Akhtuba River: description, depth, water temperature, fauna and recreation

Speaking strictly scientific, Akhtuba is not a river, but one of the branches of the Volga. But its considerable length, the nature of the channel and the hydrological regime lead the flow to the rank of significant water arteries, with which the country of Russia is rich. The Akhtuba River is a recreational area. It is also appreciated by lovers of fishing. Waters of Akhtuba irrigate numerous melons and fields in the northern stream of the river. Volzhskaya HPP is also built on this stream. In a word, Akhtuba deserves to give her more attention. In this article we will describe the water artery. In addition to geographical characteristics, we will tell you about the peculiarities of rest on Akhtuba and its fauna. It should be said that the current length of the Volga sleeve is several kilometers shorter than the old one. Volzhskaya HPP dam blocked the entrance to Akhtuba. In order that the flow does not disappear, an artificial canal was dug to its six-and-a-half-kilometer channel.

Mother and daughter

In its lower reaches, the great Russian Volga river, before pouring its waters into the Caspian Sea, is divided into several branches. Thus, Akhtuba is not an influx, but one of the outflows. It can be called a daughter of the Volga. The river Akhtuba received its name from two Turkic words. "Ak" is "white". But about the second syllable, scientists can not come to a single conclusion. If you call the sleeve of the Volga "Ak-Tube", then it translates as "White Hills". There are indeed some, in some places the river forms steep, bright beaches. And if we assume that the name of the stream came from the Turkic "Ak-Tepe", then the "White Whirlpool" comes out. And indeed, quite often a river, the depth of which usually reaches two meters, presents surprises - pits. They like to inhabit carp, pike perch and large catfish. The depth of such whirlpools can reach thirty meters.

Hydrographic parameters

The depth of the Akhtuba River has already been mentioned by us. And what about the other characteristics? To begin with, as the left sleeve of the Volga, the modern Akhtuba is born in the northern suburbs of Volgograd, one kilometer from the dam of the hydroelectric power station. And the river does not flow into the Caspian Sea, as one might suppose. Near the Red Yar (a settlement twenty five kilometers upstream from Astrakhan) Akhtuba merges with another stream from the Volga delta - the sleeve of Buzan. It is considered the main thing. Thus, to the south of the point of confluence the stream flows already under the name of Buzan, and then, having forked into numerous small channels, it flows into the Caspian Sea. But back to the waterway called Akhtuba. The length of this river is five hundred and thirty-seven kilometers. The width of the channel Akhtuba reaches two hundred meters, and in the high water - and three hundred. But before the construction of the Volzhskaya HPP, the sleeve spilled twenty or more kilometers. The water level in the Akhtuba River depends on the seasons. But now there is such a factor as Volzhskaya HPP. The level of the river is regulated by discharges of water from the dam. Flood Ahtuba falls in April and May. Under the ice, the river is three winter months. The average annual water discharge in Akhtuba is 153 m³ / s.

Meaning in the farm

The Akhtuba River flows through the countryside with a rather arid climate. Therefore, its waters are of great importance in the irrigation of agricultural lands. It is especially important in the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain, which is a supplier of fruits, vegetables and watermelons. On the banks of the river there are such cities as Volzhsky (at the beginning of the outflow from the great Russian river), Znamensk, Leninsk, Akhtubinsk. Five kilometers from the sleeve is Kharabali. The Volga-Akhtuba floodplain is the largest in the world. It is not only a horticultural center and cultivation of melons, but also a cattle breeding center. In addition, it is very fond of fishermen. The floodplain invariably gives them a rich catch. Particularly rich in fish area of the Three Rivers. There live sixty species of river inhabitants.

What is the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain

450 kilometers from the 537 sleeve flows very close to the main river. The distance between water currents is changeable, but the "daughter" always remains connected with the "mother-Volga" with countless channels called "Ericks". The width of the floodplain varies from ten to thirty kilometers. The Akhtuba River is very winding, it creates numerous rifts and meanders. Therefore, in the floodplain there are so many "ilmenia" - small and shallow lakes-remnants. In the hot summer, these reservoirs dry up. But in April and May the entire flood plain is flooded. The depth of water at this time reaches two, and in some places - and eight meters. Mezhen is observed in July and August. In autumn, especially in November, the river is fed with heavy rains, but its level is still not as high as in the spring high water. Ninety per cent of the floodplain territory belongs to the Astrakhan region, and only its extreme north is to Volgograd.

Relief

The river Akhtuba, flowing over soft soils, creates low shores. They are cut up by erikami and ducts. But sometimes there are enough high, steep banks. These bright hills, because of which Akhtuba may have got its name, are called "steep hills". Their height reaches eight meters. The bottom of Akhtuba is sandy, sometimes clayey and muddy. The river often changes its course. These abandoned channels or Erics are called Old Akhtuba, or Dry. The current velocity of the left sleeve of the Volga ranges from ten to forty centimeters per second. But in May, during the flood, this parameter can increase to 0.9 m / s.

Climate and nature

Akhtuba flows through the forest-steppe zone. In summer there is quite hot and sunny weather. The air warms to thirty-five degrees during the day. And the nights here are by no means cold: + 20-25 ⁰ C. The water temperature in the Akhtuba River reaches its peak in August. Usually this figure is 24-25 degrees, but sometimes the flow warms up to plus twenty eight. Still warmer are the small Erica and the Lakes-Olden. In the lower reaches of Akhtuba, September is very comfortable. In the deciduous forests and oak forests on the banks of the river there is a lot of game. In the reeds and willowy, there are herons, snakes and even turtles. But there were no poisonous snakes on the shores of Akhtuba, except for steppe vipers and shield moccasins. Mosquitoes, by the way, get their buzzing only two hours a day - after sunset. The natural landscapes of Akhtuba are very diverse. Everyone can choose a landscape for themselves, whether it's an old lake, hidden from prying eyes by a wall of reeds, a wide river expanse or a narrow channel-erik.

Rest on the Akhtuba River

First of all, this sleeve of the Volga is known among fishermen. And not so much the whole Akhtuba, as the area near the Three Rivers. Under the steep banks is the carp. And deep bottom holes serve as a haven for schooling zander and huge catfish. Fishing on Akhtuba is possible at any time of the year. In recent years, due to global warming, protracted thaws are possible, when the Erica and the rapids of the river are freed from ice. Then fishing becomes a dangerous occupation. Local residents have long noticed: a good bug occurs when the "sea" blows - the wind from the Caspian. But at another time everyone from the beginner to the ace awaits on Akhtuba a trophy fishing. Crayfish are abundant in the river. The only minus of fishing in May-June - a surge of activity of Astrakhan midges. But in this period there is the best biting.

When to have a rest on Akhtuba

Sandy beaches on the Akhtuba River seem attractive all summer months, and even in September. But if you want to get the most comfortable rest, you should understand some of the nuances. The June weather is very good. And the Astrakhan midwife appreciates this. It is in the first month of summer that the peak of the flight of this gnez is observed. The fishermen have to sit in mosquito outfits with a stimulus - a rich catch. But those who decide to undress before the swimming trunks in June on the Akhtuba River are waiting for a not very pleasant surprise. Then, maybe, July? A beach vacation in the middle of summer on Akhtuba can only be sustained by a native of the Sahara. The temperature in the shade can reach forty degrees, and the sand is heated so that it is not possible to tread on it. No breeze, no rain. The weather in August favors holidaymakers. The water in Akhtuba is warming up to + 24-28 ⁰ С, in the daytime the heat is softened by a fresh breeze. But there are so many holiday-makers that lose the most important thing in rest on nature - solitude. But September is the best time to come to the shore of Akhtuba. Mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects already stop pestering. Decrease and ranks of tourists. But watermelons, berries and fruit keep up. And the weather? September in Akhtuba on temperature indicators can be compared with June in the suburbs. So it is possible to swim and sunbathe.

Recreation bases on the Akhtuba River

When it is best to go to the left sleeve of the Volga, we have already found out. Now it remains to decide where to stop. The recreation centers located in the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain are especially appreciated. Lazurite is one of them. The guests are lodged in the rooms of the building or in the cottages. On the territory of the recreation center there are saunas, swimming pools, children's and sports grounds. A real VIP-vacation is provided to the guests of "Athens", which is located at the Sredne-Akhtuba bridge. On the recreation center "Veterok" there are both the "Fisherman's House" hotel and small houses designed for accommodation from three to ten people. This complex has its own sandy beach. From inexpensive bases of the Volgograd region it is possible to recommend "Peresvet". It is located ten kilometers from the city of Volzhsky, in a picturesque place in the middle of a forest park.