The characteristics of the Ob River, given in many books and reference books, allow us to state that the source of the watercourse is the confluence of Katun and Biya, which is located in Altai. Although some hydrologists, based on other data, argue that the water flow begins elsewhere. Its length is 3650 km. If we also take into account the Irtysh (the main tributary of the Ob), then together they are the longest river of the Russian Federation and almost the largest watercourse in Asia (second place). Their length is 5410 km. The mouth is the Kara Sea, at the confluence with which a long bay of 800 km is formed, called the "Gulf of Ob".
a brief description of
The Ob has a pair of bends of the largest sizes that form when crossing the Altai Territory. The river is rich in tributaries. They have a winding channel, sandy reaches and fairly wide valleys. Due to the calm flow of both tributaries and the stream itself, the significance of this reservoir for the state reaches its maximum.
In order to increase the economic use of the Ob River, a dam was built, due to which the flow regime was completely violated.
Food
The Ob River is fed by melting snow. High water in the upper and middle parts of the watercourse begins in April, in the lower - in May. Due to freezing, the water level in the stream increases. After opening it reaches a critical point and the river overflows its banks. However, this does not last long.
In the summer, the low water often begins. In the upper reaches in July the flood ends, in September - the flood. In the remaining parts of the river, due to heavy rains, a high water level can hold out until ice formation begins.
Geography
At the very beginning of the watercourse, the course of the Ob River is constantly changing: the stream either flows north, or turns south. Due to the fact that it has different power, the nature of the network and the formation of the regime, there is a division into three zones: upper, lower and middle.
In order to correctly determine the flow path, a map of the Ob River is needed. It flows through the Altai Territory, and also its channel runs in the Novosibirsk and Tomsk regions. It captures the Khanty-Mansiysk District, which flows through several cities. Then begins the delta of the watercourse, which is located in the Yamal-Nenets district. Washing the surrounding settlements, the stream expands and flows into the Kara Sea.
The characteristic of the Ob River suggests that in fact it is part of Katun, namely its continuation. This river is the main artery of the Altai Territory. Shipping in some areas.
Economic use of the Ob River
In 1961, the dam of the Novosibirsk station was erected on the watercourse. Thanks to it, a reservoir was formed (popularly called the Ob Sea), which is now used for the needs of the population. During the construction of the dam, the villages and part of Berdsk, a nearby town, were flooded. Now tourists and locals are resting on the created sea; numerous sanatoriums and recreation centers were built on its shores.
In the XIX century, the Ob-Yenisei Canal was formed, which according to the plan was to unite the Yenisei and Ob. However, at the moment it is of no importance and is completely abandoned.
Ob and its bay The Gulf of Ob is rich in fish: 50 species live here. Due to the fact that the water stream has a high concentration of hazardous substances and low oxygen, some representatives of marine animals die. In addition, due to the harmful use of the river by humans, fish reproduction has decreased markedly. However, this water stream still remains one of the best places for fishing.
The economic use of the Ob River determines its position. Due to the fact that it washes a significant part of the Russian Federation, water is used in many areas.
Interesting Facts
On a water stream not so long ago, in 2008, a tornado occurred. Since then, an atmospheric whirlwind has constantly occurred in the river area.
In one of the cities, which lies on the banks of the Ob, a unique Mastodont barn was built in 1930. Its peculiarity lies in the construction method: during the construction, nails were not used at all. However, they have not been able to save this building to date, it burned down in the early 90s.
The economic use of the Ob River increased after the construction of the metro bridge. This is a special covered bridge that combines several ports. Its length reaches 2000 m, which is why it is the longest in the world. In winter, due to weather conditions, namely, strong temperature fluctuations, the metro bridge slightly decreases in size, in summer it increases. In order for this to happen in normal mode, the supports are equipped with rollers that allow the structure to swing.
The bottom of the watercourse is sandy over almost the entire area. Only sometimes you can stumble on rifts and stranded. A similar feature is characteristic of the Ob section between Barnaul and Biysk. At the time of high water, the water reaches a high mark and the right bank lends itself to flooding. The second period, in which there is a large-scale rise in water levels, falls in June, when glaciers and snow melt on the mountains. Ice drift begins in November, and by the beginning of spring, ice reaches 130 cm in thickness.