Introduction to the Yenisei River
The Yenisei River is the longest river in Russia and the fifth longest river in the world. It originates in Mongolia, runs through Russia and finally empties into the Kara Sea. The Yenisei River basin is the largest in Russia and covers an area of more than 2 million square kilometers. It is a source for hydroelectric power and provides fisheries, irrigation and transportation benefits to the region.
Where does the Yenisei River Begin and End?
The Yenisei River begins in Mongolia’s Mongol Altai Mountains at 1,372 meters above sea level. From there, it flows northeast and enters Russia at the city of Kyzyl. It flows past Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Angara, and Ust-Kut before it empties into the Kara Sea.
The Length of the Yenisei River
The Yenisei River is approximately 5,539 kilometers long, making it the fifth-longest river in the world after the Amazon, the Nile, the Yangtze and the Mississippi. Its basin covers an area of more than 2 million square kilometers and spans seven Russian provinces and Mongolia.
Climate of the Yenisei River
The climate is continental and climate change has a direct effect on the Yenisei. Summers are usually hot and winters can be extremely cold. The mean annual temperature of the Yenisei River Basin is -1.7 °C and the mean annual precipitation is 211 mm. This makes it one of the driest river basins in Russia.
Fish Species Found in the Yenisei River
The Yenisei River supports a rich and diverse fish fauna. 42 species of fish have been found in the river, including five species of salmon, 7 species of sturgeons and one species of the Caspian seal. The fish are an important part of the local economy and provide a vital food source.
The Effects of Pollution on the Yenisei River
The Yenisei River has been significantly affected by pollution from industrial activities and agricultural runoff. There has been a decrease in the abundance and diversity of fish species, as well as in the water quality. The main pollutants are hydrogen sulfide, heavy metals, organic compounds and suspended solids.
Hydropower on the Yenisei River
The Yenisei River is an important source of hydropower, with nearly 8.2 gigawatts of installed capacity. The main hydroelectric plants are Bratsk, Krasnoyarsk and Ust-Ilimsk. These power plants contribute significantly to the local economy and provide clean and renewable energy to the region.
The Importance of the Yenisei River
The Yenisei River is an important source of water for the people of Russia and Mongolia. It also provides transportation, fisheries and a source of energy for the region. The river is an important ecosystem and is home to a variety of fish species and other wildlife. The Yenisei River basin is also an important tourist destination, attracting people from all over the world.
Infrastructure Development on the Yenisei River
The Yenisei River basin is a key area for economic development and infrastructure in Russia. A number of new roads, bridges, railways and hydroelectric plants have been built in the region. These developments have significantly improved the quality of life for local people and opened up new opportunities for commercial activity.
Environmental Conservation on the Yenisei River
The environmental conservation of the Yenisei River basin is of utmost importance. The government of Russia has taken strong measures to protect the river and its surrounding areas, such as enacting laws banning the dumping of waste and regulating the use of chemicals and other pollutants. In addition, a number of International agreements have been signed to ensure the long-term protection of the river’s ecology.
The Great Baikal-Amur Mainline Railway
The Great Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) is an important railway built to connect the Yenisei River basin to the Pacific Ocean. Construction of the railway began in 1974 and was completed in 1989. The railway is an important link for trade between Russia and other Far Eastern countries and is an important part of Russia’s transport infrastructure.
The Yenisei River is known for its strong and unpredictable currents, which can make navigation difficult and dangerous. Massive sandbars and shoals, storms and ice jams are all common hazards which must be dealt with when navigating the river.
In recent years, there have been efforts to improve the navigation conditions on the Yenisei River. These include the construction of locks, dams and bridges, as well as dredging of the river’s waterways. There are also plans to build a massive hydroelectric plant on the river, which could help to generate electricity and improve navigation conditions.
