History
The Yenisei River is one of the most important rivers in Russia’s vast Siberian region, playing an integral role in the economy, culture, wildlife and environment. Originating from the Mongolian Plateau, the Yenisei River has been known by the locals for centuries. It has been an important part of historic trade routes, linking Mongolia and China to Siberia.
The Yenisei River is nearly 4,000 miles in length and flows from northwest to southeast towards the Kara Sea, a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean. The Yenisei is the fifth-longest river in the world, and is the largest river system in Russia and the Yenisei basin has 32 tributaries, the three most important of which are the Angara, the Nizhnyaya Tunguska and the Podkamennaya Tunguska rivers.
Ecosystem and Environment
The Yenisei River is the second largest river to cross the entire region of Siberia and its many tributaries provide the inspiration and nutrients for a wide range of ecosystems. The Yenisei is one of the most important sources of fresh water in the world, supplying approximately 40 million people with drinking water.
The river is very important to species such as beluga and sturgeon, both of which are major sources of fishing and food. The sockeye salmon and taimen are also found in large numbers in the Yenisei River system. The floodwaters of the Yenisei River irrigate large swaths of Siberia’s land, allowing for the development of agriculture in the region.
Climate
The Yenisei River basin experiences an extreme climate, with winter temperatures as low as -50 Celsius, and summer months ranging from 20-30 Celsius. The average monthly temperatures vary significantly during the summer and winter months. Due to the extreme climate, the river is often frozen over during the winter months, while during the summer months, the river hosts a variety of seasonal birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.
Pollution
The Yenisei River is subject to many environmental issues, most notably pollution, as a result of increased industrialization and human settlements in the region. As human activities have increased, so has the amount of waste that is being discharged into the river and its tributaries.
This pollution has caused significant harm to the local ecosystems, as well as to the people and animals that rely on the river for their subsistence. This has caused the local authorities to take urgent steps in order to protect the river and its inhabitants.
Where Does the Yenisei River Empty?
The Yenisei River empties into the Kara Sea, a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, located in northern Russia, which is also connected to the Northern Atlantic Ocean through the Barents Sea. Along its journey towards the Kara Sea, the Yenisei River flows through many towns and cities, including Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, and Yeniseysk.
The mouth of the river is located near the city of Dudinka, a major port for the Russian Arctic, and a major shipping hub for the oil and mineral extraction industries. It is also home to the Taimyr Nature Reserve, a nature reserve created to protect the tundra and forested habitats from the negative impacts of the mineral and oil extraction industries.
The Role the Yenisei River Plays in the Economy
The Yenisei River is an important part of the economy of Russia’s Siberian region and many of the towns and cities along its shores rely heavily on the river for their livelihoods. The fishing industry is one of the most important aspects of the Yenisei’s economy, as the river is home to many species of fish, including the sturgeon and sockeye salmon, which provide a major source of food and income.
The pollution issues mentioned earlier have caused a decrease in the population of fish in the area, however, the local authorities are taking steps to protect the river and its inhabitants. The river also plays an important role in transportation and shipping, as many goods from Mongolia and other parts of Russia are transported down the Yenisei River to its mouth near Dudinka.
Hydropower
The Yenisei River is also an important source of hydropower for many of the towns and cities along its shores. The river generates approximately 60 percent of the total hydroelectric power in Russia and is also used to irrigate agricultural land in the region. Hydropower generated on the Yenisei is also exported to other regions in Russia and other parts of the world.
Cultural Significance
The Yenisei River has been an important part of the culture in the Siberian region for centuries and is often the backdrop of many historical Russian stories and legends. In recent years, the river has become a popular destination for rafting and kayaking, as well as a popular fishing spot for locals and tourists alike.
The river is also home to many religious sites, including one of the most important Christian sites in Russia, the church of St. Nicholas of Yeniseisk. This church is a symbol of faith and hope for many Siberian people, and is visited by many pilgrims each year.
Conclusion
The Yenisei River is an important river in Russia’s Siberian region and has a long and rich history and plays an important role in the economy, cultural and ecosystem of the region. It is one of the main sources of hydropower in the region and provides a livelihood for millions of people and is an important site of religious pilgrimage. Examining the Yenisei offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of Siberia, and the importance of this river to the region.
