Alma is a river in the Crimea. Description, features, photo

The river Alma is one of the most picturesque and large water streams of the Crimean peninsula. Its length is 83 km. This length allows this watercourse to occupy the second place, behind only the river. Salgir. The pool has an area of 635 square meters. Km.

Briefly about the main

Alma is a mountain type river. Its source is on the northern slope of Babugan-Yaila. This is the highest point of the Crimean mountains, in the valley between the two ridges - Sinab-Dag and Konk. The place of the beginning of Alma is considered the merger of two water streams - a small river Babuganka and a stream Sary-Su. To the north of the source is the famous mountain range Chatyr-Dag.

Alma flows in the northern direction, then halfway down to the west and at the end of the current flows into the Kalamitsky Gulf. Refers to the Black Sea basin. In administrative terms, it flows through the Alushta region, Simferopol and Bakhchisaray districts.

The upper course of the river passes within the boundaries of the Crimean nature reserve. On this stretch Alma is a river with a pronounced mountain character. It carries pure spring water with a rapid current. There he also receives three tributaries - Kosu, Mavlju and Dry Almu. Downstream, Bakal-Su and Bodrak flow into the river. At the very end, it practically ceases to exist. Closer to the Gulf of Alma, swampy, overgrown with reeds.

Hydronym

What does the "Alma River" mean? The origin of the name has several versions. On the banks of the watercourse, orchards grow, most of all there are apple trees. It is believed that the river received its name thanks to apple orchards, since the word "alma" from Turkic is translated as "apple". However, the first academic researchers of the peninsula agree that the river was named after the fortress of Alma-Kermen. The settlement was located near the banks of this stream.

Characteristics of water

Alma is a river, around which there are legends. The water in it has healing and dining properties. Its chemical composition is hydrocarbonate, with impurities of calcium and magnesium, weak mineralization. In the place where the tributary of the Sary-Su flows into the river, the spring spring Savlukh-Su ("healing waters") is formed. The water in it really has a very rich mineral composition and is used for medicinal purposes, and is also suitable for drinking.

Features

In its central part, Alma becomes very beautiful. Its valley expands, the current becomes quieter, and around the river is framed by a picturesque forest. On both sides of the stream there are stone small boulders, which for many years overgrown with moss. In one of such places, water, falling from a large pile of stones, forms a small, but very beautiful waterfall with an interesting name - Trout. His name was not accidental. The fact is that in this area is a popular fish of the salmon family - trout. As you know, she lives only in crystal clear water, and therefore the Alma mountain river is ideal for this species. The fish was brought here specially from the Baltic States. Downstream, a fish farm has been built , which is engaged in trout breeding. For these purposes, special ponds were built here.

The lower reaches of the river

In the lower reaches, the slope of the river decreases, down to the confluence of Alma into the bay. The banks in this area are overgrown with reeds and marsh plants. During the tides, water from the sea, falling into the river, makes it salty. Also in this region, as a result of permanent sand deposits, favorable beaches have been formed. From the bottom of the river limestones with impregnations of marble are washed out, which, being polished, become similar to precious stones.

Reservoirs

Along the course of the Alma, two reservoirs were built in Soviet times. They were used for irrigation and for water supply. Upstream, not far from the village. Chestnut, the partisan reservoir was built. It provided water to the Simferopol district. Downstream in 1934, the Almin reservoir was constructed, which is used for industrial purposes. Also in these places, local residents actively spend their time in the summer season, resting and enjoying the scenery.

Historical facts

The river Alma in the Crimea is known and historically. In 1854, during the Crimean War , a battle took place on the watercourse, which went down in history as a battle on the Alma River. In its course, the Russian troops were defeated by their opponents. And in honor of victory in the battle the French even built a bridge across the river. The Seine, who was called Alma.