The structure of the high-altitude zone of the Caucasus is the most complete in comparison with other mountains of the Russian Federation. According to UNESCO World Heritage experts, the region is characterized by a remarkable diversity of geology, ecosystems and species, contains vast tracts of undisturbed mountain forests, unique on a European scale. Consider the example of this magnificent mountain system, on which a set of high-altitude zones depends. We will find out how the population uses the natural conditions and resources of each of the vertical zones.
Altitude zones in the mountains
Vertical zoning - or altitudinal zonation - is a geographical pattern that manifests itself in a change of plant communities from foothills to peaks. It differs from the latitudinal alternation of natural zones on the plains, which is caused by a decrease in the amount of solar radiation from the equator to the poles. A complete set of altitudinal zones is presented in the high mountains, which are located in the equatorial and tropical zones. We list all the possible vertical natural zones (from the foot to the top):
- Moist equatorial forests (up to a height of 1200 m).
- Mountain forests.
- Alpine forests (up to 3000 m).
- Low-growing, twisted trees, shrubs (up to 3800 m).
- Alpine meadows (up to 4500 m).
- Rocky wastelands, bare rocks.
- Snow, mountain glaciers.
What determines the set of high-altitude belts?
The existence of high-altitude zones is explained by a decrease in temperature, pressure and humidity with increasing height. Air ascent by 1 km is cooled by an average of 6 ° C. For every 12 m of altitude, there is a decrease in atmospheric pressure by 1 mmHg.
In the mountains, which are at different distances from the equator, the vertical zoning is significantly different. At the same geographical latitude, sometimes different natural complexes arise.
We list on what the set of high-altitude zones depends, what conditions influence their formation:
- The geographical location of the mountains. The closer to the equator, the more vertical zones.
- Low mountains are usually occupied by the natural community that dominates the adjacent plain.
- The height of the mountains. The higher they are, the richer the set of belts. The farther from the warm latitudes and the lower the mountains, the fewer zones (in the Northern Urals there are only 1-2).
- The proximity of the seas and oceans, over which warm and humid air is formed.
- The influence of dry cold or warm air masses coming from the continent.
Vertical change of natural zones in the mountains of the Western Caucasus
There are high-altitude belts of the Caucasus related to two types of vertical zoning: continental and coastal (coastal). The second is presented in the mountains of the Western Caucasus, which are influenced by the Atlantic, moist sea air.
We list the main altitudinal zones from the foothills to the peaks:
1. Meadow steppes interrupted by curtains of oak, hornbeam, ash (up to 100 m).
2. Forest belt.
- Broad-leaved mountain forests (up to a height of 600 m). Occasionally, conifers (spruce, Caucasian fir) are found in this belt. Some areas resemble humid subtropics with an evergreen undergrowth, in which creepers, boxwood, yew, and laurel grow.
- Belt of mixed forests (above 1200 m).
- Dark coniferous forest vegetation.
3. Subalpine crooked forests and tall grass meadows (at an altitude of 2000 m).
4. Low-grass alpine meadows, rich in bells, cereal and umbrella plants.
5. The nival zone (at an altitude of 2800–3200 m).
The Latin word nivalis in translation means "cold." In this belt, in addition to bare rocks, snow and glaciers, there are alpine plants: buttercups, primroses, plantain and others.
Altitudinal zonation of the Eastern Caucasus
In the east, there are slightly different altitudinal belts of the Caucasus, which are often called the continental, or Dagestan type of vertical zoning. In the foothills, semi-deserts are common, which are replaced by dry steppes with a predominance of cereals and wormwood. Above are thickets of xerophytic shrubs, rare forest vegetation. The next highland natural zone is represented by mountain steppe, cereal meadows. On the slopes receiving part of the Atlantic humid air, forests of broad-leaved species (oak, hornbeam, and beech) are found. In the East Caucasus, the forest belt is replaced by subalpine and alpine meadows with xerophytic plants prevailing at an altitude of about 2800 m (in the Alps, the border of this belt is at an altitude of 2200 m). The nival zone extends at an altitude of 3600-4000 m.
Comparison of the altitudinal zonality of the Eastern and Western Caucasus
The number of altitudinal zones of the East Caucasus is less than that of the West, due to the influence of air masses, topography, and other factors on the formation of natural zones in the mountains. For example, the warm and humid Atlantic air almost does not penetrate to the east, it is delayed by the main ridge. At the same time, cold temperate air does not penetrate into the western part of the Caucasus.
The main differences in the structure of high-altitude zones of the Eastern Caucasus from the Western:
- the presence of semi-deserts in the foothills;
- lower belt of dry steppes;
- narrow forest zone;
- thickets of xerophytic shrubs at the lower border of the forest belt;
- lack of coniferous forest belt
- steppes in the middle and high parts of the mountains;
- expansion of the mountain meadow belt;
- higher location of snows and glaciers.
- forest vegetation only in the valleys;
- almost no dark coniferous tree species are found.
Economic activities of the population
The composition of the natural zones of the Caucasus is due to a change in climatic parameters within the mountain system from the foot to the peaks, as well as from west to east. Having found out what the set of altitudinal zones depends on, it should be noted that the region has a high population density, especially on the Black Sea coast. The fertile plains of the Ciscaucasia are almost completely plowed up and occupied by crops of grain, industrial and melon crops, orchards, and vineyards. Subtropical agriculture is developed, including the cultivation of tea, citrus fruits, peaches and walnuts. Mountain rivers have a large supply of hydropower, are used for irrigation of low-water areas. Steppes, semi-deserts and meadows serve as pastures. In the mountain-forest zone, timber is harvested.
All altitude zones in the mountains of the Caucasus have wide opportunities for tourism. The system of medium and high mountain ranges covered with forest, glaciers and snow attracts fans of skiing and snowboarding. Routes involve overcoming rocks, snowy slopes, mountain rivers. Clean air of mixed forests, picturesque landscapes, sea coast are the main recreational resources of the Caucasus.