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Самые большие заповедники в мире, крупнейшие на Земле в 2024:  фото и описание

There are more than 500 protected areas organized on the planet, which make up 10% of the Earth's surface. States create these specially protected places in order to support the diverse nature of the planet. This article presents a list of the ten largest nature reserves in the world - marine and land.

Papahanaumokuakea

The largest nature reserve in the world by area, Papahanaumokuakea is located in the waters of the northwestern Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean and is the National Marine Sanctuary of the Hawaiian Archipelago. It consists of groups of islands, atolls and reefs.

The main of the islands are presented below:

• Kure Atoll.
• Atoll Halfway.
• Pearl & Hermes Atoll.
• Lisyansky Island.
• Laisan Island.
• Maro Reef.
• Gardner's Peristy Mountains.
• Frigate Shoals.
• Mokumanaman.
• Nihoa.

The reserve is part of UNESCO and belongs to the U.S. territory. Its area is 1.5 million square kilometers.

The highest and lowest points in the park: the depth is 5,600 meters and the height is 275 meters above sea level.

The relief represents:

• the depths of the abyss;
• underwater mountains and shores;
• 2 eroded islands;
• uplands and atolls;
• coral reefs that make up 69% of the entire park;
• shallow lagoons;
• shoals and dunes;
• arid grasslands and shrubs;
• hyper-saline lake.

Papahanaumokuakea is the largest reserve archipelago in the world

The climate of the reserve is tropical. There are two seasons: summer and winter. The warmest month is September with an average daytime temperature of +30 Celsius and night-time temperature of +25 Celsius. In summer the temperature ranges from +28 to +29 Celsius. In winter the temperature is about +25 Celsius by day and +22 Celsius at night. There are over 7000 different animal species living in Papahanaumokuakea.

The 1,350-kilometer stretch of coral islands, seamounts, shores and shoals supports an incredible diversity of corals, fish, birds, marine mammals and other flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the Hawaiian island chain.

Many of the islands and shallow waters are important habitat for rare species. The land areas are home to 4 bird species that are found nowhere else in the world. Historical and eco-tours are not offered at this time.

Greenland National Park

The largest reserve in the world in the northern part of the planet is Greenland National Park. Its location is in Denmark, in the northeastern part of the island of Greenland with inland lands. It belongs to the biosphere reserves and is not included in the municipality. Its area is 972 thousand square kilometers, which exceeds the size of more than 160 states combined.

The topography of the protected area is represented:

• plateaus;
• mountain ranges;
• glaciers;
• The longest and deepest fjord in the world, Scoresby Sand, is located here.

The climate in the area of the park is arctic. The average annual temperature is -9.8 to -16.7 degrees Celsius. In summer the temperature ranges from +3 to +6 and in winter from -30 to -50 degrees Celsius.

Much of the park is covered with ice and lacks fertility, but the remainder is covered with Arctic plants, including heather and mosses. The presence of vegetation depends on the period, which is short. When winter, lasting 8 months, comes to an end, nature blooms. The flora of the reserve consists of 300 endemic species. Among the fauna noted are:

Mammals	Birds
Sheepsheads, or musk oxen. Polar Bears. Walruses. Whales. Arctic whites. Arctic foxes. Weasels. The hoofed lemming.	Poonies. Common redpolls and tundra redpolls. Lapland plantains. The stones are common. Grouse of the tundra. Ravens. Different kinds of geese.Predatory: Gyrfalcon. Owl White. Long-tailed Skua. The Lesser King Eider: This bird provides vegetation for the land by carrying marine nutrients.

Almost all species of birds breed outside of Northeast Greenland. This is due to the harsh long winters. Only crows, tundra grouse and geese do not change their habitat. The reserve does not accept tourists, the entrance is only available to scientists. The entire population of the territory is employees.

Chagos

Chagos Reserve is an archipelago consisting of 7 groups of coral atolls, which belong to the territory of Great Britain. It includes 55 islands with an area of 60 sq. km, and the rest is an underwater world. Chagos is located in the Indian Ocean, 1770 km east of Mahe Island, and 500 km south of Maldives. The entire area of the marine reserve is 54.4 thousand sq. km.

Climate: tropical. Winds constantly blow. Average annual temperature: +26.2 degrees Celsius. The relief is lowlands. The highest point above sea level - 7 m. All islands and reefs of the reserve - the coral type.

The flora and fauna on land in the Chagos Reserve consists of a small number of species. The main representatives of the fauna are: 20 species of birds and many tropical fish. The flora is mainly represented by coconut palms. The underwater world of the reserve includes the greatest number of diverse marine animals and plants. One of the rarest species of turtles lives here.

The main attractions: the Bank of Greater Chagos with the inner lagoon and the Marine Reserve. The population is represented only by the military and scientists, so tourism is not developed here due to the closed territory. Only in a few areas of the archipelago is possible to engage in diving or surfing.

Kavango-Zambezi Reserve

The largest transboundary nature reserve in the world is the Kavango-Zambezi.

It is located in southern Africa and consists of several territories of 5 states:

• Zimbabwe.
• Zambia.
• Botswana.
• Angola.
• Namibia.

It includes several areas of the continent, parks and some areas that are around the listed. It covers an area of more than 520,000 square kilometers. The heads of the 5 countries created a single reserve to preserve the integrity of the park. In 2014, a project to create one visa for visitors was launched, which is developing to this day.

The park is notable for its Victoria and Ngonje Falls, the Makgadikgadi Depression and the Okavango Delta, with attractions including Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River. The park has a diverse climate and terrain due to its size. A tropical and subequatorial climate prevails. Summer temperatures reach +35 degrees centigrade and winter temperatures are +15 to +25 degrees centigrade.

The flora consists of ecozones: savannah, grassland and forest biomes. There are more than 3,000 plant species, of which 100 are endemic.

Fauna includes:

• 197 species of totally non-endemic mammals. It is home to the largest number of African elephants and the last populations of wild dogs and white rhinos on the continent.
• There are 128 species of reptiles and 50 species of amphibians.
• There are 600 species of birds.
• There are 300 species of butterflies.

Phoenix Islands

The Phoenix Islands are located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, near the Gilbert Islands to the east and west of the Line Islands. The protected area is part of the Republic of Kiribati. The Phoenix Islands are an archipelago of eight atolls surrounded by a ring of reefs.

Their names:

• McKean Island.
• Birnie.
• Kanton Island.
• Sydney.
• Phoenix Islands.
• Nikumaroro.
• Orona.
• Enderbury Island.

The area of the protected area is 408 thousand square kilometers. Most of the atolls are part of UNESCO. Climate: tropical, hot and humid. Temperatures range from +25 to +27 degrees Celsius.

The fauna of the Phoenix Islands includes 800 species: only 18 species of mammals and 44 species of sea birds. The shores are inhabited by hermit crabs, turtles and lizards. 500 species of fish and 120 species of coral live in the coastal waters. Vegetation is represented by coconut palms, shrubs and 40 species of plants. Most common are Heliotrope, Scevola, Sesivium and other plants.

Almost all of the Phoenix Islands are uninhabited, so tourism is not developed here. Those wishing to visit the reserve by boat and sleep in tents.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef Reserve is located in the Coral Sea near the northeast coast of Quisland, mainland Australia. The marine park covers 344,400 square kilometers.

The reserve is divided into six protected areas: from strictly controlled areas, where only scientists can enter, to recreational areas (amounting to only 7% of the park area), where tourism is allowed. The climate in the reserve is subequatorial, and the topography is islands and corals.

The main attraction of the park is the Great Barrier Reef (60-250 km wide and 2,300 km long). There are 3,000 coral reefs, 300 coral islands and 150 coastal islands. The marine park consists of an underwater part and a land part.

The flora in the terrestrial part contains 40 species of vegetation. There are groves of coconut palms, evergreen casuarinas and small patches of rainforest in the interior of the islands. The underwater part of the park consists of sea grass, a variety of brown, green and red algae, and the main species are single-celled algae zooxanthellae, which make the corals have bright colors.

The underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef has numerous colonies of clams, echinoderms, jellyfish, worms. A total of 1500 species of marine fish have been recorded here. Butterflies and 240 species of birds are found in the reserve.

Banff, Canada

Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885 and covering about 7,000 square kilometres, is located right in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In fact, once in the park, you'll see an endless array of glaciers and entire icefields, many impenetrable pine forests (with a fascinating aroma, of course), numerous Alpine landscapes and the green waters of Lake Louise. Banff is ideal for hiking, bird and animal watching, and rock climbing. Few reserves in the world can boast such unspoiled nature.

Tropical Forests of Atsinanana, Madagascar

Atsinanana plants are the primordial virgin forests of the island of Madagascar. They are without a doubt a UNESCO heritage site, located in six national parks in eastern Madagascar. Incidentally, plants and animals evolved in these places in isolation and appeared more than 60 million years ago. The lemurs and primates found here are endangered, but they are not an exception. Since almost all the inhabitants of these forests are rare animal species, they also need to be protected.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Off the coast of Queensland is the largest "living thing" on the planet. In addition, this magnificent ecosystem spans 2,300 km and consists of nearly 3,000 reefs and a thousand islands in the Coral Sea. The area covers over 340,000 sq km. This reserve is home to incredible fish species. In fact, without a bit of exaggeration it is a place that you will not find in nature. Coral reefs are a miracle, you can just look at the images from space and you will understand everything. And if you see everything live, your life is unlikely to remain

Fuji Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan

The territory of the reserve includes the area of the incomparable Mount Fuji (and its five lakes), the Hakone area and the Izu Peninsula. There are many lakes, mountains, hot springs, tropical vegetation. For example, you will see the incredibly beautiful sakura, glowing with soft pink petals in the bright rays of the Tokyo sun. In fact, the whole park shines mostly in purple, green and blue colors. Be sure to visit Shiraito Waterfall, the Jogasaki coast. Incidentally, the Izu Islands, like some other reserves, are an ideal place in the world for diving and have

Galapagos Marine Reserve

The largest nature reserve in the world at sea - Galapagos. It is located on the territory of Ecuador, the Pacific Ocean. It is an archipelago, which includes 19 islands. Its area is 133 thousand sq. km. The area is included in UNESCO.

The relief of the archipelago is formed by volcanic activity and is represented by rocky shores on top and coral reefs underwater. There are volcanoes still active in the protected area: on Fernandina Island, Sierra Negra, and Wolf, located on Isabella Island. The archipelago height above sea level does not exceed 1707 m.

The climate is subequatorial, hot and dry, with an average temperature of +24 degrees Celsius. There are two seasons: rainy (December-April) and dry (July-October).

The fauna of the archipelago numbers:

• 60 bird species, 50% of which are endemics;
• 42 species of reptiles;
• 15 species of mammals;
• 79 fish species.

The largest tortoise on the planet, the elephant tortoise, lives here. The reserve is also notable for the Galapagos penguins, which are the only ones that can live comfortably on the equator. The flora of the reserve includes 500 species of vegetation, all of which are endemic. You can visit the national park, but you need to follow certain rules.

Ayr and Tenere

Africa's largest conservation area is the Ayr and Tenere Reserve, located in the northern part of Niger, northeast of the city of Agadez. It is a reserve of national character in Niger, located in the middle of the Sahara. The park is included in UNESCO and occupies an area of 77,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a great variety of barchans and deserts, valleys and cliffs, canyons and mountains. Relief: 2/5 of the territory is represented by mountain ranges of Ayr to 2 thousand meters above sea level, and the rest is a dune sea in the desert Tenere.

Climate: continental, hot and arid. There are 3 seasons: relatively cold season (September-February), hot season (March-June) and wet season (June-September). The average annual temperature varies from +15 to +35 g. Celsius.

At the center of the desert conditions is a small area of life. The flora of the reserve has 350 species of vegetation, and the fauna includes: 160 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, 18 species of reptiles and 1 species of amphibians. Due to the fact that there is almost no population in this area, there is still animal life.

The discovered remains of rock inscriptions and ruins of ancient settlements are the cultural value of the park. At present, the population within the reserve is about 5 thousand people, of whom about 1 thousand are cultivators and cattlemen.

Almost all visitors travel in convoys of cars organized by travel agencies based in Agadez and Arlit. The reserve has 2 small rest homes and a museum.

Rangel St. Elias

Rangel St. Elias Reserve is located in southeast Alaska, U.S. It is a national park and is part of UNESCO. The area covers 53.3 thousand sq. km. The main attractions are the glaciers and mountains with the active Wrangel volcano.

The topography of the park is formed:

1. The highest point is Mount St. Elijah, at 5,489 meters above sea level;
2. glaciers, rivers, and forests, which makes up 1/4 of the territory;

The park is home to Alaska's largest glacier, Hubbard Glacier, which is 122 km long and still growing. The climate is harsh with high relative humidity and permafrost with strong winds. In winter the average temperature is -20 Celsius, and in summer it is +15 to +20 Celsius.

The flora and fauna of the national park are characteristic of the mountain tundra. There are 1,535 species of Alaskan flora and 69% of Yukon flora in the reserve. This great diversity is explained by the presence of several climatic zones and a considerable area.

More than 1,000 species of vertebrates and 900,000 caribou are found in the state. There are 32 species of predators. The national park has developed tourism. The reserve is open year-round, with operating hours and seasons varying. Visitation is free.

Great Limpopo

The Great Limpopo Nature Reserve is located in southeastern South Africa and belongs to the territories of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

It is transboundary, that is, it combines several large parks:

• "Limpopo, Banhine, Zinave, Maputo in Mozambique.
• "Gonarezhou in Zimbabwe.
• Kruger in South Africa.

The area of the park is 37,572 square kilometers, but at the moment it is expanding, which is projected to be up to 100 thousand square kilometers. Climate: humid, tropical.

Relief:

• the lowlands of Mozambique;
• plain up to 450 m above sea level;
• granite plateaus and plateaus in the western part of the park;
• Mount Lebombo.

Attractions: the red cliffs of Chilijo in Zimbabwe and the discovered traces of ancient settlements in South Africa. The flora of the park has more than 2 thousand species of vegetation.

The reserve is home to 147 mammal species, 18 of which are already in the Red Book.

In the Park:

• 1,500 leopards;
• 100,000 Impalas;
• 2,000 hyenas;
• 1,500 lions;
• 1,000 elephants;
• 1,500 water goats;
• 3,500 big kudos;
• 14,000 blue gnu.

There are 505 species of birds and 116 species of reptiles. Features of tourism: Since the reserve is located on the border of 3 African countries, then exceptions were made for visitors - one visa is made for 3 countries in South Africa. Visiting is paid.

The largest protected areas in the world provide for the expansion of their boundaries, so the information provided about the area is approximate. Tourists are not allowed access to all protected areas. This is necessary in order not to harm endangered species of flora and fauna of the planet.

Video about the world's protected areas

The largest national parks and reserves:

Russia's largest nature reserves

In our country there are GZs with an area of more than 10,000 square kilometers. In fact, on many of them could fit at least five large metropolises! Almost all of the largest reserves in Russia are geographically fragments of Siberia. They consist of areas that are difficult to pass. It is very cold here.

Great Arctic Reserve

It has a size of 41,692.22 square kilometers. It was established in 1993. It includes mainland cordons (the bed of the Lower Taimyr, Middendorff Bay, Chelyuskin Peninsula). There are isolated sites: Dikson-Sibiryakovsky, Karsky, Pyasinsky (islands), the Nordscheld Archipelago. The local landscape is stone moraines covered with ice and snow from above. This is the coldest protected zone in the country. Local vegetation includes moss, small flowers and fungi. The relict fauna is lemmings, wolverines, foxes, stoats and other furs. Major mammals are white and bogeyman.

Komandorsky Reserve

It is equal to 36,486.79 square kilometers and occupies the islands of the same name (the largest of them - Beringa, Ary Kamen, Toporkov and Medny). Created in 1993, its main attraction - extended nesting places of rare marine fauna, including the Commander fox and the Canadian goose. Of plants the Red Book includes sea scaup and several varieties of clogs. Of water bowls - Sarannoye Lake (Beringa Island). On the same spot is the only Commander settlement - Nikolskoye village, near the village is a polar airfield.

Wrangel Island

The area of the eastern piece of the Chukotka Autonomous District (separated from the mainland) is 22,256.5 hectares. It was proclaimed a protected area in 1976. Its main feature is the low mountains of arctic tundra (occupying 2/3 of its territory). Two varieties of rare flowers are found in this rugged terrain, as well as the habitat of the snow goose and eider, which give birth anywhere else in the world. This land is also called the most prolific nature reserve in Russia - there is a high population of polar bears. In fact, this is the main "maternity house" of the voracious

Putoransky Reserve

"Putorana Land covers 18,872.51 square kilometers. It appeared in the register of federal protected areas back in 1988 - on the Putorana plateau (west of the Central Siberian plateau, near Lake Khantai). The landscape is mountain-lake-taiga, relict vegetation - "classic" taiga and arctic forest tundra trees. Putorana is the habitat of the largest population of wild reindeer. The snow ram (also included in the Red Book of Russia) is also found here.

Taimyr Nature Reserve

The extreme north of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, namely the Taimyr Peninsula, possesses 17,819.28 square kilometers of protected land. It received its status already in 1979. It consists of 4 clusters. The water bodies are the Taimyr River and Lake Taimyr. The reproduced flora is 222 species of moss and 265 lichen types, the local fauna is muskoxen.

Ust-Lena Nature Reserve

The GZ at the mouth of the Lena River boasts an area of 14,330 square kilometers. This biosphere "sanctuary" received its borders in 1985. We are talking about most of the Bulunsky region of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), which contains the entire Lena delta. The climate here is polar sea, the landscape is exclusively water and tundra. Only three plants, goose and gull sandpiper, also little swan and pink gull are found from the Red Book inhabitants. The nearest settlement to the cordon is the Tiksi settlement.

Kronotsky Reserve

The largest nature reserves in Russia are also located in the Far East. For example, the Kronotsky Nature Reserve ("year of birth" - 1934) occupies the tip of Kamchatka Krai. Its area is 11,476, 19 square kilometers. And there are three sections on the peninsula - Kronotsky, Koryaksky and South Kamchatka. Large water areas are Lake Kurilskoe, Kumble and Kronotsky, as well as the Levyi Schepina, Stanichnaya, Kronotsky, Tyushevka, Anna and Kambalny rivers. Among protected plants are Elman birch and shrub (pine and alder). There are acclimated populations of brown bear and wild northern eel.

Russia's most famous nature reserves

The status of "Russia's largest nature reserves" does not yet mean that they are the most famous. Other protected areas fall into this category - those that are stunning in their beauty or uniqueness, as well as transport accessibility or convenience.

Barguzin Nature Reserve

In the first place is the north-eastern shore of Lake Baikal, protected since 1916, which is the "pearl of Buryatia" with the size of 374,322 hectares. I need not remind you that the visitor will find here the cleanest and deepest fresh water in the world, as well as dozens of species of coniferous and deciduous forests. One should only pay attention to our most favorite local tracts - the neighborhood of Davsha and Ust-Barguzin villages. From here "campers" raft down picturesque rivers.

Ussuri Nature Reserve

It occupies the second position in the list "The most famous reserves of Russia" Only a deaf person hasn't heard about the tiger of the same name these days. President Putin personally controls the protection of this cat species. Perhaps the Ussuri tiger will even appear on one of the Russian banknotes! The place of the toothy beauty is the protected since 1934 territory of the Ussuriisk urban district and Shkotovsky district of Primorye. And this reserve has unforgettable beautiful nature - the southern spurs of Przhevalsky mountains covered with various wood, the Komarovka river,

Altai Reserve

In the ranking of the most beautiful mountains of Russia after the Caucasus immediately goes the Ala-Tau mountain system ("colorful mountains" - their slopes are really "covered" with all the colors of the rainbow). Officially in Russia these ranges are called Altai. But the most relict place is only on the right bank and in the upper reaches of the Chulyshman River. Talk about more frequent. There are 1190 lakes in forest hollows, the most "tourist" among which is Teletskoye. Altai recreation received special status in 1932 - because of rare birds of prey. Read a review in Altai Reserve in a separate article

Russia's oldest nature reserve

One of the repositories of endemic flora and fauna has the title "Russia's oldest reserve". It is the Barguzin Reserve (included in the register of the most visited). The fact is that the Russian Provisional Government decided to protect its nature from encroachment by poachers and miners on December 29, 1916. Despite the difficult internal political situation and troubles on the eve of the New Year, the then leadership found time and effort to pass a relevant law. It is worth saying that restrictive measures to exterminate certain animals were also in

According to the new style, the oldest reserve in Russia celebrates its birthday on January 11.

Russia's youngest nature reserve

Everything is clear with chronologically the first protected recreation area in Russia, but which GZ, on the contrary, is the youngest protected area in Russia? Its name is the Kologriv Forest, and its location is the north-east of the Kostroma region. The decision on its status was taken by the government relatively recently - in 2006. Nearly 58 940 hectares of thickets of taiga (dark-coniferous) forest lie near the Kologriv settlement - along the Vetluga and Unzha rivers. The purpose of this area is to preserve the specified plant massif.

Russia's most popular nature reserve

The most popular nature reserve in Russia is determined by only one parameter - statistics of attendance in recent years (regardless of its beauty or amenities). The Kivach Nature Reserve turned out to be the most popular. The waterfall and the surrounding massive coniferous forest in the Republic of Karelia (almost 11,000 hectares near the village of the same name on the Suna River) attract thousands of people. By the way, the Suna River bed is full of other picturesque tracts. The number of tours to this location is "off the charts". And it should be noted that the entire Karelian region has become a "tourist

Russia's Wettest Reserve

There is such a thing as "the wettest nature reserve in Russia" - the Caucasus Nature Reserve, or rather, its boundary with the Sochi National Park to the south. It is here that the place with the highest humidity and record rainfall in our country is located. Even without considering evaporation and runoff, the gorges surrounding the Achishkho mountain range (which is exactly the boundary line of the state reserve and national park) receive almost 3,300 millimeters per year! There is a threat of floods and even avalanches. In the heat it's very hot to breath here

Russia's Most Fertile Reserve

Belogorye is the most fertile nature reserve in Russia. Why so? The local plains (2,131 hectares of the historical regions Yamskaya Steppe, Otrasievy Yary, Lysyie Gory and Stenki Izgorye) have an arable layer over 60 centimeters thick. The depth of the fertile strata depends directly on the depth of the cultural (archeological) layer. And it is extremely high here - dozens of nationalities lived in this area - numerous Neolithic agricultural tribes, the Srubna culture, Scythians, Alans, Northern Slavs, the Turkic states, the MongoloTatars, Russian

Russia's highest reserve

The Kabardino-Balkarian reserve is the highest nature reserve in Russia. No wonder its full name already contains the word "mountainous". Its highest "floors" are Dykhtau (5204) and Koshtanau (5152). "So Elbrus is higher anyway!" you might say. Yes. But Elbrus is part of the Elbrus Nature Park, which is not a protected land (which is clearly visible thanks to hundreds of hotels, shopping centers and sports complexes). The Kabardino-Balkarian reserve extends over 82,642 hectares. Its tracts are inhabited by such rare animals as jackal, Caucasian ul

Russia's northernmost nature reserve

The reader will be interested to know that the Great Arctic is the northernmost nature reserve of Russia. It lies on the borders of the Arctic Circle. Although Russia has "more arctic" peninsulas and islands, they have no recreational value.

Russia's southernmost nature reserve

In 1987 it was decided to turn several heterogeneous biosphere complexes on the border of Tarumovsky and Buynaksky districts of the republic into a protected area (the total size of this "motley" reserve is 19,061 hectares). This is a wintering site for rare migratory birds, including flamingos (they love the local tiny lakes). The Sarykum tract (the largest sand dune in Eurasia near Makhachkala) was also added here. Besides deserts there are colorful semi-deserts and bald hills (the Kizlyar Gulf).

Russia's westernmost nature reserve

The Kaliningrad Region of Russia is the deepest in Europe. However, it has only nature parks, not nature reserves. But in second place, as you know, is the Pskov Region. And on its land there is a GZ. So, Polistovsky is the westernmost nature reserve in Russia. Administratively, it is part of the Bezhanitsky and Loknyansk districts of the region. It refers to the area between the Polist, Hlavitsa and Tsevla rivers and also Lake Polisto, which appears in the old Russian birch-bark charters. The landscape is lush, marshy. Of trees there is hazel, oak, maple, lime, rare

Russia's easternmost nature reserve

The easternmost nature reserve in Russia is Wrangel Island. Then lies the dead part of Chukotka. On the same meridian (only to the south) are the U.S. islands!

Russia's smallest nature reserve

After Crimea joined Russia, this place replaced Galichya Gora on the "position" of the smallest nature reserve of the country. We are talking about the very edge of the Crimean land, where a part of Nikita village is located, namely Nikitsky Botanical Garden and the coast that separates it from the sea. Its area is only 240 ha, the longest trail (considering the rough terrain) is 800 meters. The reserve was created back in 1973 by the Ukrainian SSR authorities. Its purpose was to preserve the landscape with ruins of Ruskafil-Kale.

Russia's most unusual nature reserve

Which of our reserves received the title "The most unusual reserve in Russia"? Most tourists, local historians and scientists agree that it is the Ubsunurov Hollow. This is the Russian part of the Russian-Mongolian transboundary object - the lowlands between the Altai Mountains and Lake Ubsu-Nur (the lake itself belongs to the MNR). The protected area of the tract is 898,064 hectares. But this area in the Tyva Republic contains all the landscapes of the temperate zone of the Earth: steppe, forest-steppe, forested foothills, rocky mountains (sheltered by bushes), flood meadows and semipalmated

U.S. Reserves and National Parks

The natural beauty of the United States is in no way inferior to that of Canada or Russia. There are mixed forests and vast canyons, as well as rivers and lakes with bustling waterfalls. The vast reserves and parks of the United States attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to their land every year. There are so many protected areas in the States that it is difficult to decide immediately where to spend your vacation or weekend. Let's look at the most famous and popular national parks in America.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

The Canyon in Utah is less famous than its neighbors, the Grand Canyon and Zion, because of its remoteness, but its beauty is just as majestic as that of neighboring national parks.

Bryce is up to 2,700 meters high. Its ochre and yellow cliffs are shaped like a Roman amphitheater. Tourists love to see the sunrise in this canyon, and those who have the patience to wait until sunset are also rewarded with amazing views and the game of light.

Monument Valley Between Utah and Arizona

The park, run by the Navajo tribe, is famous for its own Valley of Monuments, a wonderful place created by nature, but because of the bizarre rocks and hills it seems to be a man-made creation.

A road from Flagstaff leads to the Monuments. The tourist center in the Valley is located at the entrance. It starts at 6 a.m., and during the warm season it is open until 8:30 p.m. There you can buy a map of the Valley, pick up and register a route, and buy various small items.

There is a fee to enter the national park, with an adult ticket price of about $20.

Monument Valley has been the setting for many Hollywood westerns and sci-fi movies.

Monument Valley borders Stone Arches National Park, where you can see the symmetrical Rainbow Arch of natural origin.

Death Valley Between California and Nevada

Death Valley is another wilderness area in the U.S. The national park of the same name has hiking and biking trails that can be used by hikers.

You can get to the tourist part of Death Valley from Las Vegas by a special bus from the tour company. Other transport does not go there, so for a private trip you will have to rent a car.

Yellowstone, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho

The huge reserve occupies territories in three American states at once. The highlight of the park is its geysers. Hot jets of water gushing out of the ground make an indelible impression on viewers.

Yellowstone's waterfalls and the large number of animals in the reserve have made this natural site a UNESCO heritage site. There is a long road through the park that takes you to all the main attractions of the reserve. It is 230 kilometers long.

The city of Salt Lake City is close to the park, and buses run from there to the park entrance. There are 9 hotels, stores, gas stations, and campgrounds in the park.

Yosemite, Calif.

Yosemite National Park has been on the UNESCO heritage lists since 1984. The park is almost entirely made up of wild forests, mountains and caves, with only 5% of land filled with any infrastructure.

Yosemite is home to more than 400 species of animals, including bobcats, black bears, and deer.

The park is 300 kilometers from the city of San Francisco, from where tours are organized to Yosemite. The California Nature Reserve is considered one of the first parks that appeared on American soil.

Katmai

It is located in Alaska on an area of 1.6 million hectares. The national park and reserve was formed in 1980. The most curious object is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smoke. More than a hundred years ago it was filled with ash, and the Leta River formed canyons of cooled rock. Now there is no smoke, but the name remains. Bears over 2000 individuals. They are monitored through the cameras installed in the park.

Big Band

The national park and biosphere reserve is located on the border with Mexico, Texas. It has existed since 1944 and covers 324,000 hectares. Desert climate, cracked earth, cacti as the main vegetation are typical features of the park. Hiking, rock climbing, bird watching are popular. You can also cross the Rio Grande and find yourself in a Mexican village.

Cuyahoga Valley

It is the only national park located in Ohio between the cities of Cleveland and Akron. It was formed relatively recently - in 2000.

The Blue Falls attracts the most tourists, and the park also offers horseback riding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, as well as historic train and kayak tours.

Joshua Tree

This national park was founded in 1994 and covers more than 3,000 square kilometers in southeastern California.

The park is the intersection of two deserts: the Mojave and Sonora deserts. The plant life here corresponds to the desert terrain, the most popular object is the "Joshua tree," a succulent of the Yucca genus.

The main attraction - rock complexes that attract experienced and novice climbers. Popular among climbers (but not marked on all maps) Hall of Horrors.

Olympic

The park is located on the peninsula of the same name in Washington state.

For a long time the park was isolated from the mainland, and its natural and animal world was formed separately. That is why the Olympics are home to 15 species of animals and 8 plant species that are found only in this corner of the world.

The reserve is home to an impressive 2,400-meter high mountain range that gives the west and east of the peninsula a different climate. To the west are the Hoh and Quino rain forests, some of the best examples of temperate rainforest in the country, with 60 glaciers, 11 rivers with waterfalls, and 117.4 miles of wild Pacific beach.

Badlands

The park is located in southwestern South Dakota and was established in 1978.

Indians and pioneers called this place "bad land": it is not fertile and extremely uncomfortable to walk on. The landscape of the reserve is variegated hills honed by erosion. These rocks were under softer rocks for many years, which have since been destroyed by water and wind.

Because erosion has exposed very deep layers of earth, the remains of three-toed horses, saber-toothed tigers, and other extinct animals have been discovered there.

Haleakala

This national park is located on the island of Maui, Hawaii, and was established in 1961.

Most of the park is unspoiled wilderness. The park itself is divided into two parts: apex and coastal. The main attraction is the crater of the dormant volcano Haleakala. A huge crater, more than 3 kilometers wide, is strewn with volcanic objects.

In addition to the crater, you can visit Hosmer's Grove - this man brought plants to Hawaii from other places: many did not survive, some mastered, and others have grown so big that they have become a threat to native plants.

Zion

Utah has an abundance of national parks, but Zion (or Zion) is the first and most popular. It opened in 1909 and is located near the town of Springdale.

The main attraction is the canyon of the same name, the second most popular is Kolob Canyon. The most breathtaking is the view from Angels Landing observation point, but it is not easy to get there.

Another attraction of the park is the Weeping Rock, which has water droplets on its surface that resemble tears.

Shenadoah

The park is part of the Blue Ridge Range (Appalachian Mountains) in Virginia, established in 1935.

The park is known for its waterfalls, the height of the fall of the highest - 29 meters. It is called Overall Run, the way to it on the hiking trail is about 5 km.

On the hills and in the foothills there are cacti, mountain laurel, tulip tree and ferns. Oak, maple and chestnut are common. Of animals can be seen white-tailed deer, red lynx, baribala and bear.

Along the ridge of the ridge is a highway with parking lots equipped for observation. From them go hiking and biking trails.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Until 1540, the Grand Canyon was inhabited by Indian tribes. Thanks to Roosevelt, the canyon became a popular hunting and fishing destination, and then it was declared a wilderness area.

The name speaks for itself. The Grand Canyon is larger than any other such place on earth. The natural depression is 500 km long and 1.6 km deep.

Even today there are archaeological excavations in the canyon lands. The forests, rocks, and caves are home to birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

There are helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon. There are hotels, camping sites, and souvenir shops. You can choose to travel through the park by the following modes of transportation:

• Bicycle;
• Train;
• Horseback riding;
• Hiking route;
• Airplane;
• Balloon.

The infrastructure of this reserve is well developed. Part of the park in winter is closed to the public, but its southern areas are always full of tourists from all over the world.

From Flagstaff to the canyon is possible by shuttle or bus. The distance between the park entrance and the city is about 100 km.

Mount Rainer

The park is located in Washington state, Pierce and Lewis County, and was founded in 1899.

The main attraction is the stratovolcano (volcano, composed of tephra, lava and volcanic ash) Rainier. Its height exceeds 4200 m. Around it are pristine forests, untouched by man, waterfalls, subalpine and alpine meadows and about 25 glaciers.

The most popular is the area on the southern slope of the volcano, which is called Paradise (which means "paradise"). In total, the park includes more than 40 tourist sites.

Denali

The park is located in central Alaska. It was founded in 1917 and was called Mount McKinley.

The main attraction of the park is the highest peak in North America, part of the Alaskan Range, Mount Denali. Its height exceeds 6,000 m. In addition, the park has lakes of glacial origin and about 650 species of plants.

An excursion is considered successful if it was possible to meet a sheep, a moose, a reindeer, a wolf and a grizzly.

Entry on their own transport is allowed only for the first 24 kilometers, after that - only on the park buses.

In addition to the bus tour, there are hiking trails, a small plane tour, and a direct rock climb up the mountain.

Mammoth Cave

Located in Kentucky and established in 1941, the main attraction is the cave itself. Its name has nothing to do with mammoths, it just emphasizes how huge it is. Mammoth Cave joins the others and is part of the Flint Ridge Cave System.

There are many amazing things in this cave: frozen waterfalls, the Hall of Stars, which got its name thanks to the inclusions of quartz crystals sparkling against the limestone walls, the Concert Hall, where violinists sometimes perform, the alley of stalactites and stalagmites and much more.

Excursions vary in length and complexity of the route. The simplest lasts about an hour, and complex require prior preparation.

Glacier, Montana.

In the U.S. state of Montana, which borders Canada, there is an amazingly beautiful Glacier Nature Preserve. The nature there is untouched by man, and abounds with rivers, hills, forests, and fields.

To get into the Glacier, you have to pay $12 to enter, motorists pay for the right to enter it $25. The park stretches over 4,000 square kilometers. The best time to visit it is from May to October.

The Glacier lands are home to glaciers that may soon disappear from the face of the earth altogether. The park has many trails for eco-tourism enthusiasts.

The water route from Glacier Bay by boat is very popular. It is possible to view the park from a helicopter, as well as to drive along its roads by car. There are hotels, stores and gas stations, trailer sites, and campgrounds on the territory of the reserve.

Great Smokey Mountains, North Carolina

If you ask an American what the most famous nature reserve in the States is, he will point to the Great Smoky Mountains. More than 9 million tourists visit this park every year.

On the lands of the reserve there is such a hiking trail, the length of which exceeds all similar ones by several times. The national park includes 150 hiking trails.

The main tourist "thing" of the park are the ruins of ancient Indian settlements. The infrastructure of the reserve is underdeveloped, there is only one hotel on Mount Le Comte. You can stay overnight in campsites, but many of them do not provide electricity or water.

The park's forests and mountains amaze with their colorful, colorful and changeable character. The fog often descends from the mountain ranges, thanks to which the reserve is called the "Smoky Mountains".

Wind Cave

The park is located in the foothills of the Black Hills in South Dakota, founded in 1903.

The main attraction of the park - Wind Cave, the fifth longest in the world. Its length exceeds 220 km. It is the result of the action of thermal waters on limestone rocks. The cave is a large labyrinth and many galleries. The cave is equipped for tours, offering routes of varying difficulty.

Hawaii Volcanoes, Hawaii

The grandiose Mauna Loa volcano reaches 9,000 meters in height and is located in the Hawaii Volcanoes Reserve, where you can see the process of lava eruption from a safe distance.

There are many geysers and craters in the park, where they organize a kind of jeep safari for a thorough tour of the natural sights.

A visitor's center, the Jagger Museum, observatory, and stores make up the infrastructure of Hawaii Volcanoes. Despite the proximity of lava monsters, there are campsites and small trailer parks in the preserve.

Torrey Pines, Calif.

Torrey Pines is a nature preserve that is closely adjacent to the city of San Diego. The total area of the park is 2,000 acres of land. The geographic composition of the preserve includes the following sites:

• The beach of the same name;
• Rocks and cliffs;
• Laguna;
• Forests and hills.

Rare migratory birds nest near these protected areas. Torrey Pines is home to wild cats, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, and unique pine trees.

Visiting a park with unique flora and fauna entails some restrictions, so Torrey Pines can be visited during the day. Picnics are also allowed on the coast. There are many coastal uplands in the reserve, where in season you can see the migration of whales.

Everglades. florida.

The enormous and biologically important Everglades Preserve in the U.S. is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to endangered species of animals and reptiles. The Preserve is home to the tropics and plants that are found nowhere else on the map.

A million and a half acres is an impressive area of the reserve, so a trip there should be planned with time to spare. Entering the protected area will cost motorists $20. There are many towns near the park where you can book a tour or take a boating course. This national park also sells annual passes to visit it. The price of such a pass will be about $40.

Africa's Largest Reserve - Africa's Best National Parks and Reserves

The largest nature reserve in the world has appeared in Africa. It is called Kavango Zambezi. The complex is located on the borders of five states: Angola, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The total area of the reserve exceeds 44 million hectares. The protected area includes 36 nature reserves and the land surrounding them. Kavang Zambezi is home to almost half of all elephants in Africa, over 600 different plant species and about 300 bird species.

With the formation of protected areas such as the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA for short) transnational reserve in Africa, endangered species that are prone to migrating (elephants and rhinos) feel completely safe in a vast area the size of Sweden.

Tourist paradise

This land is home to many world-famous attractions, such as Victoria Falls. Although this African reserve was founded only recently (2011), one of the main goals of the five states was to create conditions for the free migration of all animal species. In addition, for these countries, nature reserves and national parks in Africa are major tourist attractions. Every year thousands of tourists from around the world come to this unique transboundary nature reserve.

Animals

The elephants are undoubtedly the main representatives of fauna living in the complex. It may be hard to believe, but almost half of the total number of elephants in Africa live in the protected area. 600 plant species grow on these vast territories, including many unique ones. 300 species of birds find their home in the most picturesque areas of the region.

South Africa is a land of surprising combinations of the incompatible. The country's stunningly beautiful landscapes are concentrated in nature reserves and national parks.

Kruger Park

The cross-border area of 20 thousand square kilometers is between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Elephant and lion, buffalo and rhinoceros, leopard feel quite comfortable here.

Statistics confirm the uniqueness of these places. The area occupied by this African reserve can be compared to the territory of Wales. It is countless picturesque meadows and pastures, coastal forests, which are home to about 150 species of mammals, including the largest population of rhinos.

A five-hour drive from Johannesburg, South Africa's largest metropolis, you can see wildlife and have an unforgettable experience. For example, in Kruger Park you can watch a lion fight a crocodile.

The most intrepid tourists can go on guided tours, accompanied by armed guards. Nature reserves and national parks in Africa are best visited in winter. During this time, the vegetation is not so vigorous and does not obstruct the view. Animals can be seen near the many water bodies, and at this time the risk of contracting malaria is minimal.

Royal-Natal

One of the most picturesque mountain ranges in Africa is the Drakensberg. The name translates as the Dragon Mountains. Sharp mountain tops here are smoothly transformed into green slopes, which are covered with bumps and hills.

Royal Natal National Park is located in a not very large area (2,500 square kilometers), part of the Ukahlamba Complex, a World Heritage Site. Despite this, the Drakensberg is one of the most famous mountain formations on Earth.

Sedeberg Nature Reserve

This mountain range is located 200 km north of Cape Town. Sedeberg Africa Reserve consists of many sandstone hills, dense thickets of fynbos, and the magnificent Mount St. Rock. Excursion routes last from one hour to several days.

During such a walk you can enjoy the wildlife of these places. You can climb steep slopes to the picturesque hills - Wolfberg Arch or the Maltese Cross. Tourists prefer to stay at Sandrif base. There is an observatory and a huge wine library. The best time to go is from April to August. This is the best time for hiking weather.

Mapungubwe

African national parks amaze tourists with the beauty of pristine nature. Mapungubwe is no exception. It is located along the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe, in the Limpopo River Valley. Here, giraffes and elephants, baboons and leopards stroll leisurely between the trees.

Mapungubwe is on the World Heritage List and is a historical value, so if you are in Johannesburg, be sure to come here.

In ancient times this area was the center of the South African kingdom. In 1300 B.C. there were nine thousand people living here. Archaeologists have discovered hills with burial places, which were buried unique values, for example, a golden rhinoceros figurine. It is better to come here in June and August.

Blyde River.

Africa's wildernesses and parks vary in their natural landscapes. This canyon deserves to be seen for yourself. It towers over the Blyde River and seems to jut down from the peaks of the Drakensberg Ranges with the magnificent crowns of thousands of beautiful trees.

The green gentle slopes, with sandstone and limestone hills above them, make this place even more beautiful. The most famous of them is the rock of Triple Rondavel, with its huge vaults and semicircular tops that resemble the roofs of rondavels (African houses).

It is better not to visit the nature reserves of Africa from January to March. During this time, travel is not very comfortable - moist air descends from the mountains, and there is a risk of malaria.

Isimangaliso

The name of this wetland park means "miracle" in Zulu. The national park covers an area of 3,320 square kilometers, an ecosystem of world significance. Isimangaliso is covered with lakes, swamp forests, coral reefs, the largest river delta on the continent and about 220 km of beaches on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Africa's reserves, large and not so large, are mostly prepared to welcome tourists. For example, Isimangaliso Park has excellent conditions for diving and horseback riding. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can go kayaking and observe wildlife.

This park, 375 km from Durban, is especially good from June to October, when there is no exhausting heat and the risk of contracting malaria is minimal.

Namakua

Not all nature reserves in Africa can boast such unique vegetation as Namakuwaland, located along the coast of South Africa. It is often called the Garden of Africa, blooming in the spring with a thousand colors. It is a true decoration of the arid continent. From early August to late September you can see this beauty with your own eyes.

The park is located near Cape Town. It is a true treasure trove of rich flora. The blooming of the daisies in this park is a mesmerizing sight.

Kgalgadi Transboundary Park

A "wild island" of land on the red-hot sands of the Kalahari Desert, Kgalgadi Park is located in the transboundary zone between Botswana and South Africa, the world's largest wilderness area and is home to many animals - lions and ostriches, leopards and cheetahs - that survive in this arid land.

Ktugalgadi Park is a great place to watch the big cats, but you have to be careful - you could end up with a lion on the same path at any moment.

Table Mountain

The national park, which has such a strange name, is located in the Cape Peninsula and offers a stunning view of Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa.

In this park there are many great opportunities for outdoor activities. You will be offered to paraglide from the Lion's Head Cliff. You can rock climb on the highest slope of Table Mountain, walk along the scenic trails. Locals recommend climbing up the mountain through the meadows of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.

Golden Gate

The Maluti Mountains are 300 km northeast of Bloemfontein and offer early morning herds of grazing antelope. The magnificent sight of the mountains at sunset, when the slopes turn golden, gave the park its name. Brandwag Mountain is particularly beautiful as it is visible from every angle.

Tsavo Conservation Area, Kenya

Tsavo West

Consisting of Tsavo West, Tsavo Eastas well as Chulu Hills National Park, it is the largest park in Kenya and boasts the largest population of elephants in the country. Tsavo West is the most popular of these parks with Ngulia Rhinoceros Nature Reserve as well as a crocodile and a hippo Mzima Springs. Chaimu Crater is a great place to see birds of prey. The dense foliage, especially in the northern areas of the park, makes the wildlife more challenging, but the lush landscapes make a great backdrop for photos. Mountaineering is also a popular activity in the park.

Tsavo East, halfway between Nairobi and Mombasa, is much more arid than its western brother. Large herds of mermaid elephant in red dust here, baobabs dot the parched plains, and the palm ravines of the Galana River snake through the dry landscape. Other highlights include the world's longest lava flow, Плато Ятта</b>; водопады; и разнообразие дикой природы, включая слонов, носорогов, меньшего куду и львов. Национальный парк Чюлу-Хиллз охватывает холмистые зеленые холмы, а также пещеры и вулканические конусы и кратеры. Это одно из лучших мест для осмотра горы Килиманджаро и предлагает фантастические возможности наблюдения за птицами.

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, presides over this diverse park, which is famous for its large herds of elephants. It is Kenya's second most popular national park after the Masai Mara National Reserve and contains five different habitats within its boundaries, including a swamp system, dense forest, savannah and a dried layer of Lake Amboseli. These contrasting ecosystems provide wildlife diversity and abundance of big cats like cheetah and lion as well as waterbuck, gazelle, impala and over 600 bird species. sl Masai Village near the park and learn about this fascinating tribe who live around the park boundaries.

The best nature reserves in Kazakhstan

Aksu-Zhabagli

The first of the country's reserves was established in 1926. It is located in the south of Kazakhstan and covers an area of almost 132 thousand hectares. The symbol of the territory is the Greig tulip. This flower is actively exported. The flora has over 1700 species. Of the rare fauna are the endangered snow leopard and two endemics - subspecies of argali ram and Talas marmot.

Almaty

The reserve appeared on maps in 1931. Refers to the territory of the Zailiisky Alatau Range. The area - about 72 thousand hectares. There is a division into altitude belts. The first stretches from the forest-steppe to a height of 1600 meters and is covered with deciduous forests. The second level is limited to the mark 2800 meters, and there are predominantly conifers. The next level - mostly Alpine meadows. And above 3500 meters begin glaciers and bare rocks. Developed river network, many lakes.

Naurzum

It was founded in 1931, but was closed for 15 years, until 1966. The area - more than 191 thousand hectares. The territory of the reserve is divided into three zones. Naurzum - lake systems, pine forest standing on aeolian sands, different types of steppes. Sypsyn - waterlogged lakes, spike forest, mixed grass-sandy steppes and dry meadows. Tersek - pine forest, mostly tipchak-sandy steppes, Dana-Bike river valley.

Barsakelmes

It occupies more than 160 thousand hectares from Kyzylorda oblast. The date of creation is 1939. The reserve is divided into two cluster areas: Barsakelmes and Kaskakulan. The only reserve in the CIS, which is located in the zone of ecological disaster. All because of the Aral Sea level drop. Extreme natural conditions allow researchers to observe accelerated processes of evolution and climate change.

Korgalzhynski

It was established in 1968 and currently occupies an area of more than 543,000 hectares. The reserve is only 130 km from the capital city. The main value of the territory is the wetlands. Dalmatian pelicans, murres and flamingos live here. There are both fresh and salt water bodies. Local Lake Tengiz is part of an international network of unique lakes. The reserve is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Markakolsky

It was formed in 1976 in the vicinity of the lake of the same name. The area is almost 103 thousand hectares. The range is wide: from steppes to stony tundras and alpine meadows. Flora is diverse - about 700 species of plants. Among the fauna species are rare, such as the snow leopard and the American mink. The waters of Lake Markakol are not too rich in fish, but you can catch a tench, a gudgeon or a char.

Ustyurt

It is located in the Mangistau region. It was formed in 1984 to protect the Ustyurt plateau and its northern deserts. The area of the reserve is more than 223 thousand hectares. The reserve has several types of soil, so the flora is diverse - 263 species. Cheetahs used to live in these areas in the past, but became extinct in the 1960s. Leopards replaced them, their numbers are small. In Ustyurt, there is only one amphibian species - green toad.

West Altai

It is located in the east of the country. Its area is more than 86 thousand hectares. The purpose of the reserve's creation in 1992 was to protect the biogeocenoses of the Altai mountain system. The ridges here are not too high. The granite remains of the Linear Squirrel are recognized as a geological monument. The river network is developed, and water bodies are mainly fed by melting snow. In West Altai is the largest upper bog of the region - "Gulbishche".

Alakolsky

The area of 65.5 thousand hectares became a protected area in 1998. The main protected areas are concentrated in the delta of the Tentek River and on the islands of Lake Alakol. The reserve's employees are engaged in restoration of the relict gull population, creating favorable living conditions for them. Not only fishing is prohibited in the buffer zone, but also parking of watercraft. Since 2013, Alakolsky is included in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Network.

Karatau

It was established in 2004 on an area of 34.3 thousand hectares. It is located in the central part of the Karatau Ridge. There are many rivers and seasonal streams on the slopes of the highlands. Three deserts come close to the reserve. In the last century the composition of fauna has changed greatly. Disappearing species and a decline in populations are the main reason for establishing the reserve. The flora is not fully studied, but 76 endemics have already been identified.

The biggest hands in the world

Top 10 people with the biggest hands Sultan Kösen - biggest hands and tallest height Leonid Stadnik - Ukrainian bogatyr with big hands Robert Wadlow - historical giant with huge hands Liu Hua - big and nasty problem Hussain Bisad - biggest man Duangjay Samaksamam - big problem of a lifetime Jeff Daib - handy guy from USA Denis Tsyplenkov - big Russian champion Denis Sester - huge biceps Greg Valentino - negative consequences of big limbs ...Full List Shortened List

There are all kinds of people in the world, there are the tallest, the lowest. Throughout history, millions of people have been born with unusual and unique looks, admired by all. Who has the world's largest hands?

Top 10 people with the biggest hands

1. Sultan Kösen is a Turkish giant.
2. Leonid Stadnik - huge hands and great height.
3. Robert Wadlow is a world record holder from the Book of World Records.
4. Liu Hua is the world's biggest left hand.
5. Hussein Bisad is a kind and cheerful giant with big hands.
6. Duangjay Samaksamam is a woman with huge limbs.
7. Jeff Dabe is strong and resilient.
8. Denis Cyplenkov is the strongest hands in the world.
9. Denis Sester - unrealistically big biceps.
10. Greg Valentino is in pursuit of huge hands.

Sultan Kösen - biggest hands and tallest height

A man from Turkey topped several ratings at once, including "The World's Tallest Man" and "The Biggest Hands." Sultan's palms are 27.5 cm long and his upper limbs reach 3 m. The man is a professional basketball player, where his height and large limbs come in handy. Kösen was an ordinary kid until he was 10, then he had brain surgery to remove a pituitary tumor and the boy began to grow rapidly. At 26, his height was already 2 meters 46 cm. Of course, such an unusual height attracts

Today the guy is 251 centimeters tall, thanks to his fame, specialists from the University of Virginia Medical Institute decided to deal with him. Since 2010, the man with the world's largest limbs is undergoing treatment, during which doctors control growth hormones. They managed to bring the production of hormones to normal, to stop the growth of Sultan.

Leonid Stadnik - Ukrainian bogatyr with big hands

The man from Ukraine had even more impressive size of hands - 30 cm. His size came in handy in the household, sitting on the chair Leonid easily changed the bulbs in the chandelier. The reason for such size of the body is a problem of the pituitary gland, which began to produce an excessive amount of growth hormones. He grew up as an ordinary boy in a Ukrainian village, he did well in school and in first grade was even lower than his peers. At age 12 doctors discovered a tumor in the brain, they removed it, but they hurt his pituitary gland. Leonid began to grow strongly, by 18 years old was already over 2 meters tall. Mother had no time to

The man did not like the hype surrounding him, the fame that came after his name was entered in the Guinness Book of World Records. The man with the largest hands in the world preferred to live peacefully in his village. The last few years Leonid's height increased by about 3 cm per year. Because of his height, it was difficult to move around the house, gradually it became difficult to walk, he used a prop. Died in 2014 of a brain hemorrhage.

Robert Wadlow is a historical giant with huge hands

Unfortunately, the owner of the world's largest hands lived a very short life, only 22 years. But the world remembered him as the tallest man in the Guinness Book of Records. The palm from wrist to middle finger tip was as long as 32.4 centimeters when Robert was 21. He suffered from gigantism, caused by a pituitary tumor. Active growth began at age 4. His two sisters and two brothers grew normally, nor were his parents abnormal height. At age 9 Wadlow could easily pick his own father up and carry him up stairs, even then his height would

But fame was accompanied by health problems, the incredible height and size had a negative impact on the joints of Robert, he moved with crutches. The man worked in the circus, with which he toured the United States, surprised people with their size. He died because of sepsis, which developed because of a wound on his leg, rubbed by a crutch. 40,000 people came to the funeral.

Liu Hua is a big and unpleasant problem

The world learned about the young man from China because of the disease that caused him a lot of inconvenience. Liu was born with an injury to his left limb, as a result of which it began to grow strongly and reached just incredible size. The disease is called localized gigantism, in which not the entire body increases, but a separate part. The left limb weighed about 10 kg, the length of the fingers was different:

• thumb - 26 cm;
• index - 30 cm;
• medium - 15 cm.

Luckily, doctors recently performed an operation and removed 5 kilograms of his hand, bones and tendons, leaving two fingers on his palm. Liu Hua hopes that the surgery will help him to live normally, because with such a difficulty it is absolutely inconvenient to work, do everyday things, and Liu does not look like everyone else. It upset him, sometimes people around him were scared by his ugly hand. The surgery took 7 hours and after some time he will have to go under the knife again. He can no longer use his hand fully, but its weight became less, his life became easier.

Hussein Bisad is the biggest man

The current record holder for the world's most gigantic hands, whose palms reach a size of 26.9 cm. Hussein lives in Somalia and in 2008 entered the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest man. Amazingly, the man continues to grow little by little, today his height is 236 cm. The reason for the Somali's size is hypophysial gigantism. Huge growth requires lots of food. The lunch of Bisad consists of the following menu

• 2.5 kg of pasta;
• half a loaf of bread;
• 3 cans of tuna;
• 2 cans of refried beans.

To avoid dehydration, men drink about 13 liters of water a day.

Duangjay Samaksamam is a big problem of a lifetime

World fame is good, of course, but for the resident of Taiwan it is a real problem. She gained her fame in the world because of a serious, incurable disease that has accompanied her all her life. As a child, Duangjei avoided meeting people around her, did not play with children in the street, was very shy about her huge hands. Gradually she got used to the pathology and started trying to lead a normal life. Specialists have studied the woman's limbs, doctors around the world are interested in her. Many even tried to use surgery to reduce her limbs, but there was not much progress

The problem is that a thick layer of fatty tissue is deposited in the woman's arms from her shoulders to her hands. If you remove it, it will still accumulate, so surgery has not brought anything good. Her extremities constantly look excessively swollen and weigh about 20 kg. Today Duangja is 65 and works in her parents' store. The doctors cannot help her, and she does not want to amputate, because she would rather live like this than without any limbs.

Jeff Dabe is a handy guy from the U.S.

The man has very large hands, he decided to turn his feature into an advantage and for many years has been engaged in professional armwrestling. The American has a huge number of victories to his credit. After examination, specialists did not reveal any health problems, elephantiasis or gigantism. Jeff is perfectly healthy, just his arm muscles are unusually large. But this only helps him in everyday life and sports. Forearm volume is 50 cm, he has no problem to hold a basketball with his hand.

In armwrestling Jeff is a legend, despite breaking his right arm in 1986 during the fight, he continues to do what he loves, at the competitions the man uses only his left leg. Every day the American does a lot of physical work, he chops wood, digs the earth, works with heavy machinery at home. He does not even need to train before the fight. He has no particular technique, he just presses the wrist of his opponent with force.

Denis Cyplenkov is the big champion of Russia

The Russian guy is also a professional arm wrestler, because by nature he is one of the owners of the largest limbs. He is the absolute champion of the World Cup among professionals in 2010. Cyplenkov is also a member of the Strength Extreme League. This strong man was born in Krivoy Rog, he started going to sports clubs at school and was a weight lifter. While still in school he became a candidate for master of sports in weights, but this sport was not in great demand, so he started arm wrestling. Cyplenkov wrist size - 23.5 cm, bicep

Some people think that the athlete's hands are the result of taking growth hormone, but that is not true. The man inherited such limbs - all the representatives of the stronger sex had such features from his father's side. In the country Tsyplenkov was nicknamed the Russian Hulk. Denis can easily crack walnuts with his two fingers.

Denis Sester - huge biceps

This athlete is distinguished by the enormous size of his biceps - 77.8 cm. Such a world record was registered in the Guinness Book of Records. And this is the size of biceps in unheated form. Denis began to engage in intensive muscle building in his teens, on his parents' farm he wrestled with pigs.

Gradually engaged in training began to make progress in bodybuilding. Around the name of the athlete does not cease controversy that he injected into the muscles synthol, took anabolics. Nevertheless, the record is written in the Book of Records and became a historical record.

Greg Valentino - the negative consequences of large limbs

The athlete strived for record results for more than a year, strength training contributed to building large muscles. The first time he came to the gym as a 13-year-old boy. Then he dreamed of the body of Arnold Schwarzenegger, his idol. All his efforts Valentino focused on increasing body weight, developing strength. Biceps Greg in girth after 10 years of intensive training was 71 cm. This historical record was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. Constant training only brought better results, at some point the body weight stopped growing. Ra.

But fame and such an incredible result brought negative consequences. Steroids, by increasing muscle mass, lead to health problems, weaken the functions of the body. Muscles began to die off, it is very painful. The athlete took photos of himself, posted photos to the network to show the negative consequences of using drugs for muscle growth. Gradually the problem became serious, had to operate. The Greek Valentino managed to pull himself together, resume his career, wrote a book with important tips for those who dream of a relief, pumped up

The largest biceps in the world

Sport not only has a positive effect on health, but is also the only way to make your body beautiful. It is this factor that influences the popularity of bodybuilding, both among men and women. The biggest biceps in the world is the goal of many bodybuilders. Some are delighted with them, others are disgusted. Anyway, to achieve outstanding results, athletes have to work on themselves, overcoming their own laziness, and this is impossible not to admire. So who has the world's biggest biceps?

Gregg Valentino

The record among athletes around the world belongs to a young man with a passion for bodybuilding, Gregg Valentino. To achieve results, Gregg started working out at a young age. At 13 he was already lifting weights. At first Gregg, like all boys his age, only went to the gym, dreaming of having a beautiful male body. But over time the young man became so interested in training that he attended the gym for fun, although Valentino was also focused on results. His passion gradually turned into determination and a real pro

But when Gregg started taking aids, his biceps began to grow by leaps and bounds, literally inflating. As a result, he managed to reach a record size of 71 centimeters. Currently, Valentino has the largest biceps in the world - 84 cm. It is difficult to imagine a hand of such volume, but it is real. Thanks to his efforts Gregg managed to get into the Guinness Book of Records, his results may be the envy of Arnold Schwarzenegger himself.

It is an interesting fact that bodybuilders often cannot boast of tremendous strength, but only the volume of their limbs. As a rule, because of their body weight it is more difficult for them to move around, so they lose their reaction and agility.

Gregg managed to develop a unique system, including the most effective biceps exercises, consisting of bending movements in the elbows of the arm with a weight. For such training any weights can be used: both dumbbells and a barbell. If you want to increase strength, perform exercises with full amplitude; if your task is to increase the volume and muscle peak - with a limited amplitude. That is exactly what Gregg Valentino recommends. By the way, he recommends working out three times a week, combining biceps exercises with training the broad muscles of the back. And

In general, Gregg Valentino causes discontent of many skeptics. Some believe that he achieved success thanks to synthol, so he has no right to be called a bodybuilder. It is possible that this athlete is not perfect, but at the same time he was the record-breaker.

Mustafa Ismail

Moustafa Ismail, no less striking figure in the world of sports, also stands out for his achievements. He is originally from Egypt, currently residing in the U.S. Despite his youth (he is only 24), Moustafa has the biggest forearms in the world and a huge biceps at 79 centimeters.

Mustafa has earned taunts from his friends with his appearance reminiscent of the cartoon character, Sailor Popeyea, though he is not at all offended by them.

Mustafa became friends with the sport when he was 14 years old, when he was still living in his homeland. His goal from the beginning was his big biceps, which later made him famous. Even after moving to the United States with his parents, Mustafa did not stop training. Now the maximum weight he can lift is 226 kilograms!

Mustafa follows a strict daily routine, waking up at 4 a.m., training starts an hour later and doesn't end until 8 a.m. After training, he runs to his first job, where he stays until lunch. After eating lunch at home, he rests for a while and then runs to his second job again.

What is the reason for Mustafa's success? According to him, it is not only grueling training, but also a special diet. per day Mustafa consumes about 3 kilograms of protein, 4 kilograms of carbohydrate foods, and drinks at least ten liters of water a day. His diet usually consists of 1.5 kilos of meat, several cups of nuts and three liters of protein drink.

Ismail shared that his motive for going to the gym was to make fun of his friends - he used to be quite overweight. But over time, the guy managed to get rid of excess weight, gaining muscles instead. And his physique, according to Mustafa, he owes to his father, who was engaged in Greco-Roman wrestling for a long time.

According to the athlete, he never took any illegal drugs, and he achieved such a huge biceps size only by hard and consistent training. Although most experts doubt his words, they say that it is possible that his achievements involved synthol, or silicone implants. Despite all this, Mustafa plans to become the next record holder to enter the Guinness Book of Records for the most impressive biceps size.

Nasser El Sonbati

The German athlete was not interested in bodybuilding - as a teenager he was not interested. When he was a student, curiosity led Nasser to the gym. He came out of there one of the most famous strongmen on the planet.

The guy had a real natural aptitude for bodybuilding - his muscles were growing very fast. The results that other athletes had been achieving for years, the athlete demonstrated after a few months. The first competition in Germany did not bring him glory. Not wanting to give up, the young man went to Yugoslavia, where his forms were appreciated - he became a real star. Nasser could boast not only of his muscle mass - he has several degrees in history, political science and sociology. He was fluent in seven languages. The athlete left early

Jean Pierre Fuchs

The bodybuilder from Switzerland began to train at the age of 16. A year later he noticed that he was quite different from his peers - his weight had already reached 100 kilograms. In 1993 he took part in the world amateur bodybuilding championship, where he took fourth place. The next year he again appeared before the judges and took the champion title.

The guy began a career - he began to shoot for the covers of magazines and received a lot of lucrative offers from various companies. But a tragic accident broke all his plans - one day while training he failed to lift 310 kg and fell, breaking his leg. Followed a difficult recovery process, but to return to the previous strain the young man was unable. 4 more years he participated in various competitions, showing the world his strength and resilience.

"You can never have too much synthol

In order to speculate about the safety of Sintol, it is worth finding out what it consists of. Until now, no one knows the true formula of this substance, and anyone who makes it himself risks not only being without results, but also without hands. The approximate composition of Sintol is 85% oil (sesame or coconut oil, caprylic acid), 7.5% lidocaine, 7.5% benzyl alcohol. How safe can such a rattling mixture be? While Western "strongmen" give shots in a clinic or after consulting an experienced doctor, Russian "heroes" brew Sintol at the

Impressive results of modern heroes

For those who did not manage to achieve such high results, as the two previously voiced characters, there are also a couple of lines in the article. They could not overtake, but came close to champion volumes.

• Canadian athlete Greg Kovacs - 67 cm.
• Two-meter bodybuilder Noah Steere - 66 cm.
• British Zach Khan - 61 cm.
• The Lithuanian athlete Robert Burneika - 61 cm.
• Phil Heath and Lee Priest - 56 cm.
• Wrestler Robert Swenson and Manfred Heberle - 63 cm.

Women's record holder

Of course, among the bodybuilders there are also women, some of them also achieve unprecedented results and turn their bodies into real rocks. It is impossible not to mention women who became record-breakers among the fair sex. You can argue about the beauty or ugliness of the pumped female body, but, nevertheless, there are those who appreciate the female biceps, the largest, by the way, belongs to Reni Toni.

Today there are many women who excel in bodybuilding, they can show off their pumped-up bodies, impressing the whole world in every way. But the greatest results in this sport have been achieved by the bodybuilder from Brazil, Reni Toni, who in 2006 set a record - she owns the largest bicep among women. Its volume of 51 centimeters is almost equal to the volume of Gregg Valentino's biceps until he started taking steroids. So Reni can safely boast of an unprecedented work on herself and her body, proving to everyone skeptical of the

The best biceps in bodybuilding history

Want to know how the best biceps in bodybuilding history were created? You don't have to look any further! In this article, you'll see not only 35 samples of amazing biceps, but also tips for training them.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

"When I was 15, I undressed and looked at myself in the mirror. As I contemplated myself, I realized that in order to have perfect proportions, I would need arms 20 inches long to match my entire body."-Arnold Schwarzenegger

Exercise	Approaches	Repeats
Lifting the bar on the biceps	6	6-10
Dumbbell biceps curls in a sitting position	6	6-10
Concentrated bends	6	6-10

 

Joel Stubbs

"If you had to pick one biceps exercise a bodybuilder can't do without, I'd say it's the standing biceps barbell lift. The most important thing is to add weight while maintaining proper form and technique, and the biceps barbell lift is the best way to do that. This exercise helps move more weight, so try to hone your technique. Of course, if you have wrist problems, the EZ barbell lift is a pretty decent alternative."-Joel Stubbs

Exercise	Approaches	Repeats
Lifting the bar on the biceps	8	12
Dumbbell biceps lift	4	12
Isolated arm bends on an exerciser	5	12
Concentrated flexion	3	12

 

Albert Beckles

"I like to emphasize the peak contraction phase during flexion. I resist supination until I get close to the moment of flexion, and turn my wrists outward as much as possible the moment I reach the peak of flexion. This creates the strongest contraction, and I hold it for a couple of seconds."- Albert Beckles

Exercise	Approaches	Repeats
Dumbbell biceps curls in a sitting position	4	8-10
Arm biceps curls in a block	4	8-10
Isolated arm bends	3	8-12
Alternating isolated arm bends	3	8-12

 

Robbie Robinson

"I do a concentrated barbell bend, using a narrow grip and bending over so that my body is parallel to the floor. I slowly do a barbell bend upward, feeling resistance with every millimeter of movement. At the peak of the movement, I hold the weight for a few seconds, flexing and squeezing my biceps. It is hard and painful work, but it helps achieve tightness."-Robbie Robinson

Exercise	Approaches	Repeats
Lifting the bar on the biceps	4	6-10
Isolated arm bends with a barbell	4	8-10
Concentrated bends	4	8-10

 

Larry Scott

"I did 4 different biceps exercises, 5-6 sets of each, with 8-10 repetitions. That's 24 sets per biceps. If I trained biceps, triceps and deltoids in the same day, I would do 4 sets for each muscle and 5 sets of each exercise, 60 sets total. A workout like that takes 2 hours. I don't rest too long between exercises or sets, and I try to move more." - Larry Scott

Exercise	Approaches	Repeats
Arm bends with dumbbells on a Scott Bench	3	6-10
Isolated bends with the EZ bar	3	6-10
Isolated reverse grip bends with EZ bar	3	6-10
Lift on biceps lying on an inclined bench (on stomach)	3	6-10

 

Mike Matarazzo

"Old-school bodybuilders have always been my idols. They didn't need cool equipment. They trained with purpose and intensity, regardless of gym equipment or other limitations. They could do presses with buckets filled with concrete, and it was still a great workout."- Mike Matarazzo

Exercise	Approaches	Repeats
Isolated bends with the EZ bar	4	10-12
Alternating dumbbell lifts in a sitting position	4	10-12
Concentrated bends	4	10-12
Biceplifts on a Scott Bench	4	10-12
Isolated reverse grip bends with EZ bar	4	10-12

 

Phil Heath

"Personally, I like isolated one-arm bends with dumbbells. You don't have to do 100 pound lifts to feel the burn. Heck, I can get results on 35-40 pound dumbbells. Also, this is a great option for those who travel. After all, this is the type of equipment that almost all hotels have."- Phil Heath

Exercise	Approaches	Repeats
Dumbbell or barbell bicep raises	4	10
Isolated arm bends	4	10
Arm bends with dumbbells on an incline bench	4	10
Biceps exercise "Hammer"	4	10

 

Freddy Ortiz

"I don't count repeats, I just work until my body gets tired."- Freddy Ortiz

Exercise	Approaches	Repeats
Lifting the bar on the biceps	5	10
Alternate bicep dumbbell lifts in a sitting position	5	10
Lifting the bar on the biceps with a narrow grip	4	8
Arm bends in the crossover (upper blocks)	5	10

 

Lee Priest

"A guy came up to me one day during a workout and told me that arm bends should be done differently. I looked at his arms, they were about 15 inches. It's the same as if I walked up to Tom Platz and started teaching him how to do a squat!"-Lee Priest

Exercise	Approaches	Repeats
Lifting the bar on the biceps	5	6-8
Dumbbell biceps lift	5	6-8
Isolated arm bends	5	6-8
Arm bends in the lower block while standing	5	6-8

 

Paul Demayo

Lifting the bar on the biceps

Alternate bicep dumbbell lifts in a sitting position

Biceps bends on a biceps isolation machine

Leroy Colbert

"I, Leroy Colbert, became the first person to build arms with 21 inches of muscle without doping, and I'm proud of it."-Leroy Colbert

Exercise	Approaches	Repeats
Alternating dumbbell lifts on biceps	4-5	6-10
Concentrated bends	4-5	6-10
Bench press on biceps in sitting position	4-5	6-10
Reverse barbell lift on biceps	4-5	6-10
Slowly lifting the bar with a light weight	4-5	6-10

 

Ronnie Coleman

"Well, it was a long and hard road, but I enjoyed every moment of it. I enjoyed the challenges. The path to the Mr. Olympia title is in the mind. Everyone emphasizes the physical component, but really, only those who are spiritually strong can succeed."-Ronnie Coleman

Exercise	Approaches	Repeats
Lifting the bar on the biceps	4	12
Alternate bicep dumbbell lifts in a sitting position	4	12
Isolated arm bends	4	12
Arm bending in a standing block	4	12

 

The largest hand in the world: palm 40 centimeters

Strongman and arm wrestler Jeff Dabe is famous all over the world for the size of his hands: his palm is almost 40 centimeters and his forearms are almost 50 centimeters in circumference.

With such parameters Jeff simply could not pass by armwrestling. He got into the sport in the 70's, when he noticed that the amateur victories were very easy for him - the opponents simply could not resist the power of a strongman.

The giant hands made it possible to begin the journey up very quickly.

In principle, Jeff is not a small man himself - his shoulders are wider than many armwrestlers. But it was the record size of his arms that made him world famous. Even Poddubny had a forearm of 46 centimeters - and he was the greatest strongman 100 years ago.

However, size doesn't stop Jeff from being a good-natured guy. He shakes hands with his fans with a smile and is always ready to throw in a joke.

The longest arms in the world

Naturally, the biggest hands should be those of the biggest person

Rating is a delicate and thankless business. What algorithm is used to determine the most beautiful woman in the world, or the most fashionable outfit, or the most interesting book? As they say, as many people, so many opinions. But mathematics is the queen of sciences, so some ratings are hard to argue with. A ruler will help to understand who has the biggest nose in the world or the smallest feet. The difficulty is that almost 7.5 billion people in the world today, all can not be measured ... But still try to understand who has the longest arms in the world.

From the Guinness Book of World Records

In 2010, the Guinness Book of World Records recorded that today Sultan Kosen has the longest arms - 27.5 cm. In addition, the former Turkish basketball player is also the tallest man in the world.

Until the age of 10 the young man was an ordinary child. But then as a result of a brain surgery (Sultan had a tumor removed) his pituitary gland was affected, which led to a malfunction. The boy began to grow literally before his eyes. At the age of 26 his height was 246.5 cm. The main thing that upsets the young man is his inability to get involved with girls. Yes, any girl can hardly reach above his waist, in addition, Sultan Kosen probably has not only the longest arms in the world...

Before Sultan, the record holder for arm length and height was a Ukrainian boy Leonid Stadnik. The reason was the same - disorders of the pituitary gland. His height was 257 cm, and his palm length was 31 cm. But these records are not officially registered, because Leonid Stadnik refused official measurements and asked for peace and quiet.

For reference: the pituitary gland is the brain appendage that produces growth hormones. It has an average size of 1.3 * 0.6 * 1.0 cm and weighs only half a gram. It's such a tiny but important organ.

Let's look back at the past

In the last century, the longest arms had the American Robert Wadlow (1918-1940). His arms span was 288 cm, and the length of the palm - 32.4 cm.

The story of the record-breaker is not very funny. At the age of 3 he was a very ordinary boy, and at age 4 he suddenly began to grow very fast. So fast that already at age 8 he was 190 cm tall, and in 2 years he reached 198 cm and weighed 100 kg. The doctors did not delay with the diagnosis and immediately determined that the boy has a rare disease of the pituitary gland - the section of the brain that is responsible for growth.

After high school, the American Gulliver (in the land of Lilliputians) went to university. He was still growing. By this time he was 263 cm tall and weighed 223 kg! Therefore, Robert became known as the tallest man in the world.

He performed in a circus. The number was very simple. The giant simply went on stage and measured his height with the audience. The tallest barely reached his waist. He also easily picked up adult men and women, like toys. With this number he traveled to every state and became an American celebrity.

He died very young, at the age of 22, of sepsis. The fact is that Robert Wadlow had difficulty walking because of his enormous weight. He had to lean on a crutch. While speaking at the US Independence Day in Manistee, he rubbed his leg with the crutch, which caused severe inflammation with fatal outcome.

His 500-kilogram coffin was carried by 12 people (six on each side).

As the popular wisdom says: "He has long arms"...

The expression "long arms" should not always be taken literally. In a figurative sense, it means that the person so spoken of is very influential. The word of this person has a huge weight, millions of people listen to him (and the CIA also looks closely). Is there such a person in the world?

According to Forbes magazine, it is Russian President Vladimir Putin, not surprising when you consider that he is at the helm of the largest country in the world, the country with the greatest human resources, with the greatest nuclear potential, with truly inexhaustible natural resources - land, forest, water, with huge reserves of minerals, including hydrocarbons. With his political will he is changing the course of history.

In second place after Vladimir Vladimirovich is U.S. President Barack Obama, and Angela Merkel is one step down.

The ten most influential people in the world also include computer geniuses Bill Gates, one of the creators of Microsoft, and Lawrence Page, the developer of the search engine Google. At the same time, they are called the "longest arms", in other words, the most influential people of the computer world. It is surprising that Mark Zuckerberg, who invented Faсebook, was not included in any rating of the most powerful people in the world, but he headed the list of young billionaires in the world, which is also very honorable...

Fakes

This photo clearly shows that Justin Timberlake has the longest arms in the world. You have to hug the shoulders of each arm two people at once! I wonder if this picture is random or a lucky prank?

And this photo was accidentally taken at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, during Australia's game against Japan. It clearly shows that player #13 Mark Viduk, who was a striker on the Australian team, has a very long right arm, by far the longest arm in the world.

The lucky picture immediately became very popular on the Internet and literally went viral on social networks.

What can the length of your fingers tell you?

The easiest way to find out a person's character is by the length of his fingers. For this test, all you have to do is compare the ratio of the ring finger to the index finger.

The first type.

The ring finger is longer than the index finger. The possessor is charismatic and attractive. It is pleasant to communicate with him, he knows how to present himself. A crowd of friends and admirers follows him everywhere. He is distinguished by his active character and love for risk. In his life there are no problems that he can not solve. Even financial difficulties bypass him. The developed intellect allows him to reach heights in the profession of engineer and surgeon. The learning process of this individual lasts throughout life.

The second type.

The ring finger is shorter than the index finger. This person is independent and self-sufficient. A person who enjoys solitude with himself. They are often called loners. They will not make the first steps. If you want to establish contact with him, you will have to be the initiator of this cooperation. These people are often greedy for flattery and praise.

The third type.

Equal length of ring finger and index finger on the hands tell about a person friendly and benevolent. They do not put up a fight and try to smooth over sharp edges. They try to make friendly contact with everyone. They are focused, collected and responsible. Men will be good workers, working for the enterprise. In girls this finger length will tell about her loyalty and faithfulness. She can be a wonderful wife, who keeps the family home. Despite all the spiritual kindness, you should not test the strength of the nerves of this person. If

The Longest Fingers (Matthew McGrory)

Matthew is the world's most gigantic man, and on top of that he has gigantic fingers, the biggest of which is 13 cm long. Naturally, this is a world record.

Водохранилище

Водохрани́лище – искусственный водоём, созданный для накопления и последующего использования воды и регулирования стока.

Водохранилища стали сооружать ещё в глубокой древности для обеспечения водой населения и сельского хозяйства. Одним из первых на Земле считают водохранилище с плотиной Садд-эль-Кафара, созданное в Древнем Египте в 2950–2750 гг. до н. э. В XX в. водохранилища стали сооружать повсеместно. В настоящее время их на земном шаре более 60 тыс.; ежегодно в строй вводится несколько сот новых водохранилищ. Общая площадь всех водохранилищ мира более 400 тыс. км2, а с учетом подпруженных озёр – 600 тыс. км2. Суммарный полный объём водохранилищ достиг почти 6,6 тыс. км3. Многие реки земного шара – Волга, Днепр, Ангара, Миссури, Колорадо, Парана и другие – превращены в каскады водохранилищ. Через 30–50 лет водохранилищами будет зарегулировано 2/3 речных систем земного шара.

Приблизительно 95% объёма всех водохранилищ мира сосредоточено в крупных искусственных водоёмах с полным объёмом более 0,1 км3. В настоящее время таких водохранилищ более 3 тыс. Большинство из них расположено в Азии и Северной Америке, а также в Европе.

В России насчитывается более 100 крупных водохранилищ с объёмом более 0,1 км3 каждое. Их суммарные полезный объём и площадь равны соответственно около 350 км3 и более 100 тыс. км2. Всего же в России, более 2 тыс. водохранилищ.

Самые большие по площади водохранилища в мире (без учета подпруженных озёр) – это Вольта в Гане на р. Вольте, Куйбышевское в России на Волге, Братское в России на Ангаре, Насер (Садд-эль-Ааои) в Египте на Ниле. Самый большой полезный объём (без учета подпруженных озёр) имеют водохранилища Вольта, Насер, Братское, Кариба (на р. Замбези в Замбии и Зимбабве).

Водохранилище – что это такое?

Водохранилищем в гидрологии принято называть довольно крупный водоем искусственного происхождения, образованный подпорным сооружением (дамбой или плотиной ГЭС) с целью накопления и дальнейшего использования воды для нужд хозяйства и населения. Сравнительно небольшие по площади искусственные водоемы также нередко называют прудами или ставками.

Силу текущей воды наши предки использовали с самых древних времен. Так, первые упоминания о водяных мельницах встречаются еще в древнерусских летописях. При таких мельницах, само собой разумеется, создавались небольшие прудики. Именно их и можно считать прототипами современных «искусственных морей».

Первые водохранилища в России начали создавать в начале XVIII века, во время соединения системой каналов Волги с Балтийским морем. В XIX веке искусственные водоемы активно использовались для судоходства, а также снабжали сотни промышленных заводов водой и электроэнергией.

В современной России водохранилища также исправно служат людям. В частности, они:

• Снабжают водой поля и сельскохозяйственные угодья в засушливых районах страны (через оросительные системы).
• Регулируют сток крупных рек и таким образом предотвращают наводнения и подтопления населенных пунктов.
• Создают условия для свободного перемещения крупногабаритных судов.
• Способствуют разведению многих ценных пород ихтиофауны.
• Создают условия для активного отдыха и рекреации местного населения (как летнего, так и зимнего).

Назначение водохранилищ

Строительство и эксплуатация водохранилищ позволяет более рационально использовать водные ресурсы. Накопленную в водохранилищах воду используют для орошения и обводнения земель, водоснабжения населённых пунктов и промышленных предприятий, санитарных промывок речных русел, улучшения судоходных условий ниже по течению в маловодный период года и т. д. С помощью водохранилищ регулируют речной водный сток для гидроэнергетики, с целью предотвращения наводнений. Водохранилища используют также для рыбного хозяйства, водного транспорта, рекреации (отдыха людей), водного спорта.

Гидрологический режим водохранилищ управляется человеком, который выбирает заранее нужные параметры водоёма и технические приемы его эксплуатации. Многие черты гидрологического режима водохранилищ определяются хозяйственными потребностями и регулируются. Вместе с тем искусственно созданные водоёмы начинают участвовать в водообмене воды в речных системах, оказываются под влиянием комплекса природных факторов и подчиняются закономерностям, свойственным естественным водным объектам – рекам и особенно озёрам.

Водохранилища – своеобразные водные объекты, новый природно-техногенный компонент ландшафта. Они преобразуют режим рек, влияют (иногда – неблагоприятно) на окружающую среду.

Классификация водохранилищ

Существует большое количество классификаций водохранилищ. Их делят по характеру использования, площади поверхности, объему воды, глубине, местоположению и т. д. Так, исходя из строения дна, водохранилища бывают:

• Долинные (те, которые сформировались в речных долинах).
• Котловинные (образованные путем подпруживания озера, морского залива или лимана).

По местоположению водного объекта все водохранилища можно поделить на:

• Равнинные.
• Предгорные.
• Горные.

Наконец, по площади водного зеркала водохранилища делятся на:

• Малые (до 2 км2).
• Небольшие (2-20 км2).
• Средние (20-100 км2).
• Большие (100-500 км2).
• Очень большие (500-5 000 км2).
• Крупнейшие (свыше 5 000 км2).

Типы водохранилищ

Водохранилища могут быть подразделены на типы по характеру ложа, способу его заполнения водой, географическому положению, месту в речном бассейне, характеру регулирования стока.

По морфологическому строению ложа водохранилища делятся на долинные и котловинные. К долинным относятся водохранилища, ложем которых служит часть речной долины. Такие водохранилища возникают после сооружения на реке плотины. Главный признак таких водохранилищ – наличие уклона дна и увеличение глубин от верхней части водоёма к плотине. Долинные водохранилища подразделяются, в свою очередь, на русловые, находящиеся в пределах русла и низкой поймы реки, и пойменно-долинные, водой которых помимо русла затоплена также высокая пойма и иногда участки надпойменных террас. К котловинным водохранилищам относятся подпруженные (зарегулированные) озёра и водохранилища, расположенные в изолированных низинах и впадинах, в отгороженных с помощью дамб от моря заливах, лиманах, лагунах, эстуариях, а также в искусственных выемках (карьерах, копанях). Небольшие водохранилища площадью менее 1 км2 называют прудами.

По способу заполнения водой водохранилища бывают запрудные, когда их наполняет вода водотока, на котором они расположены, и наливные, когда вода в них подается из рядом расположенного водотока или водоёма. К наливным водохранилищам относятся, например, водохранилища гидроаккумулирующих электростанций.

По географическому положению водохранилища делят на горные, предгорные, равнинные и приморские. Первые из них сооружают на горных реках, они обычно узкие и глубокие и имеют напор, т. е. величину повышения уровня воды в реке в результате сооружения плотины, 100–300 м и более. В предгорных водохранилищах обычно высота напора 30–100 м. Равнинные водохранилища обычно широкие и мелкие, высота напора – не более 30 м. Приморские водохранилища с небольшим (несколько метров) напором, сооружают в морских заливах, лиманах, лагунах, эстуариях.

Примерами высоконапорных горных водохранилищ служат Нурекское и Рогунское на Вахше с высотой напора около 300 м. К предгорным водохранилищам могут быть отнесены некоторые водохранилища Енисейского и Ангарского каскадов: Красноярское (высота напора 100 м), Усть-Илимское (88 м). Примерами равнинных водохранилищ могут служить водохранилища Волжского и Днепровского каскадов: Рыбинское (высота напора 18 м), Куйбышевское (29 м), Волгоградское (27 м), Каневское (15 м), Каховское (16 м). К приморским водохранилищам относятся, например, опреснённая водами Дуная лагуна Сасык на западном побережье Чёрного моря на Украине, водохранилище Эйсселмер в Нидерландах, образованное в результате отчленения дамбой от Северного моря залива Зейдер-Зе и его опреснения водами Рейна.

По месту в речном бассейне водохранилища могут быть подразделены на верховые и низовые. Система водохранилищ на реке называется каскадом.

По степени регулирования речного стока водохранилища могут быть многолетнего, сезонного, недельного и суточного регулирования. Характер регулирования стока определяется назначением водохранилища и соотношением полезного объёма водохранилища и величины стока воды реки.

Основные характеристики водохранилищ

Для описания водохранилищ применимы те же показатели, что и для озёр. Из морфометрических характеристик водохранилища наиболее важны площадь его поверхности и объём вод. Форма водохранилища определяется характером заполненного водой понижения земной поверхности. Котловинные водохранилища обычно имеют озеровидную форму, долинные – вытянутую. Многие долинные водохранилища расширяются по направлению к плотине, имеют изрезанные берега и многочисленные заливы (затопленные устья притоков).

Любое водохранилище рассчитывается на накопление некоторого объёма воды в период наполнения и на сброс этого же объёма в период его сработки. Накопление нужного объёма воды сопровождается повышением уровня до некоторой оптимальной величины. Такой уровень обычно достигается к концу периода наполнения, может поддерживаться плотиной в течение длительного времени и называется нормальным подпорным уровнем (НПУ). В редких случаях, во время высокого половодья или крупных паводков, допускается временное превышение НПУ на 0,5–1 м. Такой уровень называют форсированным подпорным уровнем (ФПУ). Предельно возможным снижением уровня воды в водохранилище является достижение уровня мёртвого объёма (УМО), сработка объёма воды ниже которого технически вообще невозможна.

Объём водохранилища, находящийся ниже УМО, называется мёртвым объёмом (МО). Для регулирования стока и периодической сработки используется объём водохранилища, находящийся между УМО и НПУ. Этот объём называют полезным объёмом (ПО) водохранилища. Сумма полезного и мёртвого объёмов дает полный объём, или ёмкость водохранилища. Объём воды, заключённый между НПУ и ФПУ, называют резервным объёмом.

В пределах запрудного долинного водохранилища выделяют несколько зон: зону переменного подпора, верхнюю, среднюю и нижнюю.

Роль искусственных водоемов

Россия занимает огромные площади континента Евразия. Ее территории простираются от берегов Северного Ледовитого океана до южных степей и пустынь. Не везде есть обилие рек и озер, полностью удовлетворяющих запросы человека. Народное хозяйство требует больших расходов пресной воды. Искусственные водоемы с давних пор использовались для бытовых нужд населения и орошения посевов. Древнейшим рукотворным резервуаром считается египетский Садд-эль-Кафара, построенный еще до нашей эры. С начала XX века сооружение таких водоемов стало повсеместным. Сейчас на планете более 60 тысяч искусственно созданных водоемов. Крупнейшими водохранилищами в мире признаны Насер в Египте на реке Нил, Вольта в Гане, в России Куйбышевское на Волге и Братское на Ангаре.

Влияние водохранилищ на режим рек и окружающую среду

Главное воздействие водохранилищ на реки – это регулирование стока. Оно в большинстве случаев проявляется ниже по течению в уменьшении стока воды в половодье (его «срезка») и увеличении стока в маловодный период года (в межень). Сезонное регулирование стока водохранилищами ведёт к сглаживанию колебаний уровней воды ниже водохранилища в течение года.

Ниже водохранилищ полностью преображается водный режим рек, изменяются характер заливания поймы, русловые процессы, режим устьев рек и т. д. В областях недостаточного увлажнения воздействие водохранилищ приводит к высыханию речных пойм и дельт, что может нанести серьёзный ущерб хозяйству. Осушение пойм в зоне избыточного увлажнения – наоборот, явление положительное, способствующее их хозяйственному освоению.

Так же, как и озёра, водохранилища замедляют водообмен в гидрографической сети речных бассейнов. Сооружение водохранилищ привело к увеличению объёма вод суши приблизительно на 6,6 тыс. км3 и замедлению водообмена приблизительно в 4–5 раз. Наиболее сильно замедлился водообмен в речных системах Азии (в 14 раз) и Европы (в 7 раз). Для рек бывшего СССР водохранилища увеличили среднее время пребывания вод в речных системах с 22 до 89 суток, т. е. в 4 раза. После сооружения каскада водохранилищ водообмен в бассейнах рек Волги и Днепра замедлился в 7–11 раз.

Сооружение водохранилищ всегда ведёт к уменьшению как стока воды вследствие возрастания водозабора на хозяйственные нужды и дополнительных потерь на испарение с поверхности водоёма, так и стока наносов, биогенных и органических веществ вследствие их накопления в водоёме.

В результате сооружения водохранилищ возрастает поверхность, покрытая водой; поскольку испарение с водной поверхности всегда больше, чем с поверхности суши, потери на испарение также возрастают.

В условиях избыточного увлажнения (например, в тундре) испарение с водной поверхности ненамного превышает испарение с поверхности суши. Поэтому при избыточном увлажнении сооружение водохранилищ практически не сказывается на уменьшении водного стока рек. В условиях недостаточного увлажнения (например, в зоне степей), а в особенности в условиях засушливого климата (в пустынях и полупустынях), сооружение водохранилищ приводит к существенным потерям водного стока рек на дополнительное испарение.

Степень уменьшения речного стока в результате сооружения водохранилищ возрастает по территории Европейской части России с севера на юг.

Во всех водохранилищах мира в конце ХХ в. терялись на испарение 120 км3 воды в год, т.е. около 3% стока всех рек мира. Наибольшие потери речного стока свойственны водохранилищам Насер (8,3 км3/год) и Вольта (4,6 км3/год).

В то же время, водохранилища служат мощными поглотителями биогенных и загрязняющих веществ благодаря процессам их разложения и осаждения. Однако это положительное воздействие водохранилищ на качество воды может произойти лишь при правильном режиме эксплуатации водохранилища, при условии ограничения антропогенной нагрузки на качество воды и проведении природоохранных мероприятий на водосборе водоёма. В некоторых случаях требуется и реконструкция самого водохранилища.

В результате сооружения водохранилищ и отложения в них речных наносов существенно уменьшается их сток. Водохранилища действуют как «ловушки» для переносимых реками наносов. Отложение в водохранилищах мелких (взвешенных) наносов называют заилением водохранилища, отложение крупных (влекомых) наносов – его занесением. По некоторым современным оценкам, в ХХ в. сток наносов всех рек мира под влиянием водохранилищ уменьшился на 25%.

После сооружения водохранилищ сток наносов в устьях рек Волги, Риони, Дуная, Куры и Миссисипи сократился приблизительно в 2 раза, в устьях рек Сулака, Тибра и Нила – в 8–10 раз, в устье Эбро – в 250 раз (!). В последнем случае столь значительное уменьшение стока наносов объясняется близостью крупных водохранилищ к устью реки.

Уменьшение стока наносов рек вследствие их отложения в водохранилищах может вызвать нарушение баланса наносов в устьях рек и стимулировать частичное волновое разрушение дельты и соседних морских берегов, как это уже произошло в 1970-х гг. в устье Нила после возведения Высотной Асуанской плотины и создания водохранилища Насер, а также в устье Сулака после сооружения Чиркейского водохранилища в 1974 г. и в устье Эбро после строительства водохранилищ Мекиненса и Рибарроха в 1964 и 1969 гг. соответственно.

Заметное влияние водохранилища оказывают на термический и ледовый режим рек. Наиболее характерно выравнивающее воздействие водохранилищ на температуру воды в реке. Так, на Енисее ниже Красноярского водохранилища температура воды стала в мае–июне на 7–9°С и в июле–августе на 8–10°С ниже, а в сентябре на 8° и в октябре на 9°С выше, чем до зарегулирования реки.

Водохранилища оказывают заметное воздействие на природные условия сопредельных территорий. Сооружение крупных водохранилищ приводит к затоплению земель, повышению уровня грунтовых вод, способствующих подтоплению и заболачиванию территорий. Потеря земель при затоплении – наиболее существенное негативное последствие сооружения водохранилищ. По некоторым оценкам, суммарная площадь такого затопления в мире равна приблизительно 240 тыс. км2, что составляет 0,3% земельных ресурсов суши. Площади затопления на территории бывшего СССР составили порядка 80 тыс. км2. В результате сооружения водохранилищ озёрность территории России возросла до 4%.

Очевидно, что период строительства крупных водохранилищ, приводящих к большим затоплениям земель, окончился. В последнее время отдаётся явное предпочтение сооружению небольших водохранилищ, в частности, в горных и предгорных районах.

Водохранилища ведут к изменению микроклиматических условий (выравниванию внутригодовых колебаний температуры воздуха, усилению ветра, некоторому увеличению влажности воздуха и атмосферных осадков), волновому размыву берегов.

После сооружения водохранилища изменяется почвенно-растительный покров на затопленных и подтопленных землях. Полагают, что влияние водохранилищ распространяется на сопредельную территорию, приблизительно равную по площади самому водохранилищу. Кроме того, в результате сооружения водохранилищ часто ухудшаются условия прохода на нерест многих пород рыб; нередко ухудшается качество воды вследствие возникновения в некоторые периоды года дефицита кислорода в придонных слоях, накопления солей и биогенных веществ, цветения воды. Считают также, что сооружение водохранилищ может привести к увеличению сейсмичности в горных районах (дополнительный вес накопленных в водохранилище вод усиливает внутреннее напряжение в горных породах, нарушает их устойчивость и приводит к землетрясениям).

Таким образом, водохранилища оказывают довольно сложное и противоречивое воздействие и на режим рек, и на природные условия сопредельных территорий. Давая несомненный положительный экономический эффект, водохранилища нередко вызывают и весьма негативные экологические последствия. Всё это требует, чтобы при проектировании водохранилищ более внимательно учитывался весь комплекс гидрологических, физико-географических, социально-экономических и экологических аспектов. Возникает необходимость в экологическом прогнозе, который невозможен без помощи гидрологии.

Важное значение при этом имеют мероприятия, осуществляемые в процессе создания и эксплуатации водохранилища с целью предотвращения нежелательных последствий и максимального использования положительного эффекта от создания водохранилища. К таким мероприятиям относятся: инженерная защита от затопления территорий и объектов (населённых пунктов, сельскохозяйственных угодий, предприятий, мостов и т. д.); переселение жителей, перенос предприятий, дорог и т. д., очистка ложа водохранилища от леса и кустарников, создание водоохранных зон; восстановление лесных, рыбных, охотничьих и других ресурсов; транспортное, рыбохозяйственное, рекреационное и другое освоение водоёма, инженерное обустройство акватории и береговой зоны водохранилища и т. д.

ТОП крупнейших водохранилищ России: названия, фото, характеристика и карты

Если внимательно рассматривать карту России, то в разных ее регионах можно увидеть довольно крупные голубые пятна неправильной формы – водохранилища. Судя по их размеру, это настоящие моря, заключенные в глубине материка. Согласно статистическим данным, водохранилища России содержат в себе около 800 кубических километров пресной воды. Впечатляющая цифра.

Что называют водохранилищем? Как оно образуется? Какие функции выполняет в народном хозяйстве? Ответы на все эти вопросы – в нашей статье. Кроме того, вы узнаете о том, какое водохранилище в России самое крупное. Итак, начнем нашу виртуальную прогулку по искусственным морям страны.

Куйбышевское водохранилище

Самое большое водохранилище в России. На третьем месте, созданный руками человека водоем в мире, так называемое Жигулёвское море, площадью 6450 км². Первые идеи создания зародились во времена, когда молодая страна Советов испытывала большой дефицит электроэнергии. Началась масштабная работа по изысканию мест для возведения плотин.

Самое большое водохранилище в России — Куйбышевское. В мире оно занимает 3 место

Куйбышевское водохранилище создали в 1957 г. путем возведения плотины Волжской ГЭА, в среднем течении Волги, и присвоили имя В. И. Ленина. Сегодня она носит название Жигулевская ГЭС.

Крупнейшие города России окружают водохранилище:

• Тольятти.
• Казань.
• Ульяновск.
• Новочебоксарск.
• Зеленодольск.
• Димитровград.

Водохранилище изменило стоковый и температурный режим Волги. Температура замерзания также изменилась. Водохранилище стало замерзать раньше, а таяние начинаться позже. Поменялся микроклимат территории, а вместе с ним условия обитания земноводных и птиц, видовой состав растительности.

Водами водоема орошаются сельскохозяйственные угодья региона. Широко развито судоходство, промышленное водоснабжение и коммунальное хозяйство. Развитие получила туристическая отрасль.

Бухтарминское водохранилище

Самое большое водохранилище в Казахстане образовано плотиной на реке Иртыш, в Восточно-Казахстанской области страны. Это 5-е в мире по площади водохранилище, занимающее практически всю Бухтарминскую впадину – 5490 км². На водохранилище построена Бухтарминская ГЭС. Заполнение водоема началось в 1960 году.

Состоит из двух частей:

• озеро Зайсан;
• долина реки Иртыш.

ГЭС выполняет свою основную функцию – обеспечение электроэнергией прилежащего региона, а водохранилище – ирригация сельского хозяйства. Развита судоходная навигация по реке Иртыш из Казахстана в Россию.Широко представлено коммерческое рыболовство. Воды водоема богаты различными видами рыбы: форель, таймень, щука, хариус. Туристов привлекает спортивная ловля и любительская рыбалка.

Развито санаторно-курортное лечение. На берегах водохранилища построено много пансионатов, санаториев и домов отдыха. Лечение и отдых обусловлены благоприятными природными условиями. Северная часть лесная и гористая, что располагает к пешему туризму. На востоке выращивают на фито-полях различные лекарственные растения.

Побережье водоема охраняемая зона. Благодаря мероприятиям по охране окружающей среды, сохранилось и проживает более 450 видов птиц. Основная гордость территории — лебеди-кликуны, черные аисты и крохали. В лесной части насчитывается более 60 видов млекопитающих: медведи, косули, белки, горностаи, горные козлы.

Братское

Братское водохранилище

Водохранилище площадью 5470 км², расположенное в Иркутской области. Полный объем составляет 169 км³, что делает его вторым по объему искусственным водоемом мира. Оно было построено с целью развития судоходства, лесосплава, водоснабжения и получения энергии. Береговая линия сильно изрезана, по форме водоем напоминает дракона.

Братское водохранилище на карте России

Затонувшая во время сплава древесина сильно загрязняет воду. Насчитывается 25 видов промысловых рыб. По берегам расположились детские лагери, туристические базы и санатории.

Вольта

Самое большое водохранилище в мире расположено на реке Вольта в Гане. Создано оно в результате строительства гидроэлектростанции «Акосомбо». Начало строительства и создания водоема датируется 1961 годом. Полное заполнение водоема произошло в 1967 году. На сегодняшний день площадь водохранилища — 8482 км², что составляет 3,6% площади самой страны.

Создан водоем на месте слияния двух рек: Чёрной и Белой Вольты. Объединяясь, они образуют реку Вольту, которая впадает в Гвинейский залив. Длина береговой линии — свыше 7000 км. В процессе заполнения образовались живописные озера, часть из них сегодня — основа развития туристического бизнеса. Разработаны круизные маршруты с посещением островов Доди, Кпоре, Гном.

В северной части водохранилища расположен Национальный заповедник Дигья. Это охраняемая государством территория. Основная достопримечательность парка – это редкие виды птиц (более 230 видов) и приматы. На юге находится болотистая территория. Во время сезона дождей она наполняется водой и полностью поглощается водоемом, увеличивая его территорию.

Чтобы полностью заполнить водоем, властям страны пришлось переселять более 78 000 человек на другие территории.

Подворное хозяйство переселяемых жителей составило более 200 000 домашних животных. Это отрицательно сказалось на экономике страны и занятости населения. Фермеры, потеряв свои угодья, вынуждены были заняться рыболовством, что не приносило большой доход и вызвало обнищание людей.

Во время заполнения водоема на территории Ганы фиксировались не типичные для этого региона явления, такие как землетрясения. Подземные толчки происходили трижды с 1964 г. по 1969 г.

Создавалось водохранилище для обеспечения работы алюминиевого завода, расположенного в пригороде Аккры, столицы Ганы. Предполагалось, что энергия, вырабатываемая ГЭС будет полностью обеспечивать потребности завода и использоваться для народных нужд. Однако через 15 лет мощностей плотины стало не хватать, и была построена ещё одна дамба – Кпонг.

Сегодня Вольта обеспечивает электроэнергией более половины страны. На самом водохранилище развит рыболовный промысел и судоходство. Благодаря созданию водного пути развилась транспортная сеть, которая создает не дорогой и короткий путь транспортировки различных грузов.

Водоём решил проблемы орошения засушливых территорий и обеспечил водой миллионы жителей. Сегодня по берегам водоема проживает свыше 5 млн. человек.

Насер

Водохранилище, самая большая часть которого расположена в Египте и частично в Судане – Асуанское. Оно построенно советскими специалистами на реке Нил. Название Насер оно получило в честь президента Египта. Площадь водоема — 5248 км². При его строительстве возникли особые сложности.

На территории затопляемой области находились исторические памятники, такие как храм Исиды, Тафиса, памятник Абу-Симбел. Потребовался уникальный комплекс мероприятий по их переносу. Строительство было вызвано необходимостью регулирования ирригационной системы Нила и развития судоходства.

Сегодня это самый привлекательный туристический край в области рыбалки и исторических памятников.

Интересный факт: после строительства ГЭС, ниже по течению, в реке исчезли крокодилы. Бытует шутка, что их увезли с собой в качестве сувениров советские строители.

Саяно-Шушенское

Кумское водохранилище

Водохранилище расположено в республиках Тыва и Хакасия, и в Красноярском крае. Несмотря на относительно небольшую площадь (621 км²) в сравнении с предыдущими водохранилищами, полный объем водоема составляет 31,3 км³. Водохранилище создавалось в целях развития энергетики, обеспечения водой и регулирования стока.

Саяно-Шушенское водохранилище на карте России

Транспортное значение водоема невелико. Сегодня Саяно-Шушенский водоем привлекает любителей рыбалки. Здесь обитают таймени, хариусы, щуки и лещи. На берегу находится «Саяно-Шушенский» заповедник и Национальный парк «Шушенский бор».

Смоллвуд

Водохранилище второй в мире по площади зеркала водоем. Создано оно путем слияния нескольких озер в западной части Лабрадора, провинции Ньюфаундленд и Лабрадор в Канаде. Первоначальную разведку территории производили в 1942 г. по заказу компании по производству алюминия «Алькан». Из-за удаленности территории проект посчитали не целесообразным.

В дальнейшем с развитием технологий по передаче энергии на большие расстояния, был разработан план строительства водохранилища. Отличительной особенностью проекта являлось то, что строилась не одна дамба, а 88 плотин. Началось строительство в 1966 году. Осуществление проекта заняло 9 лет, более 6200 строителей выполняли работы.

Основные плотины построены на реке Черчилл, близ знаменитого водопада. Своё название водоем получил в честь первого премьер-министра Ньюфаундленда Джозефа Робертса Смолвуда. Сегодня площадь водоема составляет свыше 6500 км². Построенная ГЭС «Твин-Фоллз» вырабатывает электроэнергию для двух провинций.

Водохранилище радикально изменило земельный ландшафт, и положительно сказалось на флоре и фауне региона. Так, популяция диких гусей по берегам водоема увеличилась в 10 раз. В 3 раза увеличилось количество рыбы и её размеры. Пресноводный лосось набрал в массе с 2,5 кг до 7 кг. Изучение влияния водохранилища на территорию не прекращается и на сегодняшний день.

Река Миасс

Миасс – одна из важнейших рек Челябинской области и главная река Челябинска, самый крупный приток реки Исеть. Длина реки Миасс составляет 658 км, превышая длину самой Исети (606 км). Протяженность реки на территории Челябинской области — 384 км (самая длинная в области).

Река Миасс берет начало на восточном склоне хребта Нурали в Учалинском районе Республики Башкортостан, на высоте около 600 м. Впадает в Исеть в 20 км севернее поселка Каргаполье в Курганской области (в 218 км от ее устья). Падение высоты от истока до устья – 508 м.

Основным источником питания реки является снежный покров, на долю которого приходится около 90% годового стока. В Миасс впадают 27 относительно крупных притоков с длиной более 10 км, их общая протяженность 749 км. Наиболее крупные притоки: Зюзелка (длина 65 км), Бишкиль (51 км), Большой Киалим (46 км), Биргильда (36 км), Атлян (31 км), Верхний Иремель (29 км), Куштумга (25 км). Общая площадь водосбора – 19100 км2. Средний расход воды около устья 16,2 м³/с.

В пределах водосбора располагается почти 2 тысячи озер, наиболее крупные из которых — Большое Миассово, Большой Кисегач, Большой Теренкуль, Малое Миассово, Тургояк.

Количество и состав рыбы в реке отличается в зависимости от местонахождения. В реке Миасс встречается плотва, уклейка, лещ, щука, окунь, ерш, карась, елец, линь, налим.

Однозначной трактовки названия Миасс нет. Одни лингвисты проводят параллели с тюркскими словами «миия» — «болото, топь» и «су» — «вода, река». Обычно название реки Миасс переводят именно как «топкое, болотистое место». А краевед Владимир Поздеев считает, что топоним может быть связан с древним языком пушту. На этом наречии «мис» («мий») означает «медь», а «ас» («аз») — «вода», «река». То есть «медная долина». Другие утверждают, что название реки относится к древнетюркским временам и смысл топонима утрачен. Кстати, в старых источниках реку называют Мияс.

Краевед Валерий Кузнецов приводит легенду, по которой Пугачев спросил двух своих служивых людей, когда выехал на берег Миасса: кто первый увидел реку. Людей было двое, русский и башкир. Башкир сказал: мин (я), русский ответил — я-с. Отсюда дескать и пошло название реки Миасс. Но эта легенда, конечно, никакого отношения к реальности не имеет.

Берега Миасса и характер реки серьезно отличаются на всей протяженности реки. В верхнем течении рельеф окрестностей гористый, в среднем – холмистый, в нижнем — равнинный. Древесная растительность в верховьях реки представлена преимущественно сосной с примесью лиственницы, в среднем течении (ниже Аргазинского водохранилища) – березой, осиной (лесостепная зона). Глубина реки изменяется от 20 см на перекатах до 7 м на плесах, скорость течения — от 2 до 0,1 м/с.

Д.Н. Мамин-Сибиряк в путевых заметках «По Зауралью» делился впечатлениями от реки Миасс:

«Именно здесь начинался Южный Урал, и быстрый Мияс являлся его самой живой артерией, образуя прелестнейшую горную долину, какой нам еще не случалось видеть до сих пор: дорога шла прямо черноземом, по сторонам пестрым ковром расстилались настоящие башкирские пастбища, где сейчас трава была по пояс, тут же мелькали березовые рощи, отдельно стоявшие сосны и перелески. Извилистое течение Мияса все было затянуто вербой, так что воду можно было видеть только по излучинам».

Наиболее интересная достопримечательность в верховьях Миасса – Устиновский каньон (Устиновские известняки) с живописными скалами и небольшими пещерами.

На реке расположен одноименный город Миасс. Здесь с XVIII века создан Миасский пруд. В окрестностях этого города река изрезана драгами. Места здесь богаты золотом, в том числе находили много крупных самородков. Именно в окрестностях Миасса был обнаружен самый большой в мире золотой самородок из сохранившихся – Большой Треугольник. Его можно увидеть в Алмазном фонде Кремля. Добывается этот драгоценный металл и в наши дни. На Миасском пруду можно увидеть действующие драги.

В лесу между Миассом и Карабашом (в районе деревни Наилы) неподалеку от реки Миасс расположена так называемая Французская горка, где можно увидеть руины старых промышленных построек.

Ниже по течению создано Аргазинское водохранилище – самое крупное в Челябинской области (объем 980 млн м3). Оно является резервным источником водоснабжения города Челябинска. Археологические раскопки, произведенные на дне сильно обмелевшего в 1975-76 годы Аргазинского водохранилища, показали, что эти места на протяжении последних 7-8 тысяч лет были довольно плотно заселены людьми. После серьезной засухи в 1975 году к Аргазинскому водохранилищу был прорыт канал из озера Увильды для наполнения водоема.

Далее, уже в черте Челябинска, путь реке преграждает плотина Шершневского водохранилища (объем 176 млн м3). Оно используется для питьевого и промышленного водоснабжения столицы Южного Урала.

Подпружен Миасс и в центре Челябинска. Река здесь разливается в ширину до 300 м. Из-за плотины река в черте города превратилась в стоячий водоем, стала заболачиваться и утратила способность к самоочистке. Периодически поднимается вопрос о расчистке реки и отказе от плотины.

Длина реки Миасс в пределах Челябинска составляет 36 км. Увы, в черте города река Миасс сильно загрязняется промышленными и хозяйственными стоками (хотя и выше река страдает от городов Миасс и Карабаш). Начиная от Челябинска река экстремально загрязнена.

На правом берегу Миасса на юго-западной окраине Челябинска расположен Челябинский городской бор, а в северной части города – Каштакский сосновый бор. Близ реки Миасс находится исторический центр города Челябинска, некогда начинавшегося с крепости.

Очень красивы берега Миасса ниже Челябинска. В районе села Большое Баландино на реке Миасс возвышаются красивые скалы, река быстро бежит в скалистом каньоне, имея горный характер. В русле много больших камней. На левом берегу есть небольшие пещеры и искусственные штольни. Здесь много археологических памятников, в том числе городищ. Интересны и мраморные карьеры, а также старые известковые печи. Здесь популярные места для туризма и отдыха челябинцев. Весной тут устраивают соревнования туристы-водники и спортсмены. Окрестностям Большого Баландино посвящена отдельная подробная статья на сайте проекта «Ураловед».

Большая плотность населения и концентрация промышленных предприятий привели к дефициту водных ресурсов реки и высокой степени ее загрязнения. Основные источники загрязнения: промышленные и бытовые сточные воды, поверхностный сток с городских и сельскохозяйственных территорий во время дождей и таяния снега, а также осаждающееся загрязнение из воздуха.

Описание реки

Исток реки Миасс располагается на башкирской земле и представляет собой маленький ручеек, текущий с гор. Река берет свое начало на склоне хребта Нурали на высоте 700 метров над уровнем моря. Она обладает довольно извилистым руслом. Воды Миасса подпитывают несколько достаточно крупных притоков, но главным источником ее питания называют снежный покров. Водосбор Миассы, имеющий форму груши, также включает в себя более 2000 небольших озер.

Берега реки имеют существенные различия. Они отличаются в первую очередь растительным покровом. В верховьях реки произрастают сосны, а в середине — березы и осины. Береговая линия реки также имеет отличия в рельефе. В верхнем участке ее течения можно встретить водопады, пороги и скалистые хребты, а в середине реки берега холмистые.

На поверхности воды располагаются более 70 островов, отличающихся между собой. Одни острова покрыты богатой растительностью, на других ее вообще нет. Река Миасс на отдельных участках имеет различную глубину и скорость течения. Она вскрывается преимущественно в апреле, а замерзает во второй половине октября или в ноябре.

Определение названия

В настоящее время нет достоверных сведений, откуда появилось название реки Миасс. Имеются три версии, но нет возможности точно установить, какая из них правильная. Известный краевед из Челябинска Владимир Поздеев утверждает, что река получила свое название от слов «мис» и «ас», которые с языка пушту переводятся как «медь» и «река». Согласно данному толкованию, слово Миасс переводится как «медная река».

Некоторые считают, что корни названия надо искать в тюркском языке. По их мнению, Миасс обозначает «болото» и «вода». Другие придерживаются мысли, что название реки такое древнее, что его невозможно расшифровать.

Куда впадает река Миасс

Согласно сведениям из географических справочных изданий, данная река течет с гор в северном направлении, затем заворачивает на восток и продолжает свой путь по Челябинской области. В своем верхнем течении Миасс отличается быстрым потоком и хорошим качеством воды, которую можно использовать для питья. Но, продвигаясь по уральской земле, она вбирает в себя большое количество стоков различных предприятий и утрачивает кристальную чистоту.

Река Миасс впадает в реку Исеть, располагающуюся в Курганской области. Ее называют самым внушительным притоком, который уже «несет свои воды» в Иртыш

Примечательные места

В русле реки располагается самое большое хранилище питьевой воды на территории Южного Урала. Оно называется Аргазинское водохранилище. Природное озеро Аргази, существовало примерно до XVII века, до той поры, пока на Миассе не была возведена первая плотина.

Аргази является резервуаром питьевой воды для столицы южной части Урала. Благодаря запасу воды, содержащемуся в нем, если пересохнет река Миасс, Челябинск будет обеспечен водой еще на 2 года. Шершневское водохранилище располагается в самом городе. Оно используется непосредственно для снабжения водой его жителей.

На территории искусственного водоема располагается большое количество островов. Среди них есть остров, который полностью покрыт липовыми лесами. Он имеет причудливую форму, напоминающую выныривающего из водных глубин кита и называется «Липовый».

На берегах водохранилища любят отдыхать туристы. Богатый растительный мир, обилие грибов и ягод, теплая вода в озере — все это предоставляет прекрасные возможности для разнообразного досуга.

Уголком природы, который наполнен настоящим волшебством, называют расположенный на реке Миасс Устиновский каньон. Ее воды за долгие годы пробили в толще известняковых пород глубокую долину гигантских размеров. На всем протяжении речного русла возвышаются скалы, в определенных местах высота которых достигает 20 метров. Внизу находятся пороги, с которых на дно ущелья стекает чистейшая холодная вода. Данный каньон считается памятником природы и зоной произрастания реликтовой флоры.

Интересные факты

В 1823 году в долине реки Миасс были обнаружены залежи золота. С того времени на ее территории стали функционировать прииски и промывальные фабрики, принадлежащие государству. По стране разлетелась весть о речке, дно которой покрыто золотыми зернами и самородками. Наступила пора золотой лихорадки. Устье данной реки стали называть «русским Клондайком».

Золотые самородки довольно крупных размеров можно было отыскать в этих местах. В 1842 году необыкновенная удача посетила старателя Никифора Сюткина. Он обнаружил на участке под разобранной фабрикой самородок золота весом 36,2 килограмма. Находку немедленно доставили в Златоуст, а затем переправили в Санкт-Петербург. Самородок получил название «Большой треугольник». Он был и остается самой крупной золотой добычей, обнаруженной на территории нашей страны.

С тех прошедших времен на уральской земле бытуют предания об удивительных россыпях золота в устье реки Миасс, повествуется о золотых слитках, поражающих своими размерами и красотой, огромных залежах данного благородного металла. Свидетельствами добычи золота в этих местах являются только островки, образованные в результате работы драги в местах, где в былые времена находились прииски.

Экологическая обстановка

Река Миасс постоянно подвергается серьезной антропогенной нагрузке. Она является основным сборщиком сточных вод. В воды реки попадает большое количество стоков крупных городов.

Протекая по Челябинску, Миасс превращается в непримечательную речку с зеленью на водной поверхности. Ее берега не блещут чистотой. На них почти всегда, предчувствуя богатый улов, находятся рыбаки.

Вдали от городской суеты река Миасс удивительно красива. Ее потрясающий вид радует до глубины души. Она богата рыбой, в прежние времена в ее водах обитала даже форель и стерлядь. Присутствие в данной реке привередливых пескарей означает, что вода в ней чистая.

Кариба

Площадь водяного зеркала водохранилища – 5580 км². Оно занимает 4-е место по площади и 3-е по объему содержащейся воды в мире.

Разместилось водохранилище в Юго-Восточной Африке, на границе Зимбабве и Замбии, Плотина сооружена на реке Замбези.

Масштабные мероприятия предшествовали созданию водоема. Диких животных отлавливали и перевозили на безопасное расстояние. Местных жителей вместе с домашними животными расселяли в городах Зимбабве и Замбии по специальной программе переселения. Не обошлось и без неприятных сюрпризов природы.

Во время заполнения водоема происходили достаточно сильные землетрясения мощностью до 5 баллов. Сегодня построенная на водохранилище ГЭС полностью удовлетворяет потребность в электроэнергии двух стран. А сам водоем превратился в туристический кластер. Здесь активно развивается водный туризм и спортивная рыбалка.

Для развития коммерческого рыбоводства и организации спортивной рыбалки перед заполнением водохранилища на поверхности была выжжена вся растительность. Это обогатило дно будущего водоема слоем плодородной почвы, и создало условия для размножения рыб.

В низовье расположен водохранилища Национальный парк Мана-Пулс с многочисленными видами диких животных. Благодаря этому широко развита сфера сафари-туризма.

Рыбинское водохранилище

Площадь: 4 580 км2. Объем: 25 км3.

Второе по размеру водохранилище на Волге – Рыбинское. Оно расположено в пределах трех областей – Ярославской, Тверской и Вологодской.

Водохранилище отличается довольно необычной формой. 17 тысяч лет назад на его месте существовало крупное ледниковое озеро. Со временем оно высохло, оставив после себя обширную низменность. Ее заполнение началось в 1941 году в результате сооружения Рыбинского гидроузла. 130 тысяч человек пришлось переселить в другие места. Более того, создание Рыбинского водохранилища поглотило 250 тысяч гектаров лесов, около 70 тысяч га пашни и 30 тысяч га пастбищ.

Сегодня на берегах псевдоморя действует гигантская научная лаборатория, изучающая воздействие искусственных водоемов на природные комплексы тайги.

Волгоградское

Волгоградское водохранилище

Водохранилище расположено в Саратовской и Волгоградской областях. Полный объем составляет 31,5 км³; площадь — 3117 км². Водоем играет большую роль в судоходстве, энергетике, сельском хозяйстве и орошении земель региона.

Волгоградское водохранилище на карте

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За полувековую историю здесь сформировался уникальный растительный и животный мир. Это популярное место для туризма и отдыха, но рыбалка строго регламентирована законом.

Зейское водохранилище

Водохранилище образовано плотиной Зейской ГЭС и находится в Амурской области. Территория начинается от Зейских горных ворот, расположенных в ущелье хребтов Тукурингра и Соктахан. Начиная от плотины водоем, пролегает узкой водной лентой с многочисленными заливами. В верховье он занимает практически всю площадь Верхнезейской котловины. Зеркальная площадь водоёма — 2420 км².

При заполнении водохранилища под затопление попало 4,1 тыс. га земель и 15 населенных пунктов. По северному побережью пролегает Байкало-Амурская магистраль. Магистральный мост через водохранилище имеет длину 1,1 км.

Здесь широко развита рыбопромысловая деятельность. В созданном водоёме изменилось количество и виды обитаемых рыб. Исчезло 22 вида промысловой рыбы, такие как: сиг, пескарь, горчак, щиповка. Изменили ареол обитания амурский сиг, таймень, хариус. Однако возросла численность амурского чебака, налима, щуки.

Цимлянское

Цимлянское водохранилище из космоса

Водохранилище расположено в Ростовской и Волгоградской областях. Полный объем составляет 23,8 км³; площадь — 2702 км². Его создавали с целью орошения земель, судоходства, контроля за стоком и обеспечения питьевой водой.

Цимлянское водохранилище на карте

Сегодня водоем сильно загрязнен. Виной этому — сбросы сточных вод и развитие патогенных бактерий. Однако берега водоема активно используются, там расположились кемпинги и многочисленные базы отдыха.

Вилюйское

Вилюйское водохранилище

Водохранилище расположено в Якутии. Полный объем составляет 40,4 км³; площадь — 2360 км². Водоем создали с целью развития судоходства, гидроэнергетики и получения пресной воды. Это уникальное сооружение, построенное в условиях вечной мерзлоты.

Вилюйское водохранилище на карте России

Береговая линия водоема сильно изрезана, пологие места сменяются утесами. Климат в районе водохранилища резко континентальный. Под действием тепловых загрязнений оттаивает вечная мерзлота, в результате чего разрушаются берега водоема.

Красноярское водохранилище

Водохранилище образовано при строительстве Красноярской ГЭС на реке Енисей. Питают водоем крупные реки Туба, Сыда, Сисим, Бирюса. Впадение рек создало крупные рыболовные заливы, а в прибрежных скалах уникальные пещеры, коридоры которых достигают 6 км в длину. Сегодня это места паломничества множества туристов.

Привлекают внимание великолепные подземные залы и многочисленные пещерные гроты. Крупными населенными пунктами, осуществляющими водозабор, являются районные центры Краснотуранск, Новосёлово и Усть-Абакан. В верховье водохранилища расположен город Абакан, а в самой нижней точке – Красноярск.

Создание водохранилища изменило климат территории. Он стал намного мягче, что способствовало развитию туризма.

В сезон купания, на берегах, разбиваются многочисленные палаточные городки. Также здесь расположено много туристических кемпингов и баз. Активно развивается байдарочный спорт, катание на катерах, катамаранах, водных мотоциклах.

Создание самых больших водохранилищ всегда связано с определенными трудностями как технического, так и социального характера. При заполнении водоемов под территорию затопления попадают населенные пункты.

Это связано с тем, что люди всегда при выборе места поселения выбирали места с естественным водоснабжением, вдоль русел рек. Сам факт переселения воспринимается очень болезненно. Но очевидны и колоссальные выгоды, которые получает страна и люди, живущие в этом регионе.

«Жигулевское море»

Площадь: 6 500 км2. Объем: 58 км3.

Самое большое водохранилище в России (и третье по величине в мире) – Куйбышевское. Его еще часто называют «Жигулевским морем». Оно возникло в 1957 году в результате возведения плотины одноименной ГЭС. Расположено на реке Волге, в пределах нескольких регионов РФ: Самарской и Ульяновской областей, Чувашии, Татарстана и Республики Марий Эл.

Протяженность Куйбышевского водохранилища — 500 км, а максимальная ширина — 40 км. Глубины не превышают сорока метров. Грандиозный водный резервуар находится в сердце крупнейшего промышленного края России. Жигулевская ГЭС ежегодно производит около 10 млрд. кВт-час электроэнергии. Само же водохранилище обеспечивает пресной водой более одного миллиона гектаров сельскохозяйственных угодий. Помимо всего прочего, Жигулевское море является популярной рекреационно-туристической зоной благодаря мягкому климату и живописности береговой линии.

Кумское

Кумское водохранилище

Водохранилище расположено в республике Карелия. Полный объем составляет 13,3 км³; площадь — 1910 км². Его построили в 1962 году. Во время строительства была затоплена большая площадь сельскохозяйственных угодий, пришлось снести много строений.

Кумское водохранилище на карте России

Сегодня водохранилище является ресурсом для гидростанций. Оно снабжает людей водой, регулирует сток. Водоем популярен у рыбаков из-за обилия промысловой рыбы. На одном из берегов основан Национальный парк «Паанаярви».

The largest rocket ever flown into space

A space rocket is probably the most powerful and majestic thing that mankind has created throughout its history. In different years, different countries have created rockets of various shapes and sizes. And people interested in space sometimes have a question: which rocket was the biggest? Let's remember a few facts.

Any material body that suddenly decides to leave the Earth requires a certain amount of energy to do so. And the heavier the object, the more energy is needed. Therefore, any space rocket is essentially a huge barrel of fuel. The payload it has to carry into space weighs much less than the rocket itself. And if the payload has more mass, then even more fuel is needed to overcome the Earth's gravity. And even more fuel increases the total mass of the rocket. Which, in turn, requires even more co

We need a powerful rocket

And this is a serious problem. The weight of a rocket carrying a large payload grows to unthinkable values.

But one day some people said to others - ah so! Then we ... will fly ... mmm ... to the moon! Here!

And they developed a plan to fly to our only satellite. That's how the Apollo program was born.

It was a staggeringly ambitious idea. Its goal was to land a man on the Moon. For the first time in human history. And of course, to return these people safely to Earth. But solving this problem led to a number of problems. One was that it needed a rocket with enormous power. It did not have to be too heavy. It could easily carry a fairly heavy payload into space.

Miracle Rocket

And people managed to create such a miracle! A rocket capable of taking a man to the moon was created. It was called Saturn 5. The first stage of the rocket was the largest. It was 42 meters high. Five engines, called Rocketdyne F-1, ran on kerosene and oxygen. They were so powerful that after the Apollo program ended there was no further use for them.

These huge engines burned 15 tons of fuel per second. Together they created an incredible 34,000 kN of thrust. The first stage of the Saturn 5 rocket, which was the size of a 36-story house, took off up to 61 km above sea level. This happened in just 2.5 minutes. After it was shut down, the five J-2 engines of the second stage came into operation. These engines, not visible at launch, were activated to bring the rest of the machine to a height of 185 km from the Earth surface. Their fuel is oxygen and hydrogen. The operating time is 6 minutes. Total thrust is 5100 kN.

The third stage, the last and smallest, was equipped with one engine. Its name was J-2. This device accelerated the payload carried by the Saturn-5 rocket to 40,000 km/h. This was quite enough to send the payload to the moon. The third stage engines used the same fuel as the previous one. The thrust was 1000 kN.

Monster in Space

The Saturn 5 rocket was made with aluminum, polyurethane, asbestos, cork and titanium, among many other materials, and had about 4 times the payload capacity of another space monster, the Space Shuttle.

The entire Saturn-5 launch complex weighed 2,800,000 kg on the launch pad. That is 16 times more than the largest and heaviest animal on planet Earth, the blue whale, which weighs 177 tons.

This giant rocket flew into space 13 times between 1967 and 1973. In addition to the Apollo program, it was used to launch the Skylab space station into orbit.

To this day, Saturn 5 remains the largest, heaviest, and most powerful rocket ever flown into space.

Top Fastest Rockets in the World

What is the speed of Mach 1 - how many kilometers per second (hour), what is Mach number and is it possible to have a speed of 27 Mach

September 12, 2019

1. Peculiarities of the speed of sound
2. 1 Mach is how many kilometers per second
3. 27 Machs - dream or reality

Hello, dear readers of the blog KtoNaNovenkogo.ru. The concept of speed is known to us since school. If we talk about its physical essence, it is the distance covered by the moving body (material point) for a certain period of time.

The distances are both system and non-system units (meters, miles, inches, angles, etc.), while time is defined in seconds or hours. Thus, speed can be expressed by a variety of quantities, such as meter per second (m/s), kilometer per hour (km/h), radian per second (1/s), etc.

Although the aforementioned speed designations are easily converted one to the other, there are a number of areas where it is convenient (or historically accepted) to measure speed in specific units.

For example, sailors prefer a "knot" (a nautical mile per hour). Astronomy uses radial (radial) velocity, astronomy uses space velocities (there are three).

In aviation, where supersonic speeds have to be dealt with, the reference point is usually the speed of sound waves propagation in a gaseous medium (more simply, the speed of sound in air).

This led to the emergence of such a unit of measurement as "Mach number"Why this is necessary, we'll talk about below (and note in passing that this scientist has nothing to do with the phrase "gave(ed) the go-ahead").

Peculiarities of the speed of sound

A distinctive feature of the speed of sound is that it varies depending on the nature of the environment.

In particular, the speed of sound in cast iron is approximately 5000 m/s, in fresh water - 1450 m/s, in air - 331 m/s (1200 km/h). The definition "approximately" was not chosen by chance, because other factors influence the speed of sound vibrations.

For the air environment we are interested in factorsThe following are the factors affecting the speed of sound:

1. temperature (T);
2. pressure (P);
3. density (p);
4. humidity (f).

These indicators are closely related to each other (for example, density is a function of temperature, pressure and humidity), as well as to the altitude above sea level. They also affect the speed of sound.

This relationship is illustrated in the table below (according to ICAO).

Высота, м0500100050001000020000

Pressure, kPa	101,3	95,5	89,9	54,0	26,4	5,5
Density, kg/m3	1,22	1,17	1,11	0,74	0,41	0,09
Temperature, 0C	15	12	8	-18	-50	-56
Speed of sound, m/s	340,3	338,4	336,4	320,5	299,5	295,0

The main thing here is that the speed of sound varies significantly with altitude.

1 Mach is how many kilometers per second

The inconstancy of the speed of sound (as opposed to the speed of light) was one of the reasons why the parameter called "Mach" was used in aerodynamics.

Mach characterizes the motion of an aircraft (AC) in an air stream, in other words, it shows the ratio between the speed of sound in the air medium flowing around the AC and the speed of the AC itself. In other words, it is a dimensionless unit.

1 Mach on the cockpit instrument panel means that the airplane is traveling at the speed of sound at a particular altitude.

If the plane exceeds the speed of sound propagation at that altitude by a factor of two, the dashboard will show 2 Mach (2 M). The general formula for calculation looks like this:

There is also a simplified approach in the literature, where the Mach number is translated into linear velocity (kilometers per hour or per second). As a reference unit 1 Mach is assumed to be 1,198.8 km/hour or 333 m/sec., which is equivalent to the speed of sound at normal atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa) and zero temperature and humidity near the surface Lands.

But, as noted above, atmospheric conditions change with altitude, so this approach is not considered correct and is not used in mathematical calculations on aerodynamics.

When we see a jet plane high in the sky, leaving a white plume of gas behind it, and at some point we hear a distinctive pop, this means that the plane has passed sound barrier, that is, exceeded the value of 1 Mach (Mach˃1).

Reference books indicate that the maximum speed of the MiG-29 is Mach 2.3 or 2450 km/h. It turns out that in this case Mach 1 = 1065 km/h (295.8 m/sec.) Having compared this value with the table data (see above), we see that it corresponds to a height of about 18,000 m, which is in fact the practical ceiling of the MiG-29.

To summarizeTo answer the question "What is the speed of Mach 1 in kilometers per hour", we must clarify the altitude of the flight in question. Look at the above table and take the closest to the desired altitude value of sound speed and multiply it by one (Mach 1) or by 27, as in the case of the Vanguard speed (read about it below).

27 Machs - dream or reality

1. The speed of 1 to 5 Mach is considered supersonic
2. Over 5 Mach - hypersonic
3. 23 Mach is already first space speed

But the speed of 27 Mach was talked about at the end of 2018, when the Avangard hypersonic missile passed this threshold in launch tests, making it inaccessible to the enemy's air defense system.

If you take the simplified approach discussed above, 27 Mach is about 9,000 m/s or 32,400 km/h. But this is at the surface of the Earth. at an altitude of 10 km This would already be about 8,000 m/s (27 x 299.5) or 28,800 km/h. In any case, it is difficult to imagine that a material body can fly at such a speed.

Although, what am I saying? Landing modules of spacecraft (and the ships themselves - our Buran or American shuttles) enter the earth's atmosphere and at higher speeds. For example, if the Americans really were on the moon, then enter the atmosphere of the earth on return they had to speed 40 Mach!

So 27 Machs is a reality(I'll attribute the nonsense that there is no material that can protect against the inevitable overheating to ignorance).

So what is the innovation of the Vanguards? That they can fly long enough at that speed (glide) and still maneuver both in altitude and angle.

It is not difficult to shoot down a target flying at breakneck speed, but on a given trajectory (simple mathematics). Another thing is to shoot down a target that maneuvers chaotically (unpredictably) at this speed. For this, the antimissile must move even faster, but this is already impossible (flying up is not like gliding down while falling).

At the same time, it should be noted that a rocket engine is not able to provide a long sustained flight at such a speed. Scientists and designers are trying to solve this problem by using a hypersonic ramjet engine (HJR) capable of operating continuously for tens of minutes.

So research on building a full-fledged hypersonic aircraft continues both in Russia and abroad. Apparently, they have already yielded results in our country or an alternative solution has been found.

Why else can we be sure that the Vanguard really meets the MOE's stated characteristics?

Think about it: the strike was carried out on a target at the Kamchatka test site, which is only a hundred miles away from U.S. radars, which can easily track almost the entire critical stage of an innovative missile's flight. Why was this done? Could other test sites have been used?

It was necessary to give the enemy the opportunity to verify the claimed characteristics. They made sure and this is very important (cools the hot heads). Now let them puzzle over how it is possible and on what physical principles it is based.

R-12U | Speed 3.8 km/sec

R-12U - the fastest medium-range ballistic missile with a maximum speed of 3.8 km per second opens the rating of the fastest missiles in the world. R-12U was a modified version of R-12. The missile differed from the prototype by absence of intermediate bottom in the oxidizer tank and some minor design changes - the shaft has no wind loadings, which allowed to lighten the tanks and dry compartments of missile and refuse from stabilizers. Since 1976 R-12 and R-12U missiles began to be removed from service and replaced by mobile ground-based Pioneer systems

SM-65 Atlas | Speed 5.8 km/sec

SM-65 Atlas - One of the fastest U.S. launch vehicles with a top speed of 5.8 km per second. It was the first intercontinental ballistic missile developed and adopted by the U.S. It was developed under the MX-1593 program in 1951. It formed the basis for the U.S. Air Force nuclear arsenal in 1959-1964, but was quickly removed from service due to the introduction of the more advanced Minuteman. It served as the basis for the Atlas family of space launch vehicles, in service from 1959 to the present.

UGM-133A Trident II | Speed 6 km/sec

UGM-133ATridentII - US three-stage ballistic missile, one of the fastest in the world, with a top speed of 6 km per second. Trident-2 was developed since 1977 in parallel with the lighter Trident-1. It was adopted for service in 1990. Launch mass is 59 tons. Max throw-away weight is 2.8 tons with launch range of 7800 km. Maximum range with reduced number of warheads is 11 300 km.

RSM 56 Bulava | Speed 6 km/sec

RSM 56 Bulava - one of the fastest solid-propellant ballistic missiles in the world, in service with Russia. It has a minimum kill radius of 8,000 km and an approximate speed of 6 km/s. The missile is being developed since 1998 by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering, which developed the land-based Topol-M missile in 1989-1997. To date, 24 test launches of the Bulava have been made, fifteen of which have been declared successful (during the first launch a mass-size model of the missile was launched) and two (the seventh and eighth) were partially successful. The last test launch of the missile

Minuteman LGM-30G | Speed 6.7 km/s

MinutemanLGM-30G - The LGM-30G Minuteman III has an estimated range of 6,000 to 10,000 kilometers, depending on the type of warhead. The Minuteman-3 has been in service in the U.S. since 1970 and is the only silo-based missile in the U.S. The first launch was in February 1961, versions II and III were launched in 1964 and 1968 respectively. The missile weighs about 34,473 kg and is equipped with three solid-propellant

53T6 "Amur" | speed 7 km/sec

53T6 "Amur" - The fastest anti-missile missile in the world, designed to defeat highly maneuverable targets and high-altitude hypersonic missiles. Tests of the 53T6 series of the Amur complex began in 1989. Its speed is 5 km per second. The missile is a 12-meter pointed cone without protruding parts. Its body is made of high strength steel with a composite material winding. The missile is designed to withstand high overloads. The interceptor launches with 100 times acceleration and can intercept targets flying from

"Satan" SS-18 (R-36M) | speed 7.3 km/sec

"Satan" SS-18 (R-36M) - the most powerful and fastest nuclear missile in the world at 7.3 km per second. it is designed primarily to destroy the most fortified command posts, ballistic missile silos and air bases. the nuclear explosive of one missile can destroy a large city, a very large part of the U.S. The accuracy of impact is about 200-250 meters. the missile is placed in the most robust silos in the world. SS-18 carries 16 platforms, one of which is loaded with decoys. entering high orbit all heads of Satan go "in a cloud" of decoys and almost no identification of

DongFeng 5A | Speed 7.9 km/s

Intercontinental ballistic missile DongFeng 5A (DF-5A) with a top speed of 7.9 km per second opens the top three fastest in the world. The Chinese DF-5 ICBM entered service in 1981. It can carry a huge 5 mt warhead and has a range of more than 12,000 km. The DF-5 has a deflection of about 1 km, which means that the missile has one purpose - to destroy cities. The size of the warhead, deflection and the fact that it takes only an hour to fully prepare it for launch, all mean that the DF-5 is a punitive weapon designed to punish any potential attackers. version 5A has increased range, improved

P-7 | Speed 7.9 km/sec

Р-7 - The first Soviet intercontinental ballistic missile, one of the fastest in the world, with a top speed of 7.9 km per second. The first missiles were developed and produced by the OKB-1 enterprise near Moscow in 1956-1957. After successful launches, it was used in 1957 to launch the world's first artificial satellites. Since then the launch vehicles of the R-7 family have been actively used to launch various spacecraft, and since 1961 these launch vehicles have been widely used in manned spaceflight.

RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" | Speed 7.9 km/sec

RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" (15Zh65) - The fastest intercontinental ballistic missile in the world with a maximum speed of 7.9 kilometers per second. It has a maximum range of 11,000 kilometers. It carries one thermonuclear warhead of 550 kt. The silo-based version was accepted for service in 2000. The missile's solid fuel injection makes it much faster than previous types of missiles of the same class developed in Russia and the Soviet Union, which makes it much harder to intercept by missile defense assets during the active phase of flight.

Top 10 worst rockets on the planet

On August 29, the newest secret American technology, the Delta IV spy satellite, was launched at an air base in California, U.S. The object is the most powerful rocket in the history of mankind. It is 71 meters high, the engine has 17 million horsepower, and one launch of the monster cost the U.S. one million dollars.

America has always had a special attitude towards global organizations and their large-scale events. So the owners of the most powerful missile in the world decided to launch it on August 29 - the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. The funny thing is that the United States never admitted what the purpose of developing, building and launching Delta IV was.

MPORT men's online magazine remembers that not only the United States has super-powerful weapons. There are many other countries in the world that also boast intercontinental ballistic missiles. Find out what you, a peaceful citizen of planet Earth, should fear the most?

The most mobile - Topol-M

Produced by Russia, first launched in 1994, with a launch mass of 46 and a half tons. It is considered the basis of Russian nuclear weapons.

The most secure - Yars RS-24

It has a range of 11,000 kilometers and, unlike Topol-M, has multiple warheads. In addition to warheads, Yars also carries a missile defense penetration kit, which makes it much harder for enemies to detect and intercept. This innovation makes RS-24 the most successful missile in the deployment of the global American missile defense system, and it can even be placed on a railroad car.

The heaviest - R-36M Satan

The first launch - 1970, weight - 211 tons, range - 11,200 - 16,000 kilometers. Rocket complexes placed in silos can not be too light by definition. Satan simply broke the record of all heavyweights.

The most accurate is the Trident II D5

Trident is based on submarines and is capable of hitting protected silos of intercontinental ballistic missiles and protected command posts with maximum precision.

The fastest is the Minuteman LGM-30G

The missile weighs 35 and a half tons and has a range of 13,000 kilometers. It is considered one of the fastest ICBMs in the world and can reach speeds of over 24,000 kilometers per hour during the terminal phase of flight.

The most advanced is the MX (LGM-118A) Peacekeeper

The heavy intercontinental ballistic missile Peacekeeper is simply the embodiment of the latest technology, such as the use of composite materials. It also has a higher hit accuracy, and - most characteristically - increased "survivability" of the missile in conditions of nuclear attack.

The very first R-7

Weight - 88.44 tons, range - up to 8,000 km. The legendary Soviet "seven", which became the world's first ICBM. However, it took several hours to bring it to combat readiness, which did not suit the military very well. And the hit accuracy was not very high. But it outran the whole planet.

The very first underwater one - Polaris A-1

The mass of the missile is 12.7 tons, range - 2200 km. Despite attempts to launch the missile from submarines by engineers of the Third Reich, only the Americans succeeded: their first Polaris was launched from the board of George Washington from the depth of 20 meters. And exactly 40 days later the same success came to the Soviet missile R-21.

The most economical - R-30 Bulava

The missile weighs 36.8 tons and has a range of 8,000-12,000 kilometers. Experts say that the replacement of traditional liquid-propellant missiles with Bulava significantly reduces the nuclear deterrent potential due to almost threefold reduction of throwable weight. In addition, the missile is launched at an incline, which allows firing right on the move.

This boat appeared due to the banal desire of Russia to save money: the country's desire to reduce development costs by unifying the Bulava with land-based missiles and made its production cheaper than usual.

The most modest is V-2

The brainchild of Nazi engineer Werner von Braun, colloquially called "weapon of vengeance" - Vergeltungswaffe-2, proved itself as an ICBM with the most modest performance: every such missile fired at London killed only two people. But its basis was very useful for both us and the Americans for future nuclear developments.

Well, it remains to find out: how much you can earn if you happen to come across one of these toys - for example, in your own vegetable garden, homestead, or even in the yard of the house?

The world's five heaviest space rockets (6 photos + Video)

On November 23, 1972, the fourth and the last launch of the super-heavy launch vehicle H-1 took place. All four launches were unsuccessful and in four years the work on H-1 was terminated. The starting mass of this rocket was 2,735 tons. We decided to tell about the five heaviest space rockets in the world.

H-1

The Soviet heavy-lift rocket H-1 was developed in the mid-1960s at the OKB-1 under the leadership of Sergei Korolev. The rocket initially was intended to launch a heavy orbital station into Earth orbit, with the prospect of assembling a heavy interplanetary spacecraft for flights to Venus and Mars. As the USSR joined the "moon race" with the United States, the H1 program was forced and refocused to fly to the Moon.

However, all four test launches of the H-1 were unsuccessful during the first stage. In 1974, the Soviet lunar manned lunar landing program was effectively closed until the target result was achieved, and in 1976 the H-1 work was also officially closed.

"Saturn-5."

The U.S. Saturn 5 remains the heaviest, most powerful, heaviest (2,965 tons), and largest payload carrier rocket in existence. It was created by rocket designer Werner von Braun. The rocket could carry 141 tons of payload into low Earth orbit and 47 tons of payload into a lunar orbit.

"Saturn-5 was used to execute the program of American lunar missions, including the first landing of a man on the Moon on July 20, 1969, as well as to place the Skylab orbital station into near-Earth orbit.

"Energy."

"The Energia was a Soviet super-heavy launch vehicle (2,400 tons) developed by the NPO Energia. It was one of the most powerful rockets in the world.

It was developed as a universal advanced rocket to perform various tasks: the carrier for MTKK Buran, the carrier for manned and unmanned expeditions to the Moon and Mars, for launching new generation orbital stations, etc. The first launch took place in 1987, the last one - in 1988.

"Ariane 5."

"Ariane 5 is a European launch vehicle of the Ariane family designed to place payloads in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Geo-Transition Orbit (GEO). The rocket weighs less than the Soviet and American rockets - 777 tons. Produced by the European Space Agency, Ariane 5 is the main launch vehicle of ESA and will remain so at least until 2015. There were 43 launches from 1995-2007, of which 39 were successful.

"Proton"

"Proton (UR-500, Proton-K, Proton-M) is a heavy launch vehicle (705 tons) designed to launch automatic spacecraft into earth orbit and further into space. It was developed in 1961-1967 at the OKB-23 (now Khrunichev State Research and Production Center).

"Proton was a means of launching all Soviet and Russian orbital stations Salyut-DOS and Almaz, modules of Mir and ISS stations, planned manned space vehicles TKS and L-1/Zond (of the Soviet lunar space program), as well as heavyweight satellite satellites for various purposes and interplanetary stations.

The scariest nuclear missiles

France, P51

The M51 missile was put into service by the French in 2010. It is installed on Triomphant-class submarines and is capable of covering a distance of 10,000 km with six to 10 warheads of 100 kilotons on board. Probable deviation is 150-200 m. The M51 is difficult to intercept, so it deserves to be on this list.

China, Dong Feng 31

This missile has been in service in China since 2006. It is capable of carrying a large 1-megaton warhead to a distance of 8,000 km. Probable deviation is 300 m. The improved version has three 150 kt warheads and a distance of 11,000 km with a possible deviation of 150 m. This weapon can be moved and launched from a mobile carrier rocket and therefore poses a serious threat.

Russia, Topol-M

The Russian Defense Ministry introduced the Topol-M back in 1997. The missile can be fired from a bunker or from a mobile launcher. It is armed with an 800 kt warhead, but can be equipped with six warheads and decoys. Speed 7.3 km per second. Probable deviation - 200 meters. All this makes it very effective and virtually uninterceptable.

USA, LGM-30G Minuteman III

The Americans introduced this system back in 1970, but later upgraded it. It is a ground-based ICBM that can travel at 8 km per second. The probable deviation is less than 200 meters. The missile is capable of delivering a 375-400 kt warhead.

Russia, RSM 56 Bulava

It is this missile that allows us to catch up with the Americans in the development of naval weapons. "Bulava" is designed for the new Borey-class submarine. In service since 2013. It is equipped with six 150 kt warheads, but can also carry 10 warheads. It can also carry decoys that allow us to deceive missile defense. Range - 8 thousand km, probable deviation 300-350 meters.

Russia, R-29RMU2 "Liner

The system was commissioned in 2014. It is an updated version of the previous Sineva SLBM. It was developed to make up for some shortcomings of the Bulava. The range of the Liner is 11 thousand km. It can carry 12 warheads of 100 kt each. Some of them can be replaced with decoys. The probable deviation is classified.

USA, UGM-133 Trident II

The Trident II is a greeting from the 90s, but it has been updated and modernized. This SLBM was capable of carrying 14 warheads, but after upgrading their number was reduced to five (475 kt each). The range depends on the payload and varies from 7,800 to 11,000 km. The probable deviation is only 120 meters, which makes it one of the most accurate nuclear missiles in the world.

China, DF-5/5A

The Chinese Armed Forces introduced this system back in 1981, but since then it has remained in the lead in terms of efficiency. This ICBM can carry a warhead of 5 megatons to a distance of 12,000 km. The deviation can be 1 km. This missile has one purpose - to destroy cities. In recent years, the PRC has improved the DF-5, increasing its range. In addition, the missile can now carry several warheads, and the deviation, according to some reports, is only 300 meters.

Russia, R-36M2 "Voevoda

In the West, this missile is called "Satan". It was deployed in 1974, but since then it has undergone many changes. The latest upgrade allowed to install on the "Voivod" up to 10 warheads at 750 kt. The range - 11 thousand km. Speed - 8 km per second. Probable deviation - 220 meters. This weapon caused the Pentagon the greatest concern until March 1, 2018.

Russia, R-36 "Sarmat

At present, the Ministry of Defense, together with enterprises in the rocket and space industry, has begun the active testing phase of a new missile system with a heavy intercontinental missile, the Sarmat. The range of the new missile and the number of warheads are greater than those of Voyevoda. The Sarmat will be equipped with a wide range of nuclear warheads with high power, including hypersonic, and the most advanced anti-missile defense systems.

Топ самых больших плотин

Человек строил плотины по различным причинам: для предотвращения наводнений, выработки электроэнергии или для того, чтобы обеспечить себе новый источник воды

Впервые плотины появились на Ближнем Востоке, тогда они представляли собой небольшие стены. Сегодня же плотины — огромнейшие строения, которые выполняют целый ряд задач и на постройку которых требуются годы. В перечень самых высоких современных плотин в мире входят:

ГЭС Цзиньпинь (305 м)

Плотина китайской гидроэлектростанции Цзиньпинь-1 в данный момент является самой высокой в мире, что было зафиксировано в Книге рекордов Гиннеса. По существу, её высота равна высоте знаменитой Эйфелевой башни. Чтобы построить эту гигантскую перемычку длиной 569 метров, строителям пришлось залить в ущелье 5 млн кубометров бетона.
Эта плотина находится в провинции Сычуань на реке Ялунцзян, недалеко от её устья. ГЭС получила своё название от изгиба, который делает река. Ялунцзян течёт по глубокому ущелью, поэтому китайцы намерены в будущем построить на ней целый каскад гидроэлектростанций.
Цзиньпинь-1 начали строить в 2005 году, а уже в 2012 году её ввели в строй. Её планировали построить ещё в 1960-е годы, но сделано это было 40 лет спустя. Предварительно пришлось переселить в другие места 7500 местных жителей. В проекте было предусмотрено возведение 6 энергоблоков, ежегодно вырабатывающих 16,6 млрд кВт электроэнергии. Но построено было лишь два энергоблока, выдающих по 600 000 кВт. Известно, что чем выше плотина, тем больше энергии может выдать ГЭС, которая сейчас так нужна бурно развивающемуся Китаю. К тому же она должна защитить устье реки от наводнений и вымывания плодородного грунта. Плотина устойчива к землетрясениям, которые здесь периодически происходят.

Нурекская ГЭС (304 м)

В Таджикистане на реке Вахш возле города Нурек построена Нурекская ГЭС. Её номинальная установленная мощность составляет около 2,75 ГВт, что составляет 75% всей вырабатываемой в Таджикистане электроэнергии. Избыток энергии страна экспортирует соседям – в Киргизию, Узбекистан и Афганистан. За плотиной находится Нурекское водохранилище.
Проектирование Нурекской ГЭС было завершено в 1961 году, в том же году началось и строительство. В 1972 году станцию сдали в эксплуатацию, а последний энергоблок был запущен в 1979 году. Помимо выработки электричества, вода из водохранилища по специальному тоннелю отводится на орошение сельхозугодий. В засушливые годы это уменьшает выработку электроэнергии.

ГЭС Сяовань (292 м)

Эта ГЭС построена на Меконге, протекающем по территории ряда государств, и является на нём самой крупной гидроэлектростанцией. Строить её начали в начале 2002 года, через 2,5 года река была перекрыта, а первый силовой агрегат заработал в 2009 году. Плотина была достроена в 2010 году, а последний агрегат должны были запустить в 2013 году.
Плотина ГЭС Сяовань имеет арочную конструкцию высотой 292 метра, в её недрах находится зал с 6 гидроагрегатами мощностью по 700 МВт, а также тоннельные водосбросы. Проектная мощность ГЭС составляет 4,2 ГВт, в среднем за год она вырабатывает 19 млрд кВт*ч электроэнергии. У плотины достаточно толстый профиль, позволяющий ей выдерживать восьмибалльные землетрясения. В её теле расположены несколько каскадов водосливов. Подземное здание ГЭС имеет протяжённость около 300 метров. Вода поступает к каждому гидроагрегату по водоводу диаметром 9 метров, а после него отводится по двум тоннелям. Кроме рабочих тоннелей, есть ещё резервные, предназначенные для сброса воды в случае необходимости.

ГЭС Силоду (285,5 м)

Эта гидроэлектростанция построена в Китае на реке Цзиньша, у неё одна из самых высоких плотин в мире. Река перекрыта плотиной неподалёку от селения Силоду, входящего в городской округ Чжаотун. ГЭС Силоду стала стержневым элементом проекта регулирования водостока реки Цзиньша. Помимо главной цели – получения электроэнергии, плотина должна обеспечить снижение содержания ила в воде, что важно для питьевой воды.
ГЭС строилась на протяжении 8 лет и обошлась казне в 11,2 миллиарда долларов. Она стала третьей по размаху гидроэлектростанцией в мире. В 2005 году, когда строительство ГЭС шло полным ходом, его пришлось приостановить, поскольку последствия появления этого объекта на экологию в данном регионе, как оказалось, ещё недостаточно изучили. Позднее, правда, стройка была возобновлена, и в 2009 году речное русло было перекрыто. Летом 2013 года был запущен первый энергоблок мощностью 770 МВт, а 14-й начал работать в апреле 2014 года. Самые последние агрегаты ГЭС вошли в строй в августе того же года.

Гранд Диксенс (285 м)

Когда-то самой высокой гравитационной плотиной мира была Гранд Диксенс, являющаяся элементом гидроэнергетического комплекса Клезон-Диксенс, расположенного в бассейне Роны. В него входит ряд плотин с водохранилищами, деривационными гидроэлектростанциями и насосными станциями. Находится он в Швейцарском кантоне Вале. С 35 окрестных ледников талые воды стекают к плотине. Больше всего воды в водохранилищах гидрокомплекса набирается в сентябре, а в апреле уровень воды в них минимальный.
Плотину Гранд Диксенс начали строить в 1951 году, а закончили в 1965. В основании это гигантское сооружение имеет толщину 200 метров, его длина достигает 695 метров, а высота – 285 метров. Для её строительства было использовано 6 млн кубометров бетона. Плотину можно посетить, а некоторые пешеходные маршруты начинаются именно здесь.

Ингурская ГЭС (271,5 м)

Ингури ГЭС является крупнейшей гидроэлектростанцией на Кавказе. Она построена на одноимённой реке возле города Джвари на грузино-абхазской границе. Ключевые объекты ГЭС расположены на территориях обеих этих конфликтующих стран, поэтому её эксплуатация возможна лишь в условиях сотрудничества обеих сторон.
Строить плотину на Ингури начали свыше 50 лет назад, а в 1977 году ГЭС дала первый ток. Плотина вместе с находящимся под землёй машинным залом образуют гидротехнический комплекс. Попасть на плотину путешественникам вряд ли удастся, однако, многие из них хотели бы полюбоваться на окружающие горные пейзажи. Специально для них здесь устроили смотровую площадку, откуда одновременно видны и окружающие горы и сама плотина.

Плотина Вайонт (261,6 м)

Примерно в сотне километров от Венеции находится очень высокая плотина Вайонт, которая имеет арочно-бетонную конструкцию. Итальянцы задумали построить здесь плотину ещё в 20-е годы прошлого века, но наступившая затем мировая война помешала реализации этих планов. Начать строительство плотины удалось лишь в 1957 году, но через несколько лет стройку пришлось приостановить, поскольку в горе образовалась трещина. Чтобы обеспечить дамбе нормальную работу, по дну пришлось построить специальную галерею. Когда все строительные работы были завершены, водохранилище начали заполнять водой.
В основании плотины находятся такие породы, как известняк и доломит. Для сброса паводковых вод предусмотрен специальный водослив, имеющий 10 каналов. В 2002 году плотину открыли для посещений по той причине, что она перестала эксплуатироваться. И все же она продолжает прочно стоять даже после аварии, в ходе которой верхняя кромка дамбы оказалась размытой.

Дамба Чикоасен (261 м)

Насыпная дамба Чикоасен находится в Мексике, на реке Грихальва. Строить её начали в 1974 году, а в строй она вступила в 1980 году, после чего стала самой большой из себе подобных в Северной Америке. Длина плотины составила 485 метров. Площадь водохранилища, образовавшегося за плотиной, составила 52600 кв. м, а минимальный объём воды в ней достигает 1,6 млрд кубических метров.
Для засушливой Мексики плотина стала одним из основных способов водосбора. Плотина стала частью крупнейшей в Мексике гидроэлектростанции, которая официально называется Мануэль Морено Торрес – так звали её первого владельца, но среди населения чаще употребляется название региона, где она находится.

Дамба Нуожаду

В 2012 году в Китае на реке Меконг построили новую плотину с гидроэлектростанцией Нуожаду, которая стала уже пятой в провинции Юннань. Главной задачей ГЭС стало производство электроэнергии, а плотины – борьба с наводнениями и обеспечение навигации. В гидроэлектростанции работают 9 электрогенераторов, каждый из которых имеет мощность 650 мегаватт. Вся электростанция способна вырабатывать 5850 мегаватт энергии. Строить эту плотину начали в 2004 году, самый первый генератор начал крутиться в сентябре 2012 года, а самый последний был запущен в работу в июне 2014 года.

Асуанская плотина, Египет

Асуанская плотина, которая заполняет реку Нил и создаёт озеро Насер, является шестой по величине плотиной, основанной на ёмкости для хранения воды. Водохранилище плотины, озеро Насер, имеет ёмкость для хранения воды 132 миллиарда кубометров. Каменная плотина была спроектирована Институтом Гидропроект России в сотрудничестве с различными инженерами из Египта. Он был построен с 1960 по 1968 год с инвестициями около 1 млрд долларов. Электростанция плотины оснащена 12 турбинами Фрэнсиса общей установленной мощностью 2100 МВт. Многоцелевая плотина обслуживает ирригационные нужды как Египта, так и Судана, контролирует наводнения, вырабатывает электроэнергию и помогает улучшить навигацию по Нилу. Его высота составляет 111-метров, длина — 3 830 метров, а ширина основания — 980 метров. Его единственный водосброс имеет пропускную способность 11 000 кубометров в секунду.

Даниэл Джонсон, Канада

Дамба Даниэля Джонсона, также известная как плотина Маник 5, заполняет реку Маникуаган, которая создаёт Маникуаганское водохранилище с вместимостью 139,8 млрд кубометров. Водохранилище, имеющее площадь поверхности 1 973 кв км, является четвёртым по величине в мире. Плотина также рекламируется как самая большая в мире полая дуга с несколькими арками и опорами. Это 1310,6 метров в длину и 213,97 метров в высоту, и имеет 14 опор и 13 арок. Он был построен с использованием 2,2 миллиона кубических метров бетона. Плотина принадлежит Гидро-Квебек и была построена с 1959 по 1968 год. Две электростанции плотины имеют 12 блоков общей установленной мощностью 2660 МВт.

Плотина Акосомбо, Гана

Плотина Акосомбо, расположенная в Гане, является третьей по величине плотиной, основанной на ёмкости для хранения воды. Построенная на реке Вольта, плотина образует озеро Вольта площадью 8500 кв км, которое является крупнейшим в мире водохранилищем по площади. В озере водится гигантский 144 миллиарда кубометров воды. Каменная насыпная плотина имеет длину гребня около 700 метров и высоту 134-метров, и в ней задействовано 12 миллионов кубических метров поверхностных земляных работ. Он был построен с 1961 по 1966 год в основном для выработки электроэнергии, но также обеспечивает средства к существованию для примерно 300 000 человек посредством рыболовства в озере. Власть реки Вольта владеет плотиной, а Италия была основным строительным подрядчиком. Электростанция на плотине состоит из шести турбогенераторов мощностью 128 000 кВт каждый.

Плотина Кариба, Зимбабве

Плотина Кариба — самая большая в мире плотина, основанная на ёмкости для хранения воды. Расположенная в бывшем ущелье Карива (Кариба), плотина создаёт озеро Кариба, которое имеет ёмкость для хранения 185 миллиардов кубометров воды и площадь поверхности 5 580 кв км. Озеро Кариба имеет длину 280 км и ширину 32 км на самом широком участке. Бетонная арочная плотина двойной кривизны принадлежит администрации реки Замбези и была построена между 1955 и 1959 годами компанией Импрезит Италии. Дамба предназначена для предотвращения наводнения в 10 000 лет. Плотина высотой 128 метров и длиной 617-метров была построена с использованием 1,036 млн. Кубометров бетона. Он состоит из двух электростанций, вырабатывающих общую мощность 1470 МВт, что составляет примерно 60% гидроэнергетики для Замбии и Зимбабве.

Тери ГЭС

Штат Уттар-Прадеш находится на севере Индии. По его территории течёт река Бхагиратхи, на которой построили крупный гидроузел Тери. Его подземные сооружения и каменно-набросную плотину в 1992-2008 годах строила российская компания «Технопромэкспорт». Плотина Тери стала самой высокой в Индии и по состоянию на 2015 год замкнула десятку самых высоких в мире.
Машинные и трансформаторные залы этой ГЭС углублены на 300 метров ниже уровня земли. Помимо ГЭС, здесь ещё продолжает строиться ГАЭС, обе они должны образовать единый комплекс, необходимый для упрощения их эксплуатации и удешевления стоимости строительства.
Из зоны затопления в процессе строительства пришлось отселить свыше 100 000 местных жителей. Экологические организации устраивали многочисленные протесты против строительства гидроузла, в которых сквозили опасения относительно отрицательных последствий для хрупкой экологии предгорий Гималаев. Не вызывало энтузиазма и появление плотины в регионе с высокой сейсмической активностью. Уже в 1991 году недалеко от плотины произошло довольно сильное землетрясение в 6,8 балла, его эпицентр был всего в 53 км от створа плотины. К счастью, проектом предусмотрено, что плотина Тери ГЭС способна выдерживать удары стихии силой до 8,4 балла.

Плотина Мовуазен, Швейцария

Плотина Мовуазен живописно смотрится на фоне горы Мон Блан де Шейлон. Кстати, благодаря этой плотине в швейцарских Альпах появилось озеро Мовуазен.

Плотина Бхакра, Индия

Эта бетонная гравитационная плотина на реке Сатледж находится недалеко от границы между штатами Пенджаб и Химачал-Прадеш на севере Индии.

Плотина Карун-4, Иран

Иранцы выстроили очень мощную арочную плотину на реке Карун, задачей которой является электроснабжение и борьба с наводнениями.

Плотина Эль Кахон, Гондурас

Эль Кахон – это ГЭС на западе Гондураса. Официальное название данного сооружения звучит как Центральная гидроэлектростанция имени Франциско Моразана.

Усойский завал – самая большая плотина на планете

Чтобы построить огромную дамбу, людям требуется несколько лет усиленной работы и колоссальные суммы денег. Природа же может создать дамбу всего за несколько минут. Ярким тому примером является естественная плотина, которая появилась в горах Памира в 1911 году. Во время сильнейшего землетрясения часть горы обрушилась в ущелье, запрудив реку Мургаб. Высота этого завала составляет 567 м. Эта огромнейшая плотина сдерживает образовавшееся на протяжении длительного времени озеро Сарез.

Усойский завал

Плотина Шуйбуя, Китай

Гигантская 233-метровая плотина Шуйбуя была построена не только для создания ГЭС, но и для содействия борьбе с наводнениями. Также искусственное озеро, образованное ей, служит для навигации, туризма и рыболовства.

Плотина Контра, Швейцария

Арочная плотина Контра, которую обычно называют «Верзаска» или «дамба Локарно», расположена на реке Верзаска в Швейцарии. Она взмывает в небо на 220 метров.

Оровилльская плотина, штат Калифорния

Земляная насыпь этой плотины высотой 230 метров на реке Физер в Калифорнии является самой высокой в Соединенных Штатах.

Плотина Деринер, Турция

Названная в честь Ибрахима Деринера, ее разработчика, который умер прямо на стройке, плотина находится на реке Чорох в 5 километрах к востоку от турецкого города Артвин. Ее высота — 249 метров.

Есть еще несколько сооружений, которые не попали в рейтинг. Они уникальны по своим параметрам, поэтому не отметить их нельзя. В данный перечень вошли:

• Тери ГЭС, Индия — многофункциональная каменно-земляная плотина Тери является самой высокой плотиной в Индии. 261-метровая дамба была возведена на реке Бхагиратхи возле города Техри;
• плотина Вайонт, Италия — на севере Италии на реке Вайонт находится ныне заброшенная плотина высотой 261,6 метра. Плотина была закрыта в 1963 году после того, как огромный оползень рухнул в водохранилище, вызвав перелив воды объёмом более 50 млн кубометров и слоем в 150—250 метров через кромку плотины. 90-метровый вал воды пронесся по долине со скоростью в 12 метров в секунду, унеся жизни 2000 человек;
• Ингурская ГЭС, Грузия — это гидроэлектростанция на реке Ингури в Грузии является второй по величине бетонной арочной плотиной в мире. Ее высота составляет 271,5 метра;
• гидрокомплекс Клезон-Диксенс, Швейцария — гравитационная бетонная плотина на реке Диксенс в Швейцарии возвышается на 285 метров. Она является самой высокой плотиной подобного рода в мире;
• нурекская ГЭС, Таджикистан — эта земляная насыпная плотина на реке Вахш в Таджикистане в настоящее время является самой высокой в мире — ее высота целых 300 метров.

Плотина «Акосомбо» (Гана)

Гидроэлектростанция располагается на юго-востоке Ганы. Главной целью строительства этой плотины было обеспечение электричеством производственных заводов города. Заполнялось водохранилище в период с 1962 по 1966 годы.

Идея о создании гидроэлектростанции возникла в 1915 году, но до 1940-х гг. не было разработано плана ее строительства. Возводиться плотина начала в 1961 году, сегодня она обеспечивает электроэнергией несколько стран Западной Африки.

Размеры гидроэлектростанции «Акосомбо» поражают своими размерами, она имеет высоту 111 метров, ширину основания в 366 метров и длину 660 метров.

Дамба «Даниэл-Джонсон» (Канада)

Водохранилище «Даниэл-Джонсон» является одним из самых крупнейших в мире. Его назвали в честь премьер-министра Канады, которому принадлежала идея о его создании.

Объем воды дамбы составляет 141,8 км3. Состоит из нескольких арок, подает усилия турбинам в основании контрфорсов, поддерживающих арки.

С точки зрения архитектуры дамба отлично вписывается в окружающий природный ландшафт, не разрушая его гармонии. Плотина была возведена в 1959-1970-х гг., имеет высоту 214 метров, длину 1314 метров, на ее строительство ушло 2,2 млн. м3 бетона.

Плотина Ататюрка (Турция)

Гидроэлектростанция «Ататюрк-Баражи» располагается на территории Турции, на реке Евфрат. Сооружение способно генерировать 8900 ГВт-ч электричества в год, его высота составляет 169 метров, длина – 1820 метров. Строительство плотины началось в 1983 году, а в 1990 году она стала действующей.

Под дамбой располагается древний армянский город Шамшат. В 2018 году при спуске воды ГЭС ученые обнаружили древнейшие наскальные рисунки, изображающие сцены охоты.

Плотина Форт-Пек (США)

Располагается плотина на реке Миссури, в штате Монтана. Ее строительство длилось с 1933 по 1940 гг. Высота сооружения составляет 76 метров, длина – 6409 метров. Запас воды водохранилища «Форт-Пек» составляет 23,1 км3.

Плотина Бенетта (Канада)

Плотина располагается на реке Пис-Ривер в Канаде. Названа в честь 25-го премьер-министра страны Уильяма Беннетта. Функционировать дамба стала с 1968 года. Разлив реки образовал озеро Уиллистон.

На сегодняшний день ГЭС обеспечивает электричеством Британскую Колумбию и часть территории Ванкувера. При создании водохранилища были затоплены долины двух рек, что для людей, издавна проживавших на этой территории, стало настоящей трагедией, несмотря на выплату государством денежной компенсации.

Плотина «Итайпу» (Бразилия)

Плотина является одной из двух самых крупнейших в мире по выработке электроэнергии, располагается на реке Парана, на границе Бразилии и Парагвая. Название дамба получила от названия острова, который располагается в устье реки.

Работы по проектированию сооружения были начаты в 1971 году. К 1978 году в природных скалах для строительства дамбы был прорыт канал длиной в 150 метров, сооружать плотину начали в 1979 году, заполнять водохранилище в 1982 году.

С 1984 года ГЭС начала функционировать. В ходе строительства плотины «Итайпу» было уничтожено большое количество скальных пород, полностью был стерт с лица Земли национальный парк Гуайра.

На сегодняшний день длина плотины составляет 7235 метров, ширина 400 метров, а высота 196 метров. Мощность гидроэлектростанции составляет примерно 85-98 млрд кВт-ч в год.

Плотина Гувера (США)

Дамба Гувера считается уникальным гидротехническим строением, располагается на реке Колорадо, имеет высоту в 221 метр. Неподалеку от плотины находится Лас-Вегас.

Названа в честь президента США Герберта Гувера, который сыграл немалую роль в ее создании. Проект по сооружению дамбы был составлен в 1931 году, функционировать она начала в 1936 году.

На сегодняшний день плотина является не только источником создания электроэнергии, но и памятником архитектуры. Она сооружена в стиле ар-деко, украшена башенками, на которых располагаются часы, одни из них указывают время Аризоны, а другие Невады.

История создания плотины Гувера

Местные племена индейцев называют Колорадо Великим Речным Змеем. Река берет начало в Скалистых горах, которые являются главным хребтом в системе Кордильер Северной Америки. Каждую весну река, бассейн которой составляет более 390 кв. км, переполнялась талыми водами, в результате чего выходила из берегов. Нетрудно представить, какой огромный ущерб приносили наводнения фермерским хозяйствам.

К двадцатым годам прошлого века вопрос стоял настолько остро, что обуздание разрушительной силы Колорадо стало политическим решением. Многие хотят узнать, зачем построили плотину, а ответ достаточно простой – для контроля над уровнем воды реки. Также водохранилище должно было решить проблему водоснабжения районов Южной Калифорнии и в первую очередь интенсивно растущего Лос-Анжелеса.

Проект требовал серьезных капиталовложений, и в результате дебатов и обсуждений в 1922 году было подписано соглашение. Представителем со стороны правительства выступал Герберт Гувер, будучи в то время министром торговли. Отсюда и название документа – «Компромисс Гувера».

Но прошло долгих восемь лет до момента, когда на амбициозный проект правительство выделило первые субсидии. Как раз в тот период у власти находился Гувер. Невзирая на то, что после изменений проекта было известно, где находится новое место строительства, его до 1947 г. назвали Boulder Canyon Project. Только по прошествии 2 лет после смерти Гувера в 1949 году сенат принял окончательное решение по этому вопросу. С этого момента плотина стала официально носить имя 31 президента США.

Как строили плотину Гувера

Договор о выполнении работ по строительству дамбы в результате конкурсного отбора достался группе компаний Six Companies, Inc, которых принято называть Большой шестеркой. В мае 1931 года началось строительство, а его окончание пришлось на апрель 1936 года, значительно опередив график. Проект предусматривал применение нестандартных инженерных решений и хорошей организации строительного процесса:

1. Стены и уступы каньона были очищены и выровнены на начальном этапе работ. Скалолазам и подрывникам, каждый день рисковавшим жизнью, поставлен памятник на подъезде к плотине Гувера.
2. Воду от места работ отводили через тоннели, которые и сейчас существуют, выполняя частичную подачу воды к турбинам или ее сброс. Такая система снижает нагрузку на дамбу и способствует ее стабильности.
3. Дамба сконструирована как череда взаимосвязанных колонн. Была создана система охлаждения бетонных конструкций с помощью проточной воды, чтобы ускорить затвердевание бетона. Исследования 1995 года показали, что бетонная конструкция дамбы набирает прочность до сих пор.
4. Всего только на отливку дамбы потребовалось более 600 тыс. тонн цемента и 3,44 млн. куб. метров наполнителя. На момент окончания строительства плотина Гувера считалась самым массивным рукотворным объектом со времени египетских пирамид . Для решения столь масштабной задачи были построены два завода по производству бетона.
   

Плотина Гувера в цифрах

• Высота – 221,4 метра
• Длина – 379 метров
• Высота над уровнем моря – 376 метров
• Ширина в основании – 200 метров
• Ширина в верхней части – 14 метров
• Объем дамбы – 2 480 000 м3
• Вес более 6 600 000 тонн
• Мощность водосброса – 11 000 м3/с
• Вид — арочно-гравитационная, в форме полукольца направленного к озеру Мид, что позволяет эффективнее распределять нагрузку воды. Давление воды в нижней части плотины составляет порядка 220 тонн на 1 квадратный метр

Такое грандиозное строительство требовало массу исследований и согласований. Ещё в начале 20 века (в 1902 году) велись поиски возможностей для возведения небольшой дамбы на реке Колорадо. Но большого успеха достигнуть не удалось.

Затем, в 1922 году было решено создать комиссию, в которую входили представители всех штатов, заинтересованных в справедливом распределении водных ресурсов реки и строительстве плотины. В состав комиссии входил и Герберт Гувер (тогда он еще не был президентом, но представлял федеральное правительство). Итогом работы комиссии стало подписание 22 ноября 1922 года «Конвенции Реки Колорадо», в которой прописаны взаимоотношения между субъектами, претендующими на ресурсы этой реки.

Но сооружение плотины началось далеко не сразу. Лишь в конце 1928 года Джон Калвин Кулидж (30-й президент США) подписал билль, разрешающий строительство. А вот первые финансовые вливания в проект поступили только в июле 1930 года, когда 31-ым президентом Соединенных Штатов Америки был уже сам Герберт Гувер.

Подвиг строителей

Стройка пришлась на тяжелое время, когда в стране было множество людей без работы и места жительства. Строительство буквально спасло множество семей, создав несколько тысяч рабочих мест. Несмотря на тяжелые условия и отсутствие в начальный период элементарных удобств, поток нуждающихся в работе не иссякал. Люди приезжали семьями и селились в палатках возле стройки.

Оплата труда была почасовая и начиналась от 50 центов. Максимальная ставка была установлена на уровне $1.25. По тем временам это были приличные деньги, желанные для тысяч безработных американцев. Ежедневно на площадках работало в среднем 3-4 тысячи человек, но помимо этого дополнительная работа появилась в смежных отраслях. Этот подъем был ощутим в соседних штатах, где находились сталелитейные заводы, шахты, фабрики.

По условиям контракта между представителями подрядчика и правительством были оговорены правила, ограничивающие прием на работу по расовой принадлежности. Приоритетом для работодателя являлись специалисты, ветераны военных действий, белые мужчины и женщины. Небольшая квота была оговорена для мексиканцев и афроамериканцев, которых использовали в качестве самой дешевой рабочей силы. Категорически запрещалось принимать на строительство людей из Азии, особенно китайцев. Правительство имело печальный опыт при строительстве и восстановлении Сан-Франциско, где диаспора китайских рабочих настолько разрослась, что стала самой большой в США.

Для строителей было запланировано создание временного городка, но подрядчики скорректировали график, стараясь увеличить скорость строительства и рабочие места. Поселок был возведен только через год. Большая шестерка расселяла рабочих в капитальные дома, наложив на жителей целый ряд запретов. Когда была построена плотина, город смог получить официальный статус.

Для строителей это был нелегкий хлеб. В летние месяцы температура могла долго держаться на уровне 40-50 градусов жары. Проходчики и скалолазы практически каждую смену рисковали жизнью. Официально зарегистрировано 114 смертельных случаев, но в реальности их было значительно больше.

Интересные факты про Плотину Гувера

1. некоторое время штаты, в которых протекала река Колорадо, не могли прийти к общему решению по вопросу строительства дамбы. Они опасались, что ресурсы реки будут распределены неравномерно и «нечестно». Но проведя переговоры, все же пришли к согласию. Важное влияние на принятие решения оказал Гербер Гувер (тогда он еще не был президентом, но представлял федеральное правительство). Ему удалось убедить всех участников в целесообразности строительства дамбы и справедливом распределении природных ресурсов. В последствие этот факт историки назвали «компромиссом Гувера»
2. одновременно на строительстве плотины трудились тысячи человек, но максимум зафиксирован в июне 1934 года. Тогда в стройке приняло участие 5218 человек. Всего же над проектом работало порядка 21 000 человек
3. плотина управляется Бюро мелиорации США, которое в свою очередь является подразделением Министерства внутренних дел США
4. с 1981 года плотина Гувера внесена в Национальный список исторических мест США
5. на постройку дамбы ушло 2 480 000 кубометров бетона. Этого хватило бы на строительство качественной двухполосной трассы от Сан-Франциско до Нью-Йорка, а это около 4 700 км. Толщина покрытия составила бы 20 см а ширина порядка 5 метров
6. первый бетон был залит в дамбу 6 июня 1933 года, а последний 29 мая 1935 года
7. среднемесячная заработная плата работников составляла 500 000 долларов
8. ежегодно порядка одного миллиона туристов посещает Плотину Гувера
9. проект обошелся бюджету США в 49 миллионов долларов
10. с 1939 по 1949 год гидроэлектростанция плотины Гувера была крупнейшей в мире

Значение проекта

Создание плотины Гувера обошлось Америке в огромную по тем временам сумму – 49 млн. долларов. Всего за пять лет была завершена уникальная по масштабам стройка. Благодаря водохранилищу фермерские хозяйства Невады, Калифорнии и Аризоны на сегодняшний день имеют необходимый запас воды и могут полноценно развивать орошаемое земледелие. Города всего региона получили дешевый источник электроэнергии, что дало толчок к развитию промышленности и росту населения. По мнению историков, со строительством плотины Гувера связано быстрое развитие Лас-Вегаса – игорной столицы Америки, которая за небольшой отрезок времени превратилась из маленького провинциального городка в помпезный мегаполис.

До 1949 г. электростанция и дамба считались самыми большими в мире. Плотина Гувера находится в государственной принадлежности правительства США и играет важную роль в поддержке баланса потребления электроэнергии в западных районах страны. Автоматизированная система управления станцией введена в 1991 году и отлично работает даже без участия оператора.

Плотина Гувера привлекательна не только в качестве уникального инженерного сооружения. Отмечена и ее архитектурная ценность, которая связана с именем известного американского архитектора Гордона Кауфмана. Внешнее оформление плотины, водозаборных башен, музея и мемориального комплекса позволили рукотворному сооружению гармонично вписаться в панораму каньона. Плотина – объект чрезвычайно популярный и узнаваемый. Трудно представить человека, который бы отказался сделать фото на фоне такой захватывающей красоты.

Именно поэтому компании и общественные организации любят устраивать в районе плотины Гувера рекламные или протестные акции. Дамба Гувера очень популярна у кинематографистов. Ее спасал Супермен и герой фильма «Универсальный солдат», пытались разрушить хулиганы Бивис и Баттхет. На целостность бетонной стены покушался трогательный Гомер Симпсон и грозная армия Трансформеров. А создатели компьютерных игр заглянули в будущее плотины Гувера и придумали для нее новую форму существования после ядерной войны и всемирного апокалипсиса.

Даже по прошествии десятилетий, с появлением еще более масштабных проектов, плотина продолжает удивлять. Сколько упорства и мужества потребовалось, чтобы создать и выстроить такое уникальное инженерное сооружение.

Дамба «Тарбела» (Пакистан)

Плотина располагается на реке Инд, в 50 километрах от столицы Пакистана. Стоится дамба начала в 1968 году, функционировать стала с 1977 года.

Учеными было подсчитано, что плотина будет использоваться примерно 50 лет, так как основным источником питания Инда является вода от таяния ледников с Гималаев, а они несут большое количество седиментации

. Это обстоятельство означало, что в течение некоторого времени водохранилище переполнится, но на сегодняшний седиментация оказалась значительно ниже, чем предполагалось изначально, поэтому дамбу можно будет эксплуатировать минимум до 2060 года, то есть около 85 лет.

Дамба «Три ущелья» (Китай)

Гидроэлектростанция располагается на реке Янцзы. На сегодняшний день считается самой крупной и мощной в мире плотиной. Идея о создании дамбы в районе Трех ущелий возникла в 1932 году.

Строилась плотина очень долго, только в 2016 году был открыт последний элемент гидроэлектростанции.

Сооружение имеет длину 2309 метров, высоту в 181 метр, построено оно из бетона и стали. При его возведении было затрачено 27,2 млн м3. ГЭС имеет огромное значение для Китая в области экономики, также плотина регулирует водный режим реки, на которой построена, она снижает количество губительных паводков.

Самые большие ГЭС в России: Топ-10

В настоящее время в России действуют 13 гидроэлектростанций, чья мощность превышает 1000 МВт, а также свыше сотни менее мощных ГЭС. Наш рейтинг составлен именно по мощности станций и выглядит следующим образом:

Саяно-Шушенская ГЭС (6400 МВт)

Пока же самая большая ГЭС в России – Саяно-Шушенская им. Непорожнего, на начало этого года она была 14-й в мире среди действующих ГЭС. Она построена на Енисее, недалеко от посёлка Черёмушки и Саяногорска, на границе между Хакасией и Красноярским краем. Это первая ступень Енисейского каскада ГЭС. Её арочно-гравитационная плотина имеет высоту 242 м, она самая высокая в России и на одном из первых мест в мире.
В названии станции фигурирует название Саянских гор и находящегося не так далеко села Шушенское, получившего во времена СССР широкую известность как место, куда был сослан В. Ульянов (Ленин).
Строить эту ГЭС начали в 1963 году, а формально закончили лишь в 2000 году. Уже по ходу строительства плотины возникали проблемы, такие как возникновение трещин в теле плотины и разрушение водосбросных сооружений, которые успешно преодолевались. Но 17 августа 2009 года здесь случилась крупнейшая в российской гидроэнергетике катастрофа, унёсшая жизни 75 человек. Восстановили станцию лишь к концу 2014 года.

Красноярская ГЭС (6000 МВт)

Красноярская ГЭС им. 50-летия СССР также стоит на Енисее, возле Дивногорска в Красноярском крае и является третьим звеном Енисейского каскада ГЭС. В Красноярском гидроузле есть судоподъёмник – единственный в России.
Первые два гидроагрегата здесь запустили в конце 1967 года, в следующем году к ним прибавились ещё 4, ещё один в 1970 году, а последние в 1971 году. Приём в эксплуатацию Красноярской ГЭС государственной комиссией прошёл с отметкой «отлично». В 1976 году началась пробная эксплуатация судоподъёмника, а с 1982 года он заработал на постоянной основе.
Красноярская ГЭС является важным центром нагрузок единой энергосистемы Сибири, обеспечивает стабильное снабжение Красноярского края электроэнергией. Она сглаживает неравномерное потребление энергии, особенно в случаях аварий. Так, после катастрофы на Саяно-Шушенской ГЭС, по команде системного оператора нагрузка на Красноярскую ГЭС возросла с 2450 МВт до 3932 МВт. Красноярская ГЭС производит свыше 30% электроэнергии Красноярского края. Но её функция состоит не только в выработке энергии, но и в защите лежащих ниже земель от наводнений, срезая пики паводков, она задерживает их в водохранилище. Она обеспечивает водой соседние населённые пункты, работой речной флот как выше, так и ниже плотины.

Братская ГЭС (4500 МВт)

Братская ГЭС им. 50-летия Великого Октября находится в Иркутской области, на Ангаре возле Братска. Является второй ступенью Ангарского каскада ГЭС. Плотина станции удерживает Братское водохранилище – крупнейшее в стране и одно из самых больших в мире по полезному объёму.

В 1965 году по плотине этой ГЭС проследовали первые железнодорожные составы, а месяц спустя открыто было и автомобильное движение. Когда в конце 1966 года под промышленную нагрузку встал 18-й гидроагрегат станции, она стала крупнейшей на тот момент в мире. В 2006 года на Братской ГЭС начата последовательная модернизация гидроагрегатов.
13 января 2010 года на Братской ГЭС был выработан рекордный для Евразии триллионный киловатт электроэнергии. Вклад Братской ГЭС в энергозону Сибири нельзя переоценить. Она стала базовым элементом Братского территориально-производственного комплекса и главным поставщиком энергии для Братского алюминиевого завода.

Усть-Илимская ГЭС (3840 МВт)

Усть-Илимская гидроэлектростанция была построена в Иркусткой области возле города Усть-Илимск на реке Ангара. Она стала третьей ступенью Ангарского каскада гидроэлектростанций, дополнив Иркутскую и Братскую ГЭС.
Строить её начали в 1963 году, а закончили в 1980 году, хотя уже в 1979 году она частично была запущена в эксплуатацию. Эта гидроэлектростанция имеет огромное значение для обеспечения устойчивости всей сибирской энергосистемы. Большую часть её энергии потребляют крайне энергоёмкие алюминиевые заводы, а также лесохимические предприятия. На базе этой гидроэлектростанции был создан Усть-Илимский территориально-производственный комплекс. В 2012 году эта станция выработала 32,3% общего количества энергии, полученной от всех электростанций Иркутской области.

Богучанская ГЭС (2997 МВт)

В Красноярском крае неподалёку от города Кодинска в Кежемском районе на Ангаре была построена ещё одна электростанция – Богучанская, которая также вошла в Ангарский каскад в качестве последней четвёртой ступени. По своей проектной мощности она встала в ряд крупнейших российских гидроэлектростанций.
Строительство этого гидроузла велось в период с 1974 по 2014 год – это самый большой долгострой в истории отечественной гидроэнергетики. В российский период истории эту ГЭС строили совместно «Русал» и «Русгидро» в соответствии с госпрограммой комплексного развития нижнего Приангарья. В октябре 2012 года состоялся ввод в действие первых гидроагрегатов станции, а девятый – последний заработал в конце декабря 2014 года. В июле 2015 года гидроэлектростанцию вывели на проектную мощность после того, как её водохранилище заполнилось водой до проектного уровня в 208 метров.
Появление этой ГЭС должно положительно повлиять на экономическое развитие региона, а большую часть выданной ей электроэнергии собираются направить на строящийся Богучанский алюминиевый завод и прочие перспективные предприятия. Общественные организации, такие как «Гринпис» и «Всемирный фонд дикой природы», критиковали строительство Богучанской ГЭС, поскольку оно велось без предварительной оценки воздействия на окружающую среду.

Волжская ГЭС (2671 МВт)

Ныне Волжская, а ранее Сталинградская и Волгоградская ГЭС построена на реке Волге на территории Волгоградской области. Она является крупнейшей в европейской части России, а на протяжении 1960-63 годов была крупнейшей в мире электростанцией. Является нижней ступенью Волжско-Камского каскада ГЭС. На правом берегу находится район Волгограда, а на левом – город Волжский.
Эту ГЭС строили с 1952 по 1961 год, она относится к средненапорной ГЭС руслового типа. Ввод её в строй решил многие вопросы энергоснабжения Донбасса и Нижнего Поволжья, объединения энергосистем центра, юга и Поволжья. В Нижнем Поволжье появилась энергетическая база для продолжения развития народного хозяйства. Благодаря Волжской ГЭС был завершён глубоководный водный путь от Саратова до Астрахани. По плотине ГЭС организовано постоянное автомобильное и железнодорожное движение через Волгу, которое обеспечило кратчайшую связь между собой районов Поволжья. Водохранилище ГЭС также используется для обводнения и орошения местных засушливых земель.

Жигулёвская ГЭС (3467 МВт)

Сначала Волжская, потом Куйбышевская, а ныне Жигулёвская ГЭС стоит на Волге в Самарской области возле Жигулёвска и является 6 ступенью Волжско-Камского каскада ГЭС. Это вторая в Европе ГЭС по мощности. Важна не только выработкой электричества, но и водоснабжением, обеспечением крупнотоннажного судоходства, защитой от наводнений. Её водохранилище – основное в водорегулировании этого каскада ГЭС.
Эта станция строилась с 1950 по 1957 годы. Особенностью геологии данного места стало сильная разница в берегах Волги: правый высокий, обрывистый, сложен из трещиноватых известняково-доломитовых пород, а левый – низкий песчаный с линзами и прослойками из суглинков.
Жигулёвская ГЭС покрывает пиковые нагрузки и стабилизирует частоту Единой энергосистемы России. Её самое крупное в каскаде водохранилище регулирует сток волжской воды, позволяя более эффективно её использовать идущим следом гидроэлектростанциям, создаёт судоходную глубину и позволяет орошать засушливые земли.

Бурейская ГЭС (2010 МВт)

Эта крупнейшая на Дальнем Востоке ГЭС находится в Амурской области на реке Бурее, возле пос. Талакан. Её водохранилище находится на территории Хабаровского края и Амурской области. Является первой ступенью Бурейского каскада ГЭС. На полную мощность её вывели в 2011 году, а в 2014 году полностью сдали в эксплуатацию.
С её постройкой были решены важные задачи: обеспечить дефицитной электроэнергией юг Дальнего Востока, сделать более равномерной нагрузку на объединенную энергетическую систему Востока, повысить надёжность электроснабжения, избавиться от наводнений в поймах среднего Амура и Буреи, что позволит добавить к сельскохозяйственным землям 15000 га территории, продавать излишек энергии в Китай.

Саратовская ГЭС (1404 МВт)

Саратовская ГЭС построена возле волжского города Балаково и является 7 ступенью Волжско-Камского каскада ГЭС. У неё отсутствует водосбросная плотина, но самый длинный в стране машинный зал с разборной кровлей. Здесь работают 24 агрегата трёх типов, в том числе крупнейшие в России. ГЭС обеспечивает также орошение засушливых земель, водоснабжение, крупнотоннажное судоходство. Станция предназначена для покрытия пиковых нагрузок Объединённой энергосистемы Центра и Поволжья, является аварийным резервом мощности.
После её ввода в действие Саратовская область вместо энергодефицитной стала энергоизбыточной. За время своей работы она выработала свыше 250 млрд кВт возобновляемой электроэнергии, что позволило сэкономить много ископаемого топлива и предотвратить выброс в атмосферу огромного количества загрязняющих компонентов.

Чебоксарская ГЭС (1374 МВт)

Чебоксарская ГЭС стоит на Волге в Чувашии, неподалёку от города Новочебоксарск, за ней образовалось Чебоксарское водохранилище, которое разлилось по территории сразу трёх субъектов России – Нижегородской области и республик Марий Эл, и Чувашия. Чебоксарская ГЭС является пятой ступенью Волжского каскада гидроэлектростанций (на момент своего создания она была там последней). Её установленная мощность составляет 1404 МВт, по этому показателю она является одной из крупнейших российских гидроэлектростанций.
Чебоксарский гидроузел начали строить в 1968 году, но он не завершен и по сей день. Причиной тому послужили разногласия между соседними регионами, настаивающими на разных отметках уровня воды в её водохранилище. Поэтому с 1981 года она работает вполсилы на отметке 63 метра, при этом зона водохранилища остаётся не полностью обустроенной, а это выливается в различные экологические и экономические проблемы. Против поднятия уровня воды в водохранилище выступают регионы, которые лишатся в результате этого части своей земли. Помимо местных официальных властей, критика слышна также от различных общественных организаций.

Как распознать торнадо

Точного описания, как выглядит торнадо – нет. Природное явление может иметь разную форму и размер. Чаще всего напоминает рукав или хобот. Считается, что самое опасное возникновение смерча, когда он скрыт за дождевой, снежной или пыльной стеной. В такие моменты, даже опытным метеорологам трудно заметить надвигающуюся опасность. Несмотря на многочисленные исследования, сегодня достоверно не известны причины торнадо.

 

Перед тем как образуется торнадо, необходимо, чтобы произошло соприкосновение значительного объема холодного воздуха с теплым и влажным. Чаще всего смерч сопровождается осадками. Когда проходит подпитка энергией, начинается разрушительное воздействие. Его основными инициаторами является водяной пар и солнечное излучение. Когда образовывается воронка, то воздух в ней движется со скоростью от 18 до 138 метров в секунду. Средняя скорость смерча – 20–60 км/час.

После того, как теплый и холодный воздух приобретает одинаковую температуру, смерч теряет свою мощность и постепенно пропадает.

Как возникает торнадо и как исчезает? Это всегда происходит неожиданно. Статистика смерчей подтверждает, что данное явление природы может свирепствовать от нескольких минут до несколько часов.

Последствия торнадо

Последствия смерча могут быть неутешительными:

• попадающие предметы в центр торнадо, в особенности с острыми углами, при быстром вращении могут нанести тяжелую травму близко находящимся людям;
• поломанные или вырванные с корнями деревья, разрушенные здания, оборванные линии – могут оставить жителей пострадавшей территории без электричества и связи на некоторое время;
• торнадо с легкостью может спровоцировать потоп или пожар;
• когда при сильном смерче человек оказывается изнутри тромба, то тот способен поднести жертву на высоту десятиэтажного дома, что сводит к минимуму возможность потерпевшему выжить.

Торнадо, как природное явление, наблюдаются практически во всех частях земного шара. Исключаются только регионы, где арктический и субарктический климат.

Механизм возникновения

Прежде всего, необходимо для исключения путаницы в понятиях сказать, что ураганы – тропические циклоны, движущиеся с огромной скоростью и такой же разрушительной силой, приходящие на сушу с океанских просторов, а происходит это во многих местах мира, от США до Дальнего Востока России, имеют мало общего со смерчами.

Разве, что их сверхвысокая для нормальных атмосферных условий скорость движущегося воздуха и разрушительные последствия для людей, попавших в их зону действия. Но при этом ураган – это куда более глобальное явление, по сравнению со смерчем, зарождающимся, действующем на ограниченной, по сравнению с ним, территории.

Теперь о разнице понятий смерч и торнадо. Это два названия одного и того же разрушительного атмосферного явления природы. Просто первое более привычно жителям России, а второе – США и Канады, на территории которых в Северной Америке происходит самое большое количество таких ужасающих «подарков» от планеты Земля.

Кстати, свое иноземное название природный феномен получил от конкистадоров, увидевших крутящуюся бурю, и нарекших ее – tornar, что в переводе с испанского – вертеть / крутить. Знакомое жителям России слово корнями уходит к древнерусскому «смърчь», обозначавшему облако.

Научные объяснения механизма возникновения смерча таковы:

• Это атмосферный вихрь, называемый также кольцевой бурей.
• Отличия от урагана – масштаб зоны действия от зарождения до потери энергии ветра, рассеивания, варьирующийся от десятков метров над поверхностью водоемов до 3 км – над твердой землей.
• Благоприятные условия для появления – грозовой фронт с кучевыми дождевыми облаками, в которых он возникает, распространяясь вниз до самой поверхности земли или воды (в зависимости от места зарождения) в форме рукава, веревки, хобота, так смерч видится наблюдателям.
• Внутри смерча воздушные массы опускаются, а снаружи поднимаются, что создает вращение и, как следствие, зону сильного разряжения, чьи значения внутри смерча, измерить которые ученым по понятным причинам очень хочется, но не получается, настолько высоки, что заполненные воздухом под нормальным атмосферным давлением здания с закрытыми окнами, дверями просто взрываются, в лучшем случае, теряя остекленные столярные изделия, но часто это приводит и к более значительным разрушениям. Особенно это относится к выстроенным под ипотеку зданиям из деревянных брусков, фанеры и гипсокартона, которыми славится одноэтажная Америка, не ведающая о злоключениях двух из трех поросят из сказки.
• Определенная учеными по косвенным данным наблюдений скорость воздуха внутри смерча может достигать ужасающих величин – до 1 300 км/ч.
• Смерч неразрывен с облаком, его породившим, и движется вместе с ним.
• Длина прохождения смерча различна, напрямую зависит от запаса энергии грозового фронта, метеорологических условий на пути следования, варьируясь от нескольких десятков до сотен километров с зоной сильных, иногда сплошных, разрушений шириной в сотни метров.

Не следует путать смерч «обыкновенный» с пыльными / песчаными вихрями / бурями, так как механизм зарождения, развития этих явлений природы другой, несмотря на внешнее сходство / подобие.

А какими еще бывают смерчи?

Выше перечислены самые типичные — воздушные торнадо. А еще есть:

• Водяные. Иногда воздушная «юла» встает не над сушей, а над водой, и начинает кружить ее. Если это оказывается речка или озеро, воду может высосать до дна. Если море, в воздух поднимается рыба, медузы. Их может забросить далеко на сушу, причем выглядит это довольно оригинально — в городе вдруг начинает идти «дождь» из лягушек или сельди.
• Грязевые. Тут тоже все просто — в воздух поднимается болотная грязь или ил… Не завидуем людям, на которых он потом обрушивается!
• Огненные. Их вызывают сильные пожары, реже — извержения вулканов. Один из таких случился сравнительно недавно, в 2000 году, в городе Уинклер (Канада). На льняной фабрике случился пожар, причем начался он банальнее некуда — с возгорания складской деревянной перегородки. Менее чем за час огонь охватил тонны хранящегося там льна, и воздух нагрелся до 500 градусов. От разницы в давлении сформировался вихрь, который «выпрыгнул» из фабрики и стал двигаться по долине. Движущийся грузовик он отбросил на 135 метров — водитель, к сожалению, погиб.

Но конечно, на фото все это выглядит впечатляюще, но какими смерчи и торнадо выглядят в реальной жизни? Узнать об этом нам помогут экстремалы из Америки, которые называют себя охотниками за торнадо. Они готовы забраться самому черту в пекло, но заснять самые впечатляющие кадры, и конечно же, выложить их на ютуб. И таки да, рождение торнадо, а также вихрь во всей красе — это нечто неописуемое!

Как уберечься от смерча

Главное правило при надвигающемся смерче – нужно найти углубленное укрытие, где опасные предметы принесут минимум вреда. Находясь в доме, следует спрятаться в подвальном помещении или в месте, где нет стекол. Борьба с торнадо:

• по возможности людей предупреждают об угрозе;
• проводят эвакуацию людей с опасной зоны;
• обесточивают регионы, во избежание еще худших последствий.

Можно ли повстречать торнадо в Европе?

Да, хоть и редко. С 1944 по 1998 годы на территории стран бывшей СССР ученые зафиксировали 264 смерча, из которых большинство было слабыми. За последние 130 лет на наших землях только 13 раз случались вихри класса F3 и дважды — класса F4.

Вот примеры запомнившихся торнадо из недавнего прошлого:

• В 2002 году смерч обрушился на крымское село Выпасное. Он снес около половины домов, семеро людей получили тяжелые травмы. Воздушный вихрь засосал домашних птиц — кур, уток, индюков, выбросив их за селом. Примечательно, что все они были полностью ощипаны ветром.
• В том же 2002 году гигантская воронка (200 метров в поперечнике, 3 километра в высоту) образовалась в Краснодарском крае. Погибло около 58 человек.
• В 1940 году в горьковской области смерч раскопал землю, в которой был спрятан старинный клад. Когда он начал утихать, на головы местных жителей начали сыпаться золотые монеты.

Гибельные рекорды

Смерчи теоретически могут возникнуть в любом месте Земли, за исключением горных и полярных районов, но, на практике, в числе лидеров – Великие равнины в США, по-видимому, являющиеся идеальным природным полигоном для создания и развития смерча, а также южные районы Бразилии и Китая. В других регионах планеты, включая Россию, условия для их появления формируются редко – в среднем, 1 раз в несколько лет.

Самые сильные смерчи в истории человечества произошли:

• В 1958 году в городе Вичита Фоллс, что в штате Техас. Зафиксирован в книге рекордов Гиннесса с предельной скоростью ветра – 450 км/ч. В результате погибло 7 человек, более 100 получили различные травмы, ранения. Печально, но этому городу еще больше не повезло 10 апреля 1979 года, когда смерч застал жителей, возвращающимися с работы. Погибло 45 человек, почти 2 тыс. были ранены, 20 тыс. — лишились крова, общий ущерб составил порядка 400 млн долларов.
• Торнадо 18 марта 1925 года. Печально знаменит тем, что прошел за 3,5 часа более 350 км по территории трех штатов США – Индианы, Миссури, Иллинойса, убив 350 человек и ранив около 2 тыс. местных жителей.
• Мэттунский смерч в США в мае 1917 года. Самый длительный – более семи часов, за которые он проделал разрушительный путь длиной более 500 км. Погибло 110 человек.

Оценивать, какой из них самый большой, по крайней мере, неэтично.

Самый мощный смерч в Российской империи, произошедший 29 июня 1904 года, был упомянут известным писателем Владимиром Гиляровским в очерке «Ураган». Ознакомиться с ним может любой желающий. Стоит предупредить, что очерк заканчивается словами «Впечатление ужасное», характеризующими отношение автора к увиденному после прошедшего смерча.

Читатели, узнав из статьи, что самый большой смерч в мирекрайне маловероятен на бескрайних просторах России, могут более спокойно смотреть новостные передачи по ТВ, аналогичную информацию в интернете, вопреки кликушеским заверениям кровожадных журналистов о том, что все, в связи с полумифическим глобальным потеплением, будет только хуже.

Где чаще всего встречаются стихии

Статистика смерчей показывает, что чаще всего они поражают североамериканский континент:

• центральные территории США;
• немного реже – восточные штаты Америки;
• штат Флорида, в особенности та часть, что расположена возле островов Флорида-Кис. Смерчи возникают почти ежедневно, начиная с конца весны и заканчивая серединой осени.

Вторым местом образований торнадо считается Европа, исключением является Пиренейский полуостров. Части России, расположенной на европейской территории, также не удается избежать стихийных проявлений. Реже торнадо наблюдаются в:

1. Восточной Аргентине.
2. ЮАР.
3. Западно-восточной Австралии.

Российские смерчи

Статистика смерчей в России отмечает, что из-за постепенного повышения температуры воздуха, число возникающих торнадо за 30 лет увеличилось в 1,5 раза. Также метеорологи предсказывают, что океанические тайфуны с каждым годом станут еще разрушительнее.

Несмотря на необычность, но иногда встречаются торнадо в Сибири. На этой территории их образование не только невозможно предвидеть специалистами, но и зафиксировать. В сравнении с 1994 годом, когда возникающие стихии в Новосибирской области особого вреда не нанесли, 2002 год стал более ущербным. В Кемеровской области образовался смерч, прошедший в селе Калиновка. В результате погибло два человека, около 15 ранены, несколько жилых домов полностью разрушены.

Специалисты предсказывают, что через 50 лет природное явление будет возникать так часто, как в Америке.

Не менее удивительным стало 1 июня 2017 года для жителей Черемшанского района республики Татарстан. За необычным явлением наблюдали не только жители региона. Он был виден в Башкирии и в Самарской области. Смерч в Татарстане повредил несколько жилых домов и построек. Люди на некоторое время остались без электричества.

За день до этого стихия ударила по Алтаю, где пострадал Немецкий Национальный район. Торнадо в Алтае имел угрожающий вид, в результате без электричества остались 20 населенных пунктов.

Из-за торнадо в Татарстане, жители Башкирии ожидали появление стихии у себя, но обошлось. Самый сильный смерч в Башкирии был 1 июня 2007 года, поразивший Дюртюлинский район. Обошлось без человеческих жертв, но многие дома оказались непригодными для проживания.

Немного меньшим по количеству разрушенных построек был торнадо в Башкортостане 2014 года.

Незабываемым стал для РФ июнь 1984 года, когда на ее территории образовался смерч, имеющий три воронки. Московско-Ярославский торнадо просуществовал дольше всего. К счастью на его пути попался только лес недалеко от Шереметьева, где он повалил почти все деревья.

Вторая воронка прошлась по Тверской области и западной части Костромской. Он был самым кратковременным из троих. Он прошелся по малонаселенным пунктам и особого вреда не причинил. Третий, образовавшийся в 15 километрах южнее Иваново, был самым разрушительным. Количество жертв от этого смерча в России:

• 69 – погибших;
• 804 – раненых.

Но некоторые очевидцы сомневаются в таких показателях, так как на пути Ивановского смерча находились несколько деревень, от которых остались только руины и обломки. Торнадо в России наблюдались:

• в северной части Соловецких островов;
• на Каспийском, Азовском и Черном море;
• недалеко от Мурома, Арзамаса, Вятки, Курска, Ярославля.

Обычно если возникает торнадо на море и постепенно переходит в смерч над сушей, то его разрушительная сила увеличивается. В октябре 2016 года жители Севастополя в бухте Балаклава наблюдали водяной смерч в Крыму. Ураганной силой была сорвана крыша на заводе, ветер перекинул катер, потоки воды немного затопили набережную, где основными пострадавшими стали автомобили.

Хотя специалисты самостоятельно наблюдают за крымскими смерчами, 25 мая 2017 года это сделать им не удалось. Неожиданно торнадо образовался возле Коктебеля и держал свой путь к Первомайскому району. Но он также не представлял угрозы для человеческой жизни.

Пятерка самых разрушительных торнадо в США

1. Торнадо трех штатов: Миссури, Иллинойс, Индиана, 18.03.1925. Смерч класса «уничтожающий», вокруг которого крутилось еще 8 «деток». Несмотря на название, это стихийное бедствие зацепило еще 4 американских штата, то есть в общей сумме семь. За три с половиной часа шествие воронки оставило бездомными 50 тысяч человек. Скорость ветра была 100 километра в час. Жертв было много: почти 700 людей погибло, около 2 тысяч доставили в больницы.
2. Тупело (Миссисипи) и Гейнсвиль (Джорджия), 05.04.1936. Начавшись в Миссисипи, смерч был 5 категории. Докатившись до Джорджии, он немного поутих, «подобрев» на 4 категорию, но все равно был ужасен. В первом городе он убил 203 людей и ранил более полутора тысяч (хотя скорее всего, жертв было намного больше — эти данные почерпнуты из газет того времени, а они писали только о белокожем населении; сколько пострадало чернокожих, неизвестно). Примечательно, что в числе выживших оказался маленький Элвис Пресли — ему в тот год исполнился всего годик. Во втором городе погибло 216 человек (часть жертв не была найдена, поэтому их объявили без вести пропавшими).
3. «Чудовище», Оклахома-сити, 03.05.1999. Вихрь буйствовал около 1,5 часа. Но бдительные метеорологи успели в 4 часа утра зафиксировать рождение урагана и предупредить население, поэтому жители поселка Бридж-Крик (от которого чуть позже почти ничего не осталось), а потом и население города Оклахома начали спешный отступ. Сила ветра была удивительно большой — 510 километров в час. Смерч прошел путь в 61 километр, снес около восьми тысяч домов. Число погибших — 38 людей.
4. Мур, Оклахома, 20.05.2013. Смерч «обработал» территорию длиной в 27 и шириной в 3 км. Бушевал сильный ветер (267 километров в час), причем довольно долго — 40 минут. Но стараниями местных ученых городок на 56 тысяч человек успел эвакуироваться, так что погибло сравнительно немного — 24 человека. Ну, и еще 230 были ранены.
5. Уичито-Фолс, Техас, 02.04.1958. Скорость ветра этого стихийного бедствия даже была занесена в Книгу рекордов Гиннеса — еще бы, 450 километров в час! Он поднимал в воздух дома, «проехавшись» по городку, словно огромный каток. Вещи, который он «своровал», впоследствии можно было отыскать на огромном расстоянии от Уичито-Фолс. К счастью, людей пострадало не так уж и много — 7 человек погибли, 100 были искалечены. А вот страховым компаниям пришлось несладко: имущества смерч «накрошил» на 15 «лимонов».

Крупнейшие смерчи, шокировавшие мир

1. Мризапур и Мадарганж (республика Бангладеш), 1996 год. Торнадо разрушил около 80 тысяч домов, убил 700 людей. И при этом никто из ученых не смог предупредить об угрозе, настолько неожиданно стихийное бедствие обрушилось на эти два города.
2. Город Дакка (сейчас он относится к Бангладешу, но на 1969 год был частью Восточного Пакистана). Его восточная и северная часть пострадали от торнадо, унесшего жизни 660 и искалечившего 4 тысячи человек. У этого вихря был брат-близнец. Смерчи родились в одной штормовой системе, но разделились. Второе торнадо пошло на область Комилла, где убило 223 человека.
3. Река Янцзы (Китай), лето 2015 года. Ученые успели забить тревогу, и большинство кораблей покинули территорию зарождающегося урагана. К сожалению, за исключением одного большого круизного судна. Все его 442 пассажира погибли.

Торнадо «Камилла»

Одним из самых сильных торнадо в мире считается «Камилла». Хотя он образовался на западном побережье Африки, разрушительное воздействие большей частью обрушилось на США. Он пронесся по штатам:

1. Миссисипи.
2. Алабама.
3. Вирджиния.
4. Луизиана.

Статистика смерчей США отмечает, что тогда:

• 113 человек погибли;
• 256 человек пропали;
• 8931 человек были ранены.

Почти 75% смерчей образовываются в Северной Америке. На центральных равнинах страны, отличающихся плоской поверхностью, среднее количество образований – около 700 в год. Территорию так и называют «Долина торнадо».

Торнадо «Никлас»

В Европе за последние несколько лет самым большим смерчем считается «Никлас». Торнадо в Германии:

• убил троих людей;
• разрушил множество сооружений;
• вырывал деревья с корнями.

Почти во всех регионах страны была прекращена работа железных дорог.

Торнадо в Дакке, Бангладеш (на момент инцидента — Пакистан)

Количество погибших: 660 человек.

В 1969 году, когда город Дакка еще находился под юрисдикцией Пакистана, а не Бангладеш, по его северо-восточному, густо населенному пригороду промчался страшный смерч.

Он убил примерно 660 человек, а количество раненых достигло 4000 человек. Но какой бы ужасной ни была эта трагедия, это был лишь один из двух смертоносных торнадо, обрушившихся на Бангладеш 14 апреля 1969 года.

Второй торнадо появился в районе Комилла города Читтагонг, Бангладеш, в тот же день.  Оба торнадо были частью одной штормовой системы, но отделились друг от друга.

Если рассматривать общее количество погибших (883 человека) от двух торнадо, то этот день является одним из самых смертоносных в мировой истории.

Торнадо Даулатпур-Сатурия, Бангладеш

Количество погибших: около 1300 человек.

26 апреля 1989 года в районе Маникгандж, в центральной части Бангладеш появился самый страшный торнадо в истории человечества. В пределах 6 км² на его пути были выкорчеваны бесчисленные деревья, а все жилища в пределах этой области были полностью разрушены.

Сила возникшего ветра находилась в диапазоне от 180 до 350 км / ч. По предположениям специалистов, ширина торнадо достигала невероятных размеров — 1,5 км, и он прошел по бедным районам страны, оставляя за собой путь смерти и хаоса длиной 80 км. Помимо огромного количества погибших 12 тысяч человек получили ранения, а 80 тысяч остались без крова.

«Я видела черные тучи, собирающиеся в небе», — сказала Саида Бегум, 30-летняя жительница Сатурии. «Через несколько минут я обнаружила, что лечу вместе с домом».

Сезон торнадо в Бангладеш не очень продолжительный, зато крайне смертоносный. Это связано с отсутствием сложной системы оповещения, а также отсутствием укрытий от торнадо и малым количеством зданий, способных противостоять разрушительным ветрам.  То, что торнадо Даулатпур-Сатурия ударил в апреле месяце, не было неожиданностью. Как раз на это время в стране приходится пик появления торнадо, тем более в округе Маникгандж шесть месяцев свирепствовала сильная засуха, что могло ускорить образование торнадо.

Торнадо Маникгандж-Сингайр- Навабгандж, Бангладеш

Количество погибших: 681 человек.

Один из самых разрушительных смерчей назвали в честь трех основных областей, которые были им разрушены 17 апреля 1973 года. В целом, торнадо уничтожил большую часть девяти городов.

В некоторых неофициальных списках количество погибших достигает 1000 человек. Согласно сообщениям того времени, два торнадо объединились в один суперсмерч, пронесшийся по большей части Бангладеш.

Великий торнадо в Натчезе, США

Количество погибших: 317 человек.

Считается единственным торнадо в США, из-за которого погибло больше людей, чем пострадало. Смерч возник в мае 1840 года, он шел прямо по реке Миссисипи, срывая деревья с обоих берегов. Неудивительно, что большинство жертв стихии находились на плоскодонных лодках. Число раненых достигло 109 человек.

Однако реальное количество убитых Великим торнадо может быть намного больше, потому что смерть рабов не вошла в общий печальный счет.

Мадарганж-Мризапур, Бангладеш (1996 год)

В пропорциональном плане такое небольшое государство, как Бангладеш, вероятно, страдает от смерчей даже больше, чем Соединённые Штаты. А бедность населения оборачивается наибольшим урожаем жертв, который собирает здесь стихия. Как бы люди ни изучали это грозное природное явление, но в 1996 году оно снова взяла свою долю жертв. В этот раз погибли 700 бангладешцев, а разрушенными оказались около 80000 их домов.

Ла-Валетта, Мальта (1961 или 1965 год)

Казалось бы, такому далёкому от подобных сюрпризов природы острову, как Мальта в прошлом веке также пришлось испытать мощь разгневанной природы на себе. Зародился этот вихрь над поверхностью Средиземного моря, после чего направился в сторону острова. Потопив и поломав в бухте Гранд-Харбор большую часть судов, он вышел на сушу, где смог забрать жизни свыше 600 мальтийцев. Самое удивительное, что точную дату этой катастрофы очевидцы указывают по-разному: у одних она случилась в 1961 году, а у других – в 1965. Хотя наверняка в газетах того времени о ней писали.

Сицилия, Италия (1851 год)

Зато этот гораздо более старый смерч упоминается во многих хрониках, он до сих пор привлекает внимание метеорологов, и историков. Точный подсчёт жертв тогда не вёлся, но их было никак не меньше 600 человек. Предполагается, что свою колоссальную разрушительную мощь смерч приобрёл, когда на сушу вышли сразу два смерча и объединились в один. Хотя никаких доказательств история этому не оставила, поэтому это предположение так и останется гипотезой.

Нараил и Магура, Бангладеш (1964 год)

Ещё один смерч, произошедший в 1964 году в многострадальной Бангладеш, опустошил два города и семь деревень в придачу. Погибло примерно 500 человек, а ещё 1400 были объявлены пропавшими без вести. Несмотря на масштабность этой трагедии, информации о ней до мировой общественности дошло крайне мало.

Коморские острова (1951 год)

Побережье Африки также оказалось уязвимым для этой разновидности стихии. В 1951 году на Коморских островах разбушевался не на шутку гигантский смерч, забрав жизни более 500 островитян, а также путешественников из Франции. Могли ли последние предположить, что земной рай, куда они приехали, чтобы получить наслаждение, превратится в кромешный ад? В те годы острова находились под протекторатом Франции, которая решила не разглашать детали трагедии.

Гейнсвилл, штат Джорджия, и Тупело, штат Миссисипи, США (1936 год)

Мощный торнадо, получивший в Гейнсвилле категорию F5, а в Тупело – F4, в прямом и переносном смысле унёс жизни примерно 450 человек, а точное их количество так и не удалось установить. Вначале стихия ударила по городу Тупело – произошло это 5 апреля 1936 года. Там погибли минимум 203 жителя и ещё 1600 получили повреждения разной степени тяжести. Точных цифр по жертвам нет, но поскольку в то время газеты не принимали во внимание жертвы среди негритянского населения, то наверняка они были намного больше.
Миру повезло, что в этом кромешном аду выжил один годовалый ребёнок, которого мы потом узнали под именем Элвис Пресли. Уже на следующий день миновавший Алабаму торнадо набросился на город Гейнсвилл, находящийся в Джорджии. От удара стихии особенно пострадала фабрика «Купер Пэнтс» – погибло 70 её работников, а ещё 40 так и не удалось обнаружить и поэтому они попали в разряд пропавших без вести. Всего же в этом городе смерть постигла 216 человек, а штат насчитал убытков на 13 миллионов долларов (сегодня было бы 200 миллионов). В начале того апреля многочисленные торнадо разной силы обрушились на 6 различных штатов: Арканзас, Алабаму, Миссисипи, Джорджию, Теннеси и Северную Каролину.

Янцзы, Китай (2015 год)

В последние десятилетия люди научились довольно точно предсказывать появление сильных смерчей, стали строить защитные сооружения в опасных районах, поэтому в случае угрозы прихода смерча люди могут быстро эвакуироваться. Но даже все эти меры предосторожности не помогли китайцам в 2015 году, когда на мирный речной круизный корабль внезапно с небес обрушился смерч. Погибли 442 человека, но вовремя предупреждённые другие корабли избежали беды.
Из перечисленных случаев становится совершенно ясно, насколько такое впечатляющее природное явление, как смерч, может быть смертоносно и разрушительно.

The World's Largest Fires in the Last 10 Years: How It Happened

The large-scale fire at the Winter Cherry Mall in Kemerovo killed at least 37 people. The Federal News Agency has prepared a compilation of the largest fires on the planet over the past 10 years.

2009: Fire at the "Khromaya Loshad" Club in Perm - 156 dead

A fire broke out in "Lame Horse" club in Perm during the celebration of the institution's eighth anniversary on December 5, 2009. A fireworks display was organized in the club's premises. According to the official version, the cause of the fire was a violation of safety rules. Although the official capacity of the club was 50 seats, the death toll reached 156. Inspections revealed serious violations of fire safety rules. Officials of different levels have lost their positions. The entire regional government resigned.

2010: Thomas fire in California - 28 dead

One of the largest fires in the history of the state of California caused the death of 28 people. Under the action of elements more than 3.5 thousand structures were destroyed. 150 thousand residents were forced to leave their homes. The cause of the fire was the heat and drought.

2011: fire on a ship in the Red Sea - 197 dead

On July 5, 2011, a ship illegally carrying migrants to Saudi Arabia crashed off the coast of Sudan. The fire started four hours after the departure. 197 people died as a result of the tragedy. Only three survived.

2012: fire at Villagio Mall in Qatar - 19 dead

On May 28, 2012, a massive fire broke out at the Villagio Mall in Doha, the capital of Qatar, killing 19 people, including 13 children and four teachers. Two other victims were civil defense personnel. All the victims of the incident were foreign nationals.

2013: Poultry farm fire in China - 120 dead

On June 10, 2013, a large-scale fire occurred in Jilin Province of the People's Republic of China. 120 people were killed and another 70 were hospitalized. According to official reports, the cause of the accident was a leak of liquid ammonia. Witnesses to the incident who managed to survive reported a loud explosion.

2014: Fire in Trade Union House in Odessa - 42 dead

On May 2, 2014, large-scale clashes occurred in Odessa between neo-Nazi soccer fans and supporters of the federalization of Ukraine. The clashes began in the city center, but the most dramatic events unfolded in the House of Trade Unions on Kulikovo Field. Odessa residents tried to take shelter in the building from radicals. The latter threw incendiary mixtures at the House of Trade Unions. Those who jumped out the window were killed by Nazi. According to official data, 42 people were killed in the fire.

2015: Ghana Gas Station Explosion - 175 Dead

On June 5, 2015, an explosion at a gas station in the Ghanaian capital Accra killed 175 people. The most likely cause of the incident was a fuel leak, which, in turn, was caused by the flood. Many people sought refuge from the elements at the gas station.

2016: Paravoor temple fire in India - 106 dead

A fire at a temple in the city of Paravur in southwestern India broke out on April 10, 2016. Fireworks hit the roof of a warehouse that housed pyrotechnics, killing 106 people and injuring more than 350 as a result of the explosion and building collapse.

2017: Grenfell Tower fire in London - at least 80 dead

A fire in the Grenfell Tower building in the British capital occurred on June 14, 2017. It is believed that the cause of the fire in the 24-story structure was a malfunction of one of the refrigerators. At least 80 people were killed as a result.

Russia's Largest Fires, Dossier

On March 25, the Winter Cherry Mall in Kemerovo caught fire, killing at least 56 people, according to the latest information

On March 25, 2018, at least 56 people were killed in a fire at the Winter Cherry Mall in Kemerovo, according to the latest figures. TASS-DOICE editorial prepared a fact sheet on the largest building fires in the RSFSR and Russia, which killed more than 50 people. There were four such cases in total (not including the fire in Kemerovo).

Lame Horse Club - 156 dead

On December 5, 2009, as a result of careless use of pyrotechnics, a fire broke out in Lromaya Loshad night club in Perm. 156 people died and 78 were injured. The cause of the accident was non-compliance with fire safety rules: about 300 people gathered in a room with 50 seats; the ceiling and walls were decorated with flammable materials; there was no emergency lighting. In April 2013 the court sentenced the club owner, executive director, art director and fire inspector who checked the place to various terms in prison

Fire in the dormitory of the PFUR Institute in Moscow

The institute, which has a large number of foreign students, is a well-known place, but the fire started in the dormitory (#6) of the institution, or more precisely in room 203, where Nigerians were living. The investigation has not yet determined what caused the fire.

But strangest of all, the students themselves decided to put out the fire. They failed. The firefighters were called 40 minutes later, but the fire was already raging everywhere.

The result: 44 dead, 182 injured, all students from different countries.

The investigation was short, the violations were evident, and so the management of the institute, including two vice-rectors, were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.

The building of the PFUR dormitory after the fire

Fire in a boarding school in Makhachkala

This tragedy, too, would not be called a mass fire in Russia. But the boarding school was for the deaf. There were 30 dead and 116 injured.

The reason was the electric kettle left on. The director of the boarding school and his deputy were brought to responsibility. But the court did not limit the freedom of those convicted. The sentence was suspended.

Fire in Minsk on January 3, 1946

On January 3, 1946, in the city of Minsk, which was then part of the USSR, there was a fire in the NKGB club, killing more than 100 people.

Large fires in the USSR in 1956-1961

In 1956 there was a fire in Krasny Yar (USSR) that killed 36 people, including 30 children.

November 5, 1961 in Elbarusovo (Mariinsko-Posadsky district of the Chuvash ASSR, then part of the USSR) there was one of the worst fires of the 20th century, in which 110 people were killed, including 106 children from three to 15 years old.

The first mention in the media of this tragedy was in the late 1990s, before that, during the Soviet period, the authorities were forbidden to talk about disasters with mass deaths.

This tragedy still freezes the souls of eyewitnesses and relatives of the children who died then. And the kids were only a few years old, a lot of first and second graders.

On that day there was a holiday concert, the desks in the wooden school were put up against the windows for the occasion, the entrances were closed. They were repairing a gasoline engine in one of the classrooms, the school principal got cold, decided to heat the stove, accidentally touched a can of gasoline, it spilled, in a second a fire broke out, engulfing the entire school. The wooden building exploded like a match, the first (as usual) to escape were the principal and the school management, no one cared about the children.

They tried to escape by climbing out the window, but the whole crowd rushed in and got stuck in the crush, and most died from the burns.

All were buried in a mass grave, and it was forbidden to speak about what had happened. Bulldozers razed the buried bodies to the ground, the streets of the village were deserted. 140 people died here during the entire war (the Great Patriotic War), and more than 100 children were lost in one day... In some families several children died. Later the school was rebuilt with bricks, and the first monument to the dead was unveiled only in 1994.

Major fires in the USSR in 1968-1972

On May 25, 1968 in Kirov (USSR), 35 people died (29 on the spot, 6 in the hospital) as a result of a fire at the Trudovye Resursy stadium.

In the summer of 1972 in the European part of the USSR as a result of forest and peat fires that arose against the backdrop of a dry summer, burned almost a million hectares of forests, 19 villages, killed 104 people.

Fire in the village of Machinists on September 20, 1980

September 20, 1980 in Samara region (USSR) due to a leak from a railway tank with liquefied gas in the village of Machinistov (according to the official version) and the resulting fire killed 41 people, about 200 people received various injuries.

Fire in Stalingrad, 1942

Fire in 1942 during the Battle of Stalingrad, when a Luftwaffe (German air force) air raid destroyed most of the city, killing 40,000 people, 60,000 wounded - is considered, despite the fact that the fire during the Battle of Stalingrad was a military disaster, the largest fire of the 20th century in Russia.

Fire in the village of Bologoye on February 20, 1911

February 20, 1911 in the village of Bologoye in the Russian Empire (then - in Nizhny Novgorod region, today - Tver) was a major fire in the cinema, or rather in Bologovsky cinematograph. 64 people died, of whom - 43 children. The cinema was in a wooden building.

It was Goodbye Sunday, people came with their families to the movie theater, and movies were shown with a movie camera and film. They even sold tickets for standing seats, and the theater was packed... because of careless handling of the movie camera, the film caught fire, and there were gasoline canisters, which exploded from the rapid spread of fire. In seconds the theater was engulfed in flames. The exit was blocked in advance to prevent stowaways, the windows had bars and shutters, meaning people simply could not get out of the firetrap.

They wrote about the incident in the newspapers and Ogonyok, a monument and a chapel were dedicated to the victims.

Fire in Syzran on July 5, 1906

At the beginning of the 20th century in Russia (then the Russian Empire), in Syzran July 5, 1906 there was a major fire which destroyed 5,500 homes, left more than 30,000 people homeless, over 100 people were killed.

School in Chuvashia - 110 dead

On November 5, 1961, a fire broke out in a school in the village of Elbarusovo, Maryinsk-Posad district of the Chuvash ASSR (now Chuvash Republic) during a concert on November 7, 1917 October Revolution Day. There was no separate assembly hall in the school; the wall between two classrooms was removed for the concert. Because of the overcrowding (230 preschool age children and students instead of the maximum allowed 115) all the emergency exits were blocked with desks and chairs.

Fire in the "Winter Cherry" shopping center in Kemerovo

It was a day off (March 25, 2018), so many people came to the center for recreational activities. Whole families came, many of whom couldn't leave the building.

The fire started at 1 p.m. Moscow time. The fire could not be put out for many hours until the roof structure collapsed. It turned out that the building was accepted for use with violations of fire safety. But even during its use few people paid attention to this system.

A criminal case was opened against five people. One of them was a CHOP employee who ran away as soon as he received the signal of the beginning of the fire. He also turned off the alarm system, so a large number of people never received any information. This man is now wanted.

But, as practice shows, the biggest fires aren't just started by tenants or property owners. Where did the inspection agencies look when they accepted Winter Cherry into service? Where did the fire department look? Why aren't they in charge?

In this fire 64 people died and 51 were injured.

Fire at the Rossiya Hotel

This tragedy took the lives of 42 people. 52 people were hospitalized with various degrees of burns and poisoning. 13 of them were members of the fire department. The most interesting thing is that several floors, floors 5, 11 and 12, located in the northern building were on fire simultaneously. The tragedy took place in 1977 in February on the 25th.

The fire expertise never found the cause of the fire. Or maybe they hid it. But the version was that the fire was caused by a soldering iron, which was forgotten to be disconnected in the technical room. Two people were convicted: the supervisor and the engineer of the weak current system.

Now about the most severe fires in Russia that have occurred recently.

Hotel "Russia" after the fire

Nursing Home in Krasnodar Krai - 63 dead

On March 20, 2007 in the village of Kamyshevatskaya (Krasnodar region), the Priazovye home for the elderly and disabled caught fire. 63 people died, 29 were injured, the fire area exceeded 1,000 square meters. The fire occurred due to careless handling of fire, people could not be evacuated because of the lack of alarm, warning systems, and protective equipment. In 2009 the Eisk city court found the former director of the home, Galina Korvel and her former deputy Yuri Bozhko guilty of violating fire safety rules and sentenced them to 3 years in prison

The building of the Department of Internal Affairs in Samara - 57 dead

On 10 February 1999, a fire broke out in Samara's main police station: according to the official version, an employee threw an unlit cigarette butt. The fire quickly spread through the wooden ceilings of the five-story 1936 building and completely destroyed it. The evacuation exits were locked, the department ignored earlier orders from the State Fire Supervision Service. Many of the people in the building were forced to jump out the windows. 57 people died and more than 200 received burns and injuries.

Conclusion on the topic

There are many reasons for this, but more often it is non-compliance with fire safety rules. Today the requirements to real estate in the country are becoming stricter, but tragedies happen even now. So an important part of making facilities safer is strict control by Gospozhnadzor.

Forest Fires in Russia: Statistics and Anti-Records

The area of forest fires in Siberia on July 29th makes up 1 million 603 thousand ha, 232 blazes were fixed. The most difficult situation is in Irkutsk region and Krasnoyarsk krai.

July 29, 2019 Siberian District Information Center reported that the area of forest fires in Siberia is currently 1 million 603 thousand hectares, 232 centers were recorded. The most difficult situation is noted in Irkutsk Region (137 fires) and Krasnoyarsk Territory (94). In total, according to the Federal Forestry Agency (Rosleskhoz), in Russia at the moment about 2.3 million hectares of forest is burning.

Basic information

Forests cover almost two-thirds of Russia's territory. The total area of forest lands, according to the Rosleskhoz, is 1 billion 146 million hectares. Every year in Russia is registered from 9 thousand to 35 thousand forest fires, covering areas from 500 thousand to 3.5 million ha. According to the Russian Emergencies Ministry and Rosleskhoz, only from early 1992 to late 2018 in Russia have registered about 635 thousand forest fires, that is affected forest lands.

The average annual loss from forest fires is about 20 billion rubles, of which 3 to 7 billion is damage to the forest industry (timber losses). The other losses are the costs of suppression and subsequent clearing of burnt areas, damage from animal deaths, pollution by combustion products, costs of forest restoration, etc. Forest fires in Russia usually start in April and last until October.

Forest fires are divided into ground fires, top fires and peat fires. Ground fires make up about 90% of the total number of forest fires. They burn the lower parts of trees, grass, dead wood, undergrowth, protruding roots. The speed of spread of a ground fire is 2.5-3.0 m/min. Ground fires are characterized by the rapid advance of the fire through the tree crowns in strong winds. The speed of top fires sometimes reaches 400-500 m/min. Ground fires occur in areas of peat. The spread of such fire is several meters in the day.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the vast majority of forest fires are caused by human error: for example, due to unextinguished cigarettes, improperly lit fires, spring grass fall on forest land or sparks from road or rail transport. On rare occasions, fires are caused by lightning strikes.

As a rule, most forest fires are registered in the taiga, far from populated areas. Such natural disasters get a great public response when the fire gets close to populated areas or when the smog from fires spreads over a wide area, covering large agglomerations.

Fire records in Russia

The year 2002 was record-breaking in the number of forest fires: 43,418 blazes were recorded. The area of forest land covered by fires exceeded 1,369,000 ha. All eight federal districts of Russia were involved in the fire. The total damage was 1 billion 471 million rubles.

The greatest damage was caused by natural fires in 2010, which affected the entire territory of the European part of the country. 34,812 fires were fixed with a total area of about 2 million hectares, including more than 1 thousand peat fires. According to the Russian Emergencies Ministry, fires and resulting smog affected 17 regions, more than 2.5 thousand families were left homeless, over 60 people died in the fire and from poisoning by combustion products, the damage was estimated at 85.5 billion rubles.

The largest area of fires in the modern history of Russia was observed in 2018. According to "Avialesokhrana", the fire covered 8 million 674 thousand hectares (2.5 times more than in 2017), the number of centers was 12 thousand 121. In addition, according to the Accounting Chamber of Russia, the damage from fires was 20% less than in 2017 and was 20 billion rubles. About 90% all fires fell on the Amur region, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk and Zabaikalsky regions, Jewish Autonomous Region. According to the Ministry of Emergencies, the area of potential impact of natural fires fell over 7.5 thousand settlements

10 largest fires in the history of mankind

Primitive people were able to tame fire, it began to warm their homes, food became tasty and varied, the flames of fire deterred predatory animals from caves and homes, but with the first steps toward civilization, fire began to take over people.

Most often it was people who caused the worst fires. This happened during wars and revolutions. The flames destroyed entire cities, cultural monuments and other objects. Thousands of people died, crops were destroyed, famine began. It took more than a year to recover.

A terrible fire in Paris on the night of April 15 to 16, 2019, destroyed the greatest building built back in the 12th century - the world-famous Notre Dame de Paris, aka Notre Dame de Paris. People were in tears watching the news, where they showed a video of the great cathedral, described back in the novel by Victor Hugo, blazing with fire.

Notre Dame de Paris has survived many revolutions and uprisings, the Hundred Years' War, the two World Wars. Statues, frescoes, mosaics and other valuables have been damaged and burned.

In the history of mankind, other cultural objects, architectural masterpieces of world proportions, entire cities and villages have also perished.

In this article we will tell about the 10 most terrible and largest fires of our planet, according to the author of the material, which had both man-made and natural origin, and caused enormous damage to countries and peoples. We decided to keep the principle of chronology, and will tell about the largest fires in the order in which they occurred.

The Great Fire of Rome, 64

Nero looks at burning Rome (Karl Theodor von Piloti, 1861)

In 64 A.D., the Emperor of Rome was Nero, a cruel ruler who loved to sing and made all the Romans listen to his songs. He was also famous for plundering at night and torturing Christians with his cronies.

One July night in '64 a fire broke out in Rome, which some scholars regard as an accident. The emperor himself blamed it on the Christians, who had set fire to the city for their hatred of the governor. The citizens themselves whispered that a mad tyrant ruler had set fire to the main city of the empire.

Nero that night, July 19, 64, watched with joyful face from the balcony as the most beautiful city at that time burned, and many people saw it. The emperor not only watched the terrible spectacle, but sang songs at the time.

Primary sources on the history of the Roman fire of that period have not survived, so its cause is still unclear. The scale of the disaster was catastrophic. The fire burned for 6 days, a strong wind carried the flames throughout the city and destroyed it completely on seven hills.

After the fire, all the blame fell on the unfortunate Christians, who were punished in public and their bodies were left for all to see on crucified crosses. The Christians at that time were adherents of a young, newly emerging religion, and were severely persecuted by the authorities of Rome.

Fires in Amsterdam, 1421 and 1452

Fires in Amsterdam

In the fifteenth century, almost all the buildings in Amsterdam were wooden. It was a terrible century in the history of the European city: in a century there were as many as two fires. One generation of Amsterdamers survived the horrors of the "great fire" in 1421, but their children and grandchildren also felt the fear of an even greater disaster.

A fire in 1452 destroyed three-quarters of the buildings, leaving people homeless and in poverty. The Amsterdam tragedy forced the authorities to sign an edict that only the front and back of the house should have wooden elements in the buildings.

The Great Fire in London, 1666

London fire on the evening of September 4, 1666 (painting by an unknown artist)

The owner of a London bakery, T. Farriner, noticed fire in his bakery in the middle of the night on September 2, 1666. In those years, to prevent the spread of flames, buildings in the vicinity of the fire were destroyed, but in 1666 the London authorities did not take this step, as a result, by the morning of September 3 the flames had spread from Padding Lane (where the fire began) to the northern part of the city, which burned almost entirely.

Migrants were named as the perpetrator of the disaster; some people believed that foreigners, presumably Dutch or French, had committed the arson. Both countries were enemies of England in the Second Anglo-Dutch War going on at the time.

The city had to be rebuilt practically from scratch. The fire also helped get rid of the Great Plague, which had been raging in London since 1665.

The City of Stone

The Great Fire of London raged for four days and left 100,000 people homeless

When a fire broke out in Thomas Farriner's bakery on Pudding Lane in the early morning hours of September 2, 1666, no one could have imagined the devastation it would cause.

In a city where open flames were used for both lighting and heating, fires were commonplace.

So familiar, in fact, that the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Sir Thomas Bladworth, seeing the flames burning out of the window, yawned and went to sleep.

But a fateful set of circumstances: high winds, cramped buildings, and too warm weather (which caused the wooden beams used to build the houses to dry out thoroughly and catch fire like matches) caused the area along the Thames, more than two kilometers long, to burn out completely.

The old buildings on Putting Lane loomed over each other like these surviving old houses in York

But that's what made it possible to completely rebuild the city.

King Charles II issued a special decree forbidding the development of the burned area until a general master plan was approved.

And in 1667 the Building Law was enacted, in which the authorities tried to eliminate the risks of similar disasters in the future.

For example, the upper floors could no longer overhang the street and had to fit strictly within the dimensions of the lower floors.

Hanging ads were banned after the fire and replaced with flat signs like this

But most importantly, the building material changed as well. The law said that no one could erect a house or building that was built out of materials other than brick or stone.

The treatment of violators was simple: buildings that did not comply with fire safety regulations were simply demolished to the very foundations.

Water pipes of the 17th century were made of wood

The second problem was that before 1666 not only houses were built of wood, but also water pipes were made. After the fire, the plumbing network of the English capital was also completely destroyed.

When a fire broke out, the townspeople tried to put it out with tap water, but it was impossible to take water from the taps without blocking the pipe. The cramped construction made it almost impossible to get to the river.

Desperate townspeople broke water pipes to get to water, but most of the water leaked into the ground, and that didn't stop the fire.

After the fire, it became clear that something had to be done about the water system. As a result, London was almost the first European capital city to have a system of fire hydrants.

In 1668 the Lord Mayor of the City issued an edict stating that "water posts should be placed in the most convenient places in each street, and all the inhabitants should be notified, so that the disorderly destruction of the pipes could be avoided.

New St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral today: London's jewel and center of tourism

No one disputes that St. Paul's Cathedral as it stands today is one of London's most famous buildings, but in 1666 it looked quite different.

The medieval cathedral, more than 500 years old in the year of the fire, was quietly deteriorating. To be honest, it was in such disrepair that Oliver Cromwell's troops used it as a stable during the Revolution.

This engraving depicts the old St. Paul's Cathedral, built in 1087

The architect Sir Christopher Wren was, just before the fire, engaged in a project to renovate the medieval cathedral. In particular, he proposed cladding all the walls with limestone, the so-called Portland stone, and replacing the existing tower with a dome.

The old cathedral was ruined by the fact that, first, it was very old indeed, and second, it was falling apart before our eyes, so the sagging walls were propped up by strong logs.

The wind blew burning splinters onto the wooden roof of the cathedral, which immediately caught fire, and the wooden supports gave the fire additional strength.

The complete destruction of the cathedral was also aided by the locals, who for some reason decided that St. Paul's Cathedral was in no danger, so they filled the entire courtyard with wooden furniture, which towered along the walls in several rows.

The local paper and writing supply guild filled the entire basement with paper and books, then closed and sealed the doors to prevent anyone from stealing the valuable goods. Can you imagine the fire raging in the crypt when the burning roof collapsed there!

According to eyewitnesses, the temperature in the burning cathedral was so high that the stone sculptures were bursting like grenades.

The publicist John Evelyn later wrote of this time in his diary: molten lead flowed down the streets in torrents from the roofs, and even the sidewalks were red-hot.

This is what the north courtyard of the cathedral might have looked like before the fire

The fire meant that Wren was given the opportunity to completely rebuild the cathedral. It must be admitted, however, that he was not overly concerned with preserving what could still be saved.

Despite his great love of mathematical precision and symmetry, Wren moved the building slightly to the west to get away from the old foundation. Wren didn't trust the old foundation.

It was also the first cathedral built in Protestant England, and the architect tried to get as far away from Catholic architectural canons as possible.

The stone column from the old cathedral is still standing, but its color has been completely changed by the fire

It is unlikely that the medieval St. Paul's Cathedral would have survived much longer, but the fire allowed Wren to fully realize his vision for London's new cathedral.

Engraved on the architect's tombstone in St. Paul's Cathedral is the Latin dictum: "If you're looking for what his life was remembered for, look back!"

And other famous buildings

Christopher Wren built this column in memory of the Great Fire - Monument

Five architects, including Christopher Wren, presented five detailed plans for how to rebuild the City.

It was almost impossible to fully implement them because most homeowners still owned the land on which the burned houses stood, and were not going to part with it for nothing.

In all, Wren was responsible in varying degrees for the rebuilding of 52 churches, 36 shop corporation buildings, and the column commemorating the Great Fire, the Monument.

The birth of the insurance business

One of the first insurance policies signed by Nicholas Barbon

The fire destroyed more than 13,000 homes, and yet insurance did not exist at that time.

The authorities even created a special "Fire Court," which dealt with disputes about who owned what property and who should pay for the reconstruction. It had enough work for a decade.

Physician Nicholas Barbon was able to seize the opportunity and founded the first insurance company - "The Fire Office" in 1667.

His company even maintained its own fire brigade, which came to the aid of those who had insured their property with the Fire Company.

Policy holders were given special signs that were hung on the walls of houses so that firefighters would know which building to save first.

The example of Barbon was not slow to take advantage of other entrepreneurs. So, for example, in 1710 was founded by the firm Sun Fire Office, which exists to this day and is the oldest insurance company in the world.

The Association of British Insurers believes that the Great Fire led to the creation of the insurance industry in its modern form.

Fire departments

This leather fireman's bucket is preserved from 1666.

In 1666 there were no fire brigades, no hydrants, and no protective clothing in London. Every parish church kept leather buckets and fire hooks in case of fire.

There is a record in the archives that on the eve of the Great Fire, 36 buckets and one ladder were stored in St Botolph's Church in Billingsgate, less than a mile from Pudding Lane. Clearly, this modest equipment had no effect on extinguishing the fire.

The seventeenth-century fire engine was a rather primitive device

The first fire engines were large barrels on wheels, which gave out about three liters of water for each movement of the pump handle. They were difficult to get to the place, and in general, you could not count on their help.

After the fire, new rules were introduced requiring each parish to have two fire pumps, leather buckets, and other firefighting equipment.

The new rules required all homeowners to keep open access to the Thames to avoid water shortages.

The process culminated in the creation of the London Fire Brigade, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary this year.

Copenhagen Fire, 1728

 

Map of Copenhagen by Joachim Hassing, 1728 (burned houses in yellow)

For three whole days in October 1728 a fire raged in the Danish city of Copenhagen. It was the largest fire in Danish history. Unfortunately, the flames destroyed many historical and cultural monuments. Museum pieces, valuable archival documents, ancient ceramics, priceless copies of books and many other antiquities that would now delight history buffs were destroyed.

The townspeople then lost half of their property and most of them were left homeless, almost all the buildings were beyond repair and were demolished.

The Great Fire in New York, 1776

 

A drawing by an artist of the time, published in 1776

In 1776, there was no independent U.S. state. America was a British colony, and Americans were fighting a just war of independence against European colonizers. In the summer of 1776, the British were already in New York. Suddenly some of the revolutionary officers had the idea that instead of fighting against the British they should burn the city down along with the colonizers sitting there.

Most American commanders rejected the idea, but a week later the city did catch fire. The fire started in a New York City café, with the wind rushing from one building to another, burning nearly 500 homes and killing many occupants. Revolutionary army officers had already left the city by that time.

Catastrophe at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, 1986

Duration: 24 hours of fire, 3 months of high level radiation

It is one of the bloodiest fires in the history of the planet. It happened on a few square meters, and it destroyed thousands... thousands of kilometers, cubic meters of air, people, animals, and even thousands of technical machines.

The spring of 1986 was fateful: there was an explosion at unit 4 of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Gas burned and metal melted. Inhaling radiation fumes burned internal organs, any contact with the walls of the plant damaged clothing and caused skin to fall off. Living corpses are more than an oxymoron. It is true.

In the spring of 2019, the sensational film "Chernobyl" was released: 5 episodes of brutal truth. The perpetrators were denounced, the chronology of actions was restored, the real consequences were revealed. It is a firestorm that shows what rash actions, following hubris and lust for power can lead to. Soviet officials could have prevented this explosion, could have saved lives and fates, could have changed the course of destiny.

Damage Dozens of dead, hundreds irradiated. At this point, the nuclear power plants have been redesigned.

Fire at Notre Dame de Paris

Duration: more than 10-15 hours.

"- ...higher than the famous Notre Dame de Paris, which translates as 'Notre Dame de Paris'.
- What mother?
- of Paris...Mother God..."

Quote from the movie "Operation Y and Other Adventures of Shurik", remember? Now that building is definitely taller than the Cathedral.

A powerful fire engulfed Notre Dame de Paris in the spring of 2019, and that's when the hearts of those who cared shook. Instagram is full of photos of those who had a chance to look at the landmark live. The words of sorrow and regret are everywhere.

For several years, the cathedral was under restoration and was wrapped in wooden scaffolding, which spread the flames. For dozens of minutes the fire curbed the bells, disfigured the stained glass windows, bells and frescoes. Tourists "wait out" the restoration of the Cathedral, because how to come to Paris, and not capture the main attraction?

All the forces of France are thrown into the restoration of the historic landmark of the city.

DamageThe roof of the cathedral was burned, the spire collapsed, and the icons and interior decorations were damaged.

Copenhagen (1728)

A larger fire occurred in Copenhagen, which raged for almost three days. In the end, one of the most beautiful cities in Denmark was almost completely destroyed. This fire was the largest in the history of the country, because it not only left 20% residents without a home, but also destroyed the cultural heritage of Copenhagen. The fire caused irreparable damage to both the architecture of the city and the historical documents.

Fire in aircraft L-1011

Duration: 40 minutes

Is there anything scarier than a fire at altitude? There are many known cases of fires on board airplanes, and they have been occurring more frequently lately. But the worst stain in aviation history was the fire in airplane L-1011.

L-1011 flew out of Riyard after refueling, and nothing foretold trouble. But just minutes later, 301 people were burned alive. According to recovered data, the fire broke out in the cargo compartment and was seen by flight attendants. The pilots managed to land the ship, but evacuation has not begun.

No one on board left the plane. When the rescue service arrived, there was no one to help. The whole plane was engulfed in fire and smoke. Hundreds of dead, thousands of mourners and a century of pain for aviation. What happened during the minutes of landing in the plane will remain unknown forever.

Damage301 people died.

Moscow Fire, 1812

The Moscow Fire of 1812 (painting by Francesco Vendramini)

The Russian Empire in 1812 waged a war of liberation against the "Grand Army" of Napoleon. In June 1812 the French emperor and his army brazenly attacked Russia and the war took on a domestic character for the Russians. Napoleon's defeat at the famous Battle of Borodino prompted the conquering commander to seize Moscow, one of the two main Russian cities at the time.

To Napoleon's surprise, his army entered the city easily and without resistance. At first there was a small fire in Moscow, which grew into a huge one. Historical scholarship does not yet know on whose initiative such a disaster occurred. Some believe that the Russians themselves burned the city so that the enemy froze there, starved, felt ill and eventually left the country. By the way, this is what happened: the French began to freeze in Moscow, food and fuel began to run out, epidemics began.

Other historians blame the French soldiers who negligently or deliberately set fire to a number of buildings, as a result of which the wooden Moscow caught fire very quickly and the fire quickly spread to other building sites. The fire killed at least 12,000 people and also caused damage to the Russian economy, as 75 % of Russian capital was burned in the flames.

The Great Fire in Chicago, 1871

The Great Chicago Fire

The Great Chicago Fire lasted from October 8 to October 10, 1871. It started when a little cow overturned a kerosene lamp in one of the barns with her paws. The wooden structure caught fire and tragedy ensued. The number of fire victims is still not exactly known, but at least three hundred.

The slow spread of the fire through Chicago caused most of the wooden structures to burn to the ground, leaving more than ninety thousand people homeless. Incidentally, some historians believe that the barn caught fire not because of a pet but because of a smoker and the ash from his cigarette.

The Great Fire in Boston, 1872

The Great Fire in Boston

This is the worst fire in the history of the American city of Boston. In 1872 the city was engulfed in flames. Office buildings, stores, markets, and citizens' homes burst into flames. The city's economy was severely damaged. 20 people died and thousands were out of work. The property damage was so enormous that this fire is considered the most expensive in American history.

San Francisco Fire, 1906

San Francisco after the earthquake

In April 1906, in the American city of San Francisco there was the worst earthquake in U.S. history. Because of this natural cataclysm in the city there was a major fire. Everything was complicated by the death of the chief firefighter living in the city, who thanks to his great experience knew how to properly lead the work of extinguishing fires.

After the accident, the firefighters, without a leader and with very little funding, were unable to cope with the elements. The flames from the earthquake engulfed all the homes of the citizens. The firefighters lacked the necessary equipment to extinguish the fire.

Soon the city quickly recovered from the catastrophe. New buildings began to be constructed, and ten years later there were no more reminders of the recent apocalypse.

Fire in Tokyo, 1923

Consequences of the 1923 Tokyo earthquake and fire

In 1923 in the Japanese city of Tokyo there was a major earthquake. The catastrophe, caused by the forces of nature, led to many pockets of fire in the city. The fire and the consequences of the earthquake were the worst in Japanese history. 38 thousand people were killed in the fire, and all victims of natural disasters in 1923 were 142 thousand Japanese people.

The largest forest fires in the world

USA, 1871

A painting by Michael Kishner illustrating the fire of 1871

A fire in a forest near Chicago is called mystical, the result of an unexplained natural phenomenon. First there was a rumble in the sky, and moments later, according to witnesses, fire began to fall directly from above. The firestorm instantly engulfed not only the forest, but also nearby settlements.

In just an hour and a half almost the entire area around the forest was burned out. The death toll could not be accurately determined because there were Indians living in the area, who were not part of the census.

Indonesia, 1997-1998

 

More than 2 million hectares of forest were destroyed by fires on the Indonesian islands of Kalimantan and Sumatra. The fires remained burning for eight months from August 1997 to March 1998 because farmers deliberately burned the land to make it available for planting.

Some 240 Indonesians died from carbon monoxide, and at least 300 more were victims of air, sea and river accidents due to low visibility.

Australia, 1983

 

The Ash Wednesday Fires were the name given to the series of fires that broke out in Australia in 1983. 186 wildfires were recorded in a half day in two states, destroying four thousand buildings, leaving three thousand people homeless and killing 75 people, 17 of whom were firefighters.

Greece, 2007

During the entire summer, from June to September 2007, the Greek authorities were unable to subdue the elements. Because of the abnormal heat the situation got out of control. 84 people were killed and more than 270,000 hectares of forest were destroyed as a result of the fires.

Israel, 2010

More than five thousand hectares of protected area were destroyed by a fire in Israel in 2010 during a severe drought. Five million trees and 250 cottages were burned. 44 people were killed, 39 of them cadets who were surrounded by fire in a bus.

Portugal, 2017

Near Lisbon in June 2017, a major forest fire broke out, killing 66 people and injuring 200 more.

USA, 2017

About a year ago, also in the state of California, wildfires almost completely destroyed the Kofi Park area in the city of Santa Rosa, as well as several nearby communities. 44 people were killed, about 100,000 were evacuated. The total area of the fire was more than 99,000 hectares.

Overview of planetariums in Russia

Nothing can enchant a person like the starry sky, but bright signs, flashing billboards, lit streets do not allow the inhabitants of cities and towns to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. To help you enjoy it, together with the 2GIS information service we have prepared a list of planetariums and observatories in major cities of the country Masha Guseva

Great Planetarium of Moscow

Planetarium with an 85-year history and the largest screen dome in Europe. The Great Planetarium of Moscow was the thirteenth in the world. All planetariums in Russia began their work with its direct participation. The planetarium has also contributed greatly to the development of Russian cosmonautics. The Great Planetarium of Moscow has two observatory towers - large and small. In the interactive museum "Lunarium" visitors can conduct real scientific experiments, and in the museum "Urania" - see the oldest astronomical instruments and even touch the real

Online tours of the Moscow Planetarium

The Virtual Planetarium is a large project that allows you to get acquainted with the exposition online and, most importantly, to watch and listen to the best lectures about space, as well as learn the entire history of the Moscow Planetarium.

Videos are available on the official YouTube channel of the Moscow Planetarium:

• Moscow Planetarium: For 90 years we have been lighting the stars
• Playlist with excursions
• Scientist's Tribune Project Lecture Series

However, the planetarium's online educational activities are not limited to the YouTube channel; the official website even has a dedicated section dedicated to all open-access projects:

Schedule of sessions at the Moscow Planetarium

You can watch informative films about space in the planetarium from Wednesday to Monday. The day off is Tuesday.

The poster is always varied, and there are many sessions throughout the day.

Prices in the planetarium in Moscow in 2020

• Great Hall of Stars and the Uranium Museum - on weekdays from 550 rubles, on weekends / holidays - from 600 rubles;
• Lunarium - 450 rubles / weekdays, 500 rubles / weekends (can be paid by card "Troika");
• Small Hall of Stars - 100/200 rubles;
• Grand Observatory - 250 rubles/weekdays, 300 rubles/weekends;
• Astroplatform "Park of the Sky" - 100 rubles;
• Theater of fascinating science - 600 rubles.

Full price - on the official website of the Moscow Planetarium.

Hotels near the Moscow Planetarium

Apartment at Krasnaya Presnya from 2 900 rub	GMApartments Stalin's Skyscrapper with samovar from 4 500 rubles	Guest House on Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya Alisa from 4 500 rubles
GMApartments in Stalin's Skyscrapper from 4,410 rubles	Hostel Astra on the Arbat from 585 rubles	Karol Apart Zoo from 3 500 rub

Tickets

The sale of tickets to the Moscow Planetarium begins 7 days in advance - for sessions, museums and other venues, and 1 month in advance - for concerts and custom events.

Ticket offices are open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Electronic tickets are also available on the official website:

Exposition

The scientific complex has modern equipped halls and exhibition areas with expositions, it has thematic museums. There are four levels in the building, including the lower - underground.

Small Star Hall

The Children's Hall, has a domed screen for showing popular science films and is often used to produce its own films. It is located on the lower (underground) level of the planetarium.

Lunarium Museum

An interactive children's museum with interesting physics and astronomy exhibits on the lower level and an exhibition on the history of space exploration on the first level of the building.

Urania Museum

Includes two halls - on the first and second levels. In the first hall one can see successively developing instruments and equipment for cognition of the Universe, including instruments for navigating by stars. There is also an exhibition devoted exclusively to the history of the Moscow Planetarium: books, photographs and some equipment (legendary Planetarium apparatuses #13 and #313). An exhibition of meteorites, globes and a model of the solar system is in the second hall of the Uranium Museum.

Observatories of the Moscow Planetarium

The largest telescope in Moscow available to visitors is in the Large Observatory, with a diameter of 300 mm. The Small Observatory has a 400-mm telescope for research work.

"Park the Sky."

An open-air astronomical site with several instruments: astronomy (classical, ancient and telescopic), sundials, globes and other exhibits that once had practical significance.

The Great Hall of Stars

Located on the last, third level, directly under the dome, its projector allows you to see more than 9 thousand celestial bodies and their movement across the sky. Like in the Small Hall, 4D film screenings are held here.

Fascinating Science Theater "Visiting the Stargazer"

One of the Moscow Planetarium's new projects. Interactive children's programs are designed for children of different ages, individual and group applications are accepted.

Also in the building there is a photo studio, a souvenir store "MKS". A map of the planetarium can be seen on the official website.

Planetarium of the Cultural Center of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

The planetarium is located in the center of Moscow and is a monument of architecture of the 18th century - the city manor "Catherine Palace" with a magnificent park. The planetarium was founded on the basis of the Frunze Cultural Center of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The apparatus installed in the planetarium allows to observe various celestial phenomena: a meteor shower, solar and lunar eclipses. During sessions on the dome of the Star Hall one can see a star sky, various planets and comets. During the year the planetarium hosts performances of the leading astronomers of the country

B. A. Maksimachev Planetarium (mobile planetarium)

Sessions are held every Saturday and Sunday at the Cosmonautics Memorial Museum. The planetarium can also come to any place and time that is convenient. Lecturers will introduce the basics of astronomy, help take a virtual walk through the sky under the dome of the mobile planetarium, show the starry sky at different latitudes. The offer is especially relevant for students of educational institutions of Moscow and the Moscow region. Without leaving the walls of their native school, children can travel into space. Educational programs and popular science films are shown in

St. Petersburg Planetarium

The Planetarium was founded in 1959. In the Stellar Hall of the Planetarium one can observe the most important astronomical phenomena: starry sky of the Earth, daily motion of the sky, movement of the Sun and planets, nebulae and star clusters, the Milky Way. In the hall "Space travel" one can become a crew member of a spaceship and make an exciting flight around the Solar System. The hall "Planet" will tell everything about home - about planet Earth, about the birth of life on Earth, and about those who live there. The laboratory of amusing experiments allows to spend

Main Pulkovskaya Astronomical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The famous observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences was founded in 1839 by order of Emperor Nicholas I. The observatory houses the Museum of Astronomy, where one can trace the history of Russian astronomy in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Pulkovo Observatory is a World Heritage Site and is protected by UNESCO. During the tour visitors can see the main instruments in operation - the 26" refractor telescope, the Grand Pulkovo Radio Telescope, the Solar Telescope and the park.

See the stars in Novosibirsk, Volgograd, Yekaterinburg and more

Children and Youth Center "Planetarium"

The planetarium's history dates back to 2006 and includes the largest astrophysical center in the Asian part of Russia, a park and the Foucault Tower. The planetarium building itself is two-story with a film studio on the first floor and a second floor with a 16-meter dome for 114 seats. The 7-degree tilt of the dome makes the projected image as realistic as possible. A visit to the Planetarium includes an overview tour, a short astronomic lecture, a full-dome movie showing and a visit to the Foucault Tower.

Spherical Cinema

Spherical full-dome cinema is not just a map of the starry sky, it is a full-fledged cinema, in which the image with the help of special projectors is displayed on the dome with a 360 degree view. So, the knowledge of the sky goes with a strong immersive effect. The films are specially created by the Spherical Cinema Society, they are a mix of educational films and entertainment show. The ticket price is 200 rubles.

Volgograd Planetarium

The Volgograd Planetarium opened its doors in 1954. One of the largest planetariums in Russia, it is among the eight best in the world. The Planetarium has its own Astronomical Observatory, whose dome rotates in any direction you want. With the telescope installed there you can observe the Sun, the Moon with its craters, mountains and seas. In the evening you can see planets, stars, comets, star clusters and nearby galaxies. The Planetarium has the Altsiya Astronomy Club, where school children can work with the

Krasnoyarsk Planetarium

A visit to the planetarium in Krasnoyarsk consists of a tour of the Museum of Rocket and Space Technology and a film projected on the dome. Now the planetarium offers four films for viewing. "Astronomy" tells about the basics of science, its formation, history and major milestones. You will learn about the location of stars in the sky, the structure of the constellations, the Zodiac, the structure of the solar system, the discoveries of great scientists. "Two glasses" tells about telescopes, the specifics of their work and history of creation. The film "In search of the edge of the solar system" is about the research

Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium

The planetarium was founded in 1948. An interesting fact is that in 2007 a space simulator for docking the Soyuz-TMA spaceship with the International Space Station was installed here. The visualization system installed in the planetarium, which actually projects the starry sky on the dome of the building, is the first and only domestic development of its kind. The new planetarium building allows for over 50 thousand visitors annually and 1300 events. In addition to lectures on astronomy and optional programs for students of secondary schools

A planetarium with the world's largest dome opened in St. Petersburg

The new planetarium's star hall in the historic gasometer building welcomed its first guests Friday night, surpassing the diameter of the dome of the planetarium in Nagoya, Japan, which was considered the largest in the world.

The building of the largest gas holder in Russia on the embankment of Obvodny Channel was built more than a century and a half ago to store gas, which was used for lighting the city streets. The area of the whole complex after restoration is 4 thousand square meters and allows to combine a star hall, a museum with space exhibits, interactive halls with virtual reality, educational classrooms and an observatory.

Prices

At the moment the rates are as follows:

Adult ticket - 550 rubles

For students - 400 rubles

Veterans and their companions, as well as children under three years - free of charge.

The working mode of the institution is from 10:00 to 22:00. This is a technical mode. The management believes that the completion of construction work and the formation of the finished complex should be carried out in front of people.

The building

The building where the new planetarium is housed was formerly a gas holder (gas storage). The gas was used to light the streets of the city more than 150 years ago. The total area of the complex after it was restored is equal to 4000 sq. m.

Such a scale made it possible to place everything necessary on the territory - an observatory, classrooms, a star hall, a space museum, as well as rooms where you can try interactive attractions with virtual reality.

On the opening day

Several hundred guests gathered for the opening of this incredible spectacle, and there was even a line of curious people at the entrance. They were greeted by a talking robot, which caused genuine excitement not only among children, but also among adults.

Among the guests of honor were Andrei Borisenko, cosmonaut and Hero of Russia, as well as Governor Georgy Poltavchenko. Poltavchenko believes that the opening of such a large institution is another significant step in the development of the creative industry in the city.

And Andrei Borisenko noted that it would be nice to see the starry sky at any time in the cloudy St. Petersburg weather.

The initiator of the construction, Evgeny Gudov, says that the planetarium will use the most modern high technology. The creators have invested all their creativity and knowledge in this project. As for the financial investment, 380 million rubles have been invested so far.

After the ceremony, visitors were shown short videos on the reconstruction of the building and the history of astronautics, with images projected directly onto the dome.

Eugene Gudov about the development of the project

The chief ideologist described how he and his team traveled to different countries around the world and visited planetariums there to highlight the best points for creating the perfect complex.

He assures that in terms of technical characteristics, the Russians surpassed all foreign competitors. Great attention was paid to the content, so that it would look good on the dome. The dome itself is assembled from aluminum plates.

It was also important to intrigue every visitor, both adults and children. The program should not be boring so that it makes you want to sleep. So the best studios in Russia work on the creation of scenes.

Also, the creators organized a collaboration with NVidia, which has agreed to supply for the planetarium powerful video cards Quadro P6000, capable of not only playback video in 16K, but also to make calculations of the sky for training programs.

The complex was also strongly sponsored by Lumiere Hall, a well-known creative space in Moscow that specializes in contemporary art.

How did the idea to build a planetarium on the Obvodny Island come about?

I first got into this gas holder in the summer of 2015. The first thought I had was to build a planetarium here. I measured the diameter and realized that the largest in the world would fit here. While I was thinking about it, I held exhibitions of "living canvases" by Van Gogh and Aivazovsky here [in December 2015]. Then I decided to do [the planetarium]: then our company began to prepare technically and work out the possibilities.

Around the same time, I decided that the planetarium was not all that would be on the grounds of the gasometer. The neighboring buildings - so it is planned now - will become a science and technology complex with a star hall, a museum with space exhibits, interactive halls with virtual reality, educational classrooms and an observatory. Some of them will appear already by November, some will be completed a little later. The final refinements will continue until the end of 2018.

The planetarium building from the other side of the Obvodny Canal.
Planetarium building.

The planetarium layout

The projection dome is 37 meters in diameter, two meters larger than the previous record holder, located in Japan. To transmit images to it, the hall is equipped with four dozen projectors. The image resolution exceeds 256,000,000 pixels. According to the creators, this is done for maximum immersion in the space of space.

In the center of the star room there are two interactive tables, which are very popular with children. They show a map of the starry sky, complete with three-dimensional constellations of the two hemispheres. You can click on any star and find out what it is called.

On the first floor are models of spaceships, including the famous "Soyuz" station and the fantastic "Death Star" from Star Wars. The collection is planned to replenish, already ordered models of many famous ships.

How the planetarium will develop

We don't have the goal of getting as many kids through the planetarium as possible so that they all go into astronomy. We just want them to be interested in technology and think about choosing a technical or scientific profession. Now Russia needs engineers, developers and programmers to grow and gain success on the international stage.

We already have two lectures a month. We invite famous St. Petersburg scientists to them. One of the first lectures will be given by a scientist who supervises the development of the school astronomy program. We will have specialists from both Russian and international planetariums.

Although we don't have any lofty ambitions. We make a planetarium just for fun. We want to, we like, we can, and we do. It's all for ourselves: it's nice to be in the building, we're fans of our work. We want to share that. And if you do it for yourself, others should like it, too.

What money is being used to build the project and who is helping the planetarium?

There are no sponsors - we do everything ourselves. We are not a state project - no one offered us money, although it would have been great. I myself invested 380 million rubles in the project. One-third of the money was credit, the rest we earned from other projects.

Only the Investment Committee provided us with an employee who accompanies us to all the other committees where we went and still go to coordinate the construction and opening of the planetarium.

We won't start working with travel agencies until the season is over. In November, the program will be in Russian only, and the English version will not appear until the new year. By summer, I hope, we'll add titles in other languages.

If they start redirecting schoolchildren to us to study astronomy (Georgy Poltavchenko, governor of St. Petersburg, recommending the Investment Council to support the planetarium project, said that schoolchildren should have the opportunity to study astronomy - ed. "Papers."), it will be great. Schoolchildren will pay for the tours, and we will show them, tell them, and surprise them.

Although the money received from schoolchildren will still go into the project. We'll use it to build something new or complete something old.

The projection dome is not ready yet.

Exhibition in the planetarium building in honor of the heroes of space.
Exhibition in the planetarium building in honor of the heroes of space.

How the project will differ from the planetariums at Gorkovskaya and the Lakhta Center

We don't actually have three planetariums in town. There are mobile ones that inflate and roll out in schools. We won't compete with all of them - we'll just have unique content.

Moreover, the planetarium at Gorkovskaya, which has a diameter of 16 meters, and the planetarium at the Lakhta Center, which has a diameter of 15 meters, will be regional because of their size. We will become a federal facility, a tourist attraction.

We worked on our content specifically for the planetarium, which will be the largest in the world.

Blueprints of the projection dome.

Plans

A variety of content is planned so that people of all ages will be interested in the planetarium. There will be screenings of children's films about space in the morning. In late January 2018, the laboratory will be opened, and in another 4-5 months, the lectures and observatory. The entire complex will be completed tentatively by September 2018.

Also in the future it will be made independent in terms of electricity - several wind generators will be installed to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity.

The dome is not yet complete, but that will be fixed very soon. A nice bonus - with tickets purchased at the moment, you can go twice more.

Next to the main building will be built an aircraft modeling club, several exhibition halls, a robotics workshop and viewing platform, as well as several additional classrooms for lectures.

Starry sky in a cloudy city

Astronomers discovered an asteroid belt near the nearest starThe opening ceremony of the star hall with the largest projection dome attracted hundreds of visitors, and even at the entrance there was a line of those wishing to attend. The guests were greeted by a talking robot, with which not only children but also adults were happy to talk and take pictures.

Governor of St. Petersburg Georgy Poltavchenko and Hero of Russia, pilot-cosmonaut Andrey Borisenko were the honorary participants of the ceremony.

"This is not only a new venue where St. Petersburgers and guests of the city can study the starry sky and get the necessary information, but also the largest planetarium in the world," said the governor.

Scientists told why the first dog flew into space LaikaAccording to his assessment, the opening of the planetarium will be another step in the development of the so-called "gray belt" of St. Petersburg and a good example of investment project in the creative industries. According to the mayor, the implementation of this project corresponds to a new trend in the development of public space in the former industrial areas.

Project initiator Evgeny Gudov said that the new planetarium will be one of the most high-tech: "We tried to invest not only money, but also our knowledge, our experience and creativity.

Planetarium with the largest dome in the world opened in St. Petersburg

According to cosmonaut Andrei Borisenko, the planetarium is also important for St. Petersburg because it allows you to see the stars in a city whose sky is often obscured by clouds.

Scientists have named a new threat for astronauts during a flight to MarsAfter the ceremonial part, guests were shown video clips about the history of St. Petersburg, the reconstruction of the gas holder building, as well as the main stages of the development of astronautics. Part of the dome, where the image was projected, was used as a screen.

"According to another interlocutor of the agency, the new site will also be interesting for children, who will be able not only to see the starry sky, but also to study the models of spacecraft installed in the hall.

"My son really liked the Buran model, I think we will definitely come here again. I would like to learn more about space," he shared.

The real space awaits visitors

NASA astronomers have discovered two dozen potential twins of the EarthDiameter of the projection dome of the new planetarium is 37 meters, which is 2 meters more than the parameters of the planetarium in the Japanese city of Nagoya, which is included in the Guinness Book of Records. 40 powerful projectors will transmit the picture to the planetarium screen, the image resolution will be over 256 million pixels and the volume sound power will reach 50 kW. According to the design, it will allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of space - especially since for their convenience in the room

He added that the installation of the cover of the dome of the starry hall will be completed soon, and the first "space session" viewers will see on November 4.

"At the end of January we have a laboratory opening, in May - the opening of the observatory and lecture halls. And the whole complex we want to be completely finished by September 1, 2018," said the author of the project.

Nagoya Science Museum

The Japanese planetarium, which can accommodate up to 350 people simultaneously, has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest planetarium in the world since 2011, but the city on the Neva has already submitted a similar application.

Nagoya Science Museum

The planetarium opened in 1962 and was renovated in 2011. The map of the starry sky is different every month, depending on the time of year and the location of the constellations. The seats in the auditorium unfold in a semi-circle and have reclining backs (up to 30 degrees). The session lasts just under an hour.

Interestingly, for Japanese schoolchildren attendance is completely free.

The architecture of the planetarium strikes everyone who sees it for the first time - a huge metal sphere as if squeezed between buildings, looking like a large vertical lawn. The whole ball is covered with solar panels, of which there are more than 700. This technical exhibit itself generates energy using solar panels for the entire scientific complex.

Nagoya Planetarium

Going up to the upper floors by a transparent elevator, visitors can observe the planetarium in detail. The science museum itself consists of three exhibitions. Besides astronomy, it includes biology and science and technology, but the space section is the most popular and most visited.

The modern Universarium projector is designed specifically for rooms with a sloping floor. Fiber optics allows you to increase the brightness of the depicted star, not by increasing power, but by using the light flux most productively. An additional second projector transmits a picture up to 64 megapixels in resolution.

An incipient tornado

The planetarium has a special room with a temperature of minus 30 degrees. While in it, viewers can watch the northern lights in the closest possible conditions. And in another room there is the genesis and broadcast of a huge tornado. You can also see the game of robot soccer players.

Killing Giants: The World's Largest Guns

Big guns have always attracted attention, because they show their power with all their appearance, can stop an elephant at full throttle and at the same time are quite compact for easy carrying. The latter, however, can not be said about all handguns of the "small arms" family. And they are not always handguns.

About Desert Eagle

This large-caliber pistol is known to many. It can often be seen in Hollywood action films and computer games.

It is very popular due to its very spectacular appearance and high weight. The weight of this shooting model even with an empty magazine exceeds 2 kg. Of the entire line of ammunition for this weapon, it is recommended to use "Magnum-50" AE 12.7x33 RB mm caliber cartridges, which are considered the most powerful. As the weapon experts say, since the 12.7 mm ammunition belongs to the machine gun caliber, the muzzle energy values of the Desert Eagle and AK-47 are approximated.

The Desert Eagle was designed not as a semiautomatic pistol but as an automatic rifle. The Desert Eagle reloads by venting the powder gases. According to numerous owner reviews, the advantage of large-caliber pistols is their high power and kill rate, but the Desert Eagle is not without some drawbacks. Its weaknesses include too much recoil when fired and muzzle flames that prevent rapid aiming and pointing the gun at the line

About the Sokolovsky model. 45

This pistol is considered the most expensive in the world and is produced in small batches. It is characterized by the absence of all protruding parts. On the surface inspection it does not show axles, screws, safeties and breech blocks. The gun is equipped with special cocking block damper, which slows the firing rate and indicates that the gun is ready for use. Weight of the Sokolovsky .45 is 1630 g. magazine is designed for 6 shots of 11.43 mm ammunition.

About AMC Auto Mag Guns

This model is considered a serious competitor to the Magnum-44 revolvers. The ammunition is based on the 7.62x51mm Winchester 308 rifle.

The muzzle velocity of the bullet is 512 m/s. It emits an energy of 2000 J. According to the owners of the gun, it has a very strong recoil. It is fed by single-row magazines, which hold 7 rounds. According to the owners, the gun is of very high quality and has a high accuracy. In addition, it can be equipped with optics. The disadvantage of the model is too high recoil.

Therefore, the owners of such a weapon have to hold it with two hands when shooting. At a distance of 25 meters the bullets are in a circle with a diameter of 3.5 cm.

Shooting product from Freedom Arms

Casull: A .45 caliber Magnum revolver with high lethality characteristics based on the cartridge case of the .454 cartridge used to fire the Colts. This ammunition had such a powerful powder load that the gunsmith decided to design a revolver with a special construction that could withstand high pressure, and so the Casull revolver. The gun is made of high strength steel with a muzzle energy rating of 2000 J. Because there are no moving parts, the revolver has no muzzle energy at all.

About the California Hand Grenade Launcher

The city of San Ramon, California, is the birthplace of the powerful Gyrojet revolver. American designers originally created a weapon that fired small rockets. They were stabilized in flight by rotating around their longitudinal axis. Later, a special hand-held launcher was developed, which became the Gyrojet revolver. Unlike other models that use bullets, the operation of this weapon involves special rockets. Their diameter is 13 mm. The ammunition is equipped with solid warheads and tubular stabilizers

According to experts, the Gyrojet has a low accuracy compared to a conventional pistol. At a distance of 10 yards, the bullets are scattered to a diameter of 11 inches when fired.

About Thunder 50 BMG

The weapon is manufactured by Triple Action LCC, an American company. In an effort to create the largest-caliber pistol ever, the designers decided not to use pistol ammunition. The experiments were done with conventional ammunition used for the 50 BMG sniper rifle. The cartridge size: 12.7x99 mm. The resulting weapon is called Thunder 50 BMG and was first presented at the SHOT Show in 2004.

The pistol is a single shot pistol with a muzzle brake and a hydraulic recoil system, rare for such weapons, which decreases the recoil during firing by about 20%. The muzzle energy value is 15,500 J. A drawback of the gun is the flames that are discharged through the compensator slots. The range of flames discharged during firing can reach five meters. This makes it difficult to point the gun quickly at the next target.

About the TRR8 revolver

This revolver is a Smith Wesson revolver, which was designed for the Special Forces and is equipped with a scope holder and a place for the flashlight under the barrel. The Smith Wesson can hold 8 rounds of Magnum 357 ammunition, which is much more powerful than standard 9mm pistol cartridges.

The TRR8 is a very accurate, semi-auto pistol, but like all revolvers, the Smith Wesson has one drawback: the reloading is too time-consuming.

About the Perfect 10, Colt Delta Elite and Glock 20

Judging by numerous owner reviews, the Perfect 10 large-caliber pistol has high killing power and a stylish design, traditional to the Colt 1911.Perfect 10 is equipped with a classic adjustable sights.It fires 10 millimeter cartridges, which are contained in a magazine that holds 7 rounds.Another is located in the gun barrel.Unlike the Colt Delta Elite and Glock 20, Perfect 10 is more ergonomic and has a modular design.Although less expensive, Glock 20 is not equipped with electronic sights.According to gun

"Blow."

In Klimovsk, the designers of the Central Research Institute for Precision Machine Engineering designed the Russian "Udar" large-caliber revolver. The weapon features a rather outdated reloading scheme: to load the revolver with ammunition, the shooter must remove the drum. The weapon was first presented in 1993. The basis for 12.3 mm cartridges for this model was a 32-gauge hunting cartridge. The brass casing of the model is equipped with a powder charge and primer-igniter KV-26. Klimovsk gunmakers produced a line of cartridges for the "Udar" revolver. Ammunition

About the Tula large-caliber weapons

In 1994 the designers of the Tula KPB released a new large-caliber revolver, also referred to as the "Udar". The gun features a one-piece streamlined frame, a double action firing mechanism and a left-handed, hinged barrel. 12.3x40mm cartridges are based on the 32 caliber hunting ammunition. The drum of the Tula large-caliber model has the dimensions 172x44x136 mm. When filling the cylinder the shooter used a special magazines.

About the Tula modification

Tula gunsmiths made a service model of the 1994 Udar large-caliber revolver, which fired 12.3x22 mm special cartridges and used a soft lead bullet as the ammunition. The gun has low penetration and high stopping power, and is also used as a training weapon for personnel training. In such cases lead bullets are replaced with special marking ones.

About Dog Revolver

The gun designers of the Russian company "Titan" created a similar model on the basis of the Klimov large-caliber revolver. Manufacturer of the weapon: Vyatsko-Polyansky machine-building plant "Molot". Reloading is done by removing the drum. However, unlike "Udar", no extractor is provided for this pistol. "Dog" is used as a service and hunting weapon.

About the Assault RSh-12

New models of small arms for special forces have been designed by developers under the Vyhlop program. One of the very effective large-caliber pistols in Russia is considered to be RSh-12. The weapon is designed for SC-130 12.7x55 mm ammunition. According to experts, RSh-12 is the largest-caliber gun in the world. According to owner reviews, this weapon is light, compact, very powerful and quite accurate. In these parameters RSh-12 surpassed other small arms models of similar size available in the civilian arms market. for a pistol provided

In addition, the revolver is equipped with special Picatinny bars, which can be used to mount flashlight, laser designator, collimator or optical sights. According to experts, killing qualities of this gun are not inferior to the most powerful hunting rifles. High performance with low weight and dimensions are considered strengths of the RSh-12.

Giant Record Holder

The biggest gun that made it into the Guinness Book of World Records is an enlarged copy of the Remington 1858, created in 2002 by Richard Tobis. The length of the revolver is impressive - 126 cm, but so is its 45 kg weight, and it is, by the way, quite a workable copy, which has a chance to hit the target located at a hundred meters distance. This monster shoots 28 mm bullets, each weighing 138 g.

But this is just a homemade "souvenir," so it has some serious competition, which can also be called the biggest.

The largest production caliber is the Bland Price Revolver

If you're interested in the largest caliber of gun, you're here.

Production of this monster began in 1877. Its caliber - 577 - was adopted by the British Army in the 1860s as standard for the rifle. But then cartridges of this caliber were also approved for the revolver, which gave Wellby the opportunity to go down in history as a manufacturer of the largest caliber pistols.

This monster owes its name to Charles Price - the creator of a new type of joint, which was used in this revolver. The weight of the giant is 1.3 kg, the barrel length is also "modest" - 16 cm (total length - 29.5 cm). This, of course, is no Tobison gun, but when you look at the caliber...

The best guns in the world

When firearms first became known, they changed the world forever. When muskets appeared, there was no knightly army as such because of its ineffectiveness against firearms. The armor used at the time only protected against blades, swords and daggers, but bullets penetrated them.
Many years after the first prototypes, firearms have changed significantly.Relevant today are conventional pistols, which are versatile in difficult environments.To understand which pistol has been the best in history, the top the best guns in the worldwhich were current before or are in use nowadays.

Stechkin pistol (APS)

• Country of manufacturerUSSR
• Developed by: 1951
• Mass: 1.22 kg with ammunition (without holster-cover)
• Length225 mm (without holster) and 540 mm (with holster)
• Barrel length: 140 mm
• Initial bullet velocity: 340 m/s
• Magazine capacity: 20 rounds

This rating opens with a pistol of Soviet production. For many years it was used in the army due to its simplicity. Nowadays the weapon is extremely rare and is the property of collectors. The total number of produced copies is small.
In the world the Stechkin pistol was not as relevant as many other models of the time. For several decades it was successfully used by soldiers and agents. In 1958 it was discontinued. Too high cost was the main reason to remove the weapon from production. Among the drawbacks - large dimensions, which made the gun poorly suited for concealed carry and not very high combat power.

Heckler and Koch USP

• Country of manufacturer: Germany
• Developed by: 1989-1993
• Mass: 0.667 to 1.08 kg (depending on version)
• Length: 173 to 240 (depending on version)
• Barrel length: 91 to 153 mm (depending on version)
• Initial bullet velocity: 270 to 350 m/s (depending on caliber)
• Magazine capacity: 8 to 18 (depending on pistol version and caliber) cartridges

The gun was developed by a German manufacturer in 1993. Relatively good reliability, well-known German quality and good accuracy made this gun a top nine participant.
The manufacturer offered nine different modifications. The main drawbacks are the huge size, as well as uncomfortable bolt. Despite this in the list of the best pistols in the world this weapon got its place.

Desert Eagle Mark XIX

 

• Country of manufacturer: Israel, USA
• Developed by: 1983
• Mass: 1.7 (aluminum) to 2 (steel) kg
• Length: 273 mm (with a barrel length of 152 mm)
• Magazine capacity: 7 to 9 (depending on caliber) cartridges

The Desert Eagle with the .50 Action Express has a muzzle energy of 2,500 J. That is why it is one of the most powerful handguns in the world. of the most powerful pistols in the worldThe gun itself is positioned as a weapon for hunting, as well as for protection against beasts and criminals.
Thanks to the Desert Eagle (Desert Eagle or Desert Eagle) beautiful design, name and acceptable size, the gun was actively used during the filming of films and in the development of computer games in the shooter genre.

Walther P99

• Country of manufacturer: Germany
• Developed by: 1994-1997
• Mass: 0.7 kg
• Length: 180 mm
• Barrel length: 102 mm
• Initial bullet velocity: 375 m/s
• Magazine capacity: 10 rounds

The manufacturer of this gun has long been considered an innovator in the world of guns and pistols in particular. This model was first released from the assembly line in 1994, after which it became widespread. The manufacturers tried to create a weapon that would incorporate the latest technology and excellent quality.
After its release, the Walther P99 became a real sensation, because the company was previously engaged in the production of classic pistols. These all advantages enabled the Walther P99 to enter the top 10 best pistols in the world and to be placed in the seventh position.
Optimal weight, pleasant and comfortable grip and balanced dimensions make the gun comfortable to use. During the production period the gun has received several modifications.

Ruger Super RedHawk

• Cartridge: .454 Casull
• Barrel energy: 2,700 Joules

The highest accuracy of this revolver and its popularity among fans of long guns led it to the seventh place in the list of 10 most powerful pistols in the world. Based on the 1987 model, it absorbed its best features, such as reinforced strength of the frame around the cylinder, which, by the way, is also highly reliable. Experts position Ruger Super RedHawk as a gun for revolver hunting, which has been gaining popularity lately, but it is also widely used for sport shooting at long distances.

Thompson Center Contender Government .450

• Cartridge: .450 Marlin
• Barrel energy: More than 3500 Joules

This model dilutes the abundance of revolvers with its single-shot capability. Some will consider this a drawback, but the lack of a drum allows you to significantly reduce recoil and, as a result, improve accuracy. When you install additional optics, you get the ability to kill targets at distances up to 300 meters, but you should remember that the volume and bright flash will immediately give your location, and it takes about 10 seconds to reload.

FN-FNP 45. Belgium / USA

Source: Arielnyc2006 / CC0
In service since 2008
Weight: 919 gr.

The FN-FNP 45, a joint product of Belgian and American designers, has enough power to pierce the usual body armor.

Private security companies and the police prefer this model because of its reliability and lightness. After looking at the reviews, most-beauty.ru editorial staff concludes that FN-FNP 45 sits perfectly in the hand, which contributes to the aiming.

Automatic safeties ensure safety, and prevent spontaneous firing.

Colt M1911

 

• Country of manufacturer: U.S.
• Developed by: 1911, modification M1911A1 - 1926
• Mass: 1.12 kg
• Length: 216 mm
• Barrel length: 127 mm
• Initial bullet velocity: 252 m/s
• Magazine capacity: 7 rounds

The legendary and at the same time one of the oldest pistols of our time, you could say a weapon with a history, which is already a reason to include the weapon in the rating. For more than seventy years it was actively used in the U.S. Army, but it was replaced by a pistol from the Italians called Beretta 92.
For all time it is considered one of the most mass-produced, and experts note the presence of a large number of fakes. Not a roomy store and a relatively large weight does not allow it to go beyond the sixth line in this ranking.

TT pistol

• Country of manufacturerUSSR
• Developed by: 1930
• Curb weight: 0.94 kg
• Length: 195 mm
• Barrel length: 116 mm
• Initial bullet velocity: 420 m/s
• Magazine capacity: 8 rounds

This pistol is known for its good power and ability to penetrate various obstacles. Its small size makes it possible to conceal its carrying. It was developed in 1930 and for many years was actively used in the Soviet army.
It is very easy to handle, which was one of the reasons of its popularity. The main negative feature of the gun is unreliability of fixing the magazine with cartridges, due to which cases of self-shots were registered.

FN Five-seveN

• Country of manufacturer: Belgium
• Developed by: 1993-1998
• Curb weight: 0.744 kg
• Length: 208 mm
• Barrel length: 122 mm
• Initial bullet velocity: 520 to 650 m/s (depending on ammunition)
• Magazine capacity: 10 (limited), 20 (standard), 30 (increased capacity) cartridges

Designed and manufactured in 1998, this pistol is the fourth best pistol in the world and has been used successfully by various units and groups of the NATO military alliance. Easy to use in difficult situations, extremely light and versatile. And if you use special cartridges, you can increase the combat power, which will allow to pierce the armor.

Glock 17

• Country of manufacturer: Austria
• Developed by: 1982
• Curb weight: 0.905 kg
• Length: 186 mm
• Barrel length: 114 mm
• Initial bullet velocity: 350 - 360 m/s
• Magazine capacity: 17 (standard), 19 or 30 (high capacity) cartridges

The Glock 17 is in the top three and is successfully used by armed forces in several dozen countries. Various modifications allow to use it for different purposes. Optimal weight and uncomplicated construction (assembled from 30 parts) are the main advantages. With the help of a simple nail, specialists disassemble the gun in less than 60 seconds.
The Glock 17 is one of the most reliable pistols in the world. It can fire up to half a million rounds. There is no trigger as such. There is also no safety flag, which allows you to quickly remove the gun from the holster and fire it.
The Glock 17 does not fit the classic idea of a firearm. Structurally, many of its parts are made of a strong polymer that is not afraid of impact and mechanical effects. Many police officers in the U.S. use it. Some 40% police officers surveyed consider the Glock 17 the most comfortable of all time.

SIG-Sauer P226

• Country of manufacturer: Germany, Switzerland
• Developed by: 1981
• Curb weight: 0.802 or 0.867 (depending on the cartridges used) kg
• Length: 196 mm
• Barrel length: 112 mm
• Magazine capacity: 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20 rounds (depending on the cartridges used)

This gun has a unique history. The high position in the rating is deserved, because the gun was approved by various armies and special services of the world. As a result of cooperation between SIG and Sauer in the market appeared Sig-Sauer P226. Back in the middle of last century was made model P220, it was used as the basis for the production of the P226.
Gunsmiths note the thoughtful design and excellent quality of execution of the smallest details. If you need to use a small gun, this model will not do. If you look at the photo of SIG-Sauer P226 may give the impression that it is light, as if made of plastic. This is far from reality. In fact, the gun is quite large and heavy. In the hands of professionals relatively large dimensions and good combat power make the weapon indispensable.
The manufacturer of the SIG-Sauer P226 has been creating excellent quality weapons for many years. The use of new developments is the main key to the success of the company.
The pistol was created back in 1981 as a competition piece for the U.S. Army. Perhaps the most important disadvantage of this pistol is its high cost, which prevented it from taking the first place in the list of the best firearms.

Beretta 92

• Country of manufacturerItaly
• Developed by: 1975
• Curb weight: 0.95 kg
• Length: 217 mm
• Barrel length: 125 mm
• Initial bullet velocity: 390 m/s
• Magazine capacity: 15 rounds

The Italian firearms manufacturer, which is considered the oldest in Europe, has created a pistol that is unique in every way - the Beretta 92. Today it is the best gun in the worldToday the Beretta 92 and a large number of modified models are successfully used by armies and special forces of many countries.
But, even the leader of the rating has disadvantages - it is too big handle, as well as a significant weight, compared to other guns of this class.

Firearms with a large number of rounds

If you've always wondered how in Hollywood action movies the hero manages to outgun an entire enemy army without reloading, here's the answer. In today's selection of species firearms with a large number of cartridgesThe real weapon for those who are not used to saving bullets.

Frommer Stop M17, converted for use as a machine gun

Mariette Brevete Pepperbox capsule gun

Latvian SerLea submachine gun

AKMS assault rifle with an 80-round magazine attached to the barrel

Large capacity magazine for Glock pistol

Spanish Ascaso of 1921

Mariette Pepperbox Colt Defender Mark I

Saiga assault rifle with an underbarrel...Kalashnikov assault rifle

Philippine M-16 with a bent magazine

Or shoot out of ten at once

Better yet, 16 barrels.

8 drums, 48 shots

Double-barrelled, 30-shot

M134 "Minigun"

Carlo Tarauletti, 1979

Russia's Best Guns

Makarov pistol

Makarov pistol with magazine and cartridges (9×18 mm PM)

After World War II, the Soviets were engaged not only in the development of nuclear weapons, but also in the development of new, more advanced pistols designed to replace the 1933 model TT and the Nagan revolver. The designers worked simultaneously on two versions of weapons:

1. The more compact one, which shoots only single shots, is a means of self-defense for military personnel who are not entitled to a carbine or automatic rifle, and for law enforcement personnel who value the option of concealed carry;
2. With a longer barrel, which fires both single shots and bursts, it is designed for combat and special forces firefighting operations.

The first pistol was developed on the basis of the German Walther PP, which first appeared in 1929. Initially two caliber models were designed - 7.65 mm and 9 mm. As a result, Nikolay Fedorovich Makarov, "father" of the famous PM, also created his own 9 × 18 mm PM cartridge, which proved more powerful than the Walther's 9 × 17. This cartridge and caliber were preferred. The pistol won the competition in 1948, and three years later it entered into service with the military.

On the basis of the Walther Makarov, he managed to create a weapon of simpler design by reducing the number of parts and combining their functions, while increasing their strength and virtually eliminating the possibility of the cartridge bumping into the chamber, which leads to delayed firing. The pistol has a very high range (effective range is 50 meters) and accuracy for a compact weapon. The magazine holds 8 rounds.

Even today, the PM is the best Russian pistol remaining in the arsenal of the Russian law enforcement agencies.

Stechkin automatic pistol

Stechkin pistol with holstered buttstock

It was the second pistol to win the competition for military officers and soldiers of several special units, and entered into service in 1951. Later on, due to disadvantages revealed by its use, it was withdrawn from production, but after the USSR collapse it was again in demand as a weapon against terrorism and organized crime. In those "wild nineties" under the leadership of Igor Yakovlevich Stechkin improved modifications were developed:

• OC-23 Dart;
• UC-27 Berdysh;
• OC-33 Pernach.

The disadvantages of the Stechkin automatic pistol were considered to be its excessive bulkiness, particularly in combination with the holster-butt and insufficient power due to the unfortunate choice of cartridge. The ideal for the "native" Makarov 9×18 mm PM gives too short an effective range (no more than 100 m) and penetration for the APS.

Important advantages of the APS are its low recoil and negligible rebound, which allow the gun to fire quickly and accurately, which is very good in close combat. These advantages of Stechkin's brainchild, combined with excellent accuracy and reliability, make it one of the best Russian-made pistols.

Today Russian pilots on combat missions in Syria are armed with 20-shot APS as their personal weapons.

Tula Tokarev Pistol (TT)

This is what an authentic wartime TT looks like

The TT is the most legendary of the pistols of the USSR and Russia, created in 1930, which went through the war, was used after it, and has not lost its popularity to this day. TT sports and signal modifications, pneumatics and traumatizers, sold under various brand names, are produced and in demand.

Designed by F. Tokarev on the basis of the 1903 Browning cartridge 7.63 × 25 mm Mauser, it is loaded with eight rounds of 7.62 × 25 mm TT ammunition and has the same effective range as the PM (50 m). 195 mm long, it is quite concealed. It has a number of design features, the most notable being absence of a safety, replaced by a cocking safety. It has high power and accuracy.

GSh-18 pistol

GSh-18 is used as a service and award weapon

It was created in modern Russia and has been in service since 2001. The letters in the name are owed to the designers Gryazev V.P. and Shipunov A.G., and the numbers tell about the capacity of the magazine.

It is currently on the list of award weapons and is in service with the following national departments:

• DOJ;
• FSSP;
• Ministry of Defense (along with the PM);
• Prosecution (along with Beretta 92);
• Interior Ministry (as a weapon for a number of categories of employees and partially for special forces).

The 9×19 mm 7H31 armor-piercing cartridge was specifically designed for Gryazev-Shipunov, but other ammunition, including 9×19 Parabellum and 9×19 NATO, is also suitable for the gun.

The length of the gun is only 183 mm. 50 m range, but it has an option to supply luminous capsules for firing in low visibility conditions and quite comfortable for the shooter due to its low weight (up to 800 g with a full magazine), thought-out shape of the grip and partial absorption of recoil.

Gurza gun

The Gurza pistol magazine (SPS, SR-1) holds 18 rounds of 9×21 mm high efficiency ammunition

"The name "Gurza" is given to the Serdyukov semiautomatic pistol, known as SPS and under the designation SR-1. The Gurza was created at the Central Research Institute of Special Forces and has been in production since 1996.

It was designed to fire 9x21 mm ammunition of enhanced effectiveness, developed at the same institution, and features extended effective range (100 m), ability to engage human targets in "armor" as well as non-armored vehicles. It holds 18 rounds and weighs 1110 g together with them.

The best revolvers in the world

Colt Python

Colt Python with a "royal" finish

This six-shot .357 Magnum was produced from 1955 to 1996 in several variations, with different barrel lengths, with attractive finish, and was popular with rich and famous people, especially the monarchs.

Taurus Raging Bull 454 and Taurus Raging Bull 500 revolvers

In our country, we prefer to hunt medium-sized animals with shotguns, but in the U.S. hunters like to use things like the Taurus Raging Bull.

Thanks to its caliber, this revolver can replace a shotgun. If you load it with a 454 Casull cartridge, you can safely go hunting even an elephant, although with a shotgun still somehow calmer.

Some Taurus models have a rubber grip and a 7- or 8-round drum that will be very useful for hunting - who knows how many times you will hit. Ammunition used in the gun: bullets, pellets, buckshot. For more accurate shooting, the gun can be fitted with an additional sight. It weighs from 1.5 to 2.2 kg, depending on the model design.

Smith & Wesson Model 29

Smith & Wesson Model 29, with holster

Smith & Wesson Model 29 revolvers, along with the Nagan and Colt, are among the most famous revolvers in the world. It was produced in 1955, but unlike the Colt Python, it has never been phased out. It often appears in movies and computer games. It fires almost all .44 caliber revolver cartridges.

Colt 1909

Colt 1909 was in service with the U.S. Army and Navy

Manufactured between 1898 and 1940, the Colt New Service was used as a service weapon by U.S. Army and Navy, including both World Wars, the Korean War and even Vietnam War, but the double action trigger assembly gave high rate of fire.

The main cartridge is a .45 Colt.

Smith & Wesson Model 19

Smith & Wesson Model 19 - an evergreen classic

The first revolver to use the .357 Magnum cartridge, which significantly increased bullet velocity and penetration. Reliable, accurate, and at the same time, relatively small in size. Still in production today.

Ruger GP100

The Ruger GP100 is reliable, accurate and not overpriced

Developed in 1985, the .357 Magnum 6-round drum, flawless quality of materials used, adequate reliability, accurate shooting at a reasonable cost are the advantages that made this revolver popular.

 

The most powerful air pistols

We all got used to pneumatics since childhood. Shooting at a shooting range and homemade "air guns" in any representative of the stronger sex for life leave an interest in weapons. Today the market abounds with professionally made pneumatics. It is no longer necessary to limit yourself to a rifle, chained to the table top in the range. No need and rape yourself with unsightly crafts - modern store products and more powerful, and beautiful. Many of them look like duplicate well-known firearms models.

Weapons based on the operation of gas, very different power. Accordingly, it is designed for different purposes. Of course, almost everyone wants a weapon more powerful. But it is important to understand that pneumatics, the energy of which exceeds 7.5 J, is subject to licensing, which means that it is not suitable for everyone.

Theoretically, there are no limits to the power of weapons that work thanks to the power of "wind". A couple of centuries ago our ancestors seriously considered switching from firearms to pneumatic guns. Skilled people are able to modify purchased "toys" to a state that allows not be afraid of any punk. The most powerful at the moment pneumoweapons - rifle, characterized by energy over 600 J. Of course, with such indicators can fearlessly go on a boar and a bear.

But we live in a state of law, so it is much more important for us to understand what is the most powerful air gun without a license. Below are the top 10 most powerful and reliable air guns. The list is based on the ratio of power characteristics and reliability.

General guidelines for selecting

When choosing a gun for hunting small game, you should give preference to a gun with a stock and the longest barrel, because the longer the barrel, the better the trajectory of the bullet. With the stock it is easier to aim. For hunting, of course, it is better to choose PCP type gun, since products of this type do not have strong vibrations when shooting (like spring-piston ones, for example) and the scope (without which hunting is impossible) will serve long and will not be knocked down.

For recreational target shooting, any type of air gun is fine. In order not to depend on an air cylinder or compressor, it is better to choose a spring-loaded piston air gun.

If you want a gun that most closely resembles a combat pistol, you should consider a gas-operated air rifle.

It is important to understand that any type of weapon, even with energy not higher than 7.5 J, is dangerous and requires strict adherence to safety rules. And a bullet of 4.5 mm caliber at 265 m/s pierces through a steel bath. For self-defense you should not use pneumatic guns. The law does not provide for that. In addition, some multi-guns have characteristics similar to those of military firearms. For self-defense is better to buy a gas or trauma gun, or taser. More about how to choose a stump

 

Briefly about features

All existing weapons are divided into certain types, which differ in many characteristics. The power of airguns should be measured in Joules. But we'll cheat a little this time. For the average buyer it is better to be guided by one figure - the bullet speed. Let's agree a little: a powerful air gun produces a bullet speed on the chrono more than 140 m/s. The figure is taken from the ceiling, but that is where hardball players start to get a little "afraid" and nervous paranoia about overestimating speeds.

You can try to look at Joules as well. Anything under 3 Joules is a toy, but you should look more closely at the category up to 7.5 Joules.

Powerful air pistols will be considered out of the box, as even the most harmless air pistols in the tuned versions can easily accelerate half-gram bullets far beyond 200 m/s. If even that is not enough, pay attention to hunting samples. For example, the Hatsan 135 recently showed 353.6 m/s on our chronograph. But buying such powerful air pistol requires additional gestures.

So what to buy?

Indeed, enough chatter, let's move on to recommendations. Let's take a look at the most popular examples in the "Powerful Air Pistol up to 7.5 Joules" category.

✅Leading manufacturers

There are a large number of air gun manufacturers in the world with a wide range of different models of pistols. Among this variety, the leaders always stand out:

1. A+APopular brand for the manufacture of air rifles, pistols and accessories. The products are distinguished by a thoughtful design, the assembly of each model is carried out individually and only under the supervision of specialists.
2. Crosman. powerful airguns without a license are the products of the company "Crosman". The corporation is considered a major manufacturer and supplier of profile products in the U.S. and other countries. The products are aimed at young people, which is associated with unpretentiousness, low price and no need for a license.
3. HatsanThe brand must be at the top, because the products meet quality standards and the technical performance deserves respect. The company is recognized worldwide, and certain types of products are in never-ending demand and popularity.
4. GamoThe manufacturer is located in Spain and is considered a major supplier of specialized weapons in Europe. The company opened back in 1961, and during the entire period the model range has been expanded, supplemented by more modern, powerful rifles, pistols and optics.
5. Baikal. manufactures the most powerful pneumatic pistols in Russia. The Izhevsk plant has developed a wide product line, which includes copies of real firearms. Some products are considered unique.

If we go further down the list of manufacturers, here stands out companies Umarex, AirSoft, Gletcher and Borner. Each representation can find a good version of air pistols.

Purchase Objectives

When choosing an air gun, you need to decide what purpose it is intended for in order to choose the right option. If as a sports gun, then you need a precise weapon that will fit perfectly in the hand and hit the target with the results we want. Against robbers waiting in dark alleys, it is optimal ... a heavy and strong piece of metal, so air guns for self defense in this regard can be replaced by something cheaper. And a powerful gun in this case is not always strong. For hunting ne

And what about in hardball? And in hardball, after looking at a powerful air gun teammate, unwittingly begins to reach for something more powerful within the limits of the permitted (up to 180 m/c, up to 7.5 J.). Powerful air gun for hardball also perfectly suits the civilian average for the destruction of glass bottles. And on this excellent toy does not require absolutely no papers.

Procedure for obtaining a license

For citizens of the Russian Federation (who have reached the age of 18) there are two ways to obtain a license to purchase pneumatic weapons. You can get a license for sporting or hunting line. Accordingly, the list of documents that must be submitted to the licensing and permit department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the place of registration is different.

In order to obtain a license a citizen of the Russian Federation must:

• undergo a medical commission, confirming the absence of contraindications to the possession of weapons;
• undergo a medical examination in a narcological dispensary/department for the use of psychotropic and narcotic substances, with the issuance of an appropriate conclusion;
• to undergo training courses in the handling of weapons with the issuance of a certificate;

If weapons are purchased for sports, it is necessary to submit an application (indicating the type of weapon sport) from a sports federation. In this case, the sports federation must have all-Russian level and accreditation in accordance with Russian law. In addition, to purchase a sport air gun, you must have a document from the sports organization (institution), confirming the sport. And to purchase a hunting pistol will require a hunting ticket.

The storage and use of air pistols with a muzzle energy of more than 7.5 J and a caliber of more than 4.5 mm outside sports facilities is prohibited by Russian Federation law.

Umarex Walther cp99

Many consider Umarex one of the best companies producing airguns. This model is a semi-automatic pistol that shoots 4.5 millimeter caliber balls at over 100 m/s. Despite its compact size, the gun is quite heavy - 800 g. This makes it pleasant to the touch and brings it close to a firearm in tactile sensations. Power - 3 J.

Umarex Walther

The stylish appearance of the weapon becomes a secondary consideration as soon as you take it in your hands. It is clear that it is not a toy, but a real help in sports or (God forbid) on the street.

The German model is equipped with a laser sight mount. Accuracy makes up for its not very high rate of fire. And, of course, it is necessary to note the highest quality of assembly - the Germans, after all.

Gletcher Brt 92fs

A pistol with a blockback system is a replica of the legendary Beretta. The imitation is in this ranking not only because of the power parameters, but also because of the presence of said system. The blockback is an imitation of the bolt movement of a firearm. Of course, it consumes additional energy that could have been used to shoot. But even so, the pistol is characterized by three joules.

Gletcher Brt.

The Glacier would be an excellent weapon for shooting entertainment. CO2 is used as a source of energy. 4.5 mm bullets are used as ammunition. Ammunition flight speed is 100 m/s. Weight of "Beretta" is 1100 gr. Length of the copy is 215 mm.

Steel Storm Umarex

Among other things, this model has an original design that makes it look more like a fantasy blaster than a blowgun, but the toy look does not make the gun less powerful and reliable.

Umarex storm

Characteristics of another Umarex:

• energy - 3 Joules;
• The ammunition velocity is 130 m/s;
• The caliber of the bullet is 4.5 mm;
• Length - 38 cm.

The model has a lot of advantages - excellent aiming, good shooting accuracy, fast reloading, small size and very high quality performance. On the other hand, the air gun has a not very comfortable fire mode switch. The body also somewhat lacks durability. However, this drawback is easily turned into an advantage - light and compact product becomes very convenient because of it.

Crosman C11

This model also looks a bit like a toy, but it has no negative effect on functionality. The gun features high rate of fire and a smooth steel housing with a silencer mimic nozzle.

Crosman C11

Parameters:

• energy - 3.2 J;
• The caliber of the bullets is 4.5 mm;
• weight - 500 g;
• length - 170 mm;
• speed - 138 m/s.

This is probably the best air pistol with these design characteristics. It has good power, is relatively compact and inexpensive.

 

Walther CP88 Competition

One of the principal features of this gun is an elongated barrel, which gives the shot precise aiming and decent velocity. Other features include soft, smooth trigger and comfortable grip. As with other "licensed" designs, caliber is 4.5 mm. Weight is 1150 g, barrel length is 143 mm, total length is 230 mm. Energy is 3 J.

Walther CP88 Competition

Most of the housing is made of plastic. There are metal (high quality steel) and wooden (ebony) elements. This is a premium model, which is distinguished by excellent build, quality materials and considerable cost.

Umarex Beretta 92 FS 4.5

What is the best air rifle? This title is claimed by another Umarex, again imitating a Beretta. The German barrel fully justifies the considerable price - the assembly is very high quality, and the characteristics are on par.

Umarex Beretta 92 FS 4.5

Weapon Parameters:

• maximum firing range - 250 m;
• weight - 1260 g;
• energy - 3 Joules;
• Charge flight speed - 120 m/s;
• total length - 210 mm;
• The barrel length is 115 mm.

The casing is made of metal, and overall the gun bears little resemblance to pneumatics - the imitation is very similar to the original pistol. The product is comfortable to use. Accurate internal rifling ensures high accuracy of shooting.

MR-654K-32

This is one of the airguns that are made in Russia. It is inferior to the leaders of the rating, which are also made in our country. But still the MP is characterized by excellent indicators. Perhaps this airgun has the highest index of reliability - it is very difficult to "kill" the model. This makes the gun one of the most in demand in the Russian market.

MP-654K-32 pistol

Model Specifications:

• Length - 169 mm;
• The caliber of the bullet is 4.5 mm;
• The charge speed is 125 m/s;
• energy - 3 joules;
• The capacity is 13 rounds of ammunition.

The gun is made of weapon steel and the handle is made of bakelite, which makes the handle even more comfortable to use - ergonomics, as well as many other points, are at a high level.

The Makarov imitation also has a disadvantage, because of the relatively short barrel, the shooting characteristics of this model are not the best. But for a beginner shooter, it may be the best choice, which indirectly proves the demand for the model.

 

Crosman C31

In our search for the answer to the question of which air gun is the most powerful, we have reached the third place. Crosman is one of the strongest and most powerful, but at the same time stylish and design laconic airguns. The gun shoots accurately and smoothly, lies well in the hand and looks like its firearms counterpart.

Crosman C31

The parameters of the gun will please both new shooters and experienced air gun users:

• The muzzle energy is 3.5 Joules;
• weight - 680 g;
• length - 215 mm;
• barrel length - 105 mm;
• type of bullets - BBs (steel);
• The caliber of the balls is 4.5 mm.

Skif A-3000

The Skiffs, as usual, are good as a whole, from the packaging to the grip. The revolver looks very stylish and modern. It has a built-in open sight, which is rare for such designs. There are notches on the grip, making the gun much more comfortable to use. The A-3000 is an imitation of the German Heckler & Koch.

Skif A-3000

As for ammunition, you can feed the Skiff just about anything. The omnivorous air gun accepts any option, except maybe long darts.

Parameters:

• The charge speed is 180 m/s;
• energy - 7.5 Joules;
• weight - 720 g;
• length - 185 mm.

Zoraki HP-01 Ultra

The gun has many modifications, but the Ultra has an elongated barrel, which positively affects the power. Turkish company "Zoraki" is known for its quality. This model uses multi-compression system. The mechanics is that the more pumping you do, the higher the power. There is a safety valve so as not to spoil the tank with excess pressure during inflation. The model is sold in two calibers - 4.5mm and 5.5mm. The gun has two "Weaver" bars, for a sight and for a flashlight or a spotlight.

caliber	4.5 mm (5.5 mm)
trunk length	260 mm
barrel type	rifled
ammunition type	Bullets
magazine capacity	single-shot
velocity of shot	Up to 225 m/s
weight	1100 grams

Ataman AP16

This pistol has different calibers and different modifications. 5.5 mm caliber and Lothar Walter barrel, manufactured by Russian company Ataman (Demyan Ltd.), which produces premium level products. This pistol has decent range and accuracy of 2 MOA (15 mm) at 25 meters and is a PCP class air gun with "dovetail" fastener. The model is excellent for hunting.

caliber	5.5 mm
trunk length	228 mm
barrel type	rifled
ammunition type	Bullets
magazine capacity	7-shot drum
firing mode	semi-automatic
velocity of shot	up to 200 m/s
weight	1000 grams

Ataman-M2

Despite the similar name to the previous model, it has a different manufacturer. The gun is represented by the Tula gunmakers, the company A+A. The feature of this gun is the combined principle of operation. The gun belongs to the PCP pneumatics, but in the high pressure tank you can put two cans of gas (12 grams, spouts to each other through a special spacer) and when screwing the cap gas from the can goes into the tank. The gun is a copy of Beretta92FS and designed to shoot bullets. The Weaver rail is put as an option for the pistol.

caliber	4.5 mm
trunk length	198 mm
barrel type	rifled
ammunition type	BB balls
magazine capacity	20
firing mode	semi-automatic
velocity of shot	up to 250 m/s
weight	700 grams

Hatsan AT-P2

All Turkish AT-P2 pistols are known for their power, and AT-P2 is no exception. It is equipped with detachable tactical buttstock which increases accuracy and has combined dovetail/Pikatinny bar.

caliber	4.5 mm
trunk length	265 mm
barrel type	rifled
ammunition type	Bullets
magazine capacity	10-round drum
firing mode	single
velocity of shot	Up to 265 m/s
weight	2900 grams

Kral Puncher NP-02

Rifle pistol from the Turkish manufacturer. It has a stock/reservoir and additional reservoir under the barrel. The compressed air volume allows for 120 shots. Weaver/Pikatinny rail for optics and Weaver rail for a spotting scope. The long barrel and large number of shots make this gun the best for hunting.

caliber	4.5 mm
trunk length	320 mm
barrel type	rifled
ammunition type	Bullets
magazine capacity	14-round drum
firing mode	single
velocity of shot	Up to 285 m/s
weight	2950 grams

FX Ranchero

The Swedish company FX Airguns is famous for its reliability and ruggedness. The gun has a rifled FX Smootht wist (an innovative development of the company) and comes in two calibers, 4.5mm and 5.5mm. It has a dovetail mount. The principle of action - PCP. Price over 120 thousand rubles.

caliber	5.5 mm
trunk length	250 mm
barrel type	rifled
ammunition type	Bullets
magazine capacity	8-round drum
firing mode	semi-automatic
velocity of shot	Up to 240 m/s
weight	1400 grams

Evanix Hunting Master AR-6

The most powerful air pistol, more precisely, a revolver. The power exceeds 60 joules. The revolver mechanism has 6 cartridges. It belongs to the PCP-type. The initial bullet velocity is the same as a firearm. Produced in Korea. It has the reliability of a Kalashnikov. The price exceeds 120 thousand rubles. It is difficult to buy in Russia. Evanix company catalogs collected probably the most powerful pneumatic weapons in the world.

caliber	5.5 mm
trunk length	254 mm
barrel type	rifled
ammunition type	Bullets
magazine capacity	6 bullets
firing mode	single
velocity of shot	over 300 m/s
weight	1360 grams

Anix A-112

It is the most powerful air pistol in the world, the purchase of which would not be fraught with problems with Russian law enforcement agencies. The family of gas-powered Anixes in general has proven to be an excellent air pistol. Besides other advantages, the A-112 is very economical - the patented design allows rational use of gas.

Anix A-112

Familiarize yourself with the leader's parameters:

• energy of 7.5 Joules (more than twice the power of most competitors); the gun balances on the verge of being approved for use by "mere mortals;
• capacity - 15 bullets;
• length - 218 mm;
• weight - 980 g;
• The flight speed of the balls is 165 m/s;
• The maximum firing range is 300 m.

The most powerful air pistol is somewhat smaller than some of the other options in this rating. But that does not prevent it from being significantly better. The only downside is the lack of obvious similarity to its combat analogues. This is not an imitation of a particular model of firearm, but a kind of collective image of various "real" pistols.

What is an earthquake

In layman's terms, these are fluctuations of the Earth's surface that are mainly caused by natural forces of nature. We will not consider artificial stimuli such as large explosions and other technical processes.

Earthquakes have a leading position in terms of their destructiveness. In the history of mankind there are many examples of the destructive power of nature. Billions of victims around the world and the consequences that completely disrupted the entire infrastructure of cities and even entire countries. Earthquakes in Russia usually occur in mountainous areas, at the junction of tectonic plates. The leaders in the rating of victims of such disasters, of course, are Kamchatka, Altai, Caucasus and Eastern Siberia. Of course, this is not the entire list of settlements subject to underground

The surface of the Earth, which is closest to the center of the natural phenomenon, is assumed to be the epicenter of the earthquake.

Types of earthquakes

To date, experts distinguish three types of earthquakes:

1. Volcanic - volcanic eruptions.
2. Artificial earthquakes - strong explosions that cause shifts of underground plates.
3. Technogenic - shocks that are caused by human activities.

How an earthquake is measured

Underground shocks are measured by a special device, a seismograph, which not only measures the power of underground shocks with utmost accuracy, but also predicts how strong the shifts of tectonic plates will be.

There is a universally accepted world scale, which consists of 12 points:

- 1 point. Almost imperceptible earthquake, because the shaking of the ground is a minimum that cannot be felt.

- 2 points. rather weak phenomenon, which can be felt only when you are in a calm environment. only some people are able to feel it.

- 3. A weak earthquake, manifested by vibrations that are more noticeable to others.

- Score 4. A moderate phenomenon noticeable to all people.

- 5. Quite a strong earthquake, provoking the movement of objects indoors.

- 6 points (strong). Rather strong shocks can cause minor damage to buildings.

- 7. A very strong earthquake, bringing more destruction to buildings.

- 8. A destructive phenomenon that can destroy even the most powerful structures.

- A devastating earthquake. There are massive rockslides in the mountains and people in the cities can't stand on their feet.

- 10. devastating earthquakes, can lead to the complete destruction of a settlement, turning everything in its path into ruins, including roads and all kinds of communications.

- 11 points. catastrophe.

- 12 points. A severe catastrophe, in which it is impossible to survive. The relief is completely changed, the strongest splits are observed, huge hollows, craters, and much more appear.

Causes of earthquakes

Major earthquakes in Russia and elsewhere in the world are caused by the collision of lithospheric plates. For example, in the Caucasus there is the Arabian plate, which is gradually moving north toward the Eurasian plate, which, in turn, periodically collides with the Pacific plate, located in Kamchatka. Speaking of Kamchatka Krai, earthquakes in this region are also influenced by volcanic activity, during which fairly strong tremors are observed.

The strength of earthquakes: has there ever been a 12 point earthquake?

At least 3 earthquakes of magnitude 12 have occurred since the Kamori scale was taken into consideration, and it has allowed the estimation of natural disasters that have not yet been hidden in the dust of the ages.

1. Tragedy in Chile, 1960.
2. Destruction in Mongolia, 1957.
3. The tremors in the Himalayas, 1950.

In first place in the ranking, which compiles the strongest earthquakes in the world, the cataclysm of 1960, known as the "Great Chilean Earthquake. The magnitude of the destruction is estimated at the maximum known 12 points, with a magnitude of earth shaking over 9.5. The strongest earthquake in history occurred in May 1960 in Chile, near several cities. Valdivia was the epicenter, where the vibrations reached their maximum, but the population was warned about the threat, since the day before the tremors were felt in the surrounding provinces of Chile.

Among the world's most destructive earthquakes is the Gobi-Altai disaster that struck Mongolia on December 4, 1957. The tragedy literally turned the earth inside out: fractures formed, demonstrating geological processes that are not visible under normal circumstances. High mountains in the mountain ranges ceased to exist, peaks collapsed, the usual mountain pattern was broken.

The tremors in the populated areas were increasing and lasted for quite a long time, until they reached 11-12 points. People managed to leave their homes seconds before total destruction. Dust from the mountains covered cities in southern Mongolia for 48 hours, visibility did not exceed a few tens of meters.

Another terrible cataclysm, estimated by seismologists at 11-12 points, occurred in the Himalayas, in the highlands of Tibet, in 1950. The terrible trace of the earthquake in the form of mudslides and landslides changed the relief of the mountains beyond recognition. With a terrible roar the mountains folded like paper and the dust clouds spread from the epicenter to a radius of 2000 km.

Signs of earthquakes

Throughout the history of such phenomena, scientists have been able to identify the main signs of an incipient catastrophe. Earthquakes in Russia usually began after the following things:

1. Residents of cities affected by the disaster, repeatedly pointed out that for some time before the tremors they felt a strong smell of gas, although previously in this area such a thing had not been observed.
2. It has also been repeatedly pointed out that pets begin to behave restlessly, and birds outside show excessive animation.
3. Some eyewitnesses and victims claim to have seen electrical wires sparking a few hours before the earthquake.

The most destructive earthquakes in history.

Just the other day one of the strongest earthquakes in the history of the state of California occurred in the western U.S. Hundreds of thousands of homes were left without power. Infrastructure and roads were partially destroyed. Fortunately, this time there were no casualties. About 100,000 earthquakes of varying magnitude occur annually in the world. About 100 of them are particularly strong. The strongest quakes occur much less frequently, but are often catastrophic. With many victims and destruction. But in Earth history there have also been such quakes that entered the books as the most

Earthquake is a terrible force.

The most destructive earthquake in Japanese history

Japan is probably the most "lucky" with earthquakes.

On September 1, 1923, one of the deadliest earthquakes in human history occurred in the Kanto region of Japan. Its magnitude was 8.3. It almost completely destroyed Tokyo and Yokohama. The official death toll was 174,000. 542,000 people were missing. The total number of people affected was about 4 million. Of 694,000 homes and buildings, about 381,000 were completely or partially destroyed.

Iran's deadliest earthquake

Iran.

The strength of the earthquake that struck Damgan on December 22, 856 was 7.9. As it was later determined, the epicenter was near the city itself. The complex surrounding geology of the region increased the area of maximum destruction, which was about 350 kilometers along the Alborz mountains. The towns of Ahewanu, Astan, Tash, Bastam and Shahrud were all devastated. The villages near them were very damaged or completely destroyed. The disaster took the lives of about 200,000 people.

Earthquake in Haiti, more than 200,000 casualties

200,000 people were victims of this earthquake.

The earthquake of January 12, 2010 in the Republic of Haiti took the lives of 222 570 people. According to official data, 311 000 people were differently injured. 869 people were missing. The amount of material damage from the catastrophe was 5.6 billion euros. The epicenter of the earthquake was 22 kilometers from the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. The first tremor was 7. After that many aftershocks were recorded. Some were stronger than 5.

Earthquake in Ganja

It can be "hot" in such beautiful places, too!

On September 30, 1139 there was an earthquake near the city of Ganja that took the life of nearly 230,000 people. According to historians, the earthquake was so powerful that it brought down the Kapaz Mountain, cutting off the Akhsu River. As a result, eight lakes formed in the region, one of them is Goygol. Now it is part of the Goygol reserve, which was established in 1965.

Gansu and Shaanxi Earthquake, China, 1556

 

It killed about 830,000 people, more than any other earthquake in human history. 20-meter-high sinkholes and cracks opened at the epicenter of the quake. The devastation affected areas 500 km from the epicenter. The huge number of victims was due to the fact that most of the province's population lived in loess caves, which collapsed after the first tremors or were flooded by debris flows.

Within six months after the earthquake, seismic shocks repeated several times a month, but of lower intensity.

All Saints' Day Cataclysm in Portugal

A terrible tragedy that took the lives of more than 80,000 Portuguese people occurred in Lisbon on November 1, 1755. This cataclysm is not included in the world's strongest earthquakes, neither in the number of victims, nor in the severity of seismic activity. But the terrible irony of the phenomenon: the tremors began when people went to celebrate in church. Lisbon's churches failed and collapsed, burying many unfortunates under them, and then a 6-meter tsunami hit the city, killing other people who were in the streets.

A deadly earthquake for one of the Wonders of the World

One of the most famous ancient earthquakes is the devastation of 244 B.C. In those days, according to scientists, there were much more frequent tremors, but this particular earthquake is especially famous: the statue of the legendary Colossus of Rhodes collapsed as a result of the tremors. This statue, according to ancient sources, was one of the eight wonders of the world. It was a giant lighthouse in the form of a statue of a man with a torch in his hand. The statue was so huge that a fleet could have sailed between its spread legs. The size played a cruel joke on Colossus: the legs ended up with a

Earthquake in Calcutta, India, 1737

 

This is the most tragic earthquake in the history of the country, which took the lives of about 300,000 people.

The Great Kanto Earthquake, Japan, 1923

 

A strong earthquake of magnitude 8.3 occurred in Japan on September 1, 1923. The earthquake killed several hundred thousand people and caused significant material damage to the entire nation. In terms of the scale of destruction and the number of victims it is the most devastating in Japanese history. The official death toll is 174 thousand, another 542 thousand were reported missing, over a million were left homeless. The total number of victims was about 4 million.

Japan's property damage from the Kanto earthquake was estimated at $4.5 billion, which was two times the country's annual budget at the time.

Earthquake in Chile, 1960

 

One of the strongest earthquakes in the history of mankind occurred in Chile on May 22, 1960, the magnitude of which reached 9.5 in the epicenter and the fault of 1000 kilometers. Due to the natural disaster, 1655 people died, 3000 people were injured, about 2 million people were left homeless, and the damages were caused by half a billion dollars. The tsunami, which occurred because of this quake, reached the coast of Japan, Philippines and Hawaii and caused extensive damage to coastal settlements.

Sumatra 2004, the largest in the geographical sense

The Sumatran earthquake of 2004 affected several countries: India, Thailand, South Africa, Sri Lanka. It is impossible to calculate the exact number of victims, because the main destructive force - the tsunami - swept tens of thousands of people into the ocean. This is the biggest earthquake in terms of geography, because its causes were the movement of plates in the Indian Ocean, followed by tremors up to 1600 km away. The ocean floor lifted as a result of the collision of Indian and Burma plates, from breaking plates in all directions ran tsunami waves that rolled for thousands kilometers

Ashkhabad earthquake in the Turkmen SSR, 1948

 

The most fateful earthquake in the Soviet Union consisted of two strong shocks several hours apart. The event took place on the night of November 5 to 6. The force of the natural disaster was approximately 9 points. It took several seconds to completely destroy 130 thousand inhabitants. It is still not clear how many people died that night. The estimated death toll is 160 thousand people, which adds up to 80% of the city and surroundings' total population.

Earthquake in the Indian Ocean, 2004

A submarine earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered a tsunami that has been declared the deadliest natural disaster in modern history. The earthquake's magnitude was variously estimated at 9.1 to 9.3.
Port Elizabeth in South Africa was devastated, even though it was a few thousand kilometers from the epicenter. Some coastlines had to face waves of over 20 meters. The enormous energy release that accompanied the collision of the tectonic plates caused Sumatra and its neighboring islands to shift several dozen meters. Various estimates put the death toll at between 225,000 and 300,000 people.

Earthquake in Haiti, 2010

After the main shock of magnitude 7, many aftershocks were registered, 15 of them with a magnitude of more than 5.

According to official data for March 18, 2010 the number of dead was 222,570 people, injured - 311 thousand people. The material damage is estimated at 5.6 billion euros.

Earthquake in Aleppo

Few structures can survive an earthquake.

On October 11, 1138, a magnitude 8.5 earthquake killed more than 230,000 people. Aleppo's population recovered only centuries later. The Aleppo earthquake was part of a series of earthquakes that occurred between 1138 and 1139, which swept through present-day northern Syria, southwestern Turkey, and later Iran and Azerbaijan.

What earthquakes were in Russia

Russia has repeatedly suffered from natural disasters, including major earthquakes. The landscape of our country is large and varied, as are the climatic zones. Seismically active areas are mainly located in Sakhalin and Kamchatka Krai.

Overview of the most destructive earthquakes in the Far East

Destruction after the 2007 Sakhalin earthquake It is impossible to surprise the residents of the eastern part of the country with an earthquake - they perceive earthquakes the same way people in central Russia perceive a light rain. But residents of the Far East never lose vigilance: they know exactly how careless attitude to this natural phenomenon can turn out. History has known real disasters that took the lives of thousands of Far East residents

The Far East regularly shakes - it is located at the junction of three large lithospheric plates (Eurasian, Pacific and North American). The plates are in the mobile layer of the upper mantle and slowly move at a rate of 1-6 cm per year, which causes disturbances in the crust, leading to earthquakes.The belt of seismic activity includes the western part of Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin Island, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippine Islands. At times the strength of earthquakes reaches 7-9 points on the Richter scale, but most often they are not.

Such geographical location of the region also explains the abundance of active volcanoes in Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands (180 volcanoes are known in Kamchatka alone, 29 of them are active).

Earthquake epicenters are most often located at depths of up to 500 kilometers: the farther from the mainland, the shallower the epicenter. They are relatively shallow under the oceanic water column and can cause destructive tsunamis due to their power.

Tsunami in Severo-Kurilsk (1952)

In 1898, the Japanese, who landed on the Kuril island of Paramushir, founded the fishing village of Kasivabara. In August 1945, the islands of the Kuril Ridge, together with Paramushir and Kasivabara were transferred to the Soviet Union, and the village got a clear Soviet name - Severo-Kurilsk. 7 years later, in November 1952, the tsunami of unprecedented force almost wiped the village off the map.

About 6,000 people lived in the settlement - seasonal workers who worked in the fishing industry, construction workers, soldiers of secret units, travelers from the "mainland. They settled in old Japanese buildings, in wooden huts and cabins. Most of the buildings of the settlement were located on the shore terrace, which exceeded the sea level by only 5-10 meters.

The 1952 tsunami swept entire houses into the sea

From the archives of the Sakhalin Regional Museum of Local Lore

The Russians, who arrived in Paramushir after the war, wondered why the local Ainu people built their huts on the inconvenient tops of the hills, when right in front of the bay such an attractive lowland area spreads out. No one knew what a tsunami was then - there was no warning system, no training, people even had no idea about the existence of such natural phenomena.

On November 5, 1952, at 4 a.m., 130 kilometers off the Kamchatka coast, a strong earthquake measuring 7-9 on the Richter scale struck, triggering a massive tsunami that traveled toward Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands.

Wreckage of ships washed ashore by the wave

From the archives of the Sakhalin Regional Museum of Local Lore

That November night, the residents of Severo-Kurilsk woke up and felt strong tremors, plaster falling from the ceiling, tables dancing and moving away from the walls, cabinets falling and broken dishes ringing. The frightened people ran out into the street, only managing to grab documents and their most valuable possessions.

The earthquake lasted about half an hour, getting weaker or stronger, and then it calmed down. It has happened here more than once, and soon the reassured Kurils returned to their homes.

No one suspected that at that time a giant 18-meter wave was already approaching them with enormous speed, which took only about an hour to reach the coast of Paramushir. When most residents had already started cleaning or preparing for bed again, the wave appeared on the foggy horizon.

The tsunami was first noticed by policeman Deryabin:

We heard a great noise and then a crack from the sea. When we looked around we saw a great high water wall coming from the sea onto the island... I gave the order to open fire with my personal weapons and shout: "Water is coming!" while retreating to the hills. Hearing the noise and shouting, people began to run out of their apartments in what they were wearing (most in underwear, barefoot), and run into the hills.

The wave grew higher and higher over the horizon, and it seemed to people that the village itself was sinking into some abyss. The foamy ridge crashed with terrible force from a great height onto the coastal structures, and the whole area was filled with the cracking of the buildings, the heart-rending screams of those drowning and running as fast as they could away from the shore.

Richter Scale

The Richter scale is a relative scale for classifying earthquakes by magnitude. It is based on an analysis of the energy of seismic waves that an earthquake generates. The scale was first proposed by American seismologist Charles Richter in 1935 and has now become widely used around the world. The maximum score assigned to an earthquake on the Richter scale is 9.

In a year on Earth there is approximately:

1 earthquake of magnitude 8.0 or higher;

10 - with a magnitude of 7.0-7.9;

100 - with a magnitude of 6.0-6.9;

1000 - with a magnitude of 5.0-5.9.

As the waves receded, it became clear that all the buildings on the coastal terrace had been destroyed or carried into the sea, and the moonlight clearly showed the wooden huts floating in the channel between Paramushir and Shumshu. After the danger seemed to have passed, people began descending the hills to their homes or what remained of them to help the injured and to look for their belongings.

No more than half an hour later, a second wave comparable in size to the first appeared on the horizon. The tsunami hit a cape northeast of the village and, breaking over it, went in a circle of the sinking bay where Severo-Kurilsk was located. People again ran to the hills. A fisherman who was near the port at the time called out, "Run for your lives on the kungas!" The surviving fishing boat had 18 people on board, but they didn't even have time to take up the oars: the wave picked them up and carried them out to open sea. Only two days later they could get back to the ruins

Fleeing from the huge wave, people tried to take shelter on the roofs of surviving houses, but the water easily lifted them from there and circled them, directing them farther and farther away from the shore.

The wave continued to swirl in the narrow valley and demolish everything in its path. With incredible force, it easily lifted trucks, tractors, and heavy machines from their pedestals, even the reliable safe of the State Bank, weighing 15 tons, was torn from its foundation and was thrown a dozen meters away.

The wave completely destroyed the village

From the archives of the Sakhalin Regional Museum of Local Lore

People showed amazing self-sacrifice - men grabbed children and elders in their arms and ran upstairs with them, knowing that they risked not being able to escape with such a burden.

In a report on the consequences of the natural disaster, the head of the Sakhalin regional police department Lieutenant Colonel Smirnov wrote:

Here are two girls leading an old woman under her arms. Pursued by the approaching wave, they try to run faster to the hill. The old woman, exhausted, sinks to the ground in exhaustion. She begs the girls to leave her and save themselves. But the girls through the noise and rattle of the impending disaster shout to her: "We're not leaving you anyway, let all drown together. They pick up the old woman in their arms and try to run, but at that moment the surging wave catches them and throws them all together on a hill. They are saved.

When the second wave rolled in, most of the survivors, soaked, half-naked and hungry, were left sitting on the slopes of the hills under the morning stars. They were freezing in the strong wind, rain and snow that rarely fell.For the next few days, until the evacuation, for which all available ships in the Far East were called in, the tsunami victims spent in dug-out dugouts on the hills around Severo-Kurilsk for army training exercises.

After the second wave, the frightened residents no longer tried to come down from the hills

From the archives of the Sakhalin Regional Museum of Local Lore

The third wave was no longer as strong, but only threw ashore the debris that filled the strait between the islands, and dragged the bodies of the dead into the sea.

The rescue was organized very quickly - captains of all kinds of ships, boats and other watercraft went out into the bay clogged with parts of buildings and fishing gear to rescue drowning people. Many residents of the village were carried along with the rolling waves into the wide bay, and now they were freezing in the cold water, holding on to floating all over the place logs and other debris.

The work of the sailors was not easy: propellers were tangled in fishing nets, we had to very carefully maneuver between the floating circle of garbage, not to become a victim of shipwreck. Captains and boat crews evacuated people to safe places. Besides sailors, soldiers from the Far Eastern military units and state security officials were also involved in eliminating the tsunami.

A witness to the disaster was the famous writer Arkady StrugatskyStrugatsky wrote to his brother Boris in Leningrad, who at the time served in the Kuril Islands as a military interpreter. He participated in eliminating the consequences of the catastrophic tsunami on Shumshu Island:

...I was on Syumushu Island (or Shumshu - look at the southern tip of Kamchatka). What I saw, did, and experienced there - I can't write about yet. I will only say that I was in an area where the disaster I wrote you about made itself particularly strong

The destructive tsunami wiped out the village of Severo-Kurilsk almost completely, and also wiped off the face of the earth were the settlements on the Kuril and Kamchatka coast: Utesny, Levashovo, Reef, Kamenisty, Pribrezhny, Galkino and others. The wave reached the Hawaiian Islands, which are 3000 kilometers from the earthquake epicenter. A real flood was recorded on Midway Island. Weak waves reached the coast of Alaska and Japan.

According to official data, the tsunami killed 2,336 people (mostly in Severo-Kurilsk). Most of the destroyed villages and settlements were never rebuilt, they disappeared forever.

After the tsunami, Severo-Kurilsk was not rebuilt; the village was rebuilt on an elevated site

According to official data, the tsunami killed 2,336 people (mostly in Severo-Kurilsk). Most of the destroyed villages and settlements were never rebuilt, they disappeared forever.

Severo-Kurilsk was rebuilt on a new higher place in the same bay, and no special volcanological expertise was carried out when choosing a location for the settlement, the new place is safe in case of a repeat of this tsunami, but stands exactly in the path of lava and mud flows from the slope of Ebeko volcano, located just 7 kilometers from residential buildings.

The Severokurilsk tsunami of 1952 was the largest disaster of its kind in Russian history. It was the analysis of this tragedy that led to the creation of a tsunami warning system in the USSR (it started operating in 1955), and much later, in 1964, the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR, decided to ban construction in tsunami-hazardous areas.

Sakhalin-1995

On March 27, 1995, it took only 17 seconds for the elements to wipe out the working village of Neftegorsk in the Sakhalin region. More than 2,000 residents of the village were killed, amounting to 80% residents. The widespread destruction made it impossible to rebuild the village, so the settlement became a ghost: a memorial plate was placed there to tell the victims of the tragedy, and the residents themselves were evacuated.

A dangerous region in Russia in terms of seismic activity is any region at the junction of tectonic plates:

• Kamchatka and Sakhalin,
• Caucasian Republics,
• Altai Krai.

In any of these regions there is still a possibility of a natural earthquake, because the mechanism of earthquake generation is still unexplored.

Restless Yakutia

Not only Kurils, Sakhalin and Kamchatka are located in the zone of high seismodanger, a significant part of Yakutia is also in the risk zone. 1000 weak earthquakes are registered here every year, and since 1951 about 15 really powerful earthquakes of 6 to 9 magnitude on the Richter scale have been registered.

Forecast of seismic hazard in the Far Eastern Federal District

The Far Eastern Federal District remains the most seismically active district in Russia. Until the end of 2016, there is a high probability of strong earthquakes (with magnitudes up to 7.0) in the south of Kamchatka and in the Avacha Bay area. The Northern Kuril Islands and the southern part of Sakhalin Island are also in the risk zone. High seismic activity in these areas has continued for the last decade, in 2015 373 earthquakes with magnitude of 5.0, which caused tremors of 2-3 on the Richter scale, were registered throughout the FEFD.

The famous cold pole - Oymyakon - is the center of one of the two seismically active regions of Yakutia. In 1971, one of the most powerful earthquakes in the history of observations in Russia was recorded near the village of Artyk. Its power was close to 9 points on the Richter scale.

Earthquake shocks were felt on a huge territory, several districts (and they are very large in Yakutia) were seized at once. Disturbances were registered even in Khabarovsk Krai and Magadan Oblast.

Another powerful earthquake occurred in South Yakutia in 1989, when a 15-20 meter wide and up to 3 meters deep fault was formed over its epicenter. You can only imagine what would have happened if there had been any populated area in the path of the fault. Fortunately, in both cases the earthquakes occurred in sparsely populated areas and caused no human casualties or significant damage.

Earthquake in Neftegorsk: history, consequences and interesting facts

Almost a quarter of a century ago, one of the most catastrophic earthquakes on the scale occurred in Russia. The town of Neftegorsk as a result of this natural disaster was 80 % destroyed, killing 62.5 % local residents. Four months and one day after the tragedy, the village was liquidated.

Village Neftegorsk

Neftegorsk in the north of Sakhalin (one of the many Russian settlements with that name) was founded in 1964. Originally called Vostok, the township was later renamed Neftegorsk. It was inhabited by oil producers, who worked on a rotational basis. The settlement was designed for a maximum of five thousand people.

It was one of the most well-appointed towns on Sakhalin, which is now listed as a defunct (destroyed) settlement. The reason for this was the devastating 1995 earthquake in Neftegorsk. The town officially ceased to exist on September 29, 1995 - four months and one day after the disaster.

After the earthquake it turned out that the houses that were built in Neftegorsk in the sixties were not designed for seismic zones at all. In addition, it turned out that there were gross violations of construction standards. Most houses collapsed completely, which was not even in Spitak in 1988. For reference: the Spitak earthquake of magnitude 6-7, which occurred in north-western Armenia, killed 25 thousand people.

On Sakhalin, these flimsy houses were built to make construction cheaper. As a result, most of the inhabitants of the upper floors were able to escape the rubble alive; many of those who lived on the lower floors died under the rubble. Thus, had it not been for the economy of the sixties, many of the victims would have been avoided.

A Brief Background

That year (1995) was the year of extraordinary seismic activity in the Pacific Ocean. For example, on January 17, 1995, one of the largest earthquakes in Japan occurred. The natural disaster nearly destroyed the city of Kobe on the island of Awaji. As a result of the disaster, over 6 thousand people died, and the property damage was estimated at 102.5 billion dollars, which was 2.5 % of the country's GDP at that time.

Russian seismologists were expecting earthquakes in the Far East and Kamchatka, but the northern part of Sakhalin, where the disaster finally occurred, was considered less dangerous than the southern part or the Kuril Islands. In addition, most of the seismic stations that were built on Sakhalin during Soviet times had already fallen into disrepair by 1995.

Earthquake history

At the northeastern part of Sakhalin Island coast (Neftegorsk) the earthquake has happened on May 28, 1995 at 1:04 a.m. The intensity of shocks at the epicenter of catastrophe reached 8-10 points (by different estimations). At first they said that the intensity of shocks made up 9 points on Richter scale, later seismologists came to conclusion that it was less - about 7 points.

Seismic activity was felt not only in the north of the island, but also in many points on the nearest part of the continent. The village of Okha, Tungor, Kolendo, Sabo, Nogliki, Nekrasovka, Vostochny-1, Ekhabi and others were also affected by the natural disaster. But the worst consequences of the disaster were in Neftegorsk. The city was 25-30 km from the epicenter of seismic activity.

The earthquake in Neftegorsk (1995) was the most destructive in the region in the history of observations, that is, since 1909.

Victims and survivors

During the disaster 62.5 % residents of the village were killed, 80 % structures were destroyed. 2040 people were killed, in total in the village at that time lived almost 3200 residents. On the eve in the city last call rang, were held graduation parties. Of the 26 graduates of the school of Neftegorsk survived only nine people.

In total, in the zone of seismic activity there were more than 55 thousand people - the population of Neftegorsk, Okha and other settlements affected by the disaster. But the most severe consequences, as already mentioned, the disaster caused in Neftegorsk. In other towns there were not even fatal cases, there was minimal damage.

During the rescue operation after the earthquake in Neftegorsk, which lasted several weeks, more than two thousand people were rescued from under the rubble, most of them dead. More than three and a half hundred people are still missing.

Consequences of the tragedy

The earthquake in Neftegorsk destroyed almost all of the buildings and structures that had been built in the city over the past thirty years. Seventeen residential five-stories, four two-stories, four kindergartens and a school, a club, a hospital, and other structures were irrevocably destroyed. The houses simply collapsed under their own weight. In a few minutes they turned into huge piles of slag, fragments of concrete slabs, garbage, building materials.

Several local residents who were still awake or had time to quickly assess the situation jumped out of the windows, which saved them from death. But most residents of Neftegorsk were already asleep. They were buried under the rubble of their own homes. Interestingly, almost none of the single-story houses in the village were damaged.

The earthquake on Sakhalin (Neftegorsk, 1995) damaged power lines, the Okha - Komsomolsk-on-Amur oil pipeline, several oil pumping stations, over two hundred production wells, bridges and significant sections of roads. The town was left without telephone service and medical care. During the earthquake in Neftegorsk a hospital was completely destroyed, killing thirty doctors and nurses.

Earthquake in the Kemerovo region

The earthquake of 5.5 points occurred in 2013. In addition to the Kemerovo region, the earthquake was felt in the Novosibirsk region, the Tomsk region, as well as in the Altai Territory. The intensity of the earthquake in the Belovo area reached 6-7 points, in Belovo 5-6 points, in Novokuznetsk 4-5 points. Total damage was 1.7 billion rubles.

Earthquake in Nevelsk

Earthquake with magnitude of 6.7 occurred in 2007. Earthquake epicenter was located in the waters of Tatar Strait. The earthquake hit Nevelsk and the southern part of Sakhalin. Two people died in Nevelsk, 14 were injured. The earthquake damage amounted to more than 11.5 billion rubles.

Earthquake in Chechnya

It happened in 2008. tremors measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale killed 13 people and injured over 116. The tremors were felt not only in the North Caucasus, but also in Transcaucasia.

Baikal earthquake

It happened in 2008. The epicenter of tremors was located on the bottom of lake Baikal in 30 km from Baikalsk, 65 km to the South from Irkutsk. Underground tremors were felt all over Eastern Siberia. The Central seismic station in Irkutsk registered tremors with intensity 6-7 points. Despite incredible intensity of tremors the quake caused almost no significant damage and no victims were registered.

Earthquake in Tyva

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 occurred in 2011. The damage caused to the Republic of Khakassia is estimated at 5,000,000,000 rubles. The strong tremors were felt throughout southern Siberia, as well as in Mongolia.

Chu earthquake of 2003

Strength of the earthquake was 7.3. Numerous landslides, rockslides, cracks appeared in the earthquake zone. 1889 houses, where more than 7 000 people lived, 25 schools, 16 hospitals and 7 boiler houses were damaged in Altai Republic. Beltyr village was almost totally destroyed.
In the Altai region, the earthquake caused damage to high-rise structures. It affected not only Russia, but also Kazakhstan and China.

Earthquake in Tyva one year later

The earthquake with magnitude 6.7 - 6.9 occurred on February 26, 2012 at 14:17:16 local time. Intensity of the earthquake in the epicenter was 8.5 points. Epicenter of the earthquake was located at 101 km to the East from Kyzyl. Damage from the earthquake was estimated at 2 000 000 000 rubles. Over 1000 settlements were located in the earthquake zone.

Figures and Facts - Spitak Natural Cataclysm

A series of earth tremors began at 11:41 a.m. The magnitude of the earth shaking after the first tremor and for the next ten seconds reached 7.2 on the Richter scale. The minimum vibration of the Spitak disaster was 6.8 on the edge of the earthquake strike zone. The powerful earth tremors destroyed the entire northern part of the Soviet Republic of Armenia almost in half a minute. The disaster affected one million people who were left homeless, jobless and lost their health or lives.

The big city of Spitak was in the epicenter of the earthquakeThe intensity of the earthquakes in that locality reached 10 points (on a twelve-point Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik scale). The tremors were also significantly felt in other cities of the republic - Tbilisi and Yerevan, where the disaster destroyed multistory buildings, left settlements without communication and also significantly undermined the infrastructure.

According to scientists vibrationThe wave from the earthquake circled the globe twiceIts activity was registered even by laboratories in Europe. Also recorded vibrations in the scientific centers of America, Australia. Scientists in Asia also learned about the event almost immediately after the start of the disaster - the vibration of the Earth's crust swept around the world.

As for people, the loss of life was record high. According to official data About 25,000 people died as a result of the Spitak catastropheBut unofficial statistics is much sadder - it says that the earthquake took the lives of 150 thousand people. nearly 21 thousand people were left disabled. 515 thousand people were left homeless. the Spitak disaster is one of the worst cataclysms that have occurred in the world over the past two hundred years.

If Soviet and world statistics are to be believed, then The devastating disaster covered more than 41% of the entire territory of the Republic of Armenia.In one second, the economy of the USSR was destroyed and thousands of people were killed.

December earthquake in Armenia

According to scientists, this small Transcaucasian country is in an extremely earthquake-prone zone. What happened on December 7 (the earthquake in Armenia) has happened before, as evidenced by the ruins of ancient cities and mentioned in manuscripts in which the monks-witnesses in different centuries left records of what happened when "God was angry at people, and the ground was falling from under their feet".

In 1988 there were still alive those who remembered the earthquake in Armenia, which occurred on October 22, 1926. It affected the same region as the Spitak earthquake, but it was less destructive. In addition, in the first decades of the 20th century the population of the northern regions of the Armenian Soviet Union was quite small, so there were many times fewer victims than during the 1988 disaster.

Damage from the Spitak disaster

If we do not talk about the damage that the disaster caused by the destruction of residential buildings, then we should remember that At the time of the Spitak disaster, the Armenian nuclear power plant ceased to functionIt was barely shut down in the first seconds of the earthquake, for fear of an accident. As the employees of the Armenian NPP claimed, a few more seconds would have added a man-made accident to the natural disaster. After the emergency shutdown, the reactors were placed in special concrete capsules in vaults under the plant. This guaranteed safety, but significantly affected the quality of industry. One reactor could never be removed from storage later.

The ground shaking destroyed about 45% of industry in the Armenian SSR. The main damage occurred in the city of Spitak and 58 villages in the area - these settlements were completely destroyed, all road junctions were unusable. The city of Leninakan (today the city of Gyumri), Stepanavan and Vanadzor were partially affected. About 56% of industrial capacity was destroyed in these localities after the disaster, but the roads survived. Therefore, emergency medical assistance was promptly dispatched to the sites. Another 300 settlements and towns required significant reconstruction.

According to unofficial data, 21 cities and 360 villages were affected by the natural disaster. 59 villages are statistically known to have been completely destroyed, the earthquake flattened them to the ground.

Statistics of land fluctuations published in the Armenian SSR (on a 12-point scale):

1. City Spitak - 10 points.
2. City Leninakan - 9 points.
3. City Kirovakane - 8 points.
4. City Tbilisi - 6.8 points.
5. City Yerevan - 6 points.

During the earthquake were destroyed and completely ceased to function:

1. 932 secondary and special schools.
2. 895 Kindergartens and pre-schools
3. 416 hospitals, health care facilities, and first-aid posts.
4. Two national academic theaters, which were the cultural and historical heritage of the republic.
5. 14 national museums and art galleries.
6. 401 libraries and reading rooms.
7. 42 state cinemas.
8. 349 cultural and creative institutions, houses of culture, art studios and youth clubs.
9. 600kilometers The roads had become completely unusable and could not be reconstructed.
10. 230 industrial enterprises were wiped out, not to be reconstructed or rebuilt.
11. 12 kilometers of railway tracks were completely destroyed and put out of service, according to unofficial data - more than 26 kilometers.
12. 874 The store was wiped out.
13. 147 warehouses of industrial products, grains, and sales goods were demolished by the earthquake.

New version of the causes of the earthquake

The unfounded version that the earthquake was caused by underground weapons testing is still surfacing online.Five hundred thousand people lost their homes as a result of the Spitak earthquake

Recently, however, Samvel Hakobyan, General Director of the International Center for Global Monitoring and Seismic Weather Forecasting and a leading researcher at the Earth Physics Institute of RAS, stated that the large-scale disaster may have been caused by a technogenic factor - the construction of the Akhuryan reservoir.

Seismic characteristics of the Spitak earthquake

The catastrophe happened on December 7, 1988 at 10:41 a.m. Moscow time. The village of Nalband (today Shirakamut) near Spitak city was the epicenter of the disaster and it measured 10 on the MSK-64 scale and was felt in the settlements, too:

• Leninakan (Gyumri) - 9 points.
• Kirovakan (Vanadzor) - 8-9 points.
• Stepanavan - 9 points.
• Yerevan - 6 points.

The main shock lasted 35-45 seconds and was followed by less intense aftershocks. According to eyewitnesses, several days before the earthquake weak tremors were observed. In addition, in artificial reservoirs where fish were raised, they surfaced and stayed on the surface, and pets were also extremely restless.

The situation in the USSR in 1988

The second half of the 1980s was not an easy time for the entire Soviet Union. Gorbachev's democratization drive led to a growing national consciousness in most republics. At the same time, economic problems inherited by the new leadership from the stagnation era led a large proportion of citizens living in national formations to seek the root of all troubles in the lack of independence. The situation was particularly tense in places where for centuries the fire of ethnic conflict had smoldered and borders were

Situation in the republic at the time of the earthquake in Armenia (1988)

In 1987 in the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region, where over 761T of the population was Armenian, there was a movement to join the Armenian USSR. On February 20, 1988, taking into account the opinion of the majority of the population, the people's deputies of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region decided to appeal to the USSR leadership with a request to secede from the Azerbaijan SSR. In response, in late February 1988 brutal pogroms began in Sumgait and Baku, during which the Armenians, who had no relation to the events, were killed and expelled from their homes.

December 7

That day is still remembered today in the smallest detail by all residents of Armenia, including those who were five or six years old in 1988. Even in Yerevan, which is 98 km from the epicenter, the tremors caused panic and drove people to the streets. As for the disaster zone itself, within 35-40 seconds whole neighborhoods and villages turned into ruins and buried under themselves tens of thousands of people. In the first hours after the earthquake in Armenia in 1988, in some settlements there was simply nobody to perform rescue operations. By now

Victims

The earthquake in Armenia on December 7, 1988, killed at least 25,000 people and disabled another 19,000. The situation was complicated in the first two days by the fact that almost all hospitals in the disaster area were destroyed and most of the medical staff was either dead or under the rubble. Thus, most of the skilled medical care was provided by mobile medical teams from neighboring regions of Armenia. In addition, many people who were under the rubble died as the seventh or eighth rescue workers catast

Help

Even after 27 years, rescuers and construction workers from dozens of regions of the RSFSR, the Ukraine, Belarus SSR and other parts of the Soviet Union still remember the earthquake in Armenia with warmth and gratitude. Many Spitak residents who were left homeless survived thanks to Kazakh yurts. Soon help began to arrive from abroad. In particular, groups of highly qualified rescuers from European countries were sent to the republic. Much help was also provided by the Armenian diaspora. In particular

Unofficial sources, speculation - secret testing of hydrogen bombs in the USSR

Experts have calculated that in the rupture zone of the earth's crust at the time of the Spitak earthquake, the energy released was equal to an explosion of ten Hiroshima-Nagasaki type nuclear bombs. Some modern researchers are convinced that an ordinary earthquake in a fairly calm region simply could not physically have such a large energy potential. Modern physicists and seismologists believe that the Spitak disaster was nothing more than a Soviet secret test of hydrogen bombs.

Unofficial speculation is that the USSR, in a arms race with the United States, decided to invent unique lethal weapons in response to the atomic warheads. This was followed by the design of unique hydrogen bombs with an incredibly high energy capacity.

According to presumptive calculations, given the technological capabilities of the Soviet Union at the time, one such bomb could have the power of five atomic warheads of the type that were dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. That is, it is assumed that two such bombs were tested under the city of Spitak. It was they that could cause such a strong earth shaking effect and also lead to the appearance of a crack at the junction of the tectonic plates in Armenia.

But is it profitable for such a large country, even during perestroika, to test weapons, if there is a threat to ruin the infrastructure of the city? After all, to resume Spitake and the county - the Union then spent, to put it mildly, not a little money... The answers to these questions are ambiguous and conditionally divided into two camps.

Some physicists argue that the inventors simply did not expect that they could cause an earthquake of such magnitude. And they tested it near Spitak exclusively because this zone is considered seismically active. That is, they would not pay much attention to a small earthquake as a result of the explosion. According to the second version proposed by historians and political technologists, the Armenian SSR was not bringing much income to the country. Therefore, they tested it there, without fear of shaking the economic standing of the entire Soviet Union with this explosion.

However, the hydrogen bomb test versions are not official. Although these assumptions have been made public by fairly influential people, they have never been officially confirmed. Today it is too late to search for the truth, because over the years it has managed to get lost under the rubble of the city, lost among the hundreds of thousands of dead.