How tall is Elbrus? Elbrus - the decoration of the Caucasus and the highest mountain in Russia

The two peaks crowning the cone-shaped volcano are separated by a saddle, the height of which is 5300 m. The peaks of Elbrus are two independent volcanoes formed on an ancient volcanic base. The height of the young cone, located in the east, is 5621 m. This volcano retained the classic cone shape with a clearly defined crater. The height of the maximum point of Elbrus - the western peak - reaches 5642 m. This volcano has a fairly ancient history, which is reflected in the condition of its upper part - it is partially destroyed by a vertical fault.

Elbrus is a saddle-shaped cone of a volcano that was last active in 50 AD. e. It was most active around 225 thousand, then 110-70 thousand and less than 30 thousand years ago. The mountain, formed about a million years ago, consists of alternating layers of lava, ash and tuff.
The slopes of Elbrus are mostly gentle, but starting from a height of 4000 meters, the average angle of inclination reaches 35 degrees. The northern and western slopes are strewn with steep rocky areas up to 700 meters high. The eastern and southern ones are more gentle and even.

Flowers on the southern slope of Elbrus:

At an altitude of more than 3,500 meters, the volcano is covered with stone placers, rocks and glaciers. The number of the latter is about 70 pieces, and there are total area equal to 134.5 km². The most famous glaciers of Elbrus: Terskop, Big and Small Azau. The streams erupting from them, connecting, create the three main rivers of the region - Baksanu, Kuban and Malka. The glacier-free surface is covered with moraines. A huge cap of ice and snow all year round preserves the picture form of the Kazakhstan volcano. It is because of this snow cap that Elbrus is called Little Antarctica.

The first written mention of the double-peaked volcano can be found in the “Book of Victories,” written by the Persian historian and poet, Sharaf ad-Din Yazdi. It tells about the Central Asian conqueror Tamerlane, who during his military campaigns climbed to the top of Elbrus to pray.

The peoples of the Caucasus and the Middle East made up their minds about Elbrus a large number of songs and legends. One of the legends tells that the mountain used to have one hump. At its top lived the magical bird Simurgh, who gave gifts to the mountaineers who inhabited the valleys mountain gorges, happiness and prosperity. This idyll lasted for many centuries, until the desire to seize the bird’s heavenly throne led to its possession by two greedy people. Their fierce struggle was stopped by higher powers: blinding lightning cut the sky, terrible thunder erupted and Elbrus split in two, spewing out streams of fire that incinerated everything in its path. After such a terrible fight, the magical bird Simurgh hid deep underground, upset by the ingratitude and greed of people.
According to research by scientists, Elbrus did not remind itself enough for a long time, but, despite this, the current level of activity does not give experts a reason to classify it as an extinct volcano; now it has the status of “dormant”. The volcano is indeed quite active in external and internal activities. In its depths there are still hot masses that heat the local “Hot Narzans” - springs saturated with mineral salts and carbon dioxide, the temperature of which reaches +52°C and +60ºC. The life of many famous springs begins in the depths of the volcano health resorts Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk and the entire Caucasian Mineral Waters region.
The climate on Elbrus is characterized by severity, making it similar to the Arctic regions. The average temperature in the warmest month of the year does not rise above -1.4°C. There is quite a lot of precipitation here, but it is mainly represented only in the form of snow.
Around the two-headed giant are located the most beautiful peaks of the Caucasus: Nakra-Tau, Ushba, Donguz-Orun.
The first time a person managed to reach the eastern (lower) peak of the volcano was on July 22, 1829. This was done by the conductor of the Russian scientific expedition, a Kabardian by nationality, Kilar Khashirov. The highest peak of Elbrus (western) was conquered by a team of climbers led by Florence Grove in 1874. The first to reach both peaks was the Balkar hunter and shepherd Ahiya Sottaev. During the period of his long life, he conquered Elbrus nine times: he made the first ascent at the age of over forty, and the last in 1909, when he was 121 years old.

At the top of Elbrus:

View from the top of Elbrus:

The study of Elbrus by Russian scientists began actively in the 19th century. Academician V.K. Vishnevsky in 1913 was the first to determine the height and location of the volcano. In addition to its status as a unique natural attraction, the famous Caucasian peak is also an important scientific base. Even before the war, the first experiments with cosmic rays in the Soviet Union were conducted here, and today it houses the highest geophysical laboratory.
Territory of the Elbrus region - major center tourism and skiing. The majority of guests are fans winter species sports, including extreme sports, which are very popular in these mountains. In addition to the usual snowboards, sleds and freeride, a new entertainment was organized for thrill seekers, which was an ascent to the top of Elbrus by helicopter and subsequent descent from the mountain on skis. For more conservative skiers, there are cable cars with an average capacity of 2,400 people per hour.

Mount Elbrus fascinates not only climbers, but also ordinary travelers. From year to year, tourists come to the foot of the mountain to see the grandeur and power of the peak. Few people remain indifferent and disappointed. This mountain, shrouded in secrets and legends, incredible ascents of the past and present make it even more attractive and popular.

Geographical characteristics

Elbrus is marked on the map of Russia, between the two republics - Karachay-Cherkess and. The nearest city at the foot of Mount Tyrnauz is the city of Elbrus.

The summit has two highest peaks, the height of the eastern peak is 5621 meters, and the height of the western peak is 5642 meters. The distance between them is 1500 meters. The average steepness of the slopes is 35 degrees. Academician V.K. Vishnevsky was the first to determine the height of Elbrus, and it was 5421 meters.

23 glaciers flow down from the slopes of the mountain. The area of ​​glaciers is 134 square kilometers. The maximum length of glaciers is about 7–9 km. Their total area has decreased by 19% over the past 100–150 years. The glacier that flows into the Kuban valley has shrunk by 33%. Elbrus glaciers feed three large Caucasian and Stavropol rivers:

• Kuban;
• Malku;
• Baksan.

Until now, the exact boundaries between Asia and Europe have not been defined, so the mountain is often considered to be the highest mountain peak in Europe and equated to the “Seven Summits” mountains. The double-peaked stratovolcano was formed on an ancient volcanic base. It is believed that these two peaks are completely independent volcanoes and do not depend on each other. Both peaks have their own distinct shape and a clearly defined crater.

Finding a mountain on a map is not difficult, since today a wide variety of maps and public routes With detailed descriptions.

general description

Elbrus - height, which is famous for its ancient history. The age of a mountain is determined by the condition of the upper part. Its top has a vertical fault. The last eruption of Russia's highest peak occurred around the 50s AD. e.

The mystery of the name of the mountain

Where is Elbrus located? Perhaps almost every schoolchild in the country can answer this question. But few people know where the name of the mountain comes from. It is worth noting that the peak has more than one name and has about a dozen in total.

Today it is very difficult to understand which name appeared first. If we talk about the modern name, then according to one version, it comes from the Iranian word “aytibares”. Translated, it sounds like a high or shiny mountain. The peak in the Karachay-Balkar language is called “Mingi-tau”, which translated into Russian means “mountain of thousands”. But there is also another name for the Balkars - “Minge-tau”, which translates as “mountain saddled”. Modern representatives of this community call Elbrus - “the mountain around which the wind swirls” (“Elbrus - Tau”).

Names in other languages ​​are also common:

• “Jin padishah” - “lord of spirits” (Turkic);
• “Orfi - tub” - “mountain of the blessed” (Abkhazian);
• “Yal - buz” - “snow mane” (Georgian).

Local climate

The climate of the mountain region is formed under the influence of seasonal air masses. Climatic conditions characteristic of mountainous terrain. The Elbrus region is characterized by a pattern of good and bad weather.

In summer the cycle is a week. In the first days of June the weather is worse than in July. The climate during this period is humid and cool. The temperature at an altitude of 2 thousand meters sometimes reaches +35 degrees, and at higher altitudes – +25 degrees. Autumn begins from the end of August. Winter comes already in October, at an altitude of more than 3 thousand meters. At this point average temperature is - 12 degrees. The absolute minimum was recorded at minus 27 degrees. Spring comes only at the beginning of May. During this period, snow melts actively at around 3 thousand meters. Often it comes down in the form of wet avalanches.

The higher the height, the thicker the cover. Thus, 60–80 cm is the average thickness of the top cover. There is more snow on the northern slopes than on the southern ones. At higher altitudes, eternal snowfields and firn fields remain. Due to them, the mass of all Elbrus glaciers increases.

Volcanic activity

Elbrus is considered an extinct volcano. When studying the mountain, geologists examined its layers, which contain the ash of the volcano. It has been proven that this particular ash was formed since ancient times as a result of eruptions. Having studied the first layer, scientists found that the first eruption of the peak occurred around 45 thousand years ago. e. The subsequent one is the second layer, formed after the eruption of the Mount Kazbek volcano. It was formed about 40 thousand years ago.

Today it has been precisely proven that it was the second eruption that was the most powerful, even by modern standards. People - Neanderthals, living at the foot of the mountain at that time, were forced to leave settled places in search of more favorable living conditions. It has been established that the last time the volcano erupted was 2 thousand years ago BC. e.

The history of climbing Elbrus

Back in 1829, the first conquest of Elbrus was made. The leader of the ascent expedition is Georgy Emmanuel. The members of the scientific expedition were famous physicists, zoologists, botanists, geologists and other scientists. It was they who became the pioneers and conquerors of the highest peak on Earth - eastern part of Elbrus.

In 1868, a re-climbing of the eastern part of the mountain was carried out by an English group of scientists. In the same year, the first conquest of Mount Kazbek was accomplished. The western peak of Elbrus was conquered in 1874 by climbers from England; the expedition guide was A. Sottaev.

During a scientific expedition to map the Caucasus in 1890–1896, an ascent was made to the eastern and western mountains of Elbrus. The expedition was headed by a Russian scientist and military topographer - A.V. Pastukhov. It was he who left behind detailed maps terrain and Mount Elbrus - photo. For his exploration of the Caucasus and Elbrus, part of the cliffs of Elbrus (the southern part) was named in honor of Pastukhov. The height of the Pastukhov rocks is 4800 meters.

In 1891, the shortest ascent time in history was recorded - only 8 hours. The ascent began at the foot of the southern slopes and ended at the eastern summit.

Swiss climbers, for the first time in history, in 1910 accomplished the so-called Elbrus Cross. They climbed two peaks simultaneously, as part of one expedition.

The first woman to conquer Elbrus - A. Japaridze (1925).

Soviet climbers made the first winter ascent in 1934. And in 1939, the first ski descent from Elbrus was carried out by Moscow skier V. Gippenreiter.

From the first part of the twentieth century, climbing Elbrus began to become widespread. Thus, in 1928, 32 groups of climbers carried out the ascent; in 1935, about 2,016 people visited Elbrus, and in 1960, 1,395 climbers.

In 1963, he climbed on a motorcycle Berberashvili - Soviet athlete. In 1997, already by car, the whole team conquered the summit. And in 2015, the Russian athlete A. Rodichev climbed the mountain with a barbell that weighed 75 kg.

The 2016 climb to Elbrus is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Russian climbers A. Kuimov and S. Baranov climbed with the help of an ATV to a height of 5642 meters.

Nowadays, climbing Elbrus is not difficult. For tourists and travelers the path is made easier by shelters - parking lots and cable cars.

Elbrus is a mountain that really knows how to bewitch, both climbers seeking to conquer the next peak, and the most ordinary travelers who annually come to its foot to feel all the power and strength of the stone peak. And of course, no one is disappointed.

This article will tell you not only about which mountains Elbrus is located in, but will also introduce readers to its features, the secret of its name, myths and legends.

Section 1. General description of the geographical object

Elbrus is a mountain rightfully considered the highest point Russian Federation, located in the northern part on the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria.

Due to the fact that the exact border between Europe and Asia has not yet been established, the mountain is sometimes equated to the highest European mountain peak and is classified as one of the “Seven Summits”. Perhaps some time will pass and geographers will finally resolve this dispute, but for now it is known for certain that Elbrus is a mountain that is a so-called double-peaked stratovolcano. Its cone-shaped peaks were formed on an ancient volcanic base, and from a geological point of view, both peaks are completely independent volcanoes, each of which has a classic shape and a clearly defined crater.

Caucasus Mountains... Elbrus... These places are actually famous for their ancient history. Few people know that age is determined by the condition of the upper part, which, for example, highest peak Russia is destroyed by a vertical fault. It was also possible to establish the date of the last eruption: it happened around the 50s AD. e.

Section 2. The mystery of the name of the peak

Perhaps, the question of where Mount Elbrus is located, even with a little thought, will be answered by an ordinary average schoolchild, but few know about the etymology of the name.

In general, it should be noted that this peak has several names at once. In total there are more than a dozen of them.

Today it is quite difficult to determine which of the names appeared earlier and which later. Modern name This mountain, according to one version, comes from the Iranian “Aitibares”, which translated into Russian means “ high mountain"or "brilliant" (a variant from the Zend language). In Karachay-Balkar the peak is called “Mingi-tau”, which is translated into Russian as “mountain of thousands”. However, there are Balkars who call it a little differently - “Minge-tau”, which means “mountain saddled”. Modern representatives of this nation also say “Elbrus-tau” - “the mountain around which the wind swirls.”

Among the many names of the stratovolcano, the name “Jinpadishah” is also distinguished, which in translation from Turkic sounds like “lord of spirits”, “Orfi-tub” (Abkhazian) - “mountain of the blessed”, or “Yal-buz” (Georgian) - “snowy mane".

Section 3. What is the height of Mount Elbrus?

Perhaps this question has interested many curious people at least once in their lives. But the answer is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. Why? It's all about the features of its structure.

As noted above, Elbrus is a mountain consisting of two cone-shaped peaks. The height of the western is 5642 meters, and the eastern is 5621 meters. The saddle separating them rises above the surface by 5300 meters, and the distance from each other is about 3000 meters.

The size of Elbrus was first determined by Russian academician V.K. Vishnevsky in 1813.

Let us remind you that today the highest peak in the world is considered (Chomolungma), whose height is 8848 meters, in comparison with which our mountain peak looks tiny.

Section 4. Severity of the local climate

Mount Elbrus... Climbing to its peak is often dreamed of by both experienced climbers and beginners. However, this cannot be done at any time. The most favorable period is the summer, July-August.

At this time, the weather is most stable and safer for visiting such heights. The air temperature in summer rarely drops below -9 °C, although during the rise it can easily drop to -30 °C.

From October to April there is a harsh and cold winter in these places. During the cold season, visiting the peak is almost impossible, and climbing it is tantamount to suicide.

Section 5. Volcanic activity

Elbrus is amazing and unique. Description of the mountain takes too much time, because each time more and more interesting features are discovered.

In this article we will touch only on the most little-known ones. Geological studies of this extinct volcano have shown the presence of layers containing volcanic ash, which was formed as a result of ancient eruptions. Based on the first layer, scientists have proven that the very first eruption of Elbrus occurred about 45 thousand years ago. The second layer was formed after Kazbek. It happened approximately 40 thousand years ago.

It is now known for certain that it was after this second, most powerful even by modern standards, eruption that the Neanderthals, who settled in local caves, left these lands and went in search of more favorable conditions for life.

The most recent eruption of the Elbrus volcano occurred about 2000 years ago (50s AD).

Section 6. Legends of Elbrus

In general, the Caucasus mountains, Elbrus in particular, are shrouded in many of the most amazing and mysterious legends and myths.

One of these tales tells that in time immemorial there lived a father and son - Kazbek and Elbrus. Both of them fell in love with one beautiful girl, whose name was Mashuk. Only the girl could not make a choice between two glorious heroes. For a long time, father and son competed, not wanting to give in to each other, and a mortal duel ensued between them. They fought until Elbrus defeated his father. But, realizing his terrible act, the son turned gray with grief. He no longer wanted love, obtained at the cost of the life of a loved one, and Elbrus turned away from the beautiful Mashuk, a little later stabbing himself with the same dagger with which he killed his father.

The beautiful Mashuk wept for a long time and bitterly over the knights and said that there were no such heroes in the whole earth, and that it was hard for her to live in this world without seeing them.

God heard her moaning and turned Kazbek and Elbrus into high mountains, more beautiful and higher than which there are no other mountains in the Caucasus. He turned the beautiful Mashuk into a smaller mountain. And now, from century to century, day after day, the stone girl stands and looks at the mighty peaks, never deciding which of the two heroes is closer and dearer to her stone heart...

Section 7. History of great conquests

In 1829, led by the leader of the scientific expedition, Georgy Emmanuel, the first ascent of Elbrus was made. The members of this expedition were mainly representatives of the scientific community: physicists, botanists, zoologists, geologists, etc. They conquered the eastern part of Elbrus and went down in history as the discoverers of one of the largest peaks of our planet Earth.

The first to climb Elbrus was Kilar Khachirov, a guide. A few years later she was conquered and more high peak this mountain is the western one. An expedition organized by English climbers, led by Florence Grove, made a trip to western part Elbrus in 1874. The very first person to climb to its peak was also a guide, a Balkarian, Akhii Sottaev, a participant in the first expedition.

Later, a man appeared who managed to conquer both peaks of Elbrus. It was the Russian topographer A.V. Pastukhov. He was able to climb the western peak in 1890, and the eastern one in 1896. The same person compiled detailed maps of Elbrus.

It should be noted that the stratovolcano is still the most popular mountain among climbers from all over the world. To climb to its peak, climbers spend an average of about one week.

But nowadays you can use the cable car, which makes the journey much easier and saves time.

At an altitude of about 3750 m there is the Barrels shelter, from where the ascent to Elbrus now usually begins. This shelter has six-person insulated barrel-shaped trailers and a specially equipped kitchen. At a level of 4100 meters, the highest mountain hotel in the world is located - “Shelter of the Eleven”.

Section 8. Stone mushrooms on Elbrus

Elbrus is a mountain that knows how to captivate travelers with its natural features, for example, unique rock formations called Stone Mushrooms.

Until now, no one knows why these stones were popularly called mushrooms, and such sculptures are no longer seen anywhere in the Caucasus. On a small flat area (250 x 100 m) a couple of dozen of these “mushrooms” are picturesquely scattered. In many of them you can see indentations.

Perhaps our ancestors used them for some religious purposes. Particularly impressive are the stones that resemble a face looking up. Many people believe that this is a place with very strong positive energy, and even the weather here is very abnormal.

Section 9. Museum of Defense of the Elbrus Region

The Defense Museum is the highest mountain museum in the world. It is located at an altitude of 3500 meters from sea level.

The uniqueness of the exhibition also lies in the fact that it is not limited only to the building, but continues in the surrounding area.

This institution has been operating since January 1, 1972. Its development and preservation of the collections are always monitored by a researcher and two employees.

The collection contains more than 270 items. It should be noted that during the Second World War, the highest mountain front was located in the Elbrus region. Fierce battles were fought in these places, which the Nazis tried to capture in order to get to Transcaucasia.

Photo-documentary materials of these events have been stored in this museum for many years. The Elbrus Defense Museum is an organization of regional subordination, in which cultural and mass work is carried out.

Section 10. Interesting facts about the mountain

• In 1956, in honor of the 400th anniversary of Kabardino-Balkaria, a group of 400 climbers were able to simultaneously climb Mount Elbrus.
• In 1998, the building of the Shelter of Eleven hotel burned down in a fire. Today, local authorities are building a new one on the site of the old wooden building.
• In 1991, Outside Magazine named Shelter of Eleven's toilet the worst toilet in the world. This is not surprising, given the fact that thousands of mountain tourists and climbers from all over the world have used this place for certain purposes for years.
• Elbrus is rightfully considered one of the most dangerous peaks peace. Accidents are very common when climbing a mountain. In 2004 alone, 48 extreme skiers and climbers died.
• In 1997, for the first time, a specially equipped and modified Land Rover car was able to climb to the top of Elbrus. The man who drove this car is Russian traveler A. Abramov.
• Mount Elbrus is one of the “Seven Summits”; in addition to it, the list includes: Aconcagua in South America, Chomolungma in Asia, McKinley in North America, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Puncak and Jaya in Oceania and Australia.
• There are also 22 glaciers on Elbrus, in which three Baksan and Malka originate.
• Sometimes from the top of Elbrus climbers can immediately see the Black and Caspian Sea. This depends on air pressure and temperature, due to which the viewing radius increases significantly.
• In 2008, Mount Elbrus was recognized as one of the

They say that Prometheus was chained to one of the rocks of this particular mountain because he gave fire to people. It was here, according to Homer, that Jason went for the Golden Fleece. There are also legends that it was Elbrus that was the first piece of Earth that Noah encountered after the Flood, and his ship literally hit the peak and split it.

The Elbrus stratovolcano is located some distance from the Greater Caucasus Range (20 km to the north) and is the highest point in Russia. Since there is no clearly defined border between Asia and Europe, many believe that it is the highest mountain peak of the European continent, whose height is 5642 meters.

Elbrus was formed somewhat differently than the rest of the Caucasus Mountains, of which it is part: they appeared earlier, about 5 million years ago, and have a folded character. And the volcano was formed later, about 1 million years ago, as a result of complex and long-term geological processes: first the western peak appeared, and then, on the eastern side of the side crater, a second cone began to form. Nowadays, the volcano is not active, but it cannot be called extinct either: manifestations of volcanic activity are still observed here.

What Elbrus looks like

The nature here is diverse: mountain meadows, rare plants and animals, coniferous forests, stormy rivers leave no one indifferent, and some time ago a volcano was created in the area national park“Elbrus region”, and therefore you can’t hunt, cut down forests, or do construction here.

At the foot of Elbrus there is a huge number of extremely beautiful gorges, and on the northern side there is the famous Dzhyly-Su tract with mineral thermal springs and the most beautiful waterfalls with a height of 20 to 40 meters, among which the Sultan waterfall located in the upper reaches of the Malki River stands out.

On the slope of the mountain, at an altitude of about three hundred meters, there is a huge ice lake, Jikaugenköz. In its middle part rises a reminiscent medieval castle Kalitsky Peak, whose height exceeds 3.5 km, where there is a site with religious sanctuaries, which were created from large stones.

The volcano itself looks like this:

• Elbrus has two peaks, each of which represents two independent volcanoes, connected by a saddle, the height of which is 5.3 km. The distance between the peaks is about three kilometers;
• The eastern, younger cone is slightly lower than the western one, and its height is 5621 m. It has a clearly defined crater with a diameter of 200 meters and a depth of about 80 m;
• The height of the western peak of the almost extinct volcano is 5642 meters, the diameter of the crater is 600 meters, the depth is 300 m, and the upper part of the volcano is partially destroyed;
• The slopes of the mountain are mostly gentle, but closer to the top, starting at 4 thousand km, the angle of inclination increases to 35 degrees;
• On the northern and western side of Elbrus there is a huge number of sheer cliffs about 700 meters high;
• Starting from a height of 3.5 km, the volcano is covered with rocks and glaciers; in total, there are about 70 glaciers on Elbrus, the area of ​​which exceeds 130 km². The water flowing from the glaciers of Elbrus creates three main streams that feed the main rivers of this region - Baksan, Kuban and Malka;
• The surface of the volcano, free of glaciers, is covered with loose rocks;
• Snow cover remains on the top of Elbrus throughout the whole year.

On the northern slope of the mountain, at an altitude of about 3 km, there is a Birjal lava tract with a huge number of remains of melted sand, which, under the influence of precipitation, weathering, and soil erosion, collapsed and created numerous piles of bizarre shapes, forming grottoes and caves. They hang over each other, forming bridges, arches, consoles and, diverging in different directions, taking on various bizarre shapes.

Volcano activity

It is believed that over the entire period of its existence, the active volcano has exhibited volcanic activity about four times, and the age of the oldest volcanic rocks of this mountain is about three million years.

The volcano showed its greatest volcanic activity about 225 thousand years ago, then its activity gradually subsided, and the last time it erupted about two thousand years ago (according to scientists, it was around 50 AD). Despite the fact that this eruption was not recorded anywhere, lava flows up to 24 km and 260 km long dating back to this period were discovered on the mountain. sq. volcanic debris, indicating that the emissions were quite strong.

Although the volcano has not been reminiscent of itself for an extremely long time, volcanologists consider it not extinct, but dormant (active), since it demonstrates active external and internal activity - primarily this is manifested in the release of sulfuric acid and chloride gases on the eastern slopes, as well as in the presence world famous minerals thermal springs“Hot Narzan”, the temperature of which reaches +52° C and +60º C (apparently, the magma chamber of the volcano is located at a depth of 6-7 km from the earth’s surface).

Many scientists agree that the volcano is unlikely to awaken in the next two or three centuries.

Some scientists believe that Elbrus may well become active as early as this century (although not earlier than in fifty years), arguing their conclusions not only by the manifestation of fumarolic activity by the volcano, but also because of the colony of green mosses discovered on the western peak of the mountain. The ground temperature in this place was +21ºС, while the temperature indicators environment showed sub-zero temperature (-20º C).

Elbrus weather

Not everyone who starts climbing Elbrus will be able to conquer it, especially if he decides to do it in the off-season - in spring or autumn. Closer to the top, even well-prepared climbers can be stopped not only by the severe cold, but also by the terrifying strength of the wind, which knocks them off their feet, gusts reaching 100 km/h.

The most stubborn can, despite the bad weather, reach a height of 4 thousand km, but such weather will stop anyone - snow, storm and temperature of minus thirty degrees; in these conditions, going up is extremely dangerous for life.

Since warm and humid Mediterranean and Black Sea cyclones meet cold Antarctic ones near Elbrus, the climate of Elbrus is extremely changeable: summer heat quickly gives way to bitter cold, and clouds in a few minutes can cover an entire mountain, hiding absolutely all landmarks - and the traveler will have to rely only on his instincts .

Moist air currents coming from the Black Sea cause numerous precipitation on Elbrus, mainly in the form of snow, which high altitude can fall out both at sub-zero and positive temperatures. The most precipitation falls here in summer and winter, which is why the most favorable time for climbing is November, when a constant dense snow cover is established, and winter.

The most dangerous period for climbing the volcano is the spring or autumn months: the weather at this time is bad and unstable, and the temperature at the peaks even in May can drop to -50 degrees Celsius. So, several years ago, a group of twelve climbers attempted to climb the volcano at the end of spring. But due to a sharp deterioration in the weather and loss of visibility, the climbers got lost, and then completely froze to death - only one person was able to go down.

Elbrus rescue station

To avoid such situations, it was decided to create a rescue shelter on Elbrus - work began in 2007 and was completed five years later. Construction was not easy, since materials and fastening systems had to be delivered to great heights, which was done using a helicopter. The shelter was first opened in 2010, but a month later a hurricane completely destroyed the building.

Considering the need for such a structure, it was decided to restore the shelter, but make it smaller and more wind-resistant - and by August 2012, the highest rescue shelter on the European continent was built on the saddle of Elbrus (5300 above sea level).

Once upon a time Elbrus was active volcano, and is now listed in the group of the largest extinct volcanoes on the planet. The height of Elbrus is 5642 meters

The scientific study of Elbrus by Russian researchers began in the 19th century. In 1913, astronomer Academician V.K. Vishnevsky was the first to accurately determine the location and height of Elbrus. In 1829, Elbrus was visited by the first Russian scientific expedition. It included the famous Russian academician Lenz, the botanist Meyer, the architect of Pyatigorsk Bernardazzi and others. The expedition was accompanied by the head of the Caucasian line, General Emmanuel, with a detachment of 1000 Cossacks. The detachment stopped at the northern foot of Elbrus at an altitude of 2400 meters. The general did not go further, preferring to observe the actions of the scientists through a telescope. The inscription was carved on the stones at the site of the camp: “1829, from July 8 to July 11, camp under the command of General Cavalier Emmanuel.”

Having begun the ascent, the expedition, after spending the night at an altitude of 3000 meters, continued its ascent. Part of the expedition reached only a height of 4800 meters. Here the St. George's cross and the number 1829 were carved on the stones. This inscription was discovered in 1949 by a group of Soviet climbers from the Nauka society. Only Lenz, two Cossacks and two Kabardian guides continued their journey. Lentz and the Cossack Lysenkov managed to reach the saddle; it was impossible to go further, since the snow had softened greatly. Only one Kabardian, Killar, went higher. He managed to reach the top because his body was better adapted to mountain conditions and he went out earlier on hard snow. Emmanuel saw Killar through his telescope near the eastern peak. The scientists greeted the guide who returned in the evening as the first climber to Elbrus. To commemorate the work of the expedition and the achievement of the summit, two cast-iron plaques were cast with an inscription detailing this event, which were later installed in Pyatigorsk near the Grotto of Diana and are currently stored in the museum. The photo shows the entrance to Diana's grotto


According to one version, the name Elbrus comes from the Iranian Aitibares - “high Mountain”, more likely - the Iranian “sparkling, brilliant” (like Elborz in Iran). The Georgian name Yalbuz is from the Turkic yal - “storm” and buz - “ice”. The Armenian Alberis is probably a phonetic version of the Georgian name, but the possibility of a connection with the pan-Indo-European basis to which the toponym “Alps” goes back is not excluded. According to another version, Elbrus is translated from the Karachay-Balkarian language as follows: El is a village, people, state; Bur is a twist, a gate, and is the same root as the word Buran; Us means character, behavior, disposition. Having the disposition to create a snowstorm or a volcano that twisted, turned over villages and people. Now Elbrus is an extinct volcano, but local residents Karachay-Balkarians have preserved in the people's memory the times when Elbrus was still an active volcano.


Elbrus height– 5642 meters. Few volcanic mountains globe exceed Elbrus in height. Only the extinct volcano Aconcagua (6960 m) and the active fire-breathing Mount Llullaillaco (6723 m), located in South America, exceed Elbrus by a little more than one kilometer. The Greatest Volcano Africa's Kilimanjaro is almost equal to Elbrus, surpassing it only by 253 meters, the same can be said about largest volcano North America Orizaba (5700 m), superior to Elbrus by 58 meters. Among the mountains of Asia, Elbrus is the highest volcanic peak, next to it, Mount Damavand is inferior to Elbrus in height by 38 meters


Elbrus, like many other volcanoes, is divided into two parts: a pedestal of rocks, and a bulk cone formed as a result of eruptions. The pedestal of Elbrus reaches approximately 3700 meters. This means that the “growth” of Elbrus due to its eruptions is approximately 2000 meters.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka has the largest cone in height among all volcanoes. The bulk cone of this volcano reaches 4572 meters and exceeds the cone of Elbrus by almost three kilometers


The outlines of the double-headed, sometimes blue, sometimes pink - depending on the lighting - cone of Elbrus are well known to Stavropol residents. Elbrus is visible from all, even the most northern points of the region, where the horizon is not blocked by other, closer hills. The interest in Elbrus among Stavropol residents is also explained by the fact that the waters of its glaciers feed the most big rivers our region - the beautiful Kuban and the stormy Terek


Elbrus - classic volcanic mountain. In its vast cone, formed during numerous eruptions, the history of the volcano is written; it is successfully read by Soviet geologists on layers of lava, ash and volcanic tuff


Elbrus arose at the end of the Neogene during the rise of the Caucasus Range. The eruptions of Elbrus were probably similar to the eruptions of modern Vesuvius, but were more violent. From the craters of the volcano at the beginning of the eruption, powerful clouds of vapors and gases, saturated with black ash, rose many kilometers upward, covering the entire sky, turning day into night. The earth shook from powerful underground explosions. The air was torn by incessant lightning and streaks of fire from thousands of volcanic bombs flying out of the crater. Streams of ash mud rushed along the slopes of the mountain, sweeping away vegetation and stones in their path. Each eruption ended with the release of hot lava, which quickly solidified on the surface. Layers of ash, lava, and stones, layered on top of each other, expanded the slopes of the volcano and increased its height. The volcano had colossal power; its ashes are found in the area of ​​Nalchik, on the slopes of Mount Mashuk, located 90 kilometers from Elbrus. Elbrus probably belongs to the ash deposits discovered in the north of our region near the city of Novoaleksandrovsk. But eras of eruptions were followed by periods of calm, during which rivers and glaciers energetically destroyed the previously filled volcanic cone almost to the ground. The volcanic rocks were overlain by thick moraines and river deposits. From the birth of Elbrus to the present, periods of erosion and revival of the cone have been repeated up to ten times


The activity of Elbrus continued during the Ice Age of the Quaternary period, when people already lived in the Caucasus, and ceased about 2500 years ago. When ice advanced, its slopes were repeatedly covered with a powerful ice shell; during subsequent eruptions, they were washed away by stormy streams of water. The Elbrus eruption site has been moved several times. Both domes currently crowning Elbrus are the youngest. In the southwestern part of the mountain, the remains of the most ancient crater are preserved in the form of the Khotyu-Tau-Azau rocks. This is where glaciers originate, feeding the Baksan River and tributaries of the Kuban. The eastern and western peaks of Elbrus seem to be embedded in the upper part of the ancient crater. The work of Elbrus had to be completed by the youngest crater - the eastern peak of the mountain. It is possible that both cones sometimes worked simultaneously


Geographers of the 16th century considered Elbrus an active volcano. In books and on maps it was depicted as a fire-breathing mountain, and is described as such in many folk legends. Rumors sometimes spread among the inhabitants of the mountains and foothills that Elbrus had begun to operate again or that Elbrus was expected to be revived in the near future. These stories are not justified in any way. Elbrus, perhaps, can be called not an extinct, but a fading volcano. It is sometimes the center of small earthquakes that spread throughout the Ciscaucasia. In the depths of the batholith, which previously fed Elbrus, magma cools, it supplies mineral springs carbon dioxide, turning them into narzans, of which there are a lot at the foot of Elbrus. In some places on the slopes of Elbrus, sulfur dioxide gases emerge from cracks, which gives rise to other scientists to claim that:

“The results of many years of research... clearly indicate the activity of volcanic processes proper on Elbrus in the Holocene, including historical time. Elbrus is a modern volcano, at a stage of relative dormancy. The absence of eruptions over the last millennium cannot serve as a sign of the end of volcanic activity. The roof of the magma chamber is apparently located at a depth of 6 - 7 kilometers from the surface. Based on geological data, we come to the conclusion that Elbrus volcano is on an ascending branch of development."

The two-headed giant Elbrus stores inexhaustible riches in its depths. At its foot come out healing springs: the famous “Narzan Valley” near the source of the Malki River is the brainchild of Elbrus. This is a future resort, not inferior to Kislovodsk in terms of the number of springs and the quality of the Narzans. Internal heat and various minerals of Elbrus are waiting to be used.


Elbrus has a harsh climate, making it similar to the Arctic region. The average temperature of the warmest month is -1.4°. There is a lot of precipitation on Elbrus, two to three times more than on the Stavropol plains, but it only falls in the form of snow. At the Elbrus meteorological station at an altitude of 4250 meters, during three years of observations no rain was ever recorded. Elbrus is sometimes compared to a piece of ice 6 kilometers in size, thrown far south from the Arctic regions. Naturally, the warm masses of air coming from the Atlantic Ocean, encountering this obstacle, rising and cooling, are forced to give up part of their moisture to the slopes on the approaches to this mountain. As a result, Elbrus changes the weather in vast areas of neighboring areas, which is noted by the sign of local residents: “When Elbrus puts on a cloudy cap on a clear day, there will be bad weather.” The coldest month on Elbrus is February. The average air temperature in February is 15° lower than in Stavropol. In the warmest month, July, the average air temperature is approximately equal to December temperatures in the Stavropol region, and the highest daytime temperature in this month reaches only eight degrees Celsius. August is the most best month for climbing Elbrus, at this time the snow melts, all the cracks in the ice open, even where they are usually not visible.


The glory of Elbrus as the highest and the most beautiful mountain The Caucasus has been going on since time immemorial. Even before our era, Herodotus wrote about him. The peoples of the Caucasus and the Middle East have songs and legends about Elbrus. A.S. Pushkin, M.Yu. Lermontov, and many Caucasian poets dedicated inspired lines to him.

Conquered Giant
...In the depths of your gorges
The ax will rattle.
And an iron shovel
Into the stone chest,
Mining copper and gold
It will hit you in a terrible way.
The caravans are already passing by
Through those rocks
Where there were only fogs
Yes, the kings are eagles.

M.Yu. Lermontov.

Due to its symbolic meaning as highest point In Europe, Elbrus became the scene of a fierce confrontation during the Great Patriotic War, in which units of the German mountain rifle division “Edelweiss” also participated. During the Battle of the Caucasus on August 21, 1942, after occupying the Krugozor and Shelter of the Eleven mountain bases, Hitler’s Alpine riflemen managed to install Nazi banners on the western peak of Elbrus. By the middle of the winter of 1942-1943, fascist troops were driven out from the slopes of Elbrus, and on February 13 and 17, 1943, Soviet climbers climbed the western and eastern peaks of Elbrus, respectively, where red flags were hoisted.


The entire infrastructure is mainly concentrated on the southern slopes of Elbrus, where the pendulum and chairlifts are located cable car, leading to an altitude of 3750 meters to the “Bochki” shelter, which consists of twelve six-seater insulated residential trailers and a kitchen. Currently, this is the main starting point for those climbing Elbrus. Below is a map of the cable car

At an altitude of 4200 m is located the highest mountain hotel “Shelter of Eleven”, which burned down at the end of the 20th century, on the basis of which the boiler room in given time A new building was rebuilt, also actively used by climbers. At an altitude of 4700 m the Pastukhov rocks are located. Above them there is an ice field (in winter) and an oblique shelf. Further, the route to the Western summit passes through the saddle. From the saddle the peaks rise to a height of about 500 m.


More detailed map-scheme of Elbrus and the Elbrus region (click on the map to enlarge)


This photo shows Elbrus from a bird's eye view


Since 2007, work has been underway to build a rescue shelter (“Station EG 5300”) on the saddle of the mountain (height 5300 m). The shelter will be a geodesic dome hemisphere with a diameter of 6.7 m, installed on a gabion foundation. In 2008, a reconnaissance of the area was carried out, a base camp was prepared, and the design of the shelter began. In 2009, the dome structures were made, construction work began: gabions were erected by the expedition members, and the dome elements were transported to the construction site (including using a helicopter). Completion of construction is planned for 2010


On the northern side, the infrastructure is poorly developed and is represented by several huts on one of the moraines (at an altitude of about 3800 m), which are used by tourists and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. As a rule, this point is used on ascents to Eastern peak, the path to which passes through the Lenz rocks (from 4600 to 5200 m), which serve as a good guide for all climbers

Snow giant's cap
And in their circle there is a two-headed colossus.
Shining in an icy crown,
Elbrus is huge, majestic
White in the blue sky.

A.S. Pushkin.

In 2008, Elbrus was recognized as one of the seven wonders of Russia, according to the results of the “7 Wonders of Russia” vote.

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