The height of Elbrus. European giant

The height of Elbrus is such that this mountain is the largest not only in Russia, but also in Europe. It is considered an ornament of the Caucasian mountain system and all European part of the planet. Elbrus plays a huge role in shaping the climatic and geographic features of the region. In ancient tales, this mountain was considered the residence of the gods. Elbrus is a sleeping volcano, studied by scientists around the world.

This mountain is located on the border of two regions - Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria. It is unique in its structure. Such a beauty in the world can no longer be found. Elbrus has two peaks. The height of Elbrus, more precisely, its eastern peak, is 5621 meters. But this is not the highest point. A little higher is the second peak, which has Mount Elbrus. Its height is 5642 meters.

Elbrus is a stratovolcano. Its layers were formed as a result of eruptions from ash, lava and tuff. This mountain showed the greatest activity for a long time, about 200 thousand years ago. Gradually eruptions began to occur less often. The last of them happened about 2500 years ago. Now Elbrus is considered "asleep". However, the long history of this mountain and all the changes that occurred in its relief made it unique. It has a classical form that no volcano has. Cone-shaped peaks with ideal craters were not destroyed and eroded. Complementing this magnificent picture is a beautiful cap of snow and ice, falling from its peaks. It does not melt even in the summer. Therefore, it is called Malaya Antarctica.

The volcano lives its life to this day. In its bowels there are hot masses. They affect many factors of the environment. Elbrus feeds and heals numerous sources that are curative. This water contains mineral salts. They are saturated with carbon dioxide. In places where there are cracks, the smell of sulfur gases is felt .

Many sources, famous in different regions, originate in the bowels of the mountain. The high altitude of Elbrus allows us to subdivide this mountain into several climatic zones. The upper one always lies in the ice. The temperature here does not rise above zero. Next is the belt of eternal ice, the so-called firn pool. Here, glaciers form. In total there are 13 large glaciers and about 70 smaller ones. It is from here that the largest rivers of this region originate.

The height of Mount Elbrus, its conquest is the cherished dream of every mountaineer. From the top there is a magnificent view of the whole mountain range. Elbrus himself can be seen in clear weather even from the most remote areas of the region.

The territory adjacent to this giant is unique in composition of the flora and fauna. In addition, it has become a major tourist area, where all conditions for active recreation are provided. This is one of the main centers of mountaineering. The height of Elbrus was conquered by many athletes. Here is located one of the largest geophysical laboratories, allowing you to make important scientific discoveries.