Completed by: Kristina Zabolotnaya and Yana Kolesnikova
Caucasian Mineral Waters is one of the most densely populated areas of the North Caucasus. The average population density is more than 150 people per 1 km 2.
The Caucasian Mineral Waters includes 7 cities:
Kislovodsk
Essentuki
Pyatigorsk
Zheleznovodsk
Lermontov
Mineral water
Georgievsk.
And also 3 districts - Predgorny, Mineralovodsky and Georgievsky.
Caucasian Mineral Waters more than 500 thousand hectares (5.3 thousand sq. km), located on the territory of three constituent entities of the Russian Federation within the boundaries of the mountain sanitary protection district:
in the Stavropol Territory - the cities and resort towns of Georgievsk, Mineralnye Vody, Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk, Lermontov, Essentuki, Kislovodsk.
The region is located in the south of the European part of Russia, almost at the same distance from the Black and Caspian Seas, at the junction of the Mineralovodskaya inclined plain and the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus.
in Kabardino-Balkaria - Zolsky district, - 9% (therapeutic mud of Lake Tambukan, Narzanov Valley and others);
in Karachay-Cherkessia - Malokarachaevsky and Prikubansky districts, - 33% of the territory (zone of formation of mineral springs).
The region is located in the south of the European part of Russia, almost at the same distance from the Black and Caspian Seas, at the junction of the Mineralovodskaya inclined plain and the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus.
Story.
KMS is one of the oldest resort regions in Russia. The first written information about its mineral springs is found in the physician G. Schober (1717), who was sent by Peter I to examine the mineral springs treasure troves North Caucasus. The first detailed descriptions of them were made by I. A. Gyldenstedt (1773), and then by P. S. Pallas (1793). After the study of the hot spring in Pyatigorsk (1801) and the conclusion of a special commission on the possibility of using mineral waters for medicinal purposes (1802), the decree of Alexander I of April 24, 1803 approved the regulations on the Caucasian Mineral Waters, when the historical Rescript “On recognition of the national significance of the Caucasian Mineral Waters” was signed and the need for their construction,” and their official existence as a resort area began.
The history of the development of this unique resort region of the Russian Federation was characterized by ups and downs, with a transition from public administration to private contractors. Long distances from the central cities of the Russian Empire, when those wishing to receive treatment at Hot, Iron and Sour Waters were forced to make a real journey on horse-drawn carriages lasting one and a half to two months, military operations in the Caucasus, the lack of infrastructure for the springs and resorts themselves - all this created certain difficulties in development of the Caucasian Mineral Waters.
Relief
The relief of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region begins at the foot of Elbrus, where the Rocky Range with a number of peaks clearly stands out. The dissected relief, which creates a wide variety of landscapes, is explained by the long development and complex geological structure of the territory. The northern part of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region is open, it is enlivened by laccolith mountains - failed volcanoes: magma could not penetrate the thickness of sedimentary rocks and froze in the form of domes. The southern part of the area is cut by deep gorges and ravines. All local mountains are laccoliths, that is, stone pits. About 10 million years ago, mountain formation began in this area. Magma rose through narrow cracks in the earth's crust, making its way up, raising layers of the earth and in some places bursting to the surface. On other mountains, lava masses were exposed due to the process of weathering and erosion. The temperature was not enough for powerful eruptions. But the set of chemical elements and minerals that filled these stone pits turned out to be unique and determined the amazing variety of mineral waters of future resort cities.
Caucasian Mineral Waters- or, as they are called otherwise - simply KMS - a special region of ecological-resort nature, located in the south of the European part of the Russian Federation. KMS are located on the territory of three different constituent entities of the Russian Federation - Stavropol Territory, Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. For many years, Caucasian Mineral Waters has been known as the center of large balneological resorts, where a large number of vacationers come annually in order to improve their health and undergo general preventative measures for the body. The main effect during treatment is provided by local mineral water.
Caucasian Mineral Waters, as a resort, dates back to the 18th century. Then, by personal order of Peter I, an expedition was sent here with the aim of finding healing springs, which were discovered here in various places. Indeed, mineral water was present here in large quantities. Subsequently, these sources were developed and settlements grew around them, where people moved for permanent residence. Later, in the 19th century, people came here for treatment. However, the formation of the KMS as a resort of national importance did not begin immediately, due to well-known historical vicissitudes.
First of all, the poorly developed transport network had its effect. If in the same 19th century it was much easier for those wishing to be cured on the waters to get to Baden-Baden or another European resort, then the railway tracks towards the CMV simply did not exist. People had to travel here on horses, in carriages and other similar means, which is why the journey to the resort often took up to two months. Of course, this was not convenient for everyone. The poor infrastructure also made itself felt - for example, in former times there were no hotels or even any inns here, and vacationers had to live in nomadic Kalmyk tents. Of course, representatives of the aristocracy were more familiar and comfortable with Europe than with Caucasian Mineral Waters.
The military actions that took place at different times in these places and near them also made themselves felt. Thus, the Caucasian War in the Russian Empire did not give the advantages of the Caucasian Mineral Waters as a resort but, on the contrary, pushed many away from the idea of settling in this region. And at first, the main clients of local healing springs remained the military and those few enthusiasts who were not afraid of the difficulties mentioned above.
And yet, many far-sighted figures of the Russian Empire even then realized the promise of these places. Wanting, in contrast to the same Baden, to create a balneological resort in their own homeland, a number of philanthropists, scientists and other very different people put a lot of effort and time into equipping the cities of the region and making them attractive and convenient for people. So, over time, full-fledged resorts appeared in Kislovodsk, Georgievs, Essentuki and other parts of the CMV region. Since then and up to the present time, Caucasian Mineral Waters has remained a popular resort, where the flow of visitors does not weaken.
Almost every major city in the region, including those already mentioned above, has its own healing springs. Today they are cultivated, placed in pavilions and galleries, and mineral water flows through pipes, from where anyone can get it from special taps. In addition, therapeutic mud and mineral water are widely used in local sanatoriums. Diseases of the liver, kidneys, and other organs of the human body are treated here and, as practice shows, the procedures are usually quite effective.
LifeGid Another interesting place in the Caucasus: Mount Elbrus
From a recreation point of view, Caucasian Mineralnye Vody is an extremely interesting region. If we take the cities of the Stavropol Territory that belong to the Caucasian Mineral Waters, there are many remarkable places here. First of all, this area is directly related to the life and work of the famous Russian writer and poet Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov, who once served in the Caucasus with the rank of lieutenant. Here - on the slopes of Mashuk near Pyatigorsk - the same duel with a fatal outcome took place, in which the poet was killed. Excursions to Lermontov’s places are an indispensable part of visiting the Kavminvod, and in almost every sanatorium you will be offered an exciting trip in which you can learn many interesting facts from the life of the poet.
In addition, there are many natural attractions around. For example, Honey Falls is a waterfall that once existed in reality, in the upper part of which there was a huge nest of wild bees. The bees produced honey, which sometimes fell out of the hives and flowed down with the water, which is how the waterfalls got their name. Today there are no bees in the same place - during the extremely cold winter of 1941, they died out, and the waterfall was subsequently dehydrated, but human memory preserves this fact associated with the waterfall.
Ring Mountain is another amazing place where excursions often go. At its top there really is a huge stone ring - over hundreds of years the winds have gouged out the rock, and a hole has formed in it, which then expanded. Taking a full-length photograph against the background of this ring is the task of every tourist.
The Caucasian Mineral Waters region is full of various historical events. The peoples of the Caucasus, Russian settlers, Terek and Kuban Cossacks lived here. The mixture of different cultures gave rise to a largely unique way of life for the population of the Kavminvod region. Relax here calmly, leisurely, measuredly. In large cities, there is always a central park where you can feed live squirrels by hand; small cafes and restaurants serving local cuisine will offer you to try khichyn, khachapuri, several different types of kebabs and excellent homemade wine.
However, the main purpose for which vacationers come to Caucasian Mineralnye Vody is not idle entertainment, but procedures. The natural wealth of the KMS, their healing mineral water and healing mud have brought more than one patient back to their feet over the years of the resort’s existence, and continues to do so today. Arriving at any of the Kavminvod sanatoriums, you can count on effective and useful treatment, prevention of the body and excellent health in the future.
As some of the most worthy and great Russian writers and poets would say: “Whoever did not breathe the Caucasian mountain air did not live...”.
In this article we will talk about Caucasian Mineral Waters. What is good about this resort in the Caucasus and what is unique about Min. waters
The Caucasus is not just mountains, gorgeous nature, springs, springs, eagles over the gorges, vipers on mountain roads between the placers of rhododendrons, the Caucasus is a special spirit, a special culture, this cannot be found anywhere else, harsh, wild, proud, very beautiful, in some places a virgin region.
Caucasian Mineral Waters is a group of resorts of federal significance in the Stavropol Territory, a specially protected ecological resort region of the Russian Federation.
South of the European part of Russia. The resort includes cities and territories:
“The Caucasian Mineral Waters agglomeration region, with an area of more than 500 thousand hectares (5.3 thousand sq. km), is located on the territory of three constituent entities of the Russian Federation within the boundaries of the mountain sanitary protection district:
in the Stavropol Territory - the cities and resort towns of Georgievsk, Mineralnye Vody (including the resort of Kumagorsk and the resort area of Naguta), Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk, Lermontov, Essentuki, Kislovodsk, as well as the actual districts of Georgievsky, Mineralovodsky and Predgorny, - 58% of the total area of the region;
in Kabardino-Balkaria - Zolsky district, - 9% (therapeutic mud of Lake Tambukan, Narzanov Valley and others);
in Karachay-Cherkessia - Malokarachaevsky and Prikubansky districts, - 33% of the territory (zone of formation of mineral springs)."
The location of the resort is, to put it mildly, gorgeous:
“The Caucasian Mineral Waters region occupies the southern part of the Stavropol Territory and is located on the northern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range, just a couple of tens of kilometers from Elbrus. The earth seems different here, the sky seems different to others.
From afar, motionless white clouds are visible, which, when approaching, turn out to be the snowy peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. The southern borders of the region are the foothills of Elbrus, the valley of the Khasaut and Malki rivers; in the west - the upper reaches of the Eshkakona and Podkumka rivers; The northern border of the region is the city of Mineralnye Vody, beyond which the steppe expanses of Ciscaucasia begin.”
Very close to the Stavropol Territory are the famous resorts of the Krasnodar Territory and Sochi:
“In the west and southwest, the Stavropol Territory borders on the Krasnodar Territory, in the northwest on the Rostov Region, in the north and northeast on Kalmykia, on the east on Dagestan, on the southeast on the Chechen Republic, on the south on North Ossetia. Alania, Karachay-Cherkess and Kabardino-Balkarian republics."
About the Caucasian Mineral Waters resorts in the video:
There are many sources of mineral waters in the Caucasian Mineral Waters, because the difficult region is named just that. The name of the main city, Essentuki, appears on bottles of medicinal water, known to everyone for a couple of decades.
And the water actually has medicinal properties, unlike the products that store shelves are filled with.
In addition, there are many springs, waterfalls, salt and mud springs in the region.
The resort has existed since the beginning of the 18th century; more precisely, the first mentions of it date back to this time. All efforts were directed towards developing the region, so in the 20th century the resort became the largest in Russia, and the most healing.
The most famous cities and resorts of Caucasian Mineral Waters:
Kumagorsk
Nagutsk
Zheleznovodsk
Pyatigorsk
Essentuki
Kislovodsk
Kislovodsk the highest mountain resort, it is located at an altitude of 817-1063 m above sea level, the lowest mountain point of Kislovodsk is 750 m above sea level, and the highest is 1409 m (on the Big Saddle in Kislovodsk Park).
“Kislovodsk is located in the south of the Stavropol Territory, practically on the border with Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, 65 km from Mount Elbrus.
The city is located in a small and cozy picturesque valley, surrounded by the slopes of the Main Caucasus Range and formed by the gorges of two merging rivers - Olkhovka and Berezovka, flowing into the Podkumok River. The length of the valley from southeast to northwest is about 7 km.”
The weather is almost always good here:“The climate of the KavMinVod region has long been highly valued by balneologists and has been successfully used as a healing factor. The main advantages of the local climate are associated with the large number of sunny days - in Kislovodsk only 37-40 days a year are without sun.
It is relatively dry here; moist air masses from the Black Sea do not reach here - they are delayed by the Main Caucasus Ridge.”
« In terms of the number of sunny days, Kislovodsk is not inferior to the best resorts in the world. On average, per year the number of clear days in Kislovodsk is about 150, while in Pyatigorsk - 98, in Zheleznovodsk - 112, and in Essentuki - 117. The number of cloudy days is also small - on average 61 days per year.
The air in Kislovodsk is always clean, mostly dry and invigorating. Kislovodsk stands out among other KavMinVod resorts for its generally quiet weather, without strong winds, and low humidity in winter, which fluctuates during the day from 56 to 70%, which has a beneficial effect on the well-being of resort guests.”
In January it was 18 degrees Celsius, sub-zero temperatures reached 20 degrees, but much more often the temperature at this time of year here is around zero or “slight minus”. The hottest months are July, August; the temperature, depending on the location near or far from mountains and snowy gorges, ranges from 4-5 degrees Celsius to 37 degrees Celsius.
All resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters are primarily therapeutic, but Kislovodsk, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk - especially. After Sochi, Kislovodsk is the second city in terms of the number of health resorts and sanatoriums.
A third of all medical and preventive institutions in the region are located here. In Kislovodsk there is a source of the famous acidic mineral water - Narzan.
Built on the site of a former fortress, the city is now replete with green spaces and orchards; in terms of population, it is a very small town: 130 thousand people.
Most health resorts in Kislovodsk have a medical profile for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, nervous diseases and respiratory diseases.
In addition to health resorts, mineral springs and other beauties of the city, one of the most striking attractions is the Resort Park, its area is 948 hectares, which is comparable to the huge city parks of Europe and the world.
“The park is located on both sides of the Olkhovka River and contains over 250 species of trees and shrubs, including cedar, fir, birch, pine, spruce, black walnut, Chinese paulownia, cork tree, etc. In the alpine part of the park, more than 800 species of herbaceous plants.
The park contains nurseries for ornamental plants and greenhouses. Over 80 varieties of abundantly blooming roses are planted on the “Rose Square” and in the “Valley of Roses”. Squirrels, trustingly taking food from people’s hands, and various species of birds have acclimatized in the park.
A natural monument is the Red Stones, which appear in several places in the park and are sandstones with a red-brown color and various forms of weathering.”
The park has a route for therapeutic walking - a health path. And in Kislovodsk itself there are several dozen large and popular sanatoriums.
Despite the fact that resorts and cities are located close to each other, the atmosphere in them can be completely different. So, in Zheleznovodsk there is a different air, a slightly different climate - compared to other resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters.
"Zheleznovodsk - the most dynamically developing resort of Kavminvod. In 2003, it was awarded the title “Best City in Russia” among small cities.
The climate here is mountain-forest, similar to the climate of the Middle Alps. Long-term meteorological observations made it possible to classify it as mountain-forest, mid-mountain alpine, moderately dry.
The air is saturated with oxygen and forest phytoncides. Moderately hot summers with cool nights, a large number of sunny days with weak refreshing winds, winters are not cold.”
The population of Zheleznovodsk is only about 25 thousand people, but despite the small number of inhabitants, the city is truly a pearl not only among the resorts of the Stavropol Territory, but throughout Russia.
Yes, there are few residents, but many times more guests: for example, the health resorts (about two dozen sanatoriums) of Zheleznovodsk can accommodate up to 80 thousand tourists. The main areas of treatment are diseases of the digestive system, kidneys, and metabolic disorders.
Over 20 mineral water springs and several mud springs.
Pyatigorsk more, so to speak, “amazed by industrialization” than the small and remote cities of Stavropol in terms of the number of citizens. Pyatigorsk has about 145 thousand inhabitants, industry, trade, and science are well developed.
“Within the city limits there is Mount Mashuk (993.7 m, with a 112-meter television relay tower installed on it) and its spurs.
The climate in Pyatigorsk is characterized by mild winters and hot summers. Thanks to a large amount of water resources and a mild climate, the city has picturesque ponds, forest belts and parks.
The resort area, rich in underground mineral water sources, is relatively poor in surface water resources.
The tourist infrastructure of the resort city of Pyatigorsk includes:
More than 30 health resorts and sanatorium-resort institutions. Every year they are visited by over 200 thousand people per year (225-250 thousand people per year in 16 sanatoriums and 7 boarding houses - in the second half - the end of the 80s);
43 travel companies and organizations;
17 hotels;
The city and Pyatigorye have enormous tourism potential and have the right to compete with leading European resorts and balneological health resorts.”
Pyatigorsk has many museums, theaters, historical monuments, libraries, and beautiful places. There are parks and fountains in the city.
“The surrounding mountains are decorated with natural forests in which mighty oaks and snow-white birches, honey-bearing maples and lindens grow, and in the fall dogwoods, hawthorns, rose hips, barberries, and rowan trees turn red with berries.
The fauna is not so diverse due to the proximity of the city, but tourists are always delighted by squirrels, which can be found even in small public gardens in the very center of the city. Swans swim on the pond in Kirov Park in the summer.”
Essentuki.“The city is located at an altitude of 640 m above sea level, in the valley of the Podkumok River, at the confluence of the Bugunta River, 17 km from Pyatigorsk.
Distance to the regional center: 200 km.
Climate
The climate is continental, mountain-steppe. The average temperature in July is +27.4 °C.”
The population is about 105 thousand people, many health resorts, more than 20 mineral springs, the main direction of treatment is “diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and metabolism.”
Essentuki hosts festivals, cultural events, and there are many cultural institutions.
Caucasian Mineral Waters resorts have this name for a reason: the main attraction and main treasure of the region are the springs of mineral waters. And if someone was not here, then everyone drank mineral water.
In 2000, almost 500 thousand people rested and improved their health here.
The “Genius of the Place” program tells about the sights of the Caucasian Mineral Waters:
Caucasian Mineral Waters ranks first in popularity among Russians among Russian resorts:
“The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) analyzed the most popular destinations of domestic tourism in the summer of 2014, the resorts of the Krasnodar Territory (Sochi, Anapa, Gelendzhik, Tuapse) were in first place in the rating, Crimea was in second, on the third, fourth and fifth lines are Caucasian Mineral Waters, Golden Ring and Karelia respectively, Baikal took sixth position.”
In the very heart of the North Caucasus, almost equidistant from the Caspian Sea, there is an area notable for its uniqueness - Caucasian Mineral Waters. What names were given to the area by travelers who were captivated by its charm and beauty - “Little Switzerland”, and “Archipelago of Rocky Islands”, and “Sultry Border of Asia”.
Scientists agree that about 20 million years ago, volcanic activity of the Elbrus mountain ranges probably took place here. As a result, seventeen laccolith mountains were formed: Mashuk, Snake, Beshtau, Dagger, Sleeping Lion and others. All of them are completely covered with legends of heroes - the ancient Nart tribe.
It is unlikely that anyone will be able to remain indifferent at the sight of the majestic chain of mountain peaks on the horizon. Being in Mineralnye Vody, A.S. Pushkin, in a letter to his brother, reported his deep regret that Levushka did not see with him the splendor of these mountains, their icy peaks, which in the distance with a clear dawn look like multi-colored motionless clouds, that he did not rise together with his brother to the five-hill Beshta, Mashuk and Iron Mountain.
The Caucasian land is surprisingly rich and generous. Healing mineral springs flow out in large quantities from its depths, and millions of people can use these truly priceless gifts. We can proudly say that except in Kavminvody there are no other places in the world where so many mineral springs are concentrated. More than 100 sources of healing mineral water are concentrated in a small area, including 13 different types, as well as unique healing mud on Lake Tambukan.
The peoples of the North Caucasus have known about the healing properties of mineral springs for a long time. Evidence of this is the ancient stone baths that were carved in Pyatigorsk on the slopes of Goryachaya Mountain, as well as a similar creation in Kislovodsk. In the travel notes of researchers and ordinary travelers, there are often references to this amazingly rich area with its healing springs, and one of the first information dates back to 1334. In the notes of the Arab traveler Abu Abdallah ibn Batuta. The beginning of the official history of the Caucasus Mining Waters is considered to be April 1803, from the moment of the signing of the Rescript of Alexander 1 on the state significance of the Caucasian Mineral Waters and the need for their arrangement.
The amazing resort towns of Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Zheleznovodsk and Essentuki are rightly called pearls, and today Mineralnye Vody is increasingly being added to the list, which has all the possibilities for spa treatment. Each of these cities is charming in its own way. So, for example, the southernmost of them, Kislovodsk, can easily compete in terms of the number of sunny days per year with the best resorts in the world. The city of Essentuki is located at the foothills and boasts a picturesque combination of steppe and mountain climates. Zheleznovodsk is a small, but perhaps the most beautiful and cozy city. Pyatigorsk, on the contrary, is the largest resort of the five. It is notable for its developed medical and health infrastructure.
Caucasian Mineral Waters are unique in their own way and rich in excursion opportunities. Many travel companies are ready to offer more than 100 interesting local ones. With the help of sightseeing tours around the resorts, you can get a detailed look at this unique area and cultural and historical monuments.
Caucasian Mineral Waters
Coat of arms of the region
Region map
Caucasian Mineral Waters(Kavminvody, KMV) - a group of resorts of federal significance in the Stavropol Territory; a specially protected ecological resort region of the Russian Federation, which has a coordinating administration. Direct state administration of this region is entrusted to the administration of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, the head of which is appointed by the President of the Russian Federation on the proposal of the Governor of the Stavropol Territory.
The region is located in the south of the European part of Russia, almost at the same distance from the Black and Caspian Seas, at the junction of the Mineralovodskaya inclined plain and the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus.
The electrified Moscow-Rostov-Baku railway with a branch to Kislovodsk (and a branch to Zheleznovodsk) and the asphalt federal highway Rostov-Baku pass through the territory of the district. Mineralnye Vody Airport connects the CMV region with direct airlines to all major centers of the Russian Federation and neighboring countries, and also operates flights to foreign countries.
Geography
in administrative-territorial termsThe Caucasian Mineral Waters agglomeration region, with an area of more than 500 thousand hectares (5.3 thousand sq. km), is located on the territory of three constituent entities of the Russian Federation within the boundaries of the mountain sanitary protection district:
- in the Stavropol Territory - the cities and resort towns of Georgievsk, Mineralnye Vody (including the resort Kumagorsk and resort area Naguta), Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk, Lermontov, Essentuki, Kislovodsk, as well as the actual districts of Georgievsky, Mineralovodsky and Predgorny - 58% of the total area of the region;
- in Kabardino-Balkaria - Zolsky district, - 9% (therapeutic mud of Lake Tambukan, Narzanov Valley and others);
- in Karachay-Cherkessia - Malokarachaevsky and Prikubansky districts, - 33% of the territory (zone of formation of mineral springs).
The regional center of the CMS with the seat of the coordinating administration is the city of Essentuki. Previously, this status belonged to the city of Pyatigorsk, and even earlier - Georgievsk.
At the same time, the regime of special environmental management in adjacent territories is also carried out by state bodies of the republics.
The head of the administration of KavMinVod, in accordance with the Regulations, is the first deputy chairman of the Government of the Stavropol Territory by position.
Physiographic characteristics (location)
The Caucasian Mineral Waters region occupies the southern part of the Stavropol Territory and is located on the northern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range, just a couple of tens of kilometers from Elbrus. The earth seems different here, the sky seems different to others. From afar, motionless white clouds are visible, which, when approaching, turn out to be the snowy peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. The southern borders of the region are the foothills of Elbrus, the valley of the Khasaut and Malki rivers; in the west - the upper reaches of the Eshkakona and Podkumka rivers; The northern border of the region is the city of Mineralnye Vody, beyond which the steppe expanses of Ciscaucasia begin.
In terms of hydromineral resources, the region includes:
- in the south: the carbonated waters of the Upper and Lower Berezovsky in the Berezovsky Gorge, the Belovodsky and Bely springs in the upper reaches of the Alikonovsky Gorge (the Belovodskaya Balka river), the Malkinskoye Gorge - the Thobzashhops springs (in the Kamennomostsky area), the Seraphim of Sarovsky spring with healing spring water (on the northern slopes of Jinal ), Valley of the Narzanov, Cheget Lakhransky, Lakhransky Narzans [Kichmalka plateau, Mount Ullu-Lakhran (1883 m)], source (Khasautsky) in the Mal. Bermamyt (2644 m) and the village of Khasaut (in the southwest; in the extreme south (adjacent to the Elbrus region) the Yungeshli spring).
- in the west: in the Kum Gorge - carbon dioxide water of the Kum deposit in Krasno-Vostochny (the village of Krasny Vostok) and the Suvorov baths, springs in the upper reaches of the Podkumka and Kum rivers near the Gumbashi pass, and east of Gudgora (2489 m) on the Eshkakon river (Lower Eshkakon and Upper Eshkakonsky tract Kanta-Thukele?); on the watershed - springs in the area of the villages of Michurinsky and Kholodnorodnikovskoye (near the village of Schastlivoe), and on the northern slopes of the Pastbishchny ridge in Ugolnaya Balka (above the forestry enterprises Ugolnaya Dacha and Bekeshevskaya Dacha - in Karachay-Cherkessia).
- in the north: in the resort of Kumagorsk, Nagutsky springs in the balneological Nagutsky resort area (springs near the villages of Nagutskoye, Soluno-Dmitrievskoye (Nagutskaya station - a plant for bottling mineral waters of one of the largest Nagutsky deposits in the region (250 million bottles per year, 80- e)), this also includes the mineral springs of the town of Camel).
- in the east: Lysogorsk springs (Lysa Gora, including Batalinsky), as well as St. George's baths.
Story
KMS is one of the oldest resort regions in Russia. The first written information about its mineral springs is found in the physician G. Schober (1717), who was sent by Peter I to examine the mineral springs treasure troves North Caucasus. The first detailed descriptions of them were made by I. A. Gyldenstedt (1773), and then by P. S. Pallas (1793). After the study of the hot spring in Pyatigorsk (1801) and the conclusion of a special commission on the possibility of using mineral waters for medicinal purposes (1802), the decree of Alexander I of April 24, 1803 approved the regulations on the Caucasian Mineral Waters, when the historical Rescript “On recognition of the national significance of the Caucasian Mineral Waters” was signed and the need for their construction,” and their official existence as a resort area began.
The first information about Lake Tambukan was also reported by I. A. Gyldenshtedt (1770s), but the use of its medicinal mud began much later (from 1886 in Pyatigorsk and Essentuki, then in Zheleznovodsk). Initially, CMV attracted a limited number of patients, mainly from the military and nobility. There were no plans to develop resorts; management of the CMS was usually entrusted to the military administration. Only a few of the administrators showed interest in KavMinVody.
The history of the development of this unique resort region of the Russian Federation was characterized by ups and downs, with a transition from public administration to private contractors. Long distances from the central cities of the Russian Empire, when those wishing to receive treatment at Hot, Iron and Sour Waters were forced to make a real journey on horse-drawn carriages lasting one and a half to two months, military operations in the Caucasus, the lack of infrastructure for the springs and resorts themselves - all this created certain difficulties in development of the Caucasian Mineral Waters. According to the memoirs of contemporaries, at the beginning of the 19th century, vacationers on Hot Waters lived in Kalmyk tents, specially sent here for the summer holiday season. The selfless work of equipping the KavMinVod by outstanding Russian patriots (in alphabetical order):
- Johann K. and Joseph K. Bernardazzi
- G. A. Emanuel
- A. P. Nelyubina
- M. V. Sergeeva
- N. N. Slavyanova
- S. A. Smirnova
- V. V. Khvoshchinsky
and many others allowed step by step to transform them into a famous balneological resort in Russia. During Soviet times, Caucasian Mineral Waters became a popular source of health for the population of the Soviet Union. In 1990, about 1 million people from all over the country and from abroad vacationed and recovered at the all-Union resort [Kavmingruppe].
But at the same time, the local population was growing at a rapid pace (see below - agglomeration). All this began to create a large anthropogenic load on the ecology of the KMS (see Pyatigorsk). A certain shortage of mineral resources began to be felt. Excessive development of industry in resort cities, not related to medical and health (sanatorium and resort) purposes, the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in agriculture also posed a real threat of contamination of the hydromineral resources of the unique resort. This could not but worry representatives of balneology, the leadership of the Stavropol Territory, and the Russian government.
That is why the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation B.N. Yeltsin was signed on March 27, 1992, according to which KavMinVody is a specially protected ecological resort region of the Russian Federation. It directly defined the goals of creating the region - preserving the natural resources of the KMS resorts - a world-famous area with unique health and healing factors, a unique historical, architectural and cultural appearance.
Kavminvod Mountains
Kislovodsk is located above all the resorts (817-1063 m), the remaining resorts are located at approximately the same altitude: Essentuki - along the river. Podkumok (600-640 m), Pyatigorsk - at the foot of Mashuk (510-630 m), Zheleznovodsk - in the valley between Beshtau and Zheleznaya, on the slopes at the foot of the latter (600-650 m). The vegetation is represented mainly by massifs of oak and hornbeam forests, alternating with meadow steppes; in the foothills there is steppe and forest-steppe vegetation, which in the mountains (at an altitude of 800-1100 m) gives way to broad-leaved forests (beech, oak, hornbeam).
The relief of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region begins at the foot of Elbrus, where the Rocky Range with a number of peaks clearly stands out. In the western and southern parts of the KMV, the mountains drop off steeply, in places with sheer ledges to the south (the depth of these cliffs reaches 1000 m), and the long northern slopes are slightly (gently) inclined and merge with the foothill plain. These are the Pastbishchny and Skalisty ridges. They are divided by river valleys into a number of mountain ranges. The pasture ridge within the KavMinVod is cut by Podkumk into two parts: the western (Borgustan ridge, Darya heights of the Borgustan ridge) rises to 1200-1300 m, and the eastern (Dzhinalsky ridge) has an absolute elevation of the top of the Upper Dzhinal of 1542 m. The rocks on the spurs of the ridges are decorated with niches, openwork vaults, carved sandstone columns. To the south of Pastbishchnoye stretches the Rocky Range with the peaks of Bolshaya and Small Bermamyt (2592 and 2644
m (highest point of the KMS), 30 km to Elbrus; in the early morning on Bermamyt you can sometimes see the so-called Brocken ghost). Bermamyt plateau, and Zhatmaz ridge(city of Shidzhatmaz (Shatzhatmaz) 2127 m, astronomical station of the GAO RAS (2072 m), scientific base of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences) and Kichmalka plateau(Manglai 2055 m), below which in the picturesque valley of the Khasaut River at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level is the Narzan Valley - about 20 mineral springs (34 km south of Kislovodsk, in the southern foothills of the Rocky Range of the Greater Caucasus), - inclined towards Kislovodsk and abut the steep ledges of the Pastbishchny Range. To the south of the Rocky Range towards Elbrus stretches the vast Bechasyn plateau (with Mount Bechasyn 2364 m). In terms of absolute heights, the territory of the KMS belongs to the middle mountains, the maximum amplitude of heights is 2464 m (and taking into account Elbrus - 5462 m, second place after Kabardino-Balkaria).
The dissected relief, which creates a wide variety of landscapes, is explained by the long development and complex geological structure of the territory.
Geology
The KavMinVod region is located within the junction of the Stavropol Upland (Pre-Caucasus) and the northern slopes and foothills of the North Caucasus. This is the center of the Caucasus, where over a long geological history, along with folding and vertical movements, horizontal movements also occurred. Its territory is bordered on all sides by huge deep faults. The origin of laccoliths is associated with faults. These mountains were formed by gradual uplift or tectonic extrusion of viscous, cooling lava through the thickness of sedimentary deposits. Volcanic bodies are still cooling today. At the base of the strata plains inclined to the north, at the very bottom there are Paleozoic rocks crumpled into folds and penetrated by veins of acidic magma during mountain building: quartz-chlorite schists, quartzites, granites. The most ancient rocks of the area can be seen in the valley of the Alikonovka River south of Kislovodsk, 4-5 km above the Castle rock, one of the local attractions. Here pink and red granites come to the surface, the age of which is determined to be 220-230 million years. In Mesozoic times, the granites that came to the surface were destroyed and formed a thick (up to 50 m) layer of weathering crust, consisting of crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. You come across geodes - “stones with a secret”. When you split such a stone, you can find inside white calcite crystals, streaks of gray opal and translucent chalcedony. Sedimentary deposits of the Jurassic and Cretaceous seas, with a thickness of more than 1000 m, can be examined on the southern slopes of the Borgustan and Dzhinalsky ridges. Here brownish-gray and yellowish limestones, dolomites, and red ferruginous sandstones come to the surface. These are the famous Red and Gray stones (see park). On Goryachaya Mountain in Pyatigorsk you can see various forms of travertine deposits - a stone formed by the evaporation of mineral water. Petrified leaves and twigs are visible in the travertine. Karst is developed here, which is also found on the Skalisty and Pastbishchny ridges. The peculiarities of the geological structure of Razvalka are associated with the amazing phenomenon of “summer permafrost,” explained by seasonal air circulation in the cracks of the mountain.
With all the diversity in the composition of the waters and the nature of the deposits, the mineral springs of the KMV are closely connected by the common geological conditions of formation and the general history of the development on their basis of a group of famous, oldest resorts in Russia.
The presence of mineral springs is associated with a complex of sedimentary formations of Meso-Cenozoic age, gently plunging from south to north from the Greater Caucasus to the Stavropol Upland. From the point of view of the possibilities of accumulation and movement of groundwater, Mesozoic-Cenozoic rocks plunging to the north form a large artesian slope, the main feeding area of which coincides with the area of exposure of the oldest metamorphic rocks to the surface. Of several aquifers, the most abundant are: the Tithonian aquifer complex, flow rate 0.1-10 l/s, depth from 260 m (Kislovodsk region) to 1000 m (Essentuki); Valanginian complex, flow rate of St. 15 l/s, depth from 170 m (Kislovodsk) to 800 m (Essentuki); Aptian complex, flow rate 10 l/s, maximum depth up to 500 m (Essentuki); Upper Cretaceous complex, flow rate up to 5 l/s, depth up to 300 m (the total flow rate of the most abundant is about 3-3.5 million l per day). Of great importance in the hydrogeology of the region are faults and intrusions of igneous rocks (intrusions), which form peculiar dome-shaped mountains-laccoliths in the relief (Mashuk, Beshtau, Zheleznaya, Razvalka, Zmeyka, etc.). Individual deposits of mineral waters (Berezovskoe, Kislovodskoe, Kumskoe, Essentukskoe, Pyatigorskoe, Zheleznovodskoe, Nagutskoe, Kumagorskoe, etc.) and a large number of outlets of mineral springs of various compositions are associated with zones of tectonic disturbances, as well as with contacts of intrusions and sedimentary rocks. The KMS groundwater resources (fresh and mineral) are formed mainly due to the infiltration of atmospheric precipitation (in the Greater Caucasus Mountains). Some groundwater is enriched with gases (carbon dioxide) formed under conditions of high subsoil temperature. The formation of the composition of mineral waters occurs with the significant participation of processes of leaching of host rocks, cation exchange and mixing; this last process is especially widespread in the upper parts of the section, where deep, highly gas-saturated portions of water enter along faults from the basement. Pushing aside less mineralized flows and partially mixing with them, the rising waters here form the final chemical and temperature appearance of the mineral waters of the region.
Climate
Along with mineral waters, the resort resources of the KMS make up the favorable climate of the central and southwestern parts of the region, used for climatotherapy.
The climate of the KavMinVod region has long been highly valued by balneologists and has been successfully used as a healing factor. The main advantages of the local climate are associated with the large number of sunny days - in Kislovodsk only 37-40 days a year are without sun. It is relatively dry here; moist air masses from the Black Sea do not reach here - they are delayed by the Main Caucasus Range.
The diversity of the relief creates a difference in the climate of the KMS resorts, and is formed under the influence of a number of factors: the difference in the altitude of cities, protection by mountains determines the characteristics of the microclimate. The foothill nature of the area and the proximity of the snowy peaks of the Main Caucasus Range on the one hand, and on the other, the proximity of arid steppes and semi-deserts of the Caspian coast determine the continental climate features of this region. According to climatic conditions, the Kavminvod region can be conditionally divided into two zones: the southern - the Kislovodsk region with the features of a continental climate of the low mountains, and the northern - Essentuki, Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk with the typical features of the steppe zone. The most favorable, according to medical climatology, is the southern zone.
The region of the resorts Zheleznovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Essentuki is a climatic zone with a lot of heat and moderate precipitation. The average annual precipitation is within 600 mm, mainly in spring and early summer. Compared to the southern zone, here, as a rule, the average annual air temperature is higher, relative humidity is 65-71%, the number of days with fog and without sun is 85-92 (thick fogs are typical in winter), days with precipitation are 120-160, and frosty days about 90 days. Cloudy days with fog and frost occur in the autumn-winter period, which creates a contrast with Kislovodsk. In Pyatigorsk, summers are warm, winters are moderately mild (a third of winter days include rain, thaws, and fogs). The climate of Zheleznovodsk corresponds to the mountain-forest and moderately dry climate of the middle mountains of the Alps. The number of hours of sunshine here is relatively high, but the greenery and constantly blowing winds mitigate the heat. The climate of Essentuki is distinguished by contrast - summers here are hot and dry, winters are frosty and often rainy. Spring and autumn are clearly defined. Kislovodsk is famous as a climatic resort, where, due to the closed conditions of the basin, clear, dry weather prevails; for example, winter in Kislovodsk is “frost and sun, a wonderful day”, the sun shines 300 days a year.
The air temperature depends on the altitude of the place and the season of the year. The average January temperature in Pyatigorsk is −4.0 °C, in Kislovodsk −3.9°. July temperatures are +22° and +19°, respectively.
The amount of precipitation decreases from the mountains to the plains: in Bermamyt - 724 mm, in Kislovodsk - 599 mm, in Pyatigorsk - 472 mm; the least number of them is in Essentuki. More than 85% of all precipitation falls in the form of rain (rain predominates over snowfall in winter). The snow cover is low and unstable, snow falls and melts quickly. In Kislovodsk, snow cover lies continuously for an average of 10 days. More than half of winters pass without any snow cover at all.
The greatest cloudiness on the plains is observed in winter; in the mountains (Kislovodsk, Bermamyt, Narzanov Valley), on the contrary, the clearest winter months are.
KMS resorts have wind conditions favorable for climatic treatment. There are frequent calms here, especially in the Kislovodsk basin in winter (the average annual wind speed in Kislovodsk is 2.4 m/sec). In the mountains, for example in Bermamyt, there are strong winds - more than 15 m/sec.
The best time of year for relaxation and travel in Kavminvody is late summer and autumn. It can be sunny, dry, rich in fruits and brightly colored landscapes.
Natural resources
Hydromineral, balneological resourcesThe basis of the KMS resort resources are min. waters of various compositions, on the basis of which the so-called North Caucasus recreational and medical area arose.
In terms of the composition and quality of its climatic and balneological resources, concentrated on a relatively compact territory, in terms of the richness and diversity of mineral springs, the resort region of Russia - KavMinVody - has no analogues on the entire Euro-Asian continent, and indeed in the world; In terms of chemical richness and diversity, quality and healing properties, mineral water sources are extremely diverse and have no equal. The origin, formation and properties of mineral waters are associated with the Pyatigorsk laccoliths and the high mountain regions of the North Caucasus, where groundwater is formed. Atmospheric precipitation that falls in the mountains, as well as melt water, penetrates rock strata to great depths, mineralizes, heats up, becomes saturated with gases, and comes to the surface through cracks in river valleys. In terms of chemical composition and use for treatment, water for the most part is low- and medium-mineralized with a salt content of 2 to 15 g/l. The highest mineralization is at the Batalinsky and Lysogorsky springs - 21 g/l.
Unique hydromineral wealth, a wonderful bouquet of healing mineral waters with approved operational reserves of 15.6 thousand cubic meters per day are concentrated in a small area (546.5 thousand hectares). According to data for 2001, 2.2 thousand m³ per day is extracted and used. At the same time, 1.5 thousand m 3 /day (68%) of this was spent on drinking and balneological treatment, and 0.7 thousand m 3 /day (32%) - on the industrial bottling of medicinal and medicinal table waters.
There are 24 deposits and sites within the mining and sanitary protection district. Conventionally, several separate deposits can be distinguished: Kislovodskoye, Essentukskoye, Pyatigorskoye, Beshtaugorskoye, Inozemtsevskoye, Zheleznovodskoye, Zmeykinskoye, Lysogorskoye, Krasno-Vostochnoye, Kumagorskoye, Nagutskaya resort area, etc. Of the total approved reserves in category A+B, 13,706 are concentrated within the Stavropol Territory .8 m³ per day, within the borders of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic - 1910.0 m³ per day (13.9%). In addition, promising reserves (according to categories C 1 + C 2 + P) amount to 7629.9 m 3 per day. Of the 5 hydrochemical provinces of underground mineral waters, 3 turned out to be characteristic of our region: provinces of carbon dioxide (at the Mashukogorsk deposit in Pyatigorsk, for example, these are the 1st, 2nd and 4th Pyatigorsk types), radon waters (3rd type) , and nitrogen and nitrogen-methane waters (5th Pyatigorsk type).
At the same time, Pyatigorsk is called the MinWater Museum for its exceptional variety of mineral springs, concentrated in a small area around Mount Mashuk. These are the famous hot hydrogen sulfide waters, carbon dioxide waters (Pyatigorsk Narzans), radon waters, mineral waters of the Essentuki type (fourth Pyatigorsk type), nitrogen-methane waters. The unique salt-alkaline waters of the Essentuki resort (Essentuki-4, Essentuki-17) are famous throughout the world for their healing properties. Dolomite, sulfate and simple Narzan of Kislovodsk are widely known. Carbon dioxide sulfate-carbonate calcium-sodium (Smirnovskaya and Slavyanovskaya waters), as well as the bitter-salty waters of the Batalinsky and Lysogorsky springs, are invaluable for the treatment of a large number of diseases. Almost the entire range of human diseases can be treated at Caucasian Mineral Waters.
More than 50 enterprises and specialized workshops are involved in the industrial bottling of mineral waters in a specially protected ecological resort region. In 2001, 200,642.6 thousand liters of mineral water were produced and sold. Thanks to this, the healing properties of our waters are well known in all regions of the country and abroad.
The unique wealth of the Caucasian Mineral Waters is the healing brine and mud of the Tambukan [near the border of the region and Kabardino-Balkaria] and Lysogorsk mineral lakes. Tambukan Lake is fed mainly by rain and melt water, and since it is located in the arid steppe zone, it is subject to cyclical changes in the water surface. The area of the water surface is about 180 (230) hectares, the depth is from 1.5 to 3.1 m. The lake water is a brine of sulfate-chloride sodium-magnesium composition (mineralization 50-60 g/l). The total operational reserves of the most valuable black and dark gray mud are 1,600 thousand cubic meters. m. (the reserves of silt mud (containing 0.4% hydrogen sulfide) in the lake are estimated at 2.3 million tons). Mud is used in the resort institutions of KavMinVod (most widely in Pyatigorsk and Essentuki; in Zheleznovodsk brine and mud of the Lysogorsk [Inozemtsevskie] lakes are used equally; in Kumagorsk, sulfide-silt mud used for mud therapy is extracted from a small salt lake located on the territory resort), as well as sanatorium and resort institutions of Dolinsk (Nalchik), Sernovodsk and North Ossetia. Therapeutic mud is also sent to medical and health institutions in Moscow, Rostov, Volgograd, and Sochi.
In addition, a medicinal (so-called biostimulating) drug [such as FiBS, peloidin] is obtained from the mud, which retains its healing properties and can be used in non-resort conditions.
Caucasian-Mineral Vody agglomeration
The core of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region is the Caucasian-Mineral Vody polycentric urban agglomeration, uniting the cities of Kislovodsk, Essentuki, Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk, Lermontov, Mineralnye Vody. The Caucasian-Mineral Vody agglomeration numbers 946,000 (2010 census) (only in the Stavropol Territory, including the urban (658,000) and rural population (288,000) of the Predgorny, Georgievsky and Mineralovodsky districts), surpassing Stavropol in size, and is the largest in the Stavropol Territory and the North Caucasus Federal District. The transport and economic center of the agglomeration is the city of Mineralnye Vody. The largest city in the agglomeration, Pyatigorsk, is the center of the North Caucasus Federal District formed in 2010.
The administrative center of the specially protected ecological resort region of Caucasian Mineral Waters is located in Essentuki.
Caucasian Mineral Waters is one of the most densely populated areas of the North Caucasus; the average population density exceeds 150 people per 1 km 2.
Peculiarities
Caucasian Mineral Waters is the largest and one of the oldest resort regions of the Russian Federation. Over 130 mineral springs and large reserves of silt mud from Lake Tambukan (and Lake Lysogorsk) make the KMS a unique balneological resort. The KMV region is distinguished by picturesque natural landscapes, a healthy mountain climate and is famous for its sanatorium and resort complex enterprises in Russia. Their main specialization is the provision of medical and health services, treatment with world-famous waters and mineral mud. Also, land plots located on the territory of the KMS (within the boundaries of the districts of sanitary (mountain sanitary) protection of the KMS resort) by virtue of the law are lands of specially protected natural areas. The fact that land plots are classified as lands of specially protected natural areas (resort lands) means that it is impossible to provide it to the ownership of the society in connection with its classification as land plots limited in circulation (subclause 1 of clause 5 of Article 27 of the Land Code of the Russian Federation, clause 8 of Article 28 of the Law on privatization)
see also
- Resorts of Caucasian Mineral Waters:
Notes
Literature
- A. M. Prokhorov (chief editor) Caucasian Mineral Waters //
