Geographical Reach of Yenisei River
The Yenisei River, also known as the Viasea, is the fifth longest river in the world, stretching over a length of 5536 kilometers. It is the central river of Western Siberia and flows through the much larger territories of Mongolia, China, and Russia. The source of the Yenisei River is the western edge of the Sayan Mountains. From there it flows through the Tuva region of Russia, before flowing across to Mongolia, where the river exits from Lake Baikal. After entering Russia, it joins with the Jenisej and the Angara rivers, before finally flowing into the Kara Sea near the Arctic Ocean. The river basin has a surface area of 2.58 million square kilometers, and is the largest Arctic drainage area in the world.
Climatic Conditions
The climatic conditions of the Yenisei River are highly varied due to the various latitudes and elevations of the river basin. It is estimated that the thermal regime of the river basin is fluctuating between -17°C and +19°C in the winter and +7°C and +20°C in the summer. This combination of temperature and humidity produces a unique type of climate in the area, which is far different from that of the rest of Siberia.
Geographical Features
Along the course of Yenisei River, there are several geographical features that are worth visiting. These include the Sayan Mountains, the Tomsk region, the Taiga Plains, the Central Siberian Plateau, the Eastern Siberian Plateau, and the Lena River Basin. Each of these offers an impressive landscape that offers geological and climatic variety. Additionally, the Yenisei has many tributaries and lakes, making it an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and other water sports.
Ecology and Conservation
The Yenisei River is an important part of the Western Siberia wetlands ecosystem, which is home to several endangered species like the Siberian crane and Amur leopard. The river is also an essential source of sustenance for the locals and is used for drinking, bathing rituals, and agricultural irrigation. In the early 2000s, the Russian government established two wildlife reserves along the Yenisei, in order to protect the wetlands and endangered species. While the area is still suffering from the effects of climate change, the level of conservation appears to be slowly increasing.
Local Industry
The Yenisei River is a major contributor to the local economy, providing an essential source of water for industrial and agricultural activities. Specifically, the river is used for shipping and trading, as well as for power production and other industries. Additionally, the river is used to irrigate crop fields and helps in the generation of energy. Locally, the Yenisei River serves as a significant economic and cultural centre in the region, with numerous activities and jobs related to the river.
Relevance To Other Parts of the World
Despite being relatively remote, the Yenisei River is highly significant to other parts of the world. For example, Yenisei river water can provide a viable source of drinking water to some of the driest regions in the world, as well as provide alternative renewable energy sources. Additionally, the continued conservation and protection of the Yenisei River will ensure that its ecosystem and wild species remain intact and safe from human interference and destruction.
Public Perception
The public perception of the Yenisei River is generally positive, with many seeing the river as an outstanding example of the resilience of nature and its ability to thrive despite extreme weather and environmental conditions. People also view the Yenisei as a crucial source of sustenance, a source of pride, and a valuable economic asset.
Environmental Impact
Though the Yenisei River is home to many important species, it is not without its share of environmental problems. Pollution from nearby industries and factories has caused an overall decrease in the water quality of the river and its nearby wetlands, as well as causing a decrease in the population of fish and other aquatic animals. Additionally, the melting of the nearby icecaps has caused a massive increase in the inflow of water across the river’s pre-existing dams, which has in turn influenced the water levels and caused flooding in the surrounding areas.
Impact Of Climate Change
Due to its northerly location, the Yenisei River has felt the full impact of climate change in recent years. Specifically, global warming has caused the icecaps to melt faster than ever, which in turn has caused the river to swell and flood more often than before. Additionally, the increase in temperature has also caused an increase in the rate of evaporation, leading to the river running dry in the summer months. Finally, the melting of the icecaps has also increased the amount of debris and contaminants entering the river, which has caused a decrease in the overall water quality and an increase in the amount of pollutants in the river.
Effects of Human Activity
The impact of human activities on the Yenisei River has been immense, leading to numerous changes in both the ecology and economy of the region. Human activities in the area, such as fishing and logging, have severely degraded the natural resources of the river, leading to a decrease in aquatic life and a decrease in the overall quality of the water. Additionally, the construction of multiple dams along the Yenisei has drastically changed the flow of the river and its tributaries, leading to a decrease in the amount of water flowing downstream.
Restoration Efforts
Thankfully, in recent years, numerous restoration efforts have been taken to improve the health of the Yenisei River. Local communities have started to impose regulations on fishing and logging activities, while educational campaigns have also been held to raise awareness of the dangers of pollution. Additionally, multiple organizations have worked to rebuild the local wetland habitats and reintroduce new species to the river. All of these combined efforts are helping to restore the Yenisei River to its former glory.
