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Tien Shan - heavenly seven-thousander mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Interesting facts: Majestic mountains of Kyrgyzstan

On the borders of the five countries of Central Asia, there are beautiful and majestic mountains - the Tien Shan. On the mainland of Eurasia, they are second only to the Himalayas and the Pamirs, and are also one of the largest and most extensive Asian mountain systems. The heavenly mountains are rich not only in minerals, but also in interesting geographical facts. The description of any object is built from a set of points and important nuances, but only a complete coverage of all directions will help to create a full-fledged geographical image. But let's not rush, but dwell on each section in detail.

Figures and Facts: Everything you need to know about the Celestial Mountains

The name Tien Shan has Turkic roots, because the peoples of this particular language group have inhabited this territory since time immemorial and still live in this region. If translated literally, then the toponym will sound like Heavenly Mountains or Divine Mountains. The explanation for this is very simple, the Turks from time immemorial worshiped the sky, and if you look at the mountains, you get the impression that with their peaks they reach the very clouds, most likely that is why the geographical object got its name. And now, some more facts about the Tien Shan.

  • What usually begins the description of any object? Of course, with numbers. The length of the Tien Shan mountains is more than two and a half thousand kilometers. Believe me, this is a pretty impressive number. By comparison, the territory of Kazakhstan extends for 3,000 kilometers, while Russia stretches for 4,000 kilometers from north to south. Imagine these objects and appreciate the scale of these mountains.
  • The height of the Tien Shan mountains reaches 7000 meters. There are 30 peaks in the system with a height of more than 6 kilometers, while Africa and Europe cannot boast of any such mountain.
  • Separately, I would like to highlight the highest point of the Heavenly Mountains. Geographically, it is located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and the Republic of China. There is a very long debate around this issue, and neither side wants to concede. The highest peak of the Tien Shan Mountains is a ridge with a triumphant name - Pobeda Peak. The height of the object is 7439 meters.

Location of one of the largest mountain systems in Central Asia

If we move the mountain system to political map, then the object will fall on the territory of five states. More than 70% of the mountains are located on the territory of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and China. The rest falls on Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. But the highest points and massive ridges are located in the northern part. If we consider the geographical position of the Tien Shan mountains from the regional side, then this will be central part the continent of Asia.

Geographical zoning and relief


The territory of the mountains can be conditionally divided into five orographic regions. Each is distinguished by a peculiar relief and structure of the ridges. Pay attention to the photo of the Tien Shan mountains, which is located above. Agree, the grandeur and stateliness of these mountains are admirable. And now, let's take a closer look at the zoning of the system:

  • Northern Tien Shan. This part is almost completely located on the territory of Kazakhstan. The main ranges are Zailiysky and Kungei Alatau. These mountains are characterized by an average height (no more than 4000 m) and a strong indentation of the relief. There are many small rivers in the region, which originate from glacial peaks. The region also includes the Ketmen Ridge, Kazakhstan shares it with Kyrgyzstan. On the territory of the latter, there is another ridge of the northern part - the Kyrgyz Alatau.
  • Eastern Tien Shan. Of the largest parts of the mountain system, one can distinguish: Borohoro, Bogdo-Ula, as well as medium and small ranges: Iren-Khabyrga and Sarmin-Ula. The entire eastern part of the Heavenly Mountains is located on the territory of China, mainly where the places of permanent settlement of the Uighurs are located, it is from this local dialect that the ridges got their names.
  • Western Tien Shan. This orographic unit occupies the territories of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The largest is the Karatau ridge, and then comes the Talas Alatau, which got its name from the river of the same name. These parts of the Tien Shan mountains are rather low, the relief drops to 2000 meters. This is because this is a more ancient region, the territory of which was not subjected to repeated mountain building. Thus, the destructive power of exogenous factors has done its job.
  • Southwestern Tien Shan. This region is located in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. In fact, this is the lowest part of the mountains, which consists of the Fregan Range, framing the valley of the same name.
  • Central Tien Shan. This is the most high part mountain system. Its ranges occupy the territory of China, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It is in this part that almost all six-thousanders are located.

"Gloomy Giant" - the highest point of the Heavenly Mountains


As mentioned earlier, the highest point of the Tien Shan mountains is called Victory Peak. It is easy to guess that the toponym got its name in honor of a significant event - the victory of the USSR in the most difficult and bloody war of the 20th century. Officially, the mountain is located in Kyrgyzstan, near the border with China, not far from the autonomy of the Uighurs. However, for a long time, the Chinese side did not want to recognize that the object belonged to the Kyrgyz, and even after documenting the fact, it continues to look for ways to take possession of the coveted peak.

This object is very popular with climbers, it is included in the list of five seven-thousanders that must be conquered to receive the title of "Snow Leopard". Near the mountain, only 16 kilometers to the southwest, is the second highest peak of the Divine Mountains. We are talking about Khan Tengri - the highest point of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Its height is only slightly short of seven kilometers and is 6995 meters.

Age-old history of rocks: geology and structure


In the place where the Tien Shan mountains are located, there is an ancient belt of increased endogenous activity, these zones are also called geosynclines. Since the system has a fairly decent height, this suggests that it was subjected to secondary uplift, although it has a rather ancient origin. Studies show that the base of the Heavenly Mountains is composed of Precambrian and Lower Paleozoic rocks. The strata of the mountains were subjected to long-term deformations and the impact of endogenous forces, which is why the minerals are represented by metamorphosed gneisses, sandstones and typical limestone and shale.

Because most of This region was subjected to flooding in the Mesozoic, the mountain valleys are covered with lake-type deposits (sandstone and clay). The activity of glaciers also did not pass without a trace, moraine deposits stretch from the highest peaks of the Tien Shan mountains and reach the very border of the snow line.

The repeated uplift of the mountains in the Neogene had a very significant effect on their geological structure; relatively "young" rocks are found in the parent basement volcanic type. It is these inclusions that are mineral and metal minerals, which are very rich in the Divine Mountains.

The lowest part of the Tien Shan, which is located in the south, has been exposed to exogenous agents for thousands of years: the sun, winds, glaciers, temperature fluctuations, water during flooding. All this could not but affect the structure of the rocks, nature had severely battered their slopes and "exposed" the mountains to the very parent rock. The complex geological history has affected the heterogeneity of the Tien Shan relief, which is why high snowy peaks alternate with valleys and dilapidated plateaus.

Gifts of the Heavenly Mountains: Minerals

The description of the Tien Shan mountains cannot do without mentioning minerals, because this system brings a very good income to the states in whose territories it is located. First of all, these are complex conglomerates of polymetallic ores. Large deposits found in all five countries. Most of all in the bowels of the mountains of lead and zinc, but you can find something more rare. For example, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have established the extraction of antimony, and there are also separate deposits of molybdenum and tungsten. In the southern part of the mountains, near the Fregan Valley, coal is mined, as well as other fossil fuels: oil and gas. Of the rare elements found: strontium, mercury and uranium. But most of all, the territory is rich in building materials and semi-precious stones. The slopes and foot of the mountains are strewn with small deposits of cement, sand and various types of granite.

However, many minerals are not available for development, because infrastructure is very poorly developed in mountainous regions. Mining in hard-to-reach places requires very modern technical means and large financial investments. The states are in no hurry to develop the resources of the Tien Shan and often transfer the initiative to the private hands of foreign investors.

Ancient and modern glaciation of the mountain system

The height of the Tien Shan mountains is several times greater than the snow line, which means that it is no secret that the system is covered by a huge number of glaciers. However, the situation with glaciers is not very stable, because only in the last 50 years, their number has decreased by almost 25% (3 thousand square kilometers). For comparison, this is even more than the area of ​​the city of Moscow. The depletion of the snow and ice cover of the Tien Shan threatens the region with serious environmental catastrophe. Firstly, it is a natural source of food for rivers and alpine lakes. Secondly, it is the only source fresh water for all life that inhabits the slopes of the mountains, including local peoples and settlements. If changes continue at the same pace, then by the end of the 21st century, the Tien Shan will lose more than half of its glaciers and leave four countries without a valuable water resource.

Ice-free lake and other water bodies


The most high mountain The Tien Shan is located near the highest mountain lake in Asia - Issyk-Kul. This object belongs to the state of Kyrgyzstan, and is popularly called the Non-Freezing Lake. It's all about low blood pressure. high altitude and water temperature, thanks to which the surface of this lake never freezes. This place is the main tourist area of ​​the region, on an area of ​​more than 6 thousand square kilometers, there is a huge number of high-mountain resorts and various recreational areas.

Another picturesque water body of the Tien Shan is located in China, literally a hundred kilometers from the main trading city of Urumqi. We are talking about Lake Tianshi - this is a kind of "Pearl of the Heavenly Mountains". The water there is so clean and transparent that it is difficult to realize the depth due to the fact that it seems that you can literally reach the bottom with your hand.

In addition to lakes, the mountains are cut by a huge number of river valleys. Small rivers originate from the very peaks and are fed by melted glacial waters. Many of them are still lost on the slopes of the mountains, others combine into larger water bodies and carry their waters to the foot.

From picturesque meadows to icy peaks: climate and natural conditions


Where the Tien Shan mountains are located, natural zones replace each other with height. Due to the fact that the orographic units of the system have a heterogeneous relief, in different parts Heavenly mountains at the same level can be located different natural zones:

  • Alpine meadows. They can be located both at an altitude of more than 2500 meters, and at 3300 meters. A feature of this landscape is juicy hilly valleys that surround bare rocks.
  • Forest zone. It is quite rare in this region, mainly in hard-to-reach high mountain gorges.
  • Forest-steppe. The trees of this zone are low, mostly small-leaved or coniferous. To the south, a meadow and steppe landscape is more clearly seen.
  • Steppe. This natural zone covers foothills and valleys. There is a huge variety of meadow grasses and steppe plants. How south region, the more clearly a semi-desert and in some places even a desert landscape is traced.

The climate of the Heavenly Mountains is very harsh and unstable. He is influenced by the opposing air masses. In summer, the Tien Shan mountains are dominated by the tropics, and in winter, polar streams dominate here. In general, the region can be called rather arid and sharply continental. In the summer, dry winds and unbearable heat are very common. In winter, temperatures can drop to record highs, and frosts often occur during the off-season. Precipitation is very unstable, most of it occurs in April and May. It is the unstable climate that affects the reduction in the area of ​​ice sheets. Also, sudden changes in temperature and constant winds very negatively affect the relief of the region. The mountains are slowly but surely being destroyed.

Untouched corner of nature: animals and plants


The Tien Shan mountains have become home to a huge number of living beings. The fauna is extremely diverse and varies considerably depending on the region. For example, the northern part of the mountains is represented by European and Siberian types, while the Western Tien Shan is inhabited by typical representatives of the Mediterranean, Africa and the Himalayan region. You can also easily meet typical representatives mountain fauna: snow leopards, snowcocks and mountain goats. Ordinary foxes, wolves and bears live in the forests.

The flora is also very diverse; fir and Mediterranean can easily coexist in the region. Walnut. In addition, there is a huge number of medicinal plants and valuable herbs. This is a real phyto pantry of Central Asia.

It is very important to protect the Tien Shan from human influence; for this, two reserves have been created in the region and one national park. There are so few places left on the planet with untouched nature, so it is important to direct all efforts to preserve this wealth for posterity.

website- Over 90% of the territory of our country is covered with mountains, because it is not for nothing that Kyrgyzstan is called the country of celestial mountains. Their uniqueness lies in the fact that the highest seven-thousander peaks, small heights, and incredibly beautiful landscapes are concentrated in a small area. In total, there are 14 peaks higher than 6000 m and 26 peaks higher than Mont Blanc (4807m), the highest point in Europe, on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. Our mountains belong mainly to the Tien Shan mountain range, a relatively smaller part is located in the Pamirs.

The name "Tien Shan" is translated from Chinese as "Heavenly Mountains"

The first mention of the Tien Shan Range appeared in antiquity. According to ancient writings and travelers' notes, expeditions to these places have been made since ancient times, but now they all look more like legends than reliable facts. For the first time, the Russian explorer Pyotr Semenov spoke about the secrets of the Tien Shan in the middle of the 19th century, thanks to which he received a second surname, Tien Shansky. The name "Tien Shan" is translated from Chinese as "Heavenly Mountains". The Tien Shan ridge is the longest ridge (2800 km) not only in Kyrgyzstan, but throughout Asia, in the central part of which are the highest peaks of our country - Pobeda Peak (7439 m) and Khan Tengri Peak (6995 m) . In addition to them, there are 40 more peaks over 6000 meters high on the ridge.

Pobeda Peak - the highest peak of the Tien Shan

The highest point of the Tien Shan is Pobeda Peak (7439 m), discovered in 1943, the northernmost seven-thousander of the planet, located on the Kyrgyz-Chinese border, in the Kokshaal-Too ridge, east of Lake Issyk-Kul. It is called the most inaccessible, the most formidable seven-thousander - this peak makes very high demands on the physical and moral preparation of the climbers. The history of conquering Pobeda Peak is full of interesting facts. In 1936, a group of climbers climbing Khan Tengri, then considered the highest peak of the Tien Shan, noticed that another mountain rises nearby, rivaling Khan Tengri in height. Two years later, an expedition of climbers headed for it headed by the famous explorer of the Tien Shan, Professor A. A. Letavet. Leonid Gutman, a participant in the ascent of Khan Tengri in 1936, was the head of the assault group of the expedition.

On September 19, 1938, three of the group of Professor A. A. Letavet climbed the mysterious peak and named it the peak of the 20th anniversary of the Komsomol. Experts compared photographs taken in 1938 by Gutman and in 1958 by V. Abalakov and found that they were taken from the same place. Thus, it was possible to prove that the climbers from the Gutman expedition were the first to conquer Pobeda Peak. Thus, Pobeda Peak was discovered - the highest peak of the Tien Shan.

Khan Tengri: "Bloody Mountain" or "Lord of Heaven"

Not far from Pobeda Peak rises Khan-Tengri Peak (6995 m). Its name, translated from Turkic, means "Lord of the Sky" or "Lord of the Heavens". Until recently, the height of Khan Tengri was 6995 m above sea level, but according to the latest data, the height is 7010 m, however, some people are suspicious of this. Some argue that this height is determined taking into account the thickness of the ice, others see the reason in the title of "Snow Leopard", because in order to get it you need to conquer five peaks, not four, with a height of over 7000 meters in Central Asia.

At the peak of Khan-Tengri (Kan-Too means "Bloody Mountain"), a capsule is buried that contains a message from the previous climbers who conquered the mountain to the future. Each new climber who has risen to a height digs out a capsule and writes his message in pencil - it is impossible to write with ink - writes his name, date of ascent and buries it again. Despite a large number of accidents, many climbers are still trying to climb the Kan-Too peak.

Pamir-Alay - seven-thousander mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Pamir - "The roof of the world", the highest mountain system in the entire post-Soviet space, spread over an area of ​​60,000 square meters. km and is a highly branched network of ridges covered with eternal snows and boundless intermountain valleys that make up the Pamir Highlands. However, Kyrgyzstan owns only the most extreme region - the northern slopes of the Zaalai Range and the northern parts of the Pamir-Alai, which include: the Alai Valley, as well as the Turkestan and Alai Ranges.

Sacred mountain Sulaiman-Too

The sacred mountain in the city of Osh, which in June 2009 became the first monument in the country world heritage. The mountain is a five-domed calcareous remnant, elongated from west to east. Its length is more than 1140 m, width - 560 m. Since ancient times it had a sacred meaning, as evidenced by the preserved petroglyphs. Today, Mount Sulaiman-Too is a kind of Mecca, which is the last hope for many of its visitors. Most of which are women. Someone asks Sulaiman-Too for well-being for the family, someone - for health, someone - for procreation. People believe in the magical properties of the ancient sanctuary.

Mountain peaks:

Aitmatov Peak
A mountain peak in Kyrgyzstan, located in the central part of the Kyrgyz Range, in the region of the Salyk glacier. The height of the peak is 4650 m. The mountain got its name in 2000 in honor of the outstanding Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov. Until now, it has been unnamed.

Vladimir Putin Peak
The peak is located in the Tien Shan mountain system. It is located on the territory of the Chui region. Named in 2011 in honor of the second president Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.

Boris Yeltsin Peak
The peak is located on the Terskey Ala-Too ridge of the Tien Shan mountain system. It is located on the territory of the Issyk-Kul region. Renamed in 2002 in honor of the first President of the Russian Federation Boris Nikolaevich Yeltsin.

Peak Lenin
Mountain peak located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. One of the "seven-thousanders" - the highest peaks former USSR. One of the highest peaks of Central Asia, located in the Pamir mountain system.

Free Korea
A peak located in the Tien Shan mountains in the Kyrgyz Range, in the Chui region, on the territory of the Ala-Archa National Park. Its height, according to various sources, is 4740-4778 meters.

Peak Semyonov
Mountain peak in the Central Tien Shan. The highest point of the Saryzhaz ridge (5816 m). It rises above the valley with the Northern Inylchek glacier. The peak was named after Petr Petrovich Semyonov, who explored the Central Tien Shan in 1857.

Crown Peak

Crown Peak (4860 m) is located on the territory of the Ala-Archa National Park. Six peaks from afar resemble a crown, which explains their name. Mountain slopes reach a height of 600 meters, the northern slope - 900 meters.

Peak, Semyonov glacier, Semyonov ridge, Talgar.

Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001 .

TIAN SHAN

mountain system in Middle and Central. Asia. Length from 3. to E. 2500 km, the highest point is Pobeda Peak. Alpine folding, the remains of ancient leveled surfaces have been preserved at an altitude of 3000-4000 m in the form of syrts. Modern tectonic activity is high, earthquakes are frequent. The mountain ranges are composed of igneous rocks, the basins are composed of sedimentary rocks. Deposits of mercury, antimony, lead, cadmium, zinc, silver, in the basins - oil. The relief is predominantly alpine, with glacial forms, scree, above 3200 m permafrost is common. There are flat intermountain basins (Fergana, Issyk-Kul, Naryn). The climate is continental, temperate. Snowfields and glaciers. The rivers belong to the basins of internal flow (Naryn, Ili, Chu, Tarim, etc.), lakes. Issyk-Kul. Song-Kel, Chatyr-Kel. Altitudinal zonation. FLORIDA, peninsula in the south-east. Sev. America between Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Low swampy plain up to 99 m high, composed mainly of limestone, karst is developed. The climate is oceanic. Lots of lakes and swamps. Forests of pines, magnolias, palm trees, mangroves along the coasts. To the east coast numerous resorts (Miami), Cape Canaveral East. test site with the Space Center. J. F. Kennedy.

Brief geographical dictionary. EdwART. 2008 .

Tien Shan

(Chinese - " heavenly mountains"), a mountainous country in Centre. Asia. Zap. h. is located on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, east. h. - in China. It extends in the latitudinal direction for 2450 km between 40 and 45 ° N, 67 and 95 ° E. On S. through Mt. Boro-Khoro connects with Dzungarian Alatau , in the south is associated with Alai ridge. mountain system Hissar-Alay. Zap. T.-Sh. from the north it is bounded by the Ili basin, from the south - Ferghana Valley , Vost. T.-Sh. - respectively Dzungarian basin And Tarim Plain . Consists of mountain ranges, elongated preim. in latitudinal and sublatitudinal directions; only on the border with China does the Meridional Ridge extend. with the highest peaks of T.-Sh.: Pobeda peak (7439 m) and Khan-Tengri (6995 m). On SZ. T.-Sh. there are ridges Ketmen , Zailiysky Alatau , Kungei-Ala-Too And Kyrgyz; on the app. tip stands out Talas Alatau with adjoining ridges Chatkal, Pskemsky, Ugamsky and Karatau , to the center. hours, south of Issyk-Kul basin ridges lie Fergana, Kokshaaltau , Terskey-Ala-Too and the Ak-Shyirak massif, as well as the shorter ranges of Borkoldoy, Dzhetim-Bel, At-Bashi and etc.
In Vost. T.-Sh. two bands of mountain ranges are clearly expressed, separated by a latitudinally elongated band of valleys and basins. The height of the main ranges is 4000–5000 m, some peaks rise to 6500 m or more. All in. the chain includes the ridges: Boro-Khoro, Iren-Khabyrga, Bogdo-Shan, Barkeltag, Karlyktag. South the mountain chain is shorter, it includes the ranges located on the border with China Ketmen , Meridional, as well as Halyktau, Narat, Saarmin, Kuruktag. At the foot of the East T.-Sh. located Turfan basin .
Relief preim. alpine, alpine with glacial forms, grandiose taluses on the slopes, permafrost is widespread above 3200 m, leveled spaces - syrts are not uncommon at altitudes of 3000–4000 m. In the middle and low mountains there are mudflow cones. At the foot of many ridges there are bands of foothills (counters, or adyrs). Intermountain ( Ferghana, Issyk-Kul, Naryn, etc.) and marginal (Chui, Talas, Ili, etc.) depressions have flat or slightly hilly bottoms with wide river valleys, lakes and swamps. Frequent earthquakes. Many minerals: mercury, antimony, lead, zinc, silver, tungsten, phosphorite, miner. water; in the basins - deposits of oil (in particular in the Ferghana Valley), brown and stone. coal.
The climate is sharply continental. Main h mountains lies in temperate zone, ridges southwest. hours are influenced by dry subtropics. In the bottom belt of mountains July temperatures 20–25 ° С, on Wednesday. belt 15–17 °С, at the foot of the glaciers 5 °С and below. Avg. the January temperature is -6 °С and below, thaws are possible in the middle mountains. Precipitation in the foothills and intermountain depressions is from 300 mm, in the highlands up to 1000 mm per year or more. There are many snowfields, the mountains are avalanche-prone. Extensive glaciation: within the Middle Asian countries, there are approx. 7600 glaciers with a total area 7310 km², approx. 8900 glaciers on the square. 9190 km². Numerous are valley, cirque and hanging glaciers, and in Int. T.-Sh. - flat top glaciers. The largest glaciers (South and North. Engilchek , Kaindy , Mushketova) of the dendritic type. Rivers T.-Sh. belong to internal bass Centre. Asia: Naryn , Sary Jazz , Syrdarya , Or , Chu , Tarim , Konchedarya . Lakes are located in intermountain depressions Issyk-Kul , Bagrashköl , Song-kyul , Chatyr-Kol , Bar-Kel. The altitudinal zonality of landscapes is clearly expressed. On the piedmont plains and in the low foothills there are semi-deserts or desert steppes with ephemeral vegetation. Above 900–1200 m, grass-forb steppes in the north and tall-grass semi-savannas in the south. Above 1200–2000 m, meadow steppes, thickets of shrubs, and deciduous forests; coniferous forests(spruce and fir). At altitudes of 2800–3400 m - subalpine and alpine meadows, predominantly. to the sowing slopes; on syrts - landscapes of cold deserts. Above 3600–3800 m landscapes of the nival-glacial belt, eternal snow and ice. In the foothill and low-mountain regions of T.-Sh. goitered gazelle, polecat, tolai hare, ground squirrel, jerboa, etc.; in the middle mountains - wild boar, lynx, brown bear, badger, wolf, fox, marten, roe deer, etc.; in the highlands - marmot, vole, mountain goat (teke), mountain sheep (argali), ermine, occasionally Snow Leopard. Reserves: Issyk-Kul, Almaty, Aksu-Dzhabagly , Sary-Chelek, Chatkal, Besh-Aral and others.

Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Yekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of Acad. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

Tien Shan

mountainous country in Central Asia. Zap. part is located on the territory. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, east. some are in China. Located between 40 and 45 ° N. latitude, 67 and 95 ° in. etc., stretching in the latitudinal direction for 2450 km, including within the boundaries of the Central Asian states for 1200 km. On S. through Mt. Boro-Khoro connects with the Dzungarian Alatau, in the south it is connected with the Alai Range. mountain system of Gissar-Alay. The Western Tien Shan is bounded in the north by the Ili basin, and in the south of the Ferghana basin, and the Eastern Tien Shan by the Dzungarian and Kashgar basins, respectively. Consists of mountain ranges, elongated mainly in the latitudinal and sublatitudinal direction; only on the border with China passes the Meridional ridge. with the highest peaks of the Tien Shan: the peak of Tomur, or Pobeda (7439 m), and Khan-Tengri (6995 m). The Chinese name for the Tien Shan is "Heavenly Mountains".

In the Eastern Tien Shan, two bands of mountain ranges are clearly expressed, separated by a latitudinally elongated band of valleys and basins. Height Ch. ridges 4000–5000 m, some peaks rise to 6500 m or more. Sev. the mountain range stretches from the south. spurs of the Dzungarian Alatau to the west. outskirts of the Gobi. It includes the ridges: Boro-Khoro, Eren-Khabirga, Bogdo-Ula, Barkeltag, Karlyktag. South the mountain chain is shorter, it includes the Ketmen, Meridional ridges located on the border with China, as well as Khalyktau, Narat, Saarmin, Kuruktag. At the foot of the East Tien Shan is located Turfan depression with a bottom 155 m below sea level. m.
The relief is predominantly alpine, high-mountainous, with glacial forms, on the slopes there are grandiose screes, above 3200 m 3000–4000 m, leveled surfaces are not uncommon - syrty. In the middle and low mountains there are mudflow cones. At the foot of many ridges there are bands of foothills (counters, or adyrs). Intermountain (Fergana, Issyk-Kul, Naryn, and others) and marginal (Chui, Talas, Ili, and others) depressions have flat or slightly hilly surfaces with river valleys, lakes, and swamps. Earthquakes are frequent in the Tien Shan. Many minerals: mercury, antimony, lead, zinc, silver, tungsten, phosphorites, mineral waters; in the basins - deposits of oil (in particular, in the Ferghana Valley), brown and coal.


Tien Shan. Ridge Terskey-Ala-Too

The climate is sharply continental. Main part of the mountains lies in the temperate zone, the ridges are southwest. parts are influenced by dry subtropics. In the lower belt of mountains cf. July temp 20–25 °C, Wed. belt 15–17 °C, at the foot of the glaciers 5 °C and below. Wed January temperatures are -6 °C and below, thaws are possible in the middle mountains. The amount of precipitation increases with height (from 300 mm in the foothills to 1000 mm per year in the highlands). There are many snowfields, the mountains are avalanche-prone. Extensive glaciation: within the Central Asian countries, there are approx. 7600 glaciers with a total area 7310 km², on ter. China is known approx. 8900 glaciers on the square. 9190 km². There are numerous valley, cirque and hanging glaciers, and in the Inner Tien Shan - flat top glaciers. The largest glaciers (South and North Engilchek, Kaindy, Mushketova) are of the dendritic type.
The Tien Shan rivers belong to the internal bass. Centre. Asia: Naryn, Sary-Jaz, Syrdarya, Ili, Chu, Tarim, Konchedarya. In the intermountain depressions there are lakes Issyk-Kul, Bagrashkul, Song-Kol, Chatyr-Kol, Barkel. The altitudinal zonality of landscapes is clearly expressed. On the piedmont plains and in the low foothills there are semi-deserts or desert steppes with ephemeral vegetation. Above 900–1200 m, grass-forb steppes in the north and tall-grass semi-savannas in the south. Above 1200–2000 m, meadow steppes, thickets of shrubs, and deciduous forests, above 2000 m replaced by coniferous forests of spruce and fir. At the height 2800–3400 m - subalpine and alpine meadows, mainly in the north. slopes; on the syrtah- landscapes of cold deserts. Above 3600–3800 m - landscapes of the nival-glacial belt, eternal snow and ice.
Within the foothill and low-mountain regions of the Tien Shan, goitered gazelle, polecat, tolai hare, ground squirrel, jerboas, etc. live; in the middle mountains, the inhabitants of the forest are wild boar, lynx, brown bear, badger, wolf, fox, marten, roe deer, etc .; in the highlands - marmots, voles, mountain goats (teke), mountain sheep (argali), ermine, occasionally snow leopard. There are significant specially protected territories in the Tien Shan, in particular a number of reserves: Issyk-Kul, Alma-Ata, Aksu-Dzhabagly, Sary-Chelek, Chatkal, Besh-Aral, etc.

Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia. - M.: Rosman. Under the editorship of prof. A. P. Gorkina. 2006 .


Synonyms:

See what "TIAN-SHAN" is in other dictionaries:

    Khan Tengri Peak at sunset ... Wikipedia

    Mountain system in Central and Central Asia, mainly in the territory of Kyrgyzstan and China; northern and western ranges in Kazakhstan, southwestern tip in Uzbekistan. The length from west to east is about 2500 km. The largest peaks in ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

    Tien Shan- Tien Shan. spruce forests. TIAN SHAN, a mountain system in Central and Central Asia, in Kyrgyzstan and China. The highest points are Pobeda Peak (7439 m) and Khan Tengri (6995 m). Alpine relief with glacial forms prevails; on the slopes of the scree. Large intermountain… Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

    TIAN SHAN, a mountain system in Central and Central Asia, in Kyrgyzstan and China. The highest points are Pobeda Peak (7439 m) and Khan Tengri (6995 m). Alpine relief with glacial forms prevails; on the slopes of the scree. Large intermountain (Fergana, Issyk ... ... Modern Encyclopedia

    Mountain system in Wed. and Center. Asia, on the territory of Kyrgyzstan and China; northern and western ranges in Kazakhstan. Length from west to east approx. 2500 km. The largest peaks in the Center. Tien Shan (Pobeda Peak, 7439 m, Khan Tengri, etc.), from which to the west ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

"Heavenly mountains" are well known to any Chinese. This is how the Tien Shan mountain system is called in China. China is not the only country where heavenly mountain ranges stretch. Rocky rock crosses countries such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan. The ridge stretches across the whole of Central Asia.

Features of high mountains

The Tien Shan system has many peaks reaching heights of 6,000 meters or more. Unique mountains also have an amazing ecosystem. Their appearance and views are indescribably beautiful, and the pits between them abound with lakes. Meet at the foot of the mountains and fast rivers.

The total length of the ridge is 2500 km. The entire system of mountains is divided into the following areas:

  • Central;
  • Northern;
  • Oriental;
  • West;
  • Southwestern.

The highest point of the ridge is Pobeda Peak. Its total height is 7439 meters. The system was once researched by Peter Semenov and Thomas Atkinson. Subsequently, these figures published books about the Tien Shan mountain system, describing their travels and observations in them. They made many discoveries that helped to better understand the ecosystem of the Tien Shan Range.

famous mountain lake

Tianchi Lake is a natural landmark of China. It is located in the Tien Shan mountain system, 100 km from Urumqi. The height of the lake above sea level is 1900 meters. This is the same jade pond, the waters of which were endowed with magical properties in ancient times.

Legends say that the Goddess Sivanmu herself once bathed in the water surface of the lake. The reservoir is fed from mountain glaciers, so the water in it is very clean. The nature around is untouched by man and incredibly beautiful.

In summer, tourists rest off the coast of Tianchi, but the water in the lake is not suitable for swimming, as it still remains too cold even on the hottest days.

Tianchi is a lake, looking into which you can see its sandy bottom, as well as reflections of snow-white peaks.

The climate around the Chinese mountains

The arid and sharply continental climate of the Tien Shan is characterized by snowy winters and hot summer.

The higher the peaks of the mountains stretch, the more precipitation there is. Some mountainous areas exposed to strong winds. In the lowlands of the mountain range, precipitation is scarce and is most suitable for tourism.

Wildlife Tien Shan

The mountain range is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Ferrets, hares, jerboas, ground squirrels, mole voles, mice, rats and poisonous snakes live on its territory.

Birds are represented in the form of larks, sandgrouse, eagles, bustards and partridges. Of the large animals, the ridge was chosen by brown bears, lynxes, wild boars, wolves, foxes, badgers, martens, squirrels and roe deer.

Sometimes in the highlands you can meet a snow leopard. This predator is listed in the Red Book, therefore they are a rare guest in all their habitats.

Tulips and irises grow on the slopes of the Tien Shan. Tansy, cedars, firs, aspens rise. These places are full of herbs and valuable medicinal plants. During the flowering period of various herbs, the mountain range turns into a multi-colored fairy tale.

Tien Shan and tourism

The main type of tourism on the territory of the ridge is hiking and mountaineering. Near the mountain range in Kufu there is a Confucian temple. Ski slopes work at some bases.

Around the mountains there are tourist areas and hotels. There are restaurants, in the cities nearby there is all the infrastructure necessary for a person.

In some places you can ride the funicular. The most popular hiking trails are equipped with parking lots for tourists. Sometimes at high altitude there are campsites and hotels with private rooms. The Tien Shan is so vast and unpredictable that it does not tolerate a rash approach. It is best to go to the mountains with a trusted instructor, observing safety precautions and notifying the relevant Chinese authorities about your route.

Tien Shan is stunning views, rare nature, clean air and healing energy in the atmosphere. These mountains have always been considered one of the pearls of China, which, by the way, are quite numerous in the country. They beckoned and are beckoning tourists to their heights, opening before the most daring of them unprecedented places that cut into memory like the best memories.

Geographical position. The Tien Shan is one of the largest mountain systems in Asia. Tien Shan means "heavenly mountains" in Chinese. The territory of Kazakhstan includes almost completely the Northern Tien Shan, parts of the Central and Western Tien Shan.
The Central Tien Shan within Kazakhstan begins from the powerful mountain junction Khan-Tengri (6995 m), at the junction of the borders of China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Further it extends to the west with a whole series of ridges. The largest of them is the Tersky Alatau. The border with Kyrgyzstan runs along its eastern branch.
The Northern Tien Shan includes the ridges: Ketmen, Kungei Alatau, Zailiysky Alatau, Chu-Ili mountains and Kyrgyz Alatau.
The Western Tien Shan includes the Talas ridge and the ridges extending from it in the southeast direction - Ugamsky and Korzhintau.
Completely within the boundaries of Kazakhstan is Karatau - the most extreme, heavily destroyed region of the Tien Shan.
Relief, geological structure and minerals. The Tien Shan is located in the ancient geo-synclinal zone. It is composed of metamorphosed shales, sandstones, gneisses, limestones and volcanic rocks of Precambrian and Lower Paleozoic deposits. Later continental and lacustrine deposits are concentrated on mountain plains. They consist of clayey, sandy and moraine deposits. Main mountain systems:
The Trans-Ili Alatau is the northernmost high mountain range of the Tien Shan, has a length of 350 km, a width of 30-40 km, and an average height of 4000 m.
The Trans-Ili Alatau rises towards the Talgar, Chiliko-Kemin mountains (Talgar peak - 4973 m), and in the east, to the Dalashyk and Tore tracts, it noticeably decreases (3300-3400 m). The northern slopes of the mountains are especially clearly cut by numerous rivers, which indicates the influence of the glaciation era on them.
The Zailiysky Alatau is composed of ancient sedimentary and igneous rocks of the Lower Paleozoic - sandstones, porphyries, granites and gneisses. As a result of the formation of the Caledonian and Hercynian foldings in the Paleozoic, and then repeated uplift during the Alpine orogeny process, the mountain structure became blocky-folded.
On the peaks, an alpine type of relief has developed. Pointed peaks alternate with intermountain plains. Separate mountainous areas have a stepped relief.
Ketmen - one of the mid-mountain ranges - is located in the eastern part of the Tien Shan. Its length within Kazakhstan is 300 km, width - 50 km, height - 3500 m. It is formed from effusive sedimentary rocks of the Paleozoic. In some places, granite protrudes to the surface of the relief. The slopes of Ketmen are dissected by the rivers of the Ili basin.
Kungei Alatau is included in Kazakhstan only by the northern slopes of its eastern part. The average height of this mountain range is 3800-4200 m. The eastern part of Kungei Alatau and Zailiysky Alatau is separated by the valleys of the Charyn and Chilik rivers and the Zhalanash intermountain plain. The slopes of the Kungei Northern Alatau are relatively gentle and strongly dissected, the peaks are leveled.
The Chu-Ili mountains are located in the northwest of the Trans-Ili Alatau. They consist of individual hills that have undergone destruction, strong erosion (Dolankara, Kulzhabas, Kindiktas, Khantau, Alaaygyr, etc.). The average height is 1000-1200 m. The highest point is Aitau, its height is 1800 m. The Chu-Ili mountains were formed from Precambrian metamorphic rocks and thick layers of gneiss. Their surfaces are composed of sedimentary-effusive rocks of the Lower Paleozoic - shales, sandstones. The slopes of the mountains are dry, dissected by deep gorges, the peaks are leveled, and the Betpakdala plateau is located to the north-west of these mountains.
The Kyrgyz Alatau is a large mountain system; its northern slope of the western part is located on the territory of Kazakhstan. Its highest peak is Western Alamedin peak - 4875 m. In the Kazakhstani part, the height of the mountains does not exceed 4500 m. To the west they decrease. The northern slopes are subsided and destroyed mountains. The surface of the ridge is composed of sandstones, limestones and granites of the Carboniferous period. The ridge has an uneven, strongly dissected surface. On the border with Kyrgyzstan, this range has the type of alpine relief.
The Western Tien Shan within Kazakhstan begins south of the Kyrgyz Range, beyond the Talas Valley. Here rises the chain of the Talas Alatau (in the vicinity of the city of Taraz).
Kazakhstan part of Talas Alatau - Zhabagly mountains and Sairam range. The Zhabagly mountains are divided into two mountain ranges: they form the basin of the Aksu-Zhabagly rivers (the height of the northern ridge is 2600-2800 m, the southern ridge is 3500 m). They are also composed of sedimentary and igneous rocks of the Paleozoic. The slopes of the mountains are dissected, bear traces of ancient glaciation, and are distinguished by the alpine type of relief.
The Tashkent mountains consist of several mountain ranges extending southwest from the Talas Alatau. These include the Sairam Mountains (the highest point is Sairam peak 4220 m), Koksu (the highest point is 3468 m), Ugam (the highest point is 3560 m), Karzhantau (2839 m), Kazykurt (1700 m). Geological stories they are similar. All of them are composed of Paleozoic limestones. The slopes of the mountains are steep, the relief is dissected. Karst phenomena are widespread.
The Karatau Ridge is located on the western outskirts of the Western Tien Shan. It extends in a northwestern direction for 400 km, its average height is 1800 m. The highest point is Mynzhylky (2176 m). To the northwest it goes down and already at the confluence of the dry channels of the Sarysu and Chu rivers, the mountain passes to a plateau. By geological structure and the relief of Karatau is similar to the Chu-Ili mountains. It settles, collapses and levels out. The northeastern and southwestern mountain ranges of the Karatau ridge are separated by intermountain valleys. If its southwestern ridge was formed from metamorphic rocks of the Proterozoic, then the northeastern ridge was formed from sandstones and shales of the Paleozoic.
The valleys located between the two ridges are composed of red clays. Mesozoic and Cenozoic deposits of limestone, sandstone and clay are also widespread. The local relief was formed in a dry climate. Missing permanent surface runoff. The slopes are dissected by large and small gorges and dry riverbeds.
A large supply of minerals was found on the territory of Karatau. They are used for the production of lead, zinc at the Shymkent lead-zinc plant and for providing chemical plants in Taraz with phosphorus raw materials. Ores are mined in an open way. Karatau is the source building materials-gypsum, cement, etc., which gives the state a big profit. The folded base of the southwestern and southern parts The ridge was formed in the Paleozoic era.
The main shape of the Tien Shan relief was formed during mountain building in the Neogene and Anthropogenic periods. cenozoic era. The proof of this is the earthquakes occurring in the Tien Shan. General form the relief of the mountains is not the same. In the mountains, high peaks, ridges with intermountain valleys, hilly plains, etc. alternate. The altitudinal belt of mountains is formed in direct dependence on the geographical location and the scheme of mountain ranges.

Climate, rivers and glaciers. The climate of the Kazakhstani part of the Tien Shan mountain system is dry, unstable, formed in winter under the influence of polar air masses, and in summer tropical air masses. It is influenced by arctic air masses and the Siberian anticyclone. The height of the mountain ranges, the diversity of the relief affects the flow of heat and moisture. Therefore, frosts often occur in the foothills of the Tien Shan in autumn and spring. In the summer months, sultry winds often blow - dry winds. The dry continental climate of the plain in the mountains is replaced by a moderately humid continental climate. Winter is long, from October to April-May, summer is much shorter.
In Kungei and Terskey Alatau, snow sometimes falls already in August and it becomes quite cold. There are often frosts even in May-June. Real summer comes only in July.
Fall time itself a large number rainfall - May. If during this period at the foot the mountains are coming rain, then snow falls on its peaks.
On the northern slopes of the Zailiysky Alatau, even in winter months often cost warm days. During the day the snow melts, at night the puddles are covered with ice. Such a sharp change in weather has a destructive effect on the rock.
The climate of the Western Tien Shan is influenced by warm climatic conditions south of Kazakhstan. Therefore, in the mountains of the Western Tien Shan, the snow line is higher than in the east. Here the average annual rainfall is higher - 600-800 mm. On the slopes of the mountains average temperature July +20°+25°С, at the foot of the glaciers -5°С.
Many rivers flow along the spurs of the Tien Shan mountains, along the intermountain plains. The Bolshaya and Malaya Almatinka, Talgar, Issyk, Chilik, Kaskelen rivers originate from the northern slopes of the Trans-Ili Alatau, and the Charyn River originates from the eastern slopes of the Tien Shan. Many of them flow into the Ili River, the flow of which replenishes water reserve Lake Balkhash.
The Chu River originates in the Kyrgyz Alatau and, after crossing the border of Kyrgyzstan, flows through the territory of Kazakhstan.
The Arys, Boraldai, and Bogen rivers flow from the southwestern slopes of Karatau. From the northwestern slopes there are some rivers that are fed by melted snow waters in spring and dry up in summer.
In the spurs of the Tien Shan, there are lakes located in depressions between the peaks of the mountains. These lakes originate from glaciers. Below, in the intermountain basins, small lakes are formed.
The peaks of the Tien Shan mountains are covered with glaciers, their especially powerful reserves are concentrated in the Chiliko-Kemin mountain junction. There are more than 380 glaciers in the Zailiysky Alatau, which occupy mountain valleys with a total area of ​​478 km2. They are located in the upper part of the basins, from where the rivers Chilik, Issyk, Talgar, Bolshaya and Malaya Almatinka, Aksai originate. The largest glacier is Korzhenevsky (length 12 km).
In total, there are 1009 glaciers in the Kazakh part of the Tien Shan with a total area of ​​857 km2. Prolonged melting of glaciers and heavy rainfall on hot summer days increase the flow of meltwater to lakes and rivers. This leads to the fact that the water overflows the banks and floods begin. They cause great harm to the economy and pose a danger to human life.

natural areas. vegetable and animal world. The natural zones of the Tien Shan mountainous country change along the vertical zonality. These belts have developed in direct proportion to the orographic scheme of mountain ranges and geographical location. Because of the diversity natural environment And characteristic features of each Tien Shan mountain range, the same belts are not located vertically at the same height everywhere: in one ridge they are higher, and in the other - lower.
There are four levels of altitudinal belts in the Northern Tien Shan. If you count them from the very top, then they start from glaciers, from the alpine relief, covered with eternal snows. And in other ridges, the belts begin from a height of 2600-2800 m, in the third - above 3300 m. Here there are hilly hills surrounding bare rocks. Natural areas consist of subalpine and alpine meadows, alpine landscapes. Snow leopards, mountain goats, snowcocks, mountain eagles live in the mountains.
The next altitudinal belt is distributed in the mountains of medium height from 1500-1600 m to 3200-3300 m. Small-leaved and coniferous forests mainly grow on the northern slopes of the mountains. The plains are covered with meadows, on the southern slopes there are signs of steppe and meadow- steppe zones.

Spruce-forest belt.
1. Schrenk spruce.
2. Aspen.
3. Rowan Tien Shan.
4. Honeysuckle.
5. Geranium straight.
6. Siberian larch.
7. Siberian fir

Forests are found only in the gorges. From animals live bears, roe deer.
The belt of low mountains is clearly seen in the Zailiyskiy Alatau. Their height is 900-1100 m above sea level. They resemble the hilly mountains of the central part of Kazakhstan. On the dark and dark chestnut soils of this territory grow different kinds plants: herbaceous, woody (pines), shrubs (meadowsweet).
The lowest altitudinal zone covers intermountain plains and foothills (they are located at an altitude of approximately 600-800 m). In these territories, there are signs of desert, semi-desert, steppe zones. Cereals, melons and horticultural crops are grown here. The meadows are used as pastures for cattle grazing.
The altitudinal belts of the Western Tien Shan are located 100-200 m higher than the Northern Tien Shan. They are affected by the arid climate of Central Asia, less moisture. Types of soil and vegetation cover vary depending on altitudinal zonality. In the Aksu-Zhabagly reserve, Asian and indian species plants. And the animals living in the western spurs of the Tien Shan differ markedly from the inhabitants of the Northern Tien Shan. There are more Siberian, European species of animals, and in the West - animals similar to the Mediterranean, African, Himalayan species.
Reserves. In order to protect the nature of the Tien Shan, its flora and fauna, reserves and National parks. Among them, a large place is occupied by the Aksu-Zhabagly and Almaty reserves, the Ile-Alatau national park.
Reserve Aksu-Zhabagly (1927) - a repository of pristine nature of the Western Tien Shan - designed to protect 1404 species of plants (among them 269 rare), 238 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 9 species of reptiles. Rare species of animals and birds live in the reserve: ground squirrels, bustards, little bustards.
In the Almaty Reserve (1961), 965 species of plants, 39 species of animals, 200 species of birds grow. The snow leopard, brown bear, deer are taken under protection.
In 1996, the surroundings of Almaty were declared the Ile-Alatau National Park. It is located on the territory of over 181.6 thousand hectares, on the northern slope of the Zailiyskiy Alatau. Important activities for the protection of nature are carried out here.

1. According to the tectonic map of Kazakhstan, determine when the processes of mountain formation took place in the Northern and Western Tien Shan. Why does the Tien Shan belong to the seismic zone?
2. By climate map Explain the unevenness of precipitation in the Tien Shan.
3. What is the reason for the aridity of the climate? Is it possible to form a climate characteristic of the Tien Shan in its separate parts? Why, if possible?
4. On the map, show the glaciers of the Kazakh part of the Tien Shan. Explain the patterns of their location.
5. What explains the diversity of types of altitudinal belts of the Northern and Western Tien Shan?

Draw on contour map the layout of the mountain ranges of the Kazakh part of the Tien Shan.