Carpathians where the country is located. Carpathians - a picturesque mountain range

Surely many have heard about the Ukrainian Carpathians. This is a truly wonderful and charming place perfect for a family or romantic getaway. The mountain system is located closer to the west of Ukraine and stretches for 280 km. Sometimes tourists can meet mountains up to 2000 m high, but the highest point is Hoverla - 2061 m.

It is quite natural that many people want to visit this ecologically clean area and try to find out in more detail where the Carpathians are. It should be noted that the relief here is multi-tiered. So, there are high-mountainous territories (altitude up to 1500 m), medium-mountainous (up to 1300 m), low-mountainous (up to 400 m) and foothill.

Location of the Carpathians

To better understand where the Carpathians are, you need to know that they are located on the border with countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and Romania. Nevertheless, the mountains are officially located on the territory of Ukraine, namely, four of its regions: Transcarpathian, Lviv, Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk. Thus, from these regions you can easily and quickly get to the recreation centers and take great excursions, as well as enjoy the stunning scenery and fresh air. Quite often, the area under consideration is divided into two parts: Transcarpathia and Precarpathia. In addition to which most of all attracts tourists, Pop-Ivan, Petros and Khomyak are just as steep and beautiful. Their height exceeds 2000 m, therefore they are considered to be no less powerful and interesting. It is known that people live in the mountains, but civilization does not spoil the overall picture. At the same time, there is a completely different atmosphere around: nature is practically untouched, the air is clean, sometimes heavy, and the tops of the trees touch the human eye. In the rivers running throughout the Carpathians, there are a wide variety of fish species, which is why fishing is one of the favorite activities of both locals and tourists.

Where the Carpathians are located is very easy to determine on the map, as it is an imposing area highlighted in dark brown. There is only one such site in Ukraine - in the western part of the country.

Tourist trails

Tourism in the Carpathians is most developed during the cold season. Already in the middle of autumn, vacationers can visit the mountains and enjoy the first snow, climbing one of the peaks.

Most tourists have no idea where the Carpathians are, but with all their hearts they want to visit there. And all because oh majestic mountains there are legends, the atmosphere that reigns around fills with strength and joy, and the stunning nature surprises. Are you going to visit this region during the warmer months? Fine! A lot of entertainment awaits you: horseback riding, massage and sauna at altitude, fishing and swimming in local rivers, communicating with animals in farm yards, folk crafts and much, much more. In winter, every vacationer will be able to visit mining ski resort and try the best tracks Ukraine; taste the famous Hutsul cuisine and warming mulled wine; visit ice-covered gorges and find other activities. When planning a vacation, it never hurts to consider taking a mountain rest... Just do not forget to clarify where the Carpathians are.

Such settlements as Guta, Yaremche, Yablunitsa, Synevyr, Mizhgirya and Svalyava gained great popularity in the Carpathians. Many tourists dream of visiting this very place. In some villages, you can even try local water, which is popular throughout Ukraine and is considered medicinal. It is not surprising that in the Carpathians there are a huge number of sanatoriums and dispensaries, as well as recreation centers - the air and water here truly work wonders!

It is also recommended to visit the famous cities: Ivano-Frankivsk, Mukachevo and Slavskoe. In the first of them, vacationers will be able to get acquainted with the history of this people, look at amazing sights, visit the Town Hall and much more. The Carpathians of the country Ukraine is the main attraction that people are so proud of. Arriving in Mukachevo, you should visit the ancient fortresses, taste unique wine and buy souvenirs. In the village of Slavske you can enjoy a relaxing holiday or skiing. There is no time to get bored, so the trip for tourists will be unforgettable.

Stunning mountain heritage

Interested in where tourists are, first of all, mentally calculate the distance from their hometown to Ukrainian sights. But they will never see those fascinating places on any map. For example, the pride of the Carpathians is the Pearl Cave, on the walls of which calcite balls are formed, somewhat reminiscent of jewels. A trek to the Enchanted Valley, a picturesque gorge with powerful rocks, will be no less interesting. It is also recommended to visit the Hanging Swamp, the Stone Gate, the Synevyr Nature Reserve, the Cliffs of Lovers and the Cave of Transparent Walls. In the spring wonderful place for a walk will be the Valley of Daffodils, which is completely covered with snow-white flowers, the diameter of which can reach 10 cm.

Treatment in the Carpathians

The Carpathians occupy an impressive place on the map, the same as in the hearts of many Ukrainians. That is why tourists come here from different countries and for various purposes. It's no secret that the Carpathian climate, fresh air, healing mineral springs help to restore strength and strengthen the body. Comfortable hotels, recreation centers and other sanatorium-resort establishments await their guests all year round. They are located in scenic spots usually near rivers and dense forests.

Pleasure available to everyone

The peculiarity of the Carpathians is that almost everyone can visit them. Affordable cost and indescribable beauty of landscapes will help make your vacation or recovery unforgettable and interesting. Also, during certain periods of time, a pleasant surprise awaits tourists - discounts on vouchers and various bonuses. In addition, the cost of the trip varies depending on the region chosen for the holiday, the number of days of stay and the proposed cultural program.

The length of the Carpathian Mountains is about 1,500 kilometers. They arc cover most of the Central European Lowland. The width of the Carpathians varies and is 240 kilometers in the northwestern part, 340 kilometers in the southwestern part and about 100 kilometers in the northeastern part.

In their own way geographic location The Carpathians are divided into three parts: Western, Southern and Eastern. The Western Carpathians are located in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary. It is in Hungary that the highest point of the Carpathians is located - Mount Gerlach, the peak of which rises at an altitude of 2655 meters above sea level. The Southern Carpathians are entirely located on the territory of Romania, and most of the Eastern Carpathians are located in Ukraine.

Western Carpathians

The Western Carpathians are the longest part of all the Carpathian mountains. Their length exceeds 400 kilometers, and the average width is approximately 200 kilometers. The Western Carpathians consist of several ridges and mountain ranges that stretch from west to east. The local mountains are characterized by alpine forms of peaks, as well as many alpine lakes.

The northern part of the mountains is formed by the ranges of the Western Bexids. The central part of the Western Carpathians consists mainly of high mountain ranges, and the southern part is formed by medium-altitude mountain ranges.

Eastern Carpathians

The Eastern Carpathians are almost entirely located on the territory of Ukraine, therefore they are often called the Ukrainian Carpathians. Within Ukraine, they are divided into three parts: internal, central and external. The mountains are located on the territory of four Ukrainian regions: Chernivtsi, Lvov, Ivano-Frankivsk and Transcarpathian.

In Ukraine, the Carpathians are conditionally divided into two regions: the Carpathian and Transcarpathian regions. The Carpathian Mountains include the mountains located in the Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, and the Transcarpathian region - in the Transcarpathian region.

The highest point of the Ukrainian Carpathians is Mount Hoverla, whose height is 2061 meters. The mountain is located near the villages of Yablunytsya and Yasinya on the border of Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.

Southern Carpathians

The Southern Carpathians are completely located on the territory of Romania and represent the extreme southern part of the mountains. This massif is often called the Transylvanian Carpathians. The ridge is about 300 kilometers long. South Carpathians encompass five Romanian historical areas: Wallachia, Oltenia, Banat, Muntenia and Transylvania.

This part of the Carpathian Mountains is the highest and most earthquake-prone.

Without a doubt, the most famous and popular mountains in Europe are the Alps. But in this part of the world there is another mountain system, which is inferior to the Alps in height, but surpasses them in size. And she also attracts huge attention of tourists and amateurs. winter holiday... Where are the Carpathians located? In which countries are they located? When were these mountains formed, and why are they interesting?

"Stone Mountains"

The word "Carpathians" evokes approximately the same images and plots in everyone: a dark forest, thick fog spreading along the slopes, sorcerers-molfars and, of course, the castle of the famous Count Dracula. These mountains are really shrouded in a kind of aura of mysticism and mystery. But not everyone knows exactly where the Carpathians are and when they were formed.

The name of this mountain system was first used by Claudius Ptolemy back in the second century AD. It is also found in the works of Herodotus. In particular, the "father of history" mentions the Karpis river. It is believed that this tributary of the Danube took its name from the mountains from the slopes of which it flows.

The very word "Carpathians", according to some researchers, comes from the name of the Thracian tribe "Carp", who lived on this territory in the III-IV centuries. Other scholars associate it with the Proto-European word kar, which translates as “stone”. True, the "stone mountains" of the Carpathians can be called a stretch. After all, most of the mountain system is represented by gentle valleys and peaks with smooth outlines, where rocky ledges and pointed peaks are extremely rare.

However, there is a third version, which connects the origin of the toponym with the Slavic word "hrb", which means "ridge". Considering the location of the Carpathians, this version looks quite plausible. After all, it was the Slavic tribes and peoples who for many centuries mastered and populated this area.

Where are the Carpathians: countries and major cities

The total area of ​​the mountain system is 190 thousand square kilometers, the length is 1500 kilometers. Where are the Carpathian mountains? They are located in the eastern part of Central Europe. On the map, they form an arc, which in geological terms is an offshoot of the Alpine-Himalayan fold area.

In which states are the Carpathians? Where are their natural boundaries? The mountain system covers the territories of eight European countries. It:

1. Czech.
2. Poland.
3. Slovakia.
4. Ukraine.
5. Hungary.
6. Romania.
7. Serbia.
8. Austria.

About 70% of the total area of ​​the Carpathian mountainous country falls on two states - Romania and Ukraine. But only its extreme western spurs enter Austria. Most big cities located within the Carpathian Mountains:

1. Bielsko-Biala (Poland).
2. Zakopane (Poland).
3. Banska Bystrica (Slovakia).
4. Kosice (Slovakia).
5. Zilina (Slovakia).
6. Cluj-Napoca (Romania).
7. Brasov (Romania).
8. Oradea (Romania).
9. Sibiu (Romania).
10. Uzhgorod (Ukraine).
11. Kolomyia (Ukraine).
12. Vrsac (Serbia).

This is where the Carpathians are. It remains to find out what parts this mountain system consists of.

Structure of the Carpathians

The Carpathian Mountains consist of eight orographic parts (see map below):

1. Outer Western Carpathians.
2. Inner Western Carpathians.
3. Outer Eastern Carpathians.
4. Inner Eastern Carpathians.
5. Southern Carpathians.
6. Western Romanian Carpathians.
7. Transylvanian plateau.
8. Serbian Carpathians.

In addition, within the mountain system, a number of separate massifs are distinguished: Beskydy, Ore Mountains, Tatras (the most high part Carpathians), Gorgan, Rodna, Peniny, Fagarash and others. The average heights of the Carpathian Mountains range from 800 to 1200 meters. The highest point is Mount Gerlachovski Shtit.

Carpathian mountains: main features and interesting facts

Here is some of them:

1. Despite the insignificant heights and gentle forms, the Carpathians are young mountains. They arose at about the same time (of course, by geological standards) with the Alps and Himalayas.
2. Mountain building processes in the Carpathians continue to this day. This is evidenced by earthquakes, which are regularly recorded here. The strength of individual shocks reaches 5-7 points on the Richter scale.
3. The Carpathians were once characterized by active volcanic activity. The cones of extinct volcanoes can be seen in the vicinity of Uzhgorod, Mukachevo and Khust.
4. The Carpathian bowels are rich in numerous minerals. The main mineral resources of the mountain system are oil, gas, ozokerite, marble and gold.
5. The width of the Carpathian Mountains in some places reaches 450 kilometers.
6. The Alps are only 14 kilometers away from the Carpathians. The border between the two largest mountain ranges in Europe lies exactly between Vienna and Bratislava.
7. At the beginning of the twentieth century, numerous remains of prehistoric animals - mammoths, huge deer and various birds - were discovered on the territory of the mountainous country.
8. The Carpathians are considered the birthplace of the world's largest musical instrument - trembita. The length of this wood tube is 4 meters. It is capable of spreading sound over 10-20 kilometers.

The origin and age of the Carpathian mountains

Long before the formation of the modern mountain system, a chain of ridges existed in its place, connecting the Sudetenland with Dobrudja (a hill in the territory of Romania). Geologists call it Prakarpaty. Subsequently, these mountains were destroyed by powerful movements of the earth's crust, and in their place by the beginning of the Mesozoic, an almost flat plain was formed.

The age of the Carpathian geosyncline is quite "young" - only 25 million years. The process of the formation of the mountainous country began at the end of the Paleogene period and proceeded gradually. The structures of the Outer Carpathians were the first to emerge. For a long time, the sea splashed between the outer and inner ridges of the Carpathian Mountains. During its existence, thick strata of sandy deposits have accumulated here.

Climate and flora of the Carpathians

The climate of the territory is moderately continental and rather humid. Average temperatures in July are + 17 ... 20 ° C, in January from -2 to -5 ° C. Precipitation falls from 600 to 2000 mm per year.

In the Carpathians, the altitudinal zonation of landscapes is clearly traced. Deciduous and mixed forests grow up to a height of 600 meters, dark coniferous forests grow from 600 to 1500 meters, and undersized shrubs grow even higher. The peaks of many Carpathian mountains are covered with meadows of the subalpine type. In the Ukrainian Carpathians, they came up with their own name - "meadows".

In the Carpathian forests, you can most often find European spruce, fir and beech. Oak, hornbeam, pine, alder, birch and larch are also common. The lower tier is occupied by thickets of raspberries, blackberries, lingonberries and blueberries.

The main resorts of the Carpathians

Where are the most popular ski resorts in the Carpathians located and what are they called? And what are they? Bukovel, Dragobrat, Slavskoe (Ukraine) are usually ranked among the most famous Carpathian resorts; Zakopane, Szczyrk, Karpacz, Krynica (Poland), Poyanu-Brasov, Sinaia, Predeal (Romania), Jasnu (Slovakia).

Zakopane is perhaps the best ski resort in the Carpathians. Where are its tracks? The resort is located in the southern part of Poland, in small town with the same name. The total length of its tracks is 60 kilometers. They are designed for all categories of skiers - from beginners to professionals. The skiing season lasts from late October to mid-April.

Bukovel is the main Ukrainian ski resort located in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. It features quality tracks and excellent infrastructure. The ideal snow cover is maintained here from the beginning of December to the end of April.

Famous peaks

Gerlachovski Shtit (2654 m) - the most high mountain in the Carpathians. It is located on the territory of Slovakia, near the town of Gerlachov. Today the mountain is very popular with tourists. However, climbing to its top requires serious preparation and is allowed only with an experienced guide.

Hoverla (2061 m) - the highest point of the Ukrainian Carpathians, is located within the Montenegrin ridge. Climbing this mountain is relatively easy, so dozens of tourists conquer its summit every day in the summer. Hoverla is known for the fact that the largest river in Eastern Europe, the Prut, originates from its slopes.

Moldoveanu (2544 m) is the highest peak in Romania. Located in the heart of the country, within the Fagaras mountain range. Climbing Moldovyana is a little more difficult than climbing Hoverla, but experienced tourists its conquest does not cause.

In Europe, on the territory of Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic, Ukraine and Romania (55% of the area of ​​the Carpathians). It stretches for 1.5 thousand km from the Devinsky Gate (on the Danube River near the city of Bratislava) to the Iron Gate (on the Danube River), forming a convex arc to the north-east and east. Width in the north-west is about 250 km, in the north-east about 120 km, in the south-east up to 430 km. The area is about 210 thousand km 2. The prevailing heights are 800-1200 m, the highest - 2655 m (Mount Gerlachovski-Shtit).

Relief. The Carpathians are a complex system of en-echelon mountain ranges and ridges, separated by longitudinal and transverse valleys. Orographically they are divided into the Western Carpathians (with the southwestern spur of the Small Carpathians, height up to 768 m), the Eastern Carpathians and the Southern Carpathians; the northern ridges of the Western and partly Eastern Carpathians form the Beskydy. The Carpathians also include the Western Romanian Mountains and the Transylvanian Plateau, adjacent to the Southern Carpathians from the north, and the Banat Mountains (up to 1446 m) from the west.

The mountains are characterized by rounded peaks and gentle slopes (except for the northwestern and southeastern parts). Along the outer side of the arch of the mountains stretches a strip of foothills (width 40-60 km), height 400-500 m, in the southeast up to 907 m.The axial zone of the Carpathians is formed by an intermittent chain of block massifs, the highest of them (more than 2 thousand m) are the Tatras (with Mount Gerlahovski-Shtit), Low Tatras, Rodna, Fagarash, Paryng, Retezat. The crests of the highest ridges bear traces of the Pleistocene glaciation, the most vividly alpine relief forms are expressed in the Tatra and Fagaras massifs. For many regions of the Carpathians, karst relief forms are typical, which are especially pronounced in the Slovak Karst (Slovak Kras) massifs (for example, the Agtelek cave), Bükk, etc. River valleys in limestones often form canyons. A strip of volcanic massifs stretches along the inner side of the Carpathian arc. In the western part, their height usually does not exceed 1300 m (Kremnické-Vrhy, Stiavnické-Vrhy, Vigorlat massif, etc.), sometimes they have the appearance of table mountains, in places they form sharp contours. In the east, the volcanic mountains are higher (up to 2100 m, Mount Pietros in the Caliman massif), they are separated by deep hollows and river valleys. In the relief of the Transylvanian Plateau (height 600-800 m) there is a complex combination of hilly hills, flat watershed surfaces and river valleys; mud volcanoes are found in its marginal parts.

Typical for the Carpathians are elevation surfaces of leveling, basins, the bottoms of which in the foothills lie at an altitude of 200-300 m (Upper Moravian, Auschwitz, Sandomierz, etc.), in the mountains - at an altitude of 500-700 m (Dorn, Brasov, etc.). Due to their relatively low altitude, the mountains are relatively easy to pass, especially in the central part. The main passes, through which the railway and the highway are laid, are located mainly at an altitude of 500-1000 m (Duklyanski-Priesmik, Yablunytsky, Predeal, etc.).

Geological structure and minerals. Tectonically, the Carpathians are a fold-cover system of the Iberian-Elburz branch of the Alpine-Himalayan mobile belt, which in the southeast joins the Balkan fold system, and in the west is separated by a transverse superimposed trough of the Vienna Basin from the Alpine fold system. From the outside, the Carpathian system is bordered by the Ciscarpathian foredeep, through which it borders on the platform areas: the West European platform in the north, the East European platform in the east, and the Epibaikal Moesian platform in the southeast. The foredeep is filled with Miocene molasses (in the east and southeast, Miocene Pliocene), enclosing strata of Middle Miocene salt rocks (evaporites). The arcuate folded system of the Carpathians surrounds the Pannonian (in the west) and Transylvanian (in the east) Neogene molasse depressions. At their base, there are blocks of the pre-Mesozoic continental crust - Alcapa, Tissia and Dacia.

In the structure of the folded system of the Carpathians, the Outer and Inner megazones are distinguished. The outer megazone is composed mainly of the Upper Jurassic-Paleocene terrigenous flysch overlain by the argillaceous-siliceous series of the Oligocene - Lower Miocene. Structurally, this megazone is a package of tectonic covers displaced for many tens of kilometers in the direction of adjacent platforms. Folded-napal dislocations also extend to the inner wing of the forward deflection; in the southeast, in the axial zone of the trough (on the territory of Romania), salt tectonics is manifested with the formation of salt diapirs with piercing cores. The main deformations in the Outer megazone occurred before the Middle Miocene, and in the foredeep, in the Pliocene (in the southeast, including the Quaternary). The structure of the Inner megazone mainly involves Paleozoic metamorphic rocks and Late Paleozoic granitoids (fragments of the Middle European Hercynian fold structure), as well as shelf carbonate and carbonate-terrigenous Mesozoic strata, which experienced, together with Paleozoic rocks, tectonic displacement in the middle and late Mesozoic also later. In the Inner megazone, Middle Triassic - Upper Jurassic ophiolites (relics of the crust of the ancient Tethys ocean) have been established. On the border of the Inner and Outer megazones in the Northern Carpathians, a narrow Peninsky (Cliff, or Klippovaya) zone stretches, consisting mainly of large fragments of Triassic-Cretaceous carbonate rocks surrounded by marls. The main deformations in this zone occurred at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary in the Laramian tectogenesis epoch.

The Carpathian fold system arose in the Cenozoic, mainly on the site of a marginal marine basin in the northern part of the Tethys Ocean. This basin has developed since the mid-Triassic, in connection with the formation of rifts on the outskirts of the ancient European continent, crossing the Hercynian basement. The formation of the folded-cover structure of the Carpathians was caused by the collision (collision) of the microplates of Alkapa, Tissia and Dacia (“rejects” of the African lithospheric plate) with the southern margin of the Eurasian plate, as well as underthrusting (subduction) of the oceanic crust of the marginal marine basin under the microplates. An outbreak of volcanism in the rear of the Carpathian fold system was associated with the processes of collision and subduction. The Carpathians retain tectonic mobility (especially the Eastern Carpathians), accompanied by intense seismicity (the epicentral Vrancea zone in Romania). Earthquakes occurring in the Eastern Carpathians are felt in the European part of Russia (for example, in Moscow in 1978 - up to 4 points).

In the Ciscarpathian trough, deposits of oil and natural combustible gas, ozokerite, rock and potassium salts, and native sulfur are concentrated. Oil deposits are known in the frontal part of the Outer Carpathian megazone. There are deposits of dolomites, limestones, marbles, raw materials for stone casting in the Peninsky zone. Deposits of pyrite-polymetallic, copper-pyrite, barite and ferromanganese ores are confined to the metamorphic complex of the Inner megazone of the Carpathians; Deposits of mercury, gold-polymetallic and barite ores, as well as alunites, perlites, kaolins, and bentonite clays are associated with volcanic rocks. In the Transylvanian intermontane depression there are deposits of combustible gas, rock and potassium salts, sulfur, brown coal. A special place among the natural resources of the Carpathians is occupied by mineral water(including carbonic and nitrogen sulfate), brines of chloride and sulfate-chloride composition, thermal and subthermal waters of increased mineralization. There are sources of rare low-mineralized waters with a high content of organic matter (Truskavets).

The climate is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental. The average January temperature in the foothills is from -5 ° С in the north and east to -2 ° С in the south, at the most high peaks it drops to -10 ° С. In some intramontane basins, temperature inversions are observed in winter. The average July temperature in the foothills is from 17 ° С in the north and east to 20 ° С in the south, in the upper belt of the mountains it drops to 4 ° С. Annual precipitation in the foothills varies from 600-800 mm on the outer side of the arc of the Eastern and Southern Carpathians to 900-1000 mm in the Western Romanian Mountains and Western Carpathians. In the alpine belt, the amount of precipitation increases to 1400 mm in the south and 2000 mm in the northeast and northwest (in the Tatras). The maximum precipitation occurs in the summer, most of it falls in the form of rains. The duration of the snow cover in the foothills is 2-3 months (in some areas it is formed sporadically), in the mountains 5-7 months. Snow avalanches are not uncommon. The snow line in the Tatras is located at an altitude of about 2300 m. There are no modern glaciers in the Carpathians.

Surface waters. The Carpathians are one of the main watersheds of Europe. Most of the rivers belong to the Danube basin (the largest are Tisza, Olt, Zhiu, Siret, Prut and their tributaries), rivers northern slopes- the Vistula and Odra basins, the rivers of the northeastern slopes - the Dniester basin. The rivers are fed by mixed snow and rain. Their regime is characterized by sharp fluctuations in water flow throughout the year. The largest runoff is observed in spring (due to snow melting) and in the first half of summer (due to heavy rains). Floods and catastrophic floods, mudflows are not uncommon. The rivers of the Carpathians have significant reserves of electricity (cascades of hydroelectric power stations have been built), many of them are used for irrigation purposes. To combat floods, dams and canals have been built along the rivers. In the Carpathians, there are about 450 small lakes; in the highlands, they occupy mainly the bottoms of ancient glacial carts.

Types of landscapes... For the Carpathians, altitudinal zonation is typical with a predominance of mountain-forest (occupy 300 thousand hectares) and mountain-meadow landscapes. In the foothills in the past there were forest-steppe, oak and beech-oak forests, now almost completely cut down. In their place are gardens, vineyards, arable land, secondary forests (steppe in the west). The landscapes of the hollows have been greatly changed. The natural landscapes are better preserved in the mountains. The lower mountain belt (up to a height of 500-600 m in the north and 600-800 m in the south) is occupied by oak and hornbeam-oak forests. Above (up to 1100-1250 m in the north and 1300-1350 m in the south), they are gradually replaced by beech forests, which are most common in the Southern Carpathians, the Western Romanian mountains and along the inner side of the arch of the mountains. In the Eastern Carpathians, there are areas of beech-sycamore and beech-ash-sycamore forests. Up to an altitude of 1200-1300 m in the north and 1500-1550 m in the south, there are mixed forests (beech, white fir and European spruce). They are especially developed along the outer side of the Carpathian arch, where they often descend to the foothills and often replace landscapes of beech forests, and in the Western Carpathians. The upper border of the forest zone (up to 1500-1600 m in the north and 1700-1800 m in the south) is formed by coniferous forests (mainly of spruce, less often of larch and pine), they were most developed in the Eastern Carpathians. As a result economic activity For humans, coniferous forests in many places have been largely reduced, their upper border is reduced by 100-200 m in comparison with the natural border. Forests in the Carpathians are formed mainly on brown soils, including podzolized ones.

The forest zone is replaced by a belt of subalpine shrubs and meadows (up to an altitude of 1700-2000 m in the north and 2100-2200 m in the south). It is represented mainly by crooked forests - thickets of mountain (elfin) pine, juniper, green alder - and areas of grass-forb meadows. Higher (up to 2300-2400 m) there is a belt of alpine meadows and shrubs, which does not have continuous distribution, it is found mainly in the Western and Southern Carpathians, where it alternates with talus and rocks. The vegetation is represented by formations of high-mountain species of grasses and sedges with the participation of alpine forbs, as well as thickets of rhododendron and dwarf willows. Mountain peat-meadow soils prevail. On some peaks, rising above 2300-2400 m, there are fragments of a subnival belt with stone placers and rocks, bare or covered with lichen spots.

The Carpathians are characterized by high biodiversity and relatively good conservation of ecosystems, mainly forest ones. In the mountains there are 225 areas of primeval forests (each area is more than 10 hectares), the beech and beech-spruce forests of the Carpathians are the most extensive in Europe. There are 3988 species of plants (1/3 of all species in Europe), of which 481 species are endemic (aizovidnaya crumbs, Salzburg eyebright, lumpy stone, Kochi rhododendron, etc.). There are many rare species, especially in the subalpine and alpine belts (alpine bartsia, eight-petal dryad, alpine diphaziastrum, chestnut rush, late lloydia, alpine aster, pink rhodiola, arrow-shaped willow, narrow-leaved daffodil, etc.).

Environmental problems and protected natural areas. Intensive deforestation, construction settlements, roads and recreational facilities in the Carpathians led to the emergence of secondary plantations and meadows in place of primary forests, increased erosion, disruption of animal migration routes, an increase in the number of rare species, a decrease in biodiversity, etc. The area of ​​planting of spruce forests of the same age (including in the belt of beech forests), prone to windblows and diseases, has been increased. Degradation of forests is observed due to acid rain, the waters of large rivers are polluted, but the small rivers of the Carpathians are still one of the cleanest in Europe. Protected natural areas occupy 16% of the area of ​​the Carpathians, the largest of them - Tatransky national park(Slovakia, Poland), International Biosphere Reserve Eastern Carpathians (Ukraine, Slovakia, Poland), National parks Low Tatras, Slovak Karst, Poloniny (Slovakia), Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, Synevyr National Parks, Skole Beskydy, Uzhansky, Gori Reserve, landscape park Nadsyansky (Ukraine), Retezat National Park (Romania). There are mountain climatic and balneological resorts in the Carpathians. Tourism is developed; winter sports. In 2003, the countries of the Carpathian region at the 5th conference of ministers of ecology "Environment for Europe" signed the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians.

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M. N. Petrushina; V.E. Khain (geological structure and minerals).

The Carpathians are a huge mountain system in the central part of Europe which passes through Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Austria.

These mountains are located closer to the western part of Ukraine and have an average length of 280 km. The relief here is multi-tiered; there are foothill, low-mountain, mid-mountain and high-mountain territories. Their height can reach 2000 m.

These places are distinguished by a special purity of air and beautiful spaces, which, of course, cannot but attract tourists and climbers. We hope that you will no longer be tormented by the question - where are the Carpathians.

The Carpathians are located in four regions of Ukraine:

• Chernivtsi;
• Transcarpathian;
• Lviv;
• Ivano-Frankivsk.

The most popular among tourists are mountains such as:

• Hoverla;
• Pop Ivan;
• Petros;
• Hamster.

The height of these mountains sometimes exceeds 2000m, which is why they attract tourists. The atmosphere around is fascinating: virgin nature, clean air, absence of people, variety of trees, plants and aromas.

In addition to the stunning scenery, tourists, as well as locals, are attracted by fishing. Carpathian rivers rich in a wide variety of fish.

Where the Carpathians can be located on the world map is easy to determine, since they occupy an impressive territory and are highlighted in brown.

Click on the map to enlarge

The Carpathians can be divided into 3 parts by geographic location: Southern, Western, Eastern. Western Carpathians - Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland. The most high point The Carpathians are located on Mount Gerlach, the height of which is 2655 m. In turn, all the Southern Carpathians are located in Romania, and almost all of the Eastern Carpathians are located in Ukraine.

Usually, most active tourism in the Carpathians in winter... From the middle of autumn, the first snow appears here and vacationers come in anticipation of the beginning, warming mulled wine and good mood.

Recently, the Carpathians have become one of the most preferred places for skiing holidays. Summer vacation here has its own charm. Everyone can choose something to their liking:

• swimming in rivers;
• chat with different animals on farm yards;
• do your favorite folk craft.