Vasyugan marshes are the largest in the world. They are located in the center of the Siberian Federal District , somewhere in the area between the Irtysh and Ob rivers. Most of this natural zone is located in the Tomsk region, while capturing part of the Omsk and Novosibirsk regions, as well as the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug. Vasyugan swamp impresses with its size. The area of this natural zone is approximately 55 thousand square kilometers. This figure exceeds the size of many countries, such as Estonia, Denmark and Switzerland. The length of the swamp is 320 from north to south and 570 kilometers from west to east.
How the swamp appeared
According to scientists, waterlogging of the area began about 10 thousand years ago. But the growth of the swamp does not stop now. Over the past 500 years, the natural zone has increased by about 4 times. There is a legend where the ancient Vasyugan sea-lake is mentioned. However, studies have shown that this natural zone was not formed as a result of waterlogging of water bodies. In this case, everything happened for another reason. A unique natural zone was formed as a result of the onset of swamps on land. This happened under the influence of favorable orographic conditions, as well as a humid climate.
Initially, there were 19 sites on the site of the swamp. Their area was approximately 45 thousand square kilometers. However, the quagmire gradually absorbed the surrounding lands. This can be compared to the offensive in the desert of sand. It is worth noting that the Vasyugan swamp is a classic example of “aggressive” and active swamp formation.
Marsh climate
Vasyugan marshes, photos of which indicate their enormous size, have a unique flora and fauna. The climate in this natural zone is humid and continental. In January, the average temperature is about 20 ° C below zero, and in July - 17 ° C above zero. Snow cover lasts about 175 days a year, and its height is from 40 to 80 centimeters. Due to this climate, the Great Vasyugan swamp is a unique reserve, where many endangered species of birds and animals live.
Animal and plant world
Among the plants of the Vasyugan swamp, various medicinal herbs, as well as some types of berries, including blueberries, cloudberries, cranberries and others, are of particular value. It is worth noting that this natural area is home to a variety of birds, fish, animals and insects. Sandpipers and some species of waterfowl stay here to relax during the migration period.
Curlews, godworms and birds of prey, including peregrine falcons, fly their nests in the swamp. Many of the varieties are considered rare. It was in this area for the last time they saw a thin-billed curlew. This species is almost extinct. In those places where swamps border forests and rivers, you can see grouse, grouse, otters, sables, minks and moose.
Until around the mid-80s, reindeer could be found on the Vasyugan Plain. At the moment, the population of these amazing animals has almost disappeared. In the tributaries of the rivers that originate in the marshes, there are approximately 20 species of fish. Verkhovka, common carp, pike perch and bream are found in local reservoirs.
Vasyugan bogs, the fishing and hunting of which is prohibited, are the habitat of such rare and vulnerable species of fish as ruff, lamprey, peled, nelma.
The benefits of Vasyugan swamp
At the moment, Vasyugan swamp is a source of fresh water. The stock is about 400 cubic kilometers. In addition, the area is rich in peat. Studies show that well-known deposits contain a little more than 1 billion tons of useful rock. This is approximately 2% of global reserves. The average depth of peat is 2.4 meters, and the maximum is 10 meters.
Do not forget that the main function of the swamps is to purify the atmosphere. For this reason, they are also called the "natural filter." It is worth noting that the peat Vasyugan swamp absorbs toxic substances, binds carbon, saturates the air with oxygen and prevents the formation of the greenhouse effect.
Ecology of the natural zone
In the area of the Vasyugan swamp there are completely no settlements. However, as a result of the development of civilization, several factors influence the natural zone. Peat extraction greatly violates the natural landscape of the plain. In addition, there is a problem associated with deforestation, drainage of swamps, as well as poaching. All this negatively affects the ecology of the Vasyugan plain. Which leads to the destruction of some rare species of animals, insects and birds.
Various heavy equipment, peat extraction, oil spills cause severe damage to the ecosystem. Wastewater of many enterprises often gets into rivers. Many problems also arise due to the second stages of missiles that were launched from Baikonur. Once in the swamp, they pollute it with the remains of heptyl, a highly toxic fuel.