer and summers colder. The warming influence of Baikal reaches 40 - 50 km from its water area. The average monthly temperature in December on the coast of Baikal, before freezing, is 13 - 15 ° C higher than at points hundreds of kilometers away. Often, in November there are days when frosts of -20°C or higher occur 60-100 km from the lake, while on the shores of Lake Baikal the temperature remains no more than -8-10°C.

The enormous thickness of the water retains heat for quite a long time, however, Baikal freezes in winter. Freezing occurs gradually. First, the surface of the water is covered with a thin ice crust. Then ice banks form near the coast - narrow strips of ice that freeze when storm waves roll onto the shore. On the coastal cliffs, during storms, from the freezing spray, ice crusts and hanging down icicles-stalactites - “sokui” - grow; they remain as a natural decoration throughout the winter. In open water, the process of ice crystallization, which is initially invisible to the eye, takes place. Water cannot freeze completely, due to constant wave mixing, but small lenses and needles, several millimeters in size, form in it.

With the onset of frost, at air temperatures below - 20°C, in the first 3-4 days, ice grows by 4-5 cm per day. Shallow bays freeze at the end of October, and deep-water areas freeze in the first half of January. In the southern part, Baikal is closed for 4 - 4.5 months, in the northern part - 6 - 6.5 months. Along the northwestern coast and in the Small Sea, transparent ice free of snow forms, through which you can see the bottom in shallow water. The ice thickness ranges from 70 to 120 cm, and the more snow, the thinner the ice. Ice 50 cm thick can withstand a weight of up to 15 tons, therefore, in winter, you can freely move on the ice of Lake Baikal by car. In 1904, there was even an ice railway between the port of Baikal and the Tankhoi station.

However, moving on the ice of Lake Baikal is a risky business. The danger is created by cracks and crevices in the ice, 0.5-4 m wide, stretching for tens of kilometers. Many of these cracks do not freeze all winter, periodically narrowing or expanding. Covered with a thin crust young ice, they often represent insidious traps, very dangerous when driving on ice in cars and even on horses. In many places on the lake in the middle of winter, there is local melting of the ice from below and the formation of steam ice, which also poses a threat to travelers.

A long, frosty but sunny winter rages in these parts for almost 5 months. The February air temperature is only 2 - 3°C warmer than January; in general, the same persistent frosts remain. And only at the end of March you can feel the imminent approach of spring in the air...

Spring in the Republic of Buryatia begins in early April. The Siberian spring begins to be felt at the end of March, but the first greenery appears only at the end of April. The Buryat spring is windy, with frosts, and almost no precipitation. Barometric pressure during this period decreases, and streams of cold air from the northern regions of Siberia rush into the territory. This contributes to the return of cold weather and the appearance of prolonged and strong winds.

Spring is divided into 2 stages: the stage of under-ice warming and the stage of soil warming. The stage of subglacial warming begins in early April in lightly snow-covered areas near the western shore of Lake Baikal, and in mid-April in the snow-covered eastern coastal areas. Ice breaking begins from Cape Bolshoy Kadilny, as the ice begins to melt under the influence of rising currents of warm water from underwater sources. The ice cover becomes fragile, darkens, and in May Baikal is completely free of ice, but ice fields and individual ice floes float on Baikal until June.

The soil heating stage begins after the ice melts. All the energy of the spring sun had previously been spent on melting the snow and ice, and when finally most of the ice and snow had melted, it was time to heat the earth. In May, the most pleasant part of spring begins, the average air temperature increases every day, the sun begins to pleasantly heat the earth's surface, the trees wake up, and the grass turns green. Birds sing in the forests and many animals wake up from hibernation. Flowers are blooming, and trees are dressed in bright green young foliage. Despite the rather warm and sunny weather during the day, frosts persist in the region at night, almost until mid-June.

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Summer in the Republic of Buryatia begins in the first half of June. Summer is short, with hot days and cool nights, with heavy rainfall in July and August. The summer heat is felt only during the midday hours, and the morning and evening hours are quite cool. June is characterized by dry and sunny weather, and often even with hot winds that have developed in Mongolia. Solar activity is high starting from the first days of June, but the air masses are not yet warmed up enough. The average daily air temperature in June is +20°C.

The second half of summer is much warmer than the first and rainier; July and August account for 60-70% of the annual norm. In July, cyclonic activity gradually intensifies, as a result of which humid air masses arrive from the Pacific Ocean. July is the warmest month of the year, its average daytime temperature is +23 - +25°C, but at night the temperature drops sharply.

The warmest month near Lake Baikal is August, not July, when temperatures are more stable; for the same reason, September is much warmer, which can be considered the “velvet season”, since it is quite warm both day and night. In summer, Baikal's temperature is 7 - 10°C lower than in the rest of the region. More often the temperature difference is about 5°C. The highest daytime temperatures in the sun are recorded from the second half of July, and this time is the most favorable for swimming in the clear waters of Lake Baikal. August is also good for swimming. At this time, the water near the lake coast is still quite warm. The surface temperature in open areas of the lake reaches, on average, up to +16°C in July, and up to +18°C in the first half of August. In the bays and coastal areas, the water temperature reaches +20°C in July, and in the first half of August it reaches +22 - +24°C.

Autumn in the Republic of Buryatia begins in late August - early September. It comes unnoticed, without sudden changes in weather, and in some years it can be long and warm. The air temperature in Buryatia is often higher at this time of year than in the European regions of the country.

Despite fairly high air temperatures during the day, frosts are observed at night. In general, autumn is accompanied by sharp daily temperature fluctuations. Already in September, the first snow comes to the region, and in October, snowfalls are more the rule than the exception. But we must admit that autumn in Buryatia is not rich in precipitation.

On the coast of Lake Baikal and near it, as a rule, pleasant sunny weather remains; it is several degrees warmer here than in the rest of the region. Baikal “cools down” slowly; the water gives up its heat at this time of year. Therefore, even in October, the autumn weather here is quite comfortable.

The average annual precipitation in Buryatia is, on average, 400 mm. The distribution of precipitation throughout the year is extremely uneven. During the 5 warmest months of the year (May - September) more than 90% of the annual precipitation falls, and the remaining 7 months account for less than 10%. The rainiest months are July and August. The maximum amount of precipitation (1,000 -1,500 mm per year) occurs on the eastern coast of Lake Baikal, primarily on the Khamar-Daban ridge.

When to go to the Republic of Buryatia. Buryatia is one of the most beautiful regions of Eastern Siberia.It surprises with the amazing diversity of its nature, which harmoniously combines the endless taiga expanses, the snow-glistening peaks of the Sayan ranges, and deep rivers, with the majestic power of Lake Baikal.

It is best to go to Buryatia in the warm season, from June to September. At this time, more recreation centers are open, and it is easier to get to remote areas. It offers hiking and horseback riding, river rafting, a wonderful holiday on Lake Baikal with yachting, surfing, water skiing and more. From July the water in Baikal warms up quite well and you can swim. But it is worth remembering that Baikal water quickly cools the human body, so the maximum time for swimming is 10 minutes, otherwise there is a risk of hypothermia. Summer time is perfect for fans of eco-tourism and lovers of active recreation. Numerous tour bases, at this time of year, can offer interesting routes. Khamar-Daban and Bolshoi Sayan are majestic mountain ranges that stretch for many kilometers. In the east of the Sayan Mountains, the Tunkinsky Goltsy stretch for more than a hundred kilometers, which, due to their similarity with the Alps, were called the Tunkinsky Alps. This mountain range is essentially a place of virgin nature.

Hunting lovers will also not be disappointed. The taiga forests of Buryatia are home to a huge number of animals and game birds. Among them you can hunt brown bear, elk, Siberian roe deer, wapiti and deer, wild boar, lynx, wolf, fox, Barguzin sable, wood grouse. The tourist centers of Buryatia will offer you exciting hunting and professional huntsman support.

April is not the best time to travel around the region, as the snow cover disappears everywhere, and it can be very dirty in Buryatia, and some places in the region are simply not accessible. But this time is perhaps the best for ice fishing on Lake Baikal, so avid fishermen flock to these places, precisely in April. In the rivers and lakes of Buryatia there are omul, sturgeon, grayling, whitefish, bream, pike, catfish, perch, carp, and sorog.

May and September are a great time for travel, sightseeing and cultural treasures of Buryatia, as well as getting to know the customs and traditions of the region. At this time, the weather in Buryatia is not hot, sunny, very pleasant for excursion trips. Here you can follow the path of Genghis Khan, study the paths of the first Russian explorers, visit one of the oldest museums in Siberia - the Museum of the History of Buryatia named after. M. N. Khangalova. Fans of educational tours can visit the traditional home of the Buryats and get acquainted with their way of life, which is based on a large number of customs, beliefs and rules. In addition, September is a great time on Lake Baikal for artists and photographers. At this time, the mixed forests of the coast near Peschanaya Bay and in Chivyrkuisky Bay are especially beautiful.

The entire warm period of the year, from May to the end of September, is very suitable for treating and strengthening the body in these parts. Here, in the valley of the Zhom River, there are many healing springs that are not inferior in their healing properties to the famous mineral waters of the Carpathians and the Caucasus. People suffering from various diseases regularly improve their health in the carbonic waters of the Arshan resort, the ferruginous springs of Khongor-Uuly, the siliceous radon thermal baths of the Nile Desert, the methane thermal baths of the Pearl Mineral Springs, and the carbonic radon thermal baths of Shumak. There are also deposits of medicinal mud and silt in Buryatia - the mineral lakes Bormashovoye and Kiran. In terms of the variety and number of medical and recreational places, this region is one of the richest in Eastern Siberia.

Winter time - from November to the end of March, is also very attractive for traveling around Buryatia. Winter here is frosty and very sunny. Tourist centers of Buryatia in winter will offer you tours to the taiga regions on an all-terrain vehicle or motorized snowmobile, riding on a Russian troika, and magnificent ski slopes. But it is worth remembering that in November and December the daylight hours are very short, it begins to get light at nine o’clock and quickly gets dark after five o’clock in the evening. In January, Baikal freezes completely, and it must be said that it is the largest ice skating rink on the planet. If you like skiing, ice skating, ice skating, then come to Buryatia in the second half of winter - at this time it is never cold on the ice of Lake Baikal. But, when traveling on ice, you need to follow precautionary rules: you should not drive cars, snowmobiles and other vehicles outside of proven winter roads, and you should not develop too much speed, as you may not notice a crack in the ice.

The least suitable months for a trip to Buryatia are the transition months of the year - April and October. At this time, the weather is extremely unstable, making it difficult to plan any travel around the region. Although April itself is an ideal month for fishing, and in October there are usually warm autumn days on the coast of Lake Baikal.

Climate of the Trans-Baikal Territory

The climate of the Trans-Baikal Territory is sharply continental. The continental climate of Transbaikalia is much more pronounced than at the same latitudes of Western Siberia and the Far East, not to mention Voronezh region, at the latitude of which the middle part of the Chita region is located.

Cheap flights to Chita

The Transbaikal region occupies an inland position, but its distance from the oceans varies. The Pacific Seas - Okhotsk and Yellow - are 850 - 1,000 km away from the Transbaikal Territory. The closest of the seas of the Arctic Ocean, the Laptev Sea, is 1,700 km away from the edge. The Transbaikal region is the eastern part of the vast Central Asian world watershed of the Pacific and Arctic oceans. The upstream sources of the main water arteries of Siberia, the Far East and Central Asia - the Amur, Lena and Yenisei - originate here.

Despite the fact that most of the territory belongs to the zone of temperate latitudes, due to its location in the depths of the Asian continent, distance from oceans and seas, and significant elevation above sea level, the climate here is very harsh. In terms of the severity and dryness of winter, the territory of the region is close to Yakutia. In some areas, the annual temperature range is 94°C or more. Kalarsky, Tungiro-Olekminsky and Tungochensky districts are equated to regions of the Far North. But the combination of the severity of the climate of Transbaikalia with the bottomless blue sky, the unique landscapes of snow-capped char, mountain taiga, wide strips of forest-steppes, intermountain depressions and rolling high steppe plains, the abundance of clean mountain rivers and streams cutting through the mountain taiga, and systems of large lakes create an unusually attractive natural an environment that fascinates any person.

For the entire territory of this region, the climate is characterized by long, frosty, partly cloudy, windless winters and warm in the south, moderately warm or even cool in the north and in mountainous areas in summer. The geographical latitude and significant extent of the region, in the direction from north to south, determine the duration of sunshine. As latitude increases, it decreases noticeably. The duration of sunshine in Char, per year, is 1,873 hours, as you move south, it increases to 2,163 hours (Middle Kalar), and reaches 2,535 - 2,618 hours in the southern regions (Kyra, Borzya), which is comparable to resorts of the Black Sea coast of Russia - 2,154 hours (Sochi).

Winter in the Trans-Baikal Territory begins at the end of October in the southern regions of the region, and in mid-October in the northern regions. Winter is long and harsh, lasting almost 6 months. The winter period is characterized by little cloudiness, prolonged sunshine, and persistent frosts; there are practically no thaws. At the same time, winters in Transbaikalia are windless and have little snow. Even weak winds are rare in the first half of winter. November and December are characterized by short daylight hours and correspondingly little sunshine, making both months quite cold with low temperatures.

In January, daylight hours noticeably increase, and the number of hours of sunshine also increases. Under these conditions, the earth's surface loses a lot of heat as a result of radiation, which explains temperature inversions and the prevalence of persistent frosts. In most of Russia, January is the coldest month of the year, and Transbaikalia, in in this case, not an exception. The average daily air temperature in January is -23°C in the south of the region, and -35°C in the north of the region, and absolute minimums reach -50 - -58°C.

February and March are less frosty months, the average daily air temperature is approximately 4 - 7 °C higher than in January, but these winter months are considered the windiest, so the difference in negative temperatures between the middle of winter and the end of the winter period is practically not felt. During the entire winter period, an insignificant amount of precipitation falls, and the snow cover itself is distributed extremely unevenly. The thickness of the snow cover is not very large, even in the mountain taiga, and in some steppe basins of Eastern Transbaikalia it is only 5 - 10 cm.

Spring in the Trans-Baikal Territory begins in early April - in the south of the region, and in mid-April - in the north of the region. Spring is quite short and windy, with severe frosts at night. In spring, the usual phenomena here are storms, which include winds with a speed of 20 - 30 m/s, squalls, drifting snow, blizzards, storms, dust drifts, especially in the southeast of the region. In April, intensive snow melting begins, and windy weather will only contribute to the rapid evaporation of moisture from the soil surface. Returns of cold weather and significant precipitation in the form of snow, sleet and rain are often observed. However, there is little precipitation in the spring, and therefore droughts are observed in the steppe regions.

At the end of April - beginning of May, the opening of the rivers is observed. At the beginning of May, ice drift begins and at this time floods on the rivers can be expected. But floods due to the combined melting of snow and ice are atypical for Transbaikalia. If rivers flood in spring, it is due to ice jams. By mid-May, as a rule, most watercourses are cleared of ice. At this time, the first swifts arrive in Transbaikalia, and we can already talk about the fast approach of summer...

Cheap hotels in Chita

Summer in the Trans-Baikal Territory begins in early June - in the south of the region, and in mid-June - in the server of the region. Summer is short, lasting only 2.5 - 3 months. The Transbaikal summer is hot, average daytime air temperatures are +23 - +25°C, and at times the heat reaches +35 - +40°C, which contributes to the occurrence of almost annually recurring massive forest and steppe fires. The first part of summer (June) is very dry, with almost no precipitation. The second part of summer (July and August) is hotter and humid. At this time, up to 70% of annual precipitation falls.

The hottest month of the year is July, its average daily air temperature is +15°C in the north of the region, and +24°C in the south of the region. The absolute maximum is +42°С – recorded in the village of Novo-Tsurukhaituy, Priargunsky district. In mountainous areas, at an altitude of 1,500 - 2,000 m, the average daily temperatures in July are +10 - +14°C, and frosts occur even in July and August. Summer northwest cyclones cause lower temperatures, cloudy, cloudy and rainy weather, with insignificant precipitation, while southern and southwestern cyclones cause the same weather conditions as the northwestern ones, but with more precipitation and significant temperature changes.

Autumn in the Trans-Baikal Territory begins in early September in the south of the region, and in mid-August in the north of the region. As a rule, the Transbaikal autumn is short, moderately humid, with, often, early frosts at night, sometimes with returns of warm, dry and windy weather during the daytime. September is a rather pleasant month; nature paints the taiga forests with indescribable colors. In the southern regions of the region, this is a warm, sunny, calm month, and in the northern regions, at this time, quite late autumn is raging with might and main, with snowfalls and inclement weather.

In the first ten days of October, sludge and sludge form on the rivers of the Lena basin (the Chikoy and Vitim rivers), in the second - already on most rivers in the region. In October, high atmospheric pressure sets in Transbaikalia. At the end of October - beginning of November, the rivers are covered with ice. The duration of freeze-up, on average, is from 160 (Onon River) to 212 (Chara River) days.

Most rivers freeze to the bottom in winter. At the same time, there may be no flow for up to 100 days a year or more. In the northern part of the Trans-Baikal Territory, the winter period sets in from October, stable winter cover falls, and negative air temperatures dominate in the air. The average October temperature here is already -10 - -12°C, reaching -20°C by November.

Most of the territory of the Trans-Baikal Territory belongs to the zone of insufficient moisture. The distribution of precipitation is uneven: up to 60-70% of it falls in the summer-autumn period. In the steppe regions of Transbaikalia, 200 - 300 mm of precipitation falls, in the mountain-taiga zone - about 450 - 600 mm. The predominant source of moisture is liquid precipitation in the form of rain. Rain power accounts for more than 50%.

When to go to Trans-Baikal Territory. Transbaikalia is wonderful! Here, 64 unique natural monuments are presented to the attention of tourists, such as glaciers of the Kodar ridge, extinct volcanoes, thermal springs, Lake Arey and others. The center of attraction for tourism in the Trans-Baikal Territory is Mount Alkhanay, with a complex of Buddhist monuments and healing springs-arshans, consecrated by the Dalai Lama.

The best time to travel to this unique region is the warm summer months, from June to September. At this time, you can relax near rivers and lakes, engage in water sports, and visit interesting places. Fans of ecotourism will be delighted by the two most famous nature reserves in the region - Daursky and Sokhondinsky. The Daursky Nature Reserve is home to rare animals - manul, gazelle, Daurian hedgehog, as well as herds of Mongolian kulans and Przewalski's horses. The Sokhondinsky Nature Reserve is no less populated - musk deer and elk, weasel and sable, white partridge and mountain pipist feel at ease here.

The summer months also attract fishermen to this region. The region is rich in water resources, vast rivers and small clear lakes. Here you can catch ide, grayling, and lenok. Lake Nichatka is especially rich in fish; perch, taimen, davatchan, goby, burbot and others, including salmon species, are found here. The Fish Lake is another name for Nichatka; it is an obligatory and rich catch of fish.

The warm season - from May to early October - is favorable for health tourism. The resorts of the Trans-Baikal Territory are a real find for everyone who wants to improve their health in conditions created by nature itself. On the territory of the Trans-Baikal Territory, almost all the main types of mineral cold carbon dioxide and thermal nitrogen waters of Russia are found and there are about 300 sources.

May and September are the most suitable time to travel to the cities of the region and explore local attractions, of which there are many in the region. In Chita alone, it will be interesting to admire the Shumovsky Palace, the Kazan Cathedral, the Chita Datsan, and the Decembrist Church Museum.

Winter time from November to the end of March is suitable for lovers of winter sports and outdoor activities. Cross-country and alpine skiing, snowboarding, skating, sledding, and hockey will bring a lot of pleasant impressions. And the contemplation of the winter taiga forest and the white snow caps of the mountains sparkling in the sun, the incomparable, clean Siberian air will have a beneficial effect on the body and calm nervous system. But it is worth remembering that the Siberian winter is very cold. You need to dress as warmly as possible. You should not overcool the body; your lower back, legs, respiratory organs and ears should be warm.

The most unsuitable months for travel are the transition months - April and October. Strong gusty winds, unstable weather and large fluctuations in air temperatures will cause a lot of discomfort. Heavy snowmelt leads to impassability, and it will simply be impossible to drive to many places in Transbaikalia. If you want to visit the mountains, then you can safely add September to these two months; in the mountains this is a very stormy, cold autumn month.