Russian ports on the Caspian Sea are still in crisis. General characteristics of seaports and prospects for the construction of oil production support bases on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea
The Caspian Sea is the largest lake on Earth. It washes the shores of five states. These are Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Iran. It is called a lake because the body of water is not connected to the world's oceans. But in terms of the composition of the water, history of origin and size, the Caspian Sea is a sea.
Baku
The major ports of the Caspian Sea are majestic. One of them, Baku, is the capital of Azerbaijan. It is located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. The city of Baku has become the largest center for the production of black gold and gas with late XIX century. In addition to the oil industry, weaving and tobacco production also developed here. In the middle of the last century, mechanical engineering, the metalworking industry, and the production of building materials began to increase in the Azerbaijani capital.
Currently, Baku is the largest scientific, technical and industrial center in the entire Transcaucasus. Since the beginning of this century, the military industry and high information Technology. Besides the fact that Baku is the most major port Caspian Sea, the city is also the main railway junction. Most of the cargo turnover occurs at the seaport. There are international flights from the airport every day. Railways carried out to Iran, Russia and Georgia. And within the capital itself there are all types of public transport.
Iranian ports on the Caspian Sea
In Iran, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, there is the port city of Chalus, through which the river of the same name flows, flowing into the sea. The climate in this region is generally temperate and humid. Port Chalus is a famous summer resort. There are places for recreation, hotels, as well as a funicular, thanks to which you can view the surrounding area from the mountain heights - forest parks, waterfalls, forests, and the coast. IN warm times During the year, everything here is covered with flowers, and in the fall - with yellowed forest crowns. During the winter season, the mountain slopes are shrouded in snow. In addition to beaches open in summer, Chalus also has ski resort, which is famous for its mountaineering bases.
Another major Iranian port of the Caspian Sea is Bandar Anzeli. The uniqueness of this city lies in the fact that it is surrounded by the sea on almost all sides. And only one part of it borders on land. The inhabitants of this port are mainly engaged in fishing, agriculture and handicraft industries. Thanks to the warm and humid climate, rice cultivation and sericulture can be practiced here. Since fishing is developed in the city, weaving nets for catching fish also takes up place of honor. Bandar Anzali is one of the most important shipbuilding centers in Iran. In addition, there are factories for processing rice, tobacco, oil and wood. 
Aktau
On the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea there is the Kazakh port of the Caspian Sea - Aktau. This city is the only one in the republic in which international transportation of black gold and products made from it is carried out. The main economic sector of Aktau is the petrochemical industry. The largest plastic production plant in Kazakhstan is located here, as well as nitrogen-fertilizer, sulfuric acid, chemical and hydrometallurgical enterprises.
In addition to them, Aktau is also developing food industry. There is a nuclear power plant on this territory. However, uranium mining and the nuclear reactor ceased operation in the 90s. But the city was able to continue development thanks to the oil and gas industry. 
Turkmenbashi
Also on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea is the city of Turkmenistan - Turkmenbashi. This port of the Caspian Sea is major center oil refining industry of the republic. The factories produce polypropylene, diesel and universal oils. In Turkmenbashi, sea transport is mainly a ferry terminal. There is a constant ferry service to the city of Baku. In addition, there are railway junctions and an airport.
On the territory of the international seaport, shipbuilding and repair plants have been established in order to expand opportunities in the oil industries. Recently, a passenger station began operating in this city. Speaking about the sea ports of the Caspian Sea, we can clarify that this is one of the main ones.
port on the Caspian Sea
Alternative descriptionsCinema in Moscow, st. Usievich
Mayakovsky's verse
Capital of Azerbaijan
Azeri capital
Capital of neighboring countries
Capital of the Caucasian state
Homeland of Yuli Gusman
The largest seaport on the Caspian Sea
This large city is located in the southern part of the Absheron Peninsula, on the shores of the Caspian Sea
Oil capital of the Western coast of the Caspian Sea
Film by Alexander Zarkhi “Lights...”
The story of the Russian writer O. P. Smirnov “Fast to...”
City of 26 Commissioners
The name of this neighboring capital translates as “City of the Winds”
Hometown of singer Larisa Dolina
The attractions of this capital are the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Synyk-Kala minaret (XI century), the Maiden Tower, the “Bail Stones” (XII century), etc.
Poem by V. Bryusov
Poem by Mayakovsky
Moscow cinema
Capital in the Caucasus
City "Neftchi"
Capital of a country from the CIS
Capital with oil
Hometown of Yuli Gusman
In which capital is the Maiden Tower?
Capital near the Caspian Sea
Oil capital of the Caspian Sea
Residence of the Aliyev clan
Small homeland of Yuli Gusman
Azerbaijan
Capital on the Caspian Sea
. "windy city" among capitals
Zarkhi's film "Lights..."
Hometown of Lev Landau
Hometown of Larisa Dolina
Capital anagram "Cubes"
City governing Azerbaijan
Central city of Azerbaijan
City government of Azerbaijan
Megacity Azerbaijan.
Capital of Azerbaijan.
City of the Aliyev clan
In which capital is the Juma Mosque?
City leader of Azerbaijan
Ch. Azerbaijan city.
Smirnov's story "Fast to..."
Homeland of Garry Kasparov
Main Azerbaijani city
Leading city of Azerbaijan
. "crowned" city of Azerbaijan
Main city of Azerbaijan
The city where the head of Azerbaijan “settled”
City Commander of Azerbaijan
. "steering" city of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan government city
. "heart" of Azerbaijan
The main city of Azerbaijanis
Oil capital of the Caucasus
The “leader” city of Azerbaijan
Center of the Baku Khanate
Azerbaijan Think Tank
Capital city of Azerbaijan
City on the shores of the Caspian Sea
Central city of Azerbaijan
The largest port of the Caspian Sea
Capital city of Azerbaijan
City of Azerbaijan's leadership
Capital city of Azerbaijan
Oil Workers City
Kasparov's hometown
Hometown of Irina Allegrova
Summoning creature Danzo from the anime "Naruto"
Twinned with Amman
Sister city of St. Petersburg
Scientific Center of Transcaucasia
Capital of Azerbaijan
Capital of the union republic
The city in which Father Fyodor begged engineer Bruns for his furniture set (“Twelve Chairs”)
City, capital of Azerbaijan
Cinema in Moscow
largest port of the Caspian Sea
Alternative descriptionsCinema in Moscow, st. Usievich
Mayakovsky's verse
Capital of Azerbaijan
Azeri capital
Capital of neighboring countries
Capital of the Caucasian state
Homeland of Yuli Gusman
The largest seaport on the Caspian Sea
This large city is located in the southern part of the Absheron Peninsula, on the shores of the Caspian Sea
Oil capital of the Western coast of the Caspian Sea
Film by Alexander Zarkhi “Lights...”
The story of the Russian writer O. P. Smirnov “Fast to...”
City of 26 Commissioners
The name of this neighboring capital translates as “City of the Winds”
Hometown of singer Larisa Dolina
The attractions of this capital are the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Synyk-Kala minaret (XI century), the Maiden Tower, the “Bail Stones” (XII century), etc.
Poem by V. Bryusov
Poem by Mayakovsky
Moscow cinema
Capital in the Caucasus
City "Neftchi"
Capital of a country from the CIS
Capital with oil
Hometown of Yuli Gusman
In which capital is the Maiden Tower?
Capital near the Caspian Sea
Oil capital of the Caspian Sea
Residence of the Aliyev clan
Small homeland of Yuli Gusman
Azerbaijan
Capital on the Caspian Sea
. "windy city" among capitals
Zarkhi's film "Lights..."
Hometown of Lev Landau
Hometown of Larisa Dolina
Capital anagram "Cubes"
City governing Azerbaijan
Central city of Azerbaijan
City government of Azerbaijan
Megacity Azerbaijan.
Capital of Azerbaijan.
City of the Aliyev clan
Port on the Caspian Sea
In which capital is the Juma Mosque?
City leader of Azerbaijan
Ch. Azerbaijan city.
Smirnov's story "Fast to..."
Homeland of Garry Kasparov
Main Azerbaijani city
Leading city of Azerbaijan
. "crowned" city of Azerbaijan
Main city of Azerbaijan
The city where the head of Azerbaijan “settled”
City Commander of Azerbaijan
. "steering" city of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan government city
. "heart" of Azerbaijan
The main city of Azerbaijanis
Oil capital of the Caucasus
The “leader” city of Azerbaijan
Center of the Baku Khanate
Azerbaijan Think Tank
Capital city of Azerbaijan
City on the shores of the Caspian Sea
Central city of Azerbaijan
Capital city of Azerbaijan
City of Azerbaijan's leadership
Capital city of Azerbaijan
Oil Workers City
Kasparov's hometown
Hometown of Irina Allegrova
Summoning creature Danzo from the anime "Naruto"
Twinned with Amman
Sister city of St. Petersburg
Scientific Center of Transcaucasia
Capital of Azerbaijan
Capital of the union republic
The city in which Father Fyodor begged engineer Bruns for his furniture set (“Twelve Chairs”)
City, capital of Azerbaijan
Cinema in Moscow
The Caspian Sea is the largest lake on Earth. It washes the shores of five states. These are Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Iran. It is called a lake because the body of water is not connected to the world's oceans. But in terms of the composition of the water, history of origin and size, the Caspian Sea is a sea.
Baku
Turkmenbashi
Also on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea is the city of Turkmenistan - Turkmenbashi. This Caspian Sea port is a major center of the republic's oil refining industry. The factories produce polypropylene, diesel and universal oils. Turkmenbashi is mainly a ferry terminal. There is a constant ferry service to the city of Baku. In addition, there are railway junctions and an airport.
On the territory of the international seaport, shipbuilding and repair plants have been established in order to expand opportunities in the oil industries. Recently, a passenger station began operating in this city. Speaking about the sea ports of the Caspian Sea, we can clarify that this is one of the main ones.
Where Europe meets Asia, there is one of the unique bodies of water, which is officially called a sea, and unofficially called a lake - the Caspian Sea, which washes the shores of several countries with its waters. , or rather, its northeastern part, overlooks the Caspian coast. What mysteries does the Caspian Sea hold, how big a role does it play in the life of the country, and how can people benefit the sea itself?
Geography of the Caspian Sea
Researchers are still arguing about what the Caspian Sea really is – a lake or a sea. The fact is that this reservoir is the largest of all drainless ones. These are those that have no connection with the World Ocean.
All rivers of the Caspian Sea originate on land, but do not reach the ocean shores. Thus, it is closed and can well be called a lake. However, the Caspian Sea is quite large, and its bottom is the earth’s crust, which is of the oceanic type. This indicates that the sea appeared here millions of years ago.
The fact that once upon a time on the planet, or rather, on the territory where Europe and Asia are located today, a huge prehistoric Sarmatian Sea splashed - this is the name scientists gave it. This was 12 million years ago. Water covered the entire area of the current landmass.
The Caucasus and Crimea were islands in this incredibly large sea. However, it gradually desalinated and dried out due to the slow rise of land. As a result, in place of the Sarmatian Sea, peculiar “puddles” were formed - the Caspian, Black, Aral, and Azov seas.
Find the Caspian Sea today on geographical map simple enough. It is located in the region of Asia Minor and is separated from the Black Sea by the Caucasus, which acts as a kind of isthmus between these two bodies of water. It has outlines elongated from north to south. Its coordinates are 36°34"–47°13" north latitude and 46°–56° east longitude. Modern borders are the coasts of five states:
- Russia.
- Azerbaijan.
- Turkmenistan.
- Kazakhstan.
- Iran.
Geographers divide the sea's territory into the Northern, Middle and Southern Caspian, with the southern part occupying about 40% of the area, and the northern part making up only 25%. There are also boundaries to these divisions. Thus, the Middle Caspian is separated from the North by a conventional line drawn from Cape Tyub-Karagan to the island of Chechen. And the border between South and Middle runs along Cape Gan-Gulu and Chilov Island.
Area and depth
Many people are interested in the area of the Caspian Sea, but these parameters change periodically. It all depends on seasonal variations in depth. So, if the water level in the sea is about 27 meters, the reservoir can reach over 370 thousand square kilometers. During these periods, it becomes full-flowing, and holds almost 45% of the total volume of fresh lake water on the planet.
The Caspian Sea is heterogeneous in depth parameters. Thus, the shallowest part is the northern one, its average depth does not exceed 4 meters, and the maximum is 25 meters. South part the deepest, in the area of the South Caspian depression, is 1025 meters. Overall, the researchers found that the average depth of the reservoir is 208 meters according to the bathygraphic curve. 
The Caspian Lake is third in depth after lakes Baikal and Tanganyika. As for sea level, it fluctuates significantly. Scientific measurements of the reservoir began in 1837. Scientists, based on historical documents and archaeological research, claim that the most high level water levels were observed at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries, then the decline began.
Over the course of three thousand years of our civilization, the water level in the Caspian Sea has changed by 15 meters. The reasons can be very different. First of all, these are geological changes in the state earth's crust, as well as climate variations in the region and human actions.
Temperature and climate
Since today in the Caspian basin there are not only industrial enterprises, but also resorts, the temperature of the Caspian Sea is of keen interest to many. This indicator is also subject to seasonal changes, and they are quite significant.
In winter, the difference in temperature fluctuations is within 10 degrees. In the southern part of the reservoir, the water temperature in winter has an average temperature of 11 degrees, while in the northern part of the sea this temperature is no more than 0.5 degrees, and sometimes even slight glaciation is observed. The northern regions, as the shallowest waters, warm up faster in summer and can reach temperatures of up to 26 degrees. At the same time, the water temperature in the western part of the reservoir is permanently higher than in the eastern part.
The summer period, lasting from June to September, makes temperature indicators most uniform throughout the sea. At this time, in the upper layers the water warms up to 26 degrees, and in the southern part it can increase to 28 degrees. By the velvet season in shallow areas, the water can warm up even more and reach 32 degrees.
In addition, in summer there is a phenomenon such as the rise of deep water layers to the surface. This is the so-called upwelling, but scientists do not observe it throughout the entire water area, but mainly only in the east; sometimes deep waters rise in the southern part of the reservoir. As a result, the water temperature on average can be understood by 10 degrees.
As in others sea waters Oemakh, in the Caspian Sea the water is salty. However, the level of salt saturation may vary depending on individual areas. The salt concentration is highest in the western and southern parts of the reservoir. In the northern regions, sea water is constantly diluted with fresh water from rivers. However, throughout the sea, salt concentrations vary depending on the season of the year.
In addition, winds are the reason why water becomes saltier or fresher. For example, in the Southern and Middle Caspian these fluctuations are weakly expressed, in contrast to the Northern.
The climate of this maritime region also varies. The southern part of the sea has a subtropical climate, the middle part has a temperate climate, and the northern part has a continental climate. As a result, the air temperature on the coast varies.
It is worth noting that it is hottest in the south and southeast of the reservoir. Here the temperature can sometimes reach summer period up to 44 degrees, and average temperatures are 26-27 degrees. The north of the reservoir also cannot complain about the cold in the summer - air temperatures up to 25 degrees are recorded here. As for winter, the air temperature in the north can reach -10 degrees, and in the south – up to +10 degrees.
Pool Features
There is no need to assume that the Caspian is just a closed body of water limited by its shores. On the map, the sea has fairly smooth shores, but in reality its borders are indented by small capes and peninsulas, as well as channels and river mouths. The coastline is about 7 thousand kilometers (if you take into account the islands).
The coast of the lake in its northern part looks low, there is some swampiness due to the presence of many channels. From the east, the Caspian coast is mainly limestone, and the territories smoothly turn into semi-desert lands. The tortuosity of the coastal edges is highest in the east and west.
Any large body of water cannot do without islands, and the Caspian Sea is no exception. The islands of the Caspian Sea are diverse, their total number is almost 50 islands of different sizes. The largest include:
- Boyuk-Zira;
- seal;
- Chechen;
- Ashur-Ada;
- Ogurchinsky;
- Cure-Dashi;
The coast of the Caspian Sea is also rich in peninsulas, among which Mangyshlak, Apsheronsky, and Tyub-Karagan stand out. Finally, the geography of the Caspian Sea includes many large and small bays. The most famous of them are:
- Kizlyarsky;
- Kara-Bogaz-Gol;
- Mangyshlaksky;
- Gizilagac;
- Turkmenbashi;
- Astrakhan (Astrakhansky);
- Hyrcanus.
Of these bays, one can especially highlight Kara-Bogaz-Gol, which is located in the eastern part of the sea and today belongs to Turkmenistan. Until the end of the twentieth century, it was a kind of Caspian lagoon, which was connected to the “big water” by the strait. In the 1980s, back during the Soviet era, a dam and then a dam were built here, as a result of which the water level in the bay was reduced.
Today the situation has returned to its original point, since the strait was restored. Water enters the bay in volumes of 10-17 cubic kilometers annually. However, due to the hot climate, it evaporates, so the Kara-Bogaz-Gol Bay is extremely salty.
The Caspian Sea, like other similar bodies of water, has rich flora and fauna. A variety of algae predominate here, and researchers believe that most of The Caspian is of local origin. However, it is also possible that some algae were brought here artificially - for example, on the bottoms of merchant ships from other seas.
The Caspian Sea is quite diverse. There are more than 100 species of fish. This is where the famous sturgeon and other fish of the same family are found. Basically, the fish of the Caspian are those that live in fresh or low-salt waters: pike, carp, salmon, mullet, perch, carp, some of which are listed in. You can find seals in the sea.
Development of waters and seabed
Who among us does not remember the famous phrase from geography textbooks: “The Volga flows into the Caspian Sea.” This river is the largest of those whose mouth is the Caspian Sea. Every year it delivers up to 224 cubic kilometers to the sea fresh water. But there are others, smaller ones, who also flock here. In addition to Volga, these are:
- Terek.
- Ural.
- Samur.
- Sulak.
These rivers flow through the territory of Russia, and in addition to them, the waters of the Atrek (Turkmenistan), Kura (), Sefidrud (Iran), and Emba (Kazakhstan) rivers flow into the Caspian Sea. In total, out of 130 different rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea, the mouths of nine water streams are formed in the form of a delta.
The development of the lake took place over many centuries. Today, the ports of the Caspian Sea connect the shores of the reservoir with trade routes. Of the Russian ports, the most important are Makhachkala and Astrakhan, from which ships are constantly sent to the Kazakh Aktau, the Azerbaijani Baku and other coastal shores of the Caspian Sea. In addition, it is associated with Sea of Azov, where they get through the Don and Volga rivers, as well as through the Volga-Don Canal.
An important direction in the economic development of the Caspian basin and the sea itself is oil production. The oil resources of the sea currently amount to approximately 10 billion tons - these are the estimates given by researchers. If we add gas condensate to this, then the reserves double.
Oil production is the most important sector of the economy of the countries of the Caspian region, therefore, for many years, disagreements regarding the use of the resources of the sea have been unresolved. During the existence of the USSR, the territory of the Caspian Sea belonged to the Soviet Union and Iran.
Still active legal documents on the division of the reservoir and the use of its shelf, which were concluded between Iran and the USSR. At the same time, disputes regarding the legal division of territories continue. Thus, Iran proposes to divide it equally between five countries, and three former Soviet republics insist that the reservoir be divided along the median line of demarcation.
This issue remains very serious, because depending on where the sea should be divided, not only the volume of oil production for each Caspian state depends, but also the use of other resources of the reservoir. Here we can talk, first of all, about fisheries, because the sea is very generous with fish stocks.
They harvest not only fish, but also the famous caviar, as well as seal. However, the reproduction of the fish stock today would be much more effective if it were not for the poachers of the Caspian Sea, who organize illegal sturgeon fishing and illegally extract caviar.
Moreover, they exist in almost all Caspian countries, so the fight against them is common to the neighboring countries of the Caspian basin. As a result, the export of sturgeon to last years limited, since both Russia and other Caspian countries are interested in preserving this natural wealth of the region.
Poaching is a serious problem, and today Russia, together with Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, are developing measures aimed at legally limiting illegal fishing.
However, there is another a big problem The Caspian Sea is pollution of sea waters. The reason is oil production, as well as oil transportation by sea. We should not forget that big cities located on the shores of a reservoir are a constant source of water pollution. In addition, industrial enterprises, despite strict prohibitions, sometimes still dump waste into rivers, which then ends up in the sea.
Environmental violations lead not only to general pollution of the Caspian waters, but also to changes in the boundaries of the reservoir itself (swamping, drying out, and so on). But it’s not even worth talking about the importance of the Caspian Sea for the entire region.
Holidays at the resorts of the Caspian Sea
In order to understand what human civilization can lose by losing the Caspian Sea, you can look at its photo. This pond is an amazing place for good rest, and the sea landscapes invariably impress everyone who comes here. A vacation spent on the Caspian Sea turns out to be no worse than on the Black Sea shores. Fresh air, mild climate and comfortable beaches - this is what it can give to tourists.
If you decide to go to the Caspian Sea, the prices for holidays will pleasantly surprise you. Tourism is valued largely because it turns out to be inexpensive compared to what awaits tourists going to resorts in other regions of the planet. Residents of Russia can relax very cheaply within their country and at the same time receive excellent service, no different in level from the Mediterranean.
There are several resorts in Russian cities (most of which are in), which are particularly popular with tourists. This:
- Astrakhan;
- Dagestan Lights;
- Kaspiysk;
- Izberbash;
- Lagan.
If tourists go to Derbent, first of all, to see its ancient sights, and to Astrakhan - to enjoy fishing, then vacation spots in Makhachkala are among the most comfortable and cozy beaches of the Caspian Sea.
This resort attracts not only a comfortable stay, but also the opportunity to improve your health, because there are thermal and mineral springs. Among the foreign resorts, we can note the Kazakh Aktau, the Azerbaijani Sumgait and the Turkmen recreation area Avaza.
Today the Caspian Sea is one of the world's most important regions economically. Without it, it is impossible to imagine modern Eurasia and, especially, the history of Russia. This means that the state of this reservoir must be protected by the state.