On the Crimean peninsula, between the two seas Black and Azov, there is a large, but rather shallow lake called Sivash. Strictly speaking, this is not a lake at all, but rather the Gulf of Azov, which stretches for many, many kilometers. There is only one source of water near Sivash - this is Tonkiy Bay, which is located near the city of Genichesk. In the summer months, due to the intense heat, it dries up quickly, because of this, the water in the lake becomes saltier and saltier.

The Sivash Lake system is a combination of land and water, while the total area of ​​​​this reservoir with reaches, backwaters, bays, underwater springs is 10,000 km². The share of "living" water at the same time accounts for only 2,500 km². The lake is usually divided into two parts: the larger one is called the Eastern Sivash, the smaller one is called the Western Sivash.

Salt lake and want to be called a natural phenomenon. With a large area, the lake is surprisingly shallow, its maximum depth is no more than 3 meters, mostly Sivash is no deeper than 0.5-1.0 m. Of course, the most important wealth of the lake is its salt and brine, which bring significant benefits human body as a source of health. The brine contains such important microelements for health as potassium, sodium, magnesium and salts: magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide. Scientists say that the salt reserve in the lake is at least 200 million tons, which means that this Crimean pearl will still serve the health and longevity of our children and grandchildren.

What is this very Sivash brine and how can it be useful for maintaining health?

Let's start with the fact that at the brine of the "Rotten Sea", as it is also customary to call Sivash, surprisingly pleasant, pink color. This shade is the result of a high concentration of Dunaliela Salina algae in the water. This microscopic inhabitant of water in nature lives only in very salty water. Dunaliela Salina is highly regarded by cosmetologists and doctors for its antioxidant properties. Sivash water, thus, becomes truly healing and healing.

It just so happened that the pink algae Dunaliela Salina, due to natural selection, acquired unexpected properties. These microorganisms live in extremely extreme conditions: high temperature and salt concentration in the water, solar activity and, plus, a lack of nutrients. As a result, the algae "wised up" and learned to produce carotenoids in large quantities. The highest concentration is β-carotene, nothing more than "provitamin A".
Why is it so useful for the human body? First, unlike vitamin A itself, beta-carotene is not toxic. Our body is much smarter than we might think: it knows how much beta-carotene needs to be converted into vitamin A, that is, there simply cannot be an overdose.

Well, now the most important thing is the beneficial properties of water in which beta-carotene is literally dissolved: immunity stimulation, antioxidant function. In addition, vitamin A plays an important role in the formation of the epithelium, it is part of the glands, skin and internal membranes of the human body.

Experts say that vitamin A fights the risk of cancer, helps prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases, paralysis and atherosclerosis. Beta-carotene is very beneficial for the skin, it makes it more resistant to damage. environment, activates the tan.

In the western part of Sivash there is a unique place, which we told you about in one of the previous articles. It's about about the resort of Saki, which was opened back in 1828 and is still active.

Sivash (or Rotten Sea), traditionally called a lake, is a shallow bay by origin Sea of ​​Azov, connected to it by a narrow Genichsky Strait 150-200 m wide. A narrow 110-kilometer accumulative spit - the Arabat Spit - separates from the Sivash Sea, the width of which varies from 300 m to 7.5 km.

General characteristics.

In fact, the Sivash is a huge evaporator, where water enters through the Genic Strait, to a large extent due to surge, easterly winds, which have a much greater frequency than the offshore ones.

The configuration of Sivash is quite complex and at the same time unstable. This is facilitated by shallow depths and surge phenomena, as a result of which large areas are now covered with water, then dry up. The banks of the Sivash are mostly low and gentle, but there are also steep sections up to 3 m or more high.

hydrological regime.

The volume of water (actually brine) of the Sivash Bay, according to rough estimates, is about 1 km 3. The incoming components of the water balance of the Sivash are water inflows through the Genicheskie straits, river runoff, atmospheric precipitation, groundwater, as well as waste water from the reclamation systems of the Crimea. At the same time, detailed studies confirm that the filtration of the waters of the Sea of ​​Azov through the sandy-shell deposits of the Arabat Spit is negligible.

Map-scheme of the Sivash Gulf and the largest lakes of Crimea.

The main amount of water and salts comes to Sivash from the Sea of ​​Azov. The difference in the volumes of water entering the bay and driven by the wind is approximately 1.2 km 3 . Taking into account the salinity of the water in the nearby part of the Sea of ​​Azov, the annual inflow of salts is calculated, estimated at 12-14 million tons.

The main expenditure component of the water balance of the Rotten Sea is evaporation. Considering that its indicator tends to 1000 mm, the annual evaporation volume exceeds the entire volume of the lake.

Climatic features.

The climate of the Sivash Bay and adjacent areas is temperate continental with hot long dry summers and relatively short winters with unstable snow cover reaching 5-10 cm. January) - only -3°C (the minimum can reach -34°C). The amount of precipitation here is insignificant and is almost the minimum in Ukraine - about 260 mm per year. The region is characterized by long droughts accompanied by dry winds.

Bay areas.

According to morphometric and hydrochemical features, the Rotten Sea is usually divided into Eastern, Central and Western Sivash, separated by man-made dams. The Eastern Sivash is the largest and is located between the Arabat spit in the east and the Biyuk-Naiman dam in the west. In natural terms, this is the most diverse area of ​​the bay and relatively little changed by human economic activity. Almost the only exception is the flow of a significant amount of drainage water from the surrounding reclamation systems. Although their salinity is higher than in the North Crimean Canal, it is significantly inferior to the salinity of the lake, due to which the salinity of the Eastern Sivash has significantly decreased in recent decades.

Central Sivash (area - 323 km 2) separated from other parts of the lake Biyuk-Naiman (in the east) and Kugaran (in the west) by dams. The control of the gates installed on the Biyuk-Naiman dam contributes to the additional flow of water into the Central Sivash during surge winds from the east.

Western Sivash (area - 43 km 2) gravitates towards the Perekop Isthmus. It is fenced off from the rest of the bay by the Kugaransky dam, which belongs to the Crimean soda plant, located on the outskirts of the city of Krasnoperekopsk. In the northern part of the Kugaran dam there is a pumping station equipped with six small pumps that replenish the Western Sivash with water. Due to this, the water level in the Western Sivash is 0.5-1 m higher than in the Central. A characteristic, well-marked feature of this section of the Sivash is the reddish hue of the water.

Thanks to the artificial rise of water, the size of the Central and Western Sivash increased over time, which made it easier to take brine for industrial needs. If such a rise had not been carried out, then significant areas of Sivash would have been dried up areas.

Bay mineralization.

AT natural conditions the mineralization of water in Sivash was very high - up to 200‰. Under current conditions, after a long impact of economic activity, expressed in a significant flow of water from the North Crimean Canal, mineralization has decreased several times - primarily in the Eastern and Central Sivash. The volume of waste water (approximately 200 million m 3) is close to the amount of precipitation falling here and the volume of river runoff.

Due to the decrease in water mineralization, quite noticeable changes in the floristic complex took place in the lake. In particular, rather large areas in the Eastern Sivash began to be occupied by reed thickets.

natural features.

An important feature of Sivash is the value and uniqueness of its natural landscapes, the richness of flora and fauna, in which there are endemic and Red Book species, the protection of which was started back in the 1920s.

The avifauna of the Sivash Bay is noted for its value. In particular, there are rare species, like a pink pelican, a spoonbill (mower), a mullein and others. Among the representatives of the ichthyofauna, pilengas introduced into the Sea of ​​Azov from the Far East, as well as traditional flounder and gobies, are of industrial importance in Sivash.

Perekop lakes.

The largest natural reservoirs of Crimea are the Perekop lakes group, the total area of ​​which is 115-120 km2. Among them, five lakes stand out for their size - Aigulskoye (area - 37.5 km 2), Krasnoe (23.4 km 2), Kirleutskoe (20.8 km 2), Kiyatskoe (12.5 km 2) and Staroe (12, 2 km 2). The lakes Yangul, Krugloye, Chaika and Pasurman are somewhat inferior to them in size. Despite the rather large area, all Perekop lakes (by origin of the lagoon type, once part of the Sivash) are very shallow - their greatest depth rarely exceeds 1 m.

Under natural conditions, the water level of the Perekop lakes is significantly lower than sea level and is completely dependent on weather conditions. The superior depths vary from 0.7-1.0 m in spring to 0.3-0.5 m in autumn, and in dry years the lakes dried up considerably, decreasing several times.

Another one natural feature Perekop lakes - very high mineralization, reaching 200-240 ‰, due to which the lakes have long been used for salt extraction. Among the salts (which form 10-15-meter salt-bearing layers here at the bottom of the lakes), sodium and magnesium chlorides predominate.

Economic use of Perekop lakes.

The greatest changes as a result of economic activity were experienced by the lakes Staroe and Krasnoe, which are used for technological needs, respectively, of the Perekop bromine and Crimean soda plants. Lake Staroe, divided by a dam into a slightly larger northeastern and smaller southwestern parts. The salt-saturated water of the northeastern part of the lake (having a reddish tint) serves as the raw material base for the bromine plant. Wastewater is discharged to the southwestern part, the level of which is somewhat higher. In small volumes, polluted water also enters the northeastern part of the lake.

Divided by a dam and a much larger lake Krasnoye. The northern part is a soda plant septic tank, and the water here is predominantly white in color. This is due to the fact that this part of the lake is filled with a slightly soluble salt - calcium chloride, and the water level (and the salt layer) is higher here compared to the southern part of the lake, which is relatively clean. To reduce the level in this part of the lake, which rises due to the inflow of drainage water from the North Crimean Canal, as well as filtration from the sump, water is pumped into the Karkinit Bay of the Black Sea.

The dam also separates Kiyatskoye Lake. Relatively recently, a small part of it near the North Crimean Canal was desalinated and transformed into a reservoir rich in fish. But the rise of water in another part of the lake led to its overflow through the dam and a new increase in salinity. To combat this phenomenon, which has become undesirable (given the flooding of nearby villages), the water from Lake Kiyatskoye is partially pumped out. Smallest changes as a result of economic activity, Kirleutskoe and Aigulskoe lakes have undergone. At the same time, their mineralization, due to the inflow of drainage waters, significantly decreased, and fish began to constantly appear in the lakes.

Lakes of Western Crimea.

In addition to the Perekop lakes, there are quite a few natural reservoirs in the Crimea, sometimes forming individual groups. This group also includes the Evpatoria Lakes, including largest lake Crimea - Sasyk, with an area of ​​​​75.3 km 2. The water in the lake has a very high mineralization, reaching up to 100-150‰. The water depths in the lake are very small and practically do not exceed 0.5-1.0 m. The bottom is usually covered with a crust of salt, below which there is a multi-meter layer of suspended silt (black in the near-surface part and gray as you move deeper). The water level (more precisely, brine) in the lake is usually 0.6-0.8 m below sea level. Lake Sasyk, like many others, has experienced significant changes due to human activities. The threat of loss of the natural qualities of the entire lake caused the separation of its northern part and subsequent significant desalination.

To the southeast of Lake Sasyk is the very salty Lake Saki (area - 9.7 km 2). Suspended silt (mud) covering the bottom has medicinal properties, and has long been used in balneology. But even in this case, it was necessary to divide the lake into several parts, protecting the northern part from the city of Saki. coastal strip lakes. Thanks to the measures taken, it is possible to use the lake for medicinal purposes and as a raw material base for the Saki Chemical Plant. At the same time, there remains a threat of overflow through the dams in the event of a rainstorm or a sharp increase in the inflow of water from the catchment.

Among the Evpatoria lakes, an important role is played by the relatively small Big Moinatskoye Lake, Natural resources which are used for medicinal purposes. To the northeast of the Evpatoria lakes is another large body of water- Lake Donuzlav. which is the deepest (up to 30 m) in the Crimea. Now the lake is connected by an artificial strait with the sea, and its water area is used naval forces Ukraine.

Lakes of the Kerch Peninsula.

Of the other Crimean lakes, natural reservoirs located on the Kerch Peninsula stand out. Near the city of Shchelkino is Aktash Lake, which was planned to be used as a cooling reservoir during the construction of the Crimean NPP here. The construction of a nuclear power plant was abandoned long ago, and at present the water level in the lake largely depends on the amount of precipitation.

In the north of the Kerch Peninsula, not far from the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov, in a poorly developed area, there is Lake Chokrak. In small quantities, Chokrak bottom mud is mined and transported to medical institutions. Quite large natural reservoirs of the peninsula include the Tobechitskoe and Uzunlar lakes, located to the south and southwest of the city of Kerch.

Salt is a wealth that nature has generously bestowed on the Arabat Spit.

Studies have shown that the salty bitter waters of Sivash are nothing more than a concentrate of waters from the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov. The Sivash bay is shallow. Therefore, its waters quickly and very strongly heat up under the hot southern sun, evaporating and leaving more and more concentrated brine.

Azov water with a salt content of 1.1% flows through the Thin Strait at the northern tip of the peninsula into the Sivash and moves south and west. At the same time, its salinity is constantly growing, reaching a mark of 6.37% near the village of Strelkovy, where U-tour offers you a rest on the Arabat Spit. The given numbers indicate that the salt content in the Sivash is extremely high; at the extreme southern point of the Arabat Spit, the salt content in the Sivash reaches 160 g/liter. This means that for 5 parts of water there is 1 share of mineral salts (mineral salts make up 1/6 of the brine).

Why Sivash salt is pink

Sivash brine is a saturated saline solution in which Dunaliella salina microalgae has adapted to life. Dunaliella is a very rare and useful microorganism that produces carotenoids and, above all, beta-carotene, a precursor of youth vitamin (provitamin A) and gives the brine and salt of the Sivash Bay an amazing pink color, and also makes them extremely useful for humans.

Due high content beta-carotene, pink brine of Sivash Bay is an antioxidant, antiseptic and stimulant immune system, helps in the formation of the epithelium of the skin, mucous membranes, glands, respiratory and genitourinary systems, digestive tract.

Rapa lowers the pain threshold, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory and antimicrobial agent. It expands the superficial vessels of the skin and accelerates blood flow and cell regeneration, has a resolving effect on scar tissue, and is a prophylactic against adhesive processes.

Indications and use of Sivash brine:

• Dentistry (periodontal disease, gingivitis, periodontitis). rinses oral cavity for 2-3 minutes 3-4 times a day for a week with a warm solution of Sivash brine in fresh water in a ratio of 1:3.
• Joint diseases, arthritis, polyarthritis.
• Treatment of joints with brine is carried out using compresses with a warm solution 1: 2. The compress is applied directly to the area of ​​the affected organ for 10-15 minutes every 2 days or two days in a row, the third is a break. The course of treatment is 10-12 sessions. Diseases of the ENT organs (rhinitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis) For the treatment of ENT diseases, washing with a 1:1 solution of brine, inhalation of the nose and throat, and spraying are used. Vascular diseases Warm compresses with a 1:2 solution of brine on the lower leg for 10-15 minutes every two days or two days in a row, the third day is a break. The course of treatment is 10-12 sessions.
• Skin diseases (fungus of the extremities, psoriasis, acne, atopic dermatitis). Lotions and compresses with a 1: 1 solution. In case of fungal skin lesions, moisten the affected areas abundantly. Do not rinse after treatment! Chronic urological and gynecological diseases.
• In urology, brine is used in the form of 1:1 solutions for microclysters. In gynecology, vaginal baths are used with a warm 1: 1 solution for 15-30 minutes. For a good result, the course of treatment is 12-15 procedures, 1 time in 2 days. For strengthening and treatment of hair and nails on the hands and feet.
• Warm baths for hands or feet with heated brine diluted with water 1:1 daily for 7-15 days. The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes. For hair, masks with heated brine 1: 1 are used or rubbed into the scalp for 20-30 minutes 1 time in 2-3 days. Baths with brine solution (brine baths).
• Rapu is diluted in the ratio of 1 liter of brine per 10 liters of water. The bath should be taken from 15 to 20 minutes (no more). Once every 2 days or two days in a row, the third is a break. Course - 10-15 baths. The water temperature is not more than 380C.

The tour price includes:

• Bus transfer
• Accommodation at the recreation center
• 3 meals a day
• Excursions to the Sivash Bay (pink salt, therapeutic mud)
• Excursions to the hot healing spring
• Entertainment(movies, games, etc.)

Travel with U-Tour! We guarantee you a pleasant stay and positive impressions!
Order and booking of the tour: 095 122 85 10

Peculiarities hydrological regime Sea of ​​Azov mainly due to the relatively large inflow fresh water and shallowness of the basin. The salinity of the water increases from the mouth of the Don in a southwestern direction. On the border of the Taganrog Bay, the average annual salinity is about 9 ° / oo, in the central parts of the sea 11 ° / oo.

Somewhat higher salinity is noted in the area between the Biryuchy Peninsula and the northern part of the Arabat Strelka, where, under strong western winds, the more saline waters of the Sivash periodically enter through the Thin Strait. To the southeast, towards the Kuban delta, there is some decrease in salinity. Heterogeneity of salinity distribution along the vertical is observed mainly in spring. In the northern part of the Kerch Strait, salinity in most cases is 13-14 ° / oo. In spring, with strong | winds, salinity changes significantly. Seasonal changes in salinity in the Sea of ​​Azov before the creation of reservoirs and the regulation of the flow of the Don and Kuban rivers were large, now they have somewhat decreased.

During the period of filling the Tsimlyansk reservoir, from 1952 to 1955, the average salinity of the Sea of ​​Azov increased from about 11 to 12.5 ° / oo, and over the period 1956-1969. became equal to 11.5 ° / oo. In connection with the growth in the use of Don and Kuban waters for irrigation and other needs, it can be expected that salinity will gradually increase.

The sea water temperature is minimum in January, maximum in July. In the central part of the sea and in the Kerch Strait in January and February, the water temperature is the same, in July it is higher in the open sea, and in the strait only in August, under the influence of the Black Sea waters, the temperature becomes almost the same as in July in the center of the sea.

Temperature changes throughout the year are very large. In most cases, in coastal waters, the temperature ranges from -0.3 ° C in winter to 30-31 ° C on the warmest summer days. Large temperature fluctuations are also observed in some places.

Changes in temperature with depth are usually negligible. In winter, in the bottom layers, the temperature is about 1.7 °C. This is the temperature corresponding maximum density Azov water. With more cooling, the water becomes lighter and, if not strong winds or the reservoir is covered with ice, temperature stratification is preserved. In summer, the temperature of the surface layer of water in the open part of the sea is about 25-26 °C, and that of the bottom layer is about 21-22 °C; this temperature distribution persists only until the first significant storm.

Ice formation is noted annually and usually begins in the Taganrog Bay. First, ice fields appear, carried by the Don, then the entire bay freezes. "The ice is less common near the southern coasts. In severe winters, almost the entire sea is covered with ice, the thickness of which reaches 80-90 cm.

The density of water, on average equal to the sea 1.0085, in the Taganrog Bay in summer is less than 1, and in the bottom waters of the southern part of the sea at the end of autumn sometimes reaches 1.0120.

Sea of ​​Azov level usually higher than I by several centimeters of the Black Sea level. This is due to differences in the density of the waters and the continuous inflow of river water that supports this difference. At the beginning and at the end of the Kerch Strait at ideal conditions the difference in level is approximately 2-3 cm. The closer to the Taganrog Bay, the greater the difference becomes, especially in spring and summer, when river flow and precipitation are significant and temperatures are somewhat higher. Can change sea levels and winds. So, with strong southerly winds, a significant amount of Black Sea water enters the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov, because the level of the Black Sea near the Kerch Strait rises, and the level of the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov decreases. The level rises significantly due to the wind in the Taganrog Bay due to its funnel shape. The magnitude of surge fluctuations in the level in the northwestern part of the bay reaches 4.5 m.

Seasonal level changes in the Sea of ​​Azov are usually characterized by a maximum in June and a minimum in October. This is due to the inflow of river waters, precipitation and evaporation of the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov into the sea, and partly with a change in the level of the Black Sea. average value level fluctuations in the southern part of the Sea of ​​Azov is 32 cm.

Fluctuations in the level of the Sea of ​​Azov during the year, in general, to a large extent coincide with the change in the level of the Black Sea. AT last years there was a tendency to lower the level of the Sea of ​​Azov due to an increase in salinity and a decrease in river flow.

Currents in Taganrog and Temryuk bays have a connection with the waters of the Don and Kuban, which fall into the bays. This is more noticeable in the spring. Usually, the currents in the Sea of ​​Azov depend mainly on the winds - when the wind changes, the direction and speed of the current change. However, near the northwestern coast of the sea, the current of the southwestern direction prevails, and near the eastern coast - the north. With strong westerly winds (in spring), a weak current arises, carrying the more saline waters of the Sivash through the Tonky Strait to the Utlyuk Estuary, and from it to the sea.

The excitement in the shallow Sea of ​​Azov has some features: the height of the waves reaches a maximum of 1.2-1.5 m - with a wind of 6-7 points and its duration is about 6 hours. With a longer duration and strength of the wind, the Azov waves begin to collapse and, acquiring sharp shape, reminiscent of breaking waves. They are more dangerous for ships than the higher waves formed in deep water.

HYDROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The chemical features of the Azov waters depend mainly on the composition of the incoming river and Black Sea waters. Some influence, noticeable due to the shallowness of the sea, is exerted by bottom sediments.

The Sea of ​​Azov contains on average 11.5 g of salts per 1 kg of water, i.e., almost 3 times less than in ocean water, or c. 1.5 times less than in the Black Sea surface water.

The main ions are chloride (C1 "), sulfate (SO /"), bicarbonate (HCO3 "b carbonate (CO3"). sodium (Na"), magnesium (Mg"), calcium (Ca") and potassium (K") The listed ions in the Azov water are in a small amount, their ratio under the influence of the composition of the Don waters, as well as evaporation deviates from the normal for sea water, the percentage of chloride ions is less than in the ocean (approximately 1%), there are slightly more sulfate ions (approximately 0.2%), and bicarbonate ions are 4 times more than in the ocean (in the Sea of ​​Azov on average 1.2%, and in the ocean 0.3%).The average percentage of cations also differs from the content of cations in ocean.

The alkalinity of Azov water fluctuates around 3 mg-eq / l, i.e., it is less than in the surface layer of the Black Sea, however, the ratio of alkalinity to chlorine content of water in Azov waters is greater than in the Black Sea, due to the small amount of chloride ions. This indicates the influence of river waters containing a large number of bicarbonates (alkalinity mainly depends on them) and a small amount of chlorides. The influence of river waters in the Taganrog Bay increases towards the mouth of the Don. The chlorine content of water near the mouth of the river is 0.073 g, and the amount of bicarbonate anion is 0.192 g per 1 kg of water (alkalinity is approximately 3.1 meq/l).

The gas regime of the Azov waters is determined, on the one hand, by the shallow depth and increased aeration of the entire water mass during waves, and, on the other hand, by intense biological processes in water and at the bottom of the sea. The amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide varies within the limits exceeding the limits of changes in these indicators in the Black Sea at the same horizons. In summer, hydrogen sulfide, appearing in the bottom silt of the deepest depressions, is found mainly in their bottom layer and relatively rarely spreads higher.

Hydrogen index (pH) in surface waters ranges from 8.8 during the summer bloom, indicating almost complete consumption of carbon dioxide, to 7.6 in late autumn.

With increased photosynthesis during the period of water bloom (maximum development of phytoplankton) in the Sea of ​​Azov, there are cases when the pH is greater than 9 and at the same time surface water extremely supersaturated with oxygen - up to 200-300%, i.e., 2-3 times more than the norm at the appropriate temperature and salinity. This occurs in calm weather, when there is a significant temperature stratification of the water mass. The bottom layer of water in this case contains a minimum amount of oxygen. The amount of oxygen in the water is reduced by putrefactive processes in the bottom silt, the predominance of respiration processes over photosynthesis processes, which is typical for muddy and poorly permeable sunlight water. Sometimes, when there is practically no oxygen in the bottom layer, a sea of ​​fish (bottom species), crustaceans, molluscs, etc. occurs. But at the first more or less strong wind, the water layers mix vertically, the temperature and oxygen content equalize. In autumn, with intensive mixing, the waters of the Sea of ​​Azov usually contain a significant amount of oxygen, but their saturation is always less than 100%.

The amount of dissolved and suspended organic substances, determined by determining the oxidizability of water with potassium permanganate, is significant. 1 liter of Azov water contains an average of 8^9 mg of dry organic matter.

The amount of biogenic elements on which the development of phytoplankton depends varies over a very wide range. The Don and Kuban rivers contribute nitrates, phosphates, silicates, and detritus. Many organisms inhabiting the Sea of ​​Azov, dying, fall into the bottom silt, decompose and also give phosphates, ammonium salts, nitrates, etc. Due to the shallow depth of the Sea of ​​Azov, nutrients easily pass into the water during waves. In this regard, the strongly eutrophic Sea of ​​Azov has a high biological productivity. During the flowering period in the upper water layers, in late spring and summer, phosphates and nitrates are consumed. The content of nitrates in the open part of the sea varies seasonally from 50 to 0 mg per 1 m3, and phosphates - from 40 to 0.5 mg per 1 m3. In the northwestern part of the Taganrog Bay, near the mouth of the Don River, there is always a significant amount of phosphates and nitrates. Their number also increases somewhat in the Temryuk Bay before the mouth of the Kuban River.

On the chemical composition Azov waters are affected, in addition, by the violation of the nature of the surface layer of bottom sediments, their microfauna and microflora during trawling of large areas, as well as due to pollution of the water and the seabed.

There are projects to reduce the salinity of the waters of Azov by minimizing the inflow of Black Sea waters through the Kerch Strait, as a result of which their biological productivity should increase. However, there is an opinion that the waters of Azov may not be able to cope with pollution.

Less saline groundwater in silt deposits indicates that the salinity of the waters in the basin - the predecessor of the present Sea of ​​Azov was less. The content of organic carbon in the upper layers of silt ranges from 0.6 to 2.9%. The content of organic substances in the lower layers of silt reaches 13.5%.

In terms of hydrophysical features, the Azov water differs from the Black Sea, this is noticeable even in its yellow-green color, which depends on the abundance of phytoplankton and clay suspensions raised from the bottom during waves.

The transparency of the Azov water is small - in the spring and after a significant wave it is sometimes only 10 cm, at the end of summer in calm weather it can be 5 m. In most cases, the transparency of the Azov water fluctuates around 1 m.

The electrical conductivity of water in the central and southern parts sea ​​in winter is 0.009, and in summer about 0.022 Ohm-1-cm-1. The specific heat capacity of the Azov water varies from 0.973 to 0.960 cal/(s-deg).

BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Sea of ​​Azov is a small, shallow water basin isolated from the Black Sea. Limanny nature determines its very high productivity.

But the most important feature of the Sea of ​​Azov, which is striking when compared with the Black Sea, is its shallow water. Despite the relatively low transparency, in the summer months the water in the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov warms up to the bottom. The bottom sediments are also warming up, and this promotes the development of benthos, the large biomass of which is surprising to researchers. The rapid development of plankton is provided by nutrients raised from the bottom into water mass and carried by the rivers. To all this, it must be added that the low salinity of the water, while limiting the diversity of flora and fauna, at the same time favors an increase in the number of certain plant and animal species.

The origin of living organisms inhabiting the Sea of ​​Azov is diverse. Some relic animals, about 40 species of fish and invertebrates, represent the fauna of the ancient Ponto-Caspian reservoirs. It includes various types of crustaceans, intestinal animals, bivalve mollusks, worms and fish, among which gobies and the Black Sea-Azov herring stand out. However, most of these animals do not live in the sea itself, but in the desalinated areas of the coastal zone.

The zones located mainly near Sivash are characterized by relics of the ancient Greek period, during which sea ​​water was more salty. Representatives of this ancient fauna are the marine worm pectinaria and the mollusk Loripes. Most of the Black Sea relics have died out, but at the bottom of the sea there are many shells of mollusks that once lived there - venus, tapes, etc.

In the life of the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov great participation Mediterranean immigrants are also accepted, among which mass species are found. Worms (Nereis) and molluscs (Cardium, Syndesmia, Mytilaster) play a particularly significant role in the production process. In total, 22 Mediterranean worm species and 12 mollusk species are known.

In addition to these animals, about 20 species of freshwater origin belong to the fauna of the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov.

Fauna of the Sea of ​​Azov continues to grow even today. This is due to the Black Sea species and species entering the sea from other areas of the World Ocean. Two main factors contribute to this - modern sea ​​transport and increase in salinity in the Sea of ​​Azov after commissioning Volga-Don Canal. Some species of benthic animals from other parts of the world got into the Black Sea basin and the Sea of ​​Azov on ship hulls or with ballast water. Among the first we can mention the crayfish of rhitropanopeus (Rhitropanopeus harrisii), which entered the Black Sea basin from the Atlantic coast of North America through the Zuider Zee in Holland.

The tube worm Mercierella (Mercierella enigmatica) also penetrated the Black Sea estuaries. This species, which forms thick layers of calcareous tubes on underwater objects, was first discovered in 1921 in a canal connecting the city of Caen with the sea. Soon this worm was found in many areas of the oceans. Mercierella, like ritropanopeus, cannot stand very salt water, develops well in the Sea of ​​Azov and turned out to be one of the main foulers on the bottom of ships.

With an increase in the salinity of the water, the woodworm mollusk begins to penetrate into the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov, which causes great harm to wooden underwater structures. This species lives in the saltier parts of the sea. A similar position is found in the nudibranch Mollusk Stiliger (Stiliger bellulos), which is very common in Atlantic Ocean, in the Northern and mediterranean seas. It was discovered in the Black Sea, and later in the Sea of ​​Azov.

Due to the low salinity of the waters in the Sea of ​​Azov, mainly in desalinated coastal areas, settled big number freshwater animal and plant species. Many species of Azov fish (carp, pike perch, bream, etc.) are of freshwater origin. The same can be said about a significant part of planktonic plants (first of all, blue-green algae) and animals (water fleas and rotifers).

As already noted, the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov is distinguished by exceptionally high biological productivity. A large number of mineral substances that enter it with the waters of rivers, determines the abundant development of planktonic algae. Their biomass sometimes reaches an incredible value, primarily due to the massive development of diatom planktonic algae and especially rhizosalination (Rhizosolenia calcar-avis).

Sometimes the biomass of plankton, formed almost exclusively by rhizo-salting, is 200 g per 1 m3.

Diatoms in mass develop in spring (March and April) and autumn (October and November). In summer, phytoplankton is represented mainly by peridyne algae, but they never give such a large biomass as diatoms. Exuviella (Exuviella cordata), prorocentrum (Prorocentrum nicans) and glenodinium (Glenodinium danicum) develop mainly from peridiniums. Sometimes, as in freshwater pools, water blooms are observed, caused by the massive development of blue-green algae. Of these, nodularia (Nodularia spumige), afanisomenon (Aph.anizom.enon flos-aquae), microcystis and anabena are more common. Blue-green algae are typical mainly for the Taganrog Bay, in which 80-90% of the phytoplankton biomass of the Sea of ​​Azov is formed. At maximum development, Afanisomenon produces 5-6 million individuals per 1 m3 of water.

The abundant development of algae as well as bacteria in the plankton ensures a high production of zooplankton, which consists of freshwater, brackishwater and marine species. The largest biomass is formed by copepods. Among them stand out sea ​​views acarcia (Acarcia clausi), paracarcia (Paracarcia latisetosa), centropage (Centropages kroye). More greater value the brackish water calanipeda (Calanipeda aquae dulcis), which occurs everywhere in the sea, but develops most massively in the Taganrog Bay.

In this bay, the biomass of zooplankton reaches 1500 mg per 1 m3, most of it is formed by Kalanipeda. The most common water flea is evadne (Evadne trigona). Brachionus rotifers (Brachionus bakeri, B. m "ulleri) and pedalion (Pedalion oxyurus) reach mass development.

Planktonic ciliates are also of interest. Despite their small mass, these typically marine ciliates form 16-17% of the total zooplankton biomass in summer.

Plankton in the Sea of ​​Azov feed on fish, especially pelagic species. Herring fish feed mainly on plankton. The plankton-rich Sea of ​​Azov has turned into a pasture for the main fish species (tyulka and anchovy). Hamsa enters the Sea of ​​Azov in spring, lays eggs and feeds.

From phytoplankton highest value in the diet of pelagic fish have some species diatoms(skeletononema, thalassiosira), blue-green algae (microcystis), from zooplankton - acarcia, calanipeda, planktonic larvae of sea acorns, bivalves and gastropods.

The main food (up to 70%) of the anchovy, satin and the Azov-Black Sea kilka are copepods. In spring, a significant part of the food (20-30%) is rotifers. A significant part of the food of the anchovy is the larvae of sea acorns (up to 37%) and a very small part is the larvae of bivalves and gastropods (1-4%).

The bottom flora of the Sea of ​​Azov is not very rich. There are a small number of species of brown, red and green algae. Flowering plants are better represented: two species of seagrass (Zostera marina and Z. papa), seaside pondweed (Potamogeton marinus) and zanickellia (Zannichellia palustris). Sea grass in the northern part of the Sivash and in the Utlyuk estuary forms vast underwater meadows, the area of ​​​​which is estimated at 95 thousand decares.

Zoobenthos of the Sea of ​​Azov represented mostly by mollusks, worms, and some crustaceans. Of the first, the heart is the most widespread. Abundant development of phytoplankton and richness of detritus create this species good conditions. The mollusk is found everywhere on the bottom, but its largest accumulations are at depths of 6-10 m, where in some places its biomass exceeds 2 kg per 1 m2. Syndesmia predominates at great depths. Dreissena (Dreissena polymorpha), mytilaster and monodacna develop abundantly on the bottom. Of the worms, nerens and Hypaniola develop en masse. Crustaceans are represented primarily by sea acorns, which in many places provide a significant biomass. Common among other crustaceans

The average biomass of benthos in spring is about 300 g per 1 m2, in autumn - 400 g per 1 m2. The total annual production of benthos in the Sea of ​​Azov is approximately 19 million tons, of which 13 million tons are produced by the cockle, 1.3 million tons by syndesmia, 2.5 million tons by mytilaster, 1.5 million tons by sea acorn .

Benthos, despite the significant content of organisms with hard body covers, is well used by fish. The main food of bream and other cyprinid fish is nereis, syndesmia, mytilaster, hydrobia, and some species of crustaceans. Gobies feed mainly on Nereis, Syndesmia, Mytilaster. Sturgeons eat cockles, nereis, syndesmia.

Fish fauna in the Sea of ​​Azov represented by 79 species, mainly (20 species) anadromous and semi-anadromous (sturgeon, herring, perch).

Of predators importance has a walleye. In spring and summer it feeds mainly on anchovy and Black Sea-Azov kilka, in autumn - almost exclusively on gobies. In addition, pike perch uses shrimp for food, and at a young age, planktonic water fleas, copepods. Prior to the commissioning of the Volga-Don Canal, the fish catch in the Sea of ​​Azov annually reached the maximum limit - 300 thousand tons. With a decrease in the flow of the Don, the catch in the sea decreased by 3-4 times, now it consists mainly of the Black Sea anchovy.

Some fish species, mainly zander, feed in the Taganrog Bay. In this rather desalinated part of the sea, lacustrine or estuary fauna develops. Mollusks (Dreissena, Monodacna, Unionidae), crustaceans (amphipods, ostracods), worms, and chironomus larvae predominate. The main food of cyprinids in the bay consists of chironomus larvae, ostracods, nereis, amphipods, etc.

Sivash

Unlike the Taganrog Bay, Lake Sivash, called the Rotten Sea, is very salty, in the south its water salinity exceeds 80% 0. In the northern part of the lake, where it connects with the sea, Azov animal species live. In very salty parts, two species predominate: crustaceans (Artemia salina) and chironomus larvae (Chironomus salinaris). In summer, the biomass of chironomus larvae is approximately 19 g per 1 m2, in autumn - approximately 25 g per 1 m2. The biomass of the Artemia crustacean is 2.3 and 0.5 g per 1 m2, respectively.

12 species of fish live in Sivash, but flounder and several species of gobies are more common than others. Mullet fish, anchovy, slat, horse mackerel, and garfish enter the lake to feed. In addition, the sea needle, sea horse, stickleback live in Sivash.

Fish in Sivash, especially mullet, are well fed. The average catch of mullet is 85 tons annually, but sometimes it reaches 550 tons. In addition, flounder, anchovy, satin, etc. are caught in Sivash.

Despite high catches, Sivash provides a relatively small part of the total fish production of the Sea of ​​Azov. The main fish-producing areas in the Sea of ​​Azov are the Taganrog Bay and other less saline areas of the sea. However, with a decrease in the river runoff of the Don and Kuban, the conditions for the existence of freshwater and anadromous fish species are deteriorating. The dam being designed in the Kerch Strait, by limiting the penetration of the Black Sea waters into the Sea of ​​Azov, will prevent the process of its salinization. It is planned to create open channels on the dam for the passage of Black Sea fish to the Sea of ​​Azov.

PRIAZOVSKIE LAKES

There are many lakes on the shores of the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov. On the west bank most of them are of lagoonal origin, since they were formed as a result of the movement of bottom sediments, which separate some bays, turning them into semi-enclosed or closed reservoirs. On the east coast, especially in the Kuban delta, most of the lakes are of firth origin - they are flooded sea ​​water mouths and river valleys.

The largest lake near the Sea of ​​Azov - Sivash, or the Rotten Sea - is a huge shallow lagoon, separated from the sea by a sandy spit Arabatskaya Strelka 112 km long. In the northern part, the spit is interrupted by the Tonkiy (Genichesk) Strait, which is about 150 m wide and 5 to 0.5 m deep. Crimean river), Bulganovka, Dry and Wet Indole, Churuksu, etc.

They usually dry up in the summer. Due to the high water temperature and strong evaporation, the salinity of the water in Sivash reaches 200% o. Salt is mined here. In spring, aquatic vegetation intensively develops in Sivash.

To the northeast of the Tonky Strait, the large Utlyuk Estuary extends. In fact, this is not an estuary, but a typical lagoon formed after the connection of Biryuchy Island with the coast. But in the north of the Utlyuk estuary there are two small bays of estuary origin, into which small rivers flow. The salinity of the water in the Utlyuk Estuary is in most cases the same as in the Sea of ​​Azov, and with strong western and southwestern winds, when water from the Sivash enters the bottom horizons, it rises.

Approximately 7 km northeast of the Utlyuk estuary is Lake Molochnoye. This is an estuary, periodically connected with the sea. From the north, the Molochnaya River and two smaller rivers flow into it, which dry up in summer. Communication with the sea (three narrow straits in the southern part of the estuary) ceases during the summer lowering of the lake level, and the salinity of the water in the lake increases significantly. Mullet is bred in the lake.

West of the city Taganrog is a freshwater Miussky estuary 31 km long and 1-2 km wide. The Mius River flows into the northeastern part of the estuary. The estuary is connected to the sea by a wide strait.

On most of the eastern shore of the Sea of ​​Azov, coastal lakes and swamps lie in an almost continuous chain. A number of small rivers do not flow directly into the sea, but form estuaries and swamps. Lakes are connected with the sea only in spring. The flow of river water into the estuaries often stops, as the rivers dry up in the lower reaches. In such lakes, salinity increases greatly in summer. Some estuaries have estuaries wide open to the sea and are more like bays; the water in them is as salty in summer as in the Sea of ​​Azov. In the southern part of the coast, where the lakes and swamps of the Kuban delta - the Kuban floodplains - are located, dense thickets of reeds and other aquatic vegetation begin.

On the eastern shore of the Sea of ​​Azov, the largest are the Yeisky estuary, located in the southern part of the Taganrog Bay, into which the waters of the Yei River periodically enter, and the Beisugsky, named after the Beisug River, which flows into it in the spring. The Yeysk estuary is wide open to the sea. The Beisug Estuary is separated from the sea by the Yasenskaya Spit, with two straits. On the northern shore of the Beisug estuary there is a salty Khanskoe Lake with the famous healing hydrogen sulfide silt. East of the lake Khansky there are a number of lakes and swamps, which are replenished in spring with the waters of the Chelbas River.

The estuaries of the Akhtar-Kirpil group receive water from small spring rivers (Kirpili and others), from the branches of the Kuban River and the Sea of ​​Azov.

Kuban and Azov water also feeds other estuaries of this region. To the south of the Strait (a branch in the Kuban delta) there are a number of lakes - the Dolgiy estuary, the Kurchansky estuary, etc. To the west of the main branch of the Kuban River is the Akhtanizovsky estuary.

The estuaries of the Kuban delta are mainly used by fish farms. Some of the estuaries are freshwater.

On the Azov coast of the Kerch Peninsula there are two small salt lakes - Aktash and Chokrak. The shores of the second are formed by deposits of the Chokrakian horizon, which belongs to the Middle Miocene.

On the western shore of the Kerch Strait, two small lakes - Tobechik and Churubash - are located south and west of Kamyshburun.

Recently, this reservoir has been remembered more and more often - and it is not surprising. Because Sivash is a body of water, unique in many ways

In fact, the word "unique" is often misused or even abused. But Sivash is really unique. And here, as they say, neither subtract nor add.

Sivash refers to those reservoirs that are called bays. This is the bay of the Sea of ​​Azov. But it is special: it is connected to the sea by a very narrow strait. this strait is called the Thin Strait. And Sivash is, in essence, a lot of shallow lagoons with a total length coastline over 112 kilometers! This bay is shallow, in summer it heats up very much, and the water evaporates. Because of this, the salinity of the waters here is very high: up to 10 ppm. That is, one liter of water contains up to 10 grams of salts. For comparison: the salinity of the northwestern part of the Black Sea is 16-17 ppm, the salinity of the World Ocean is 35-37 ppm. The salinity of the waters of the Red Sea is on average 40 ppm.

But the waters of Sivash are not only salty, they are also highly mineralized. And the ratio of salts is different: the content of calcium, potassium and magnesium compounds is increased here. But there is little oxygen, because of the plants only a few species of algae live here. Yes, and the water temperature in summer in some places rises to almost 30? C. There is also a lot of silt here ...

Because of these reasons, not all the inhabitants of the sea can survive in Sivash, but only those who are adapted to such adverse conditions. True, in the eastern part (near the Thin Strait) there are many invertebrates and some species of fish. Here even juvenile mullet are fattened! But in the western part, few survive, because in these places the salinity is much higher than in the center and even in the east of the bay. Everything is very simple: in the eastern part, water from the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov penetrates into the Sivash through the Thin Bay - and "dilutes" the salty water. And in the west there are the most distant lagoons - and in summer (during intense evaporation) these places turn into a real "trap" for salts.

What can I say: the conditions are really unusual and tough. To say the least, brutal! But there is one of the inhabitants, who very well adapted to survive in these conditions. This is a small crustacean: Artemia salina. As you understand, this name is Latin, it simply does not have a Russian counterpart. It's a pity - this "personality" is very conspicuous! Its dimensions are small - 2-3 millimeters. The view (from the point of view of a person) is unusual - tiny eyes, external gills. Although, in general, nothing strange: many of the small crustaceans have approximately the same appearance.

Another thing is surprising: the ability of this invertebrate to live in water bodies with high salinity. Sometimes this crustacean withstands the salt content is simply monstrous: up to 30 grams per liter! Therefore, brine shrimp live in conditions that other animals cannot withstand, in sea estuaries and salt lakes of both hemispheres. From Spain to Mongolia and China - and further to the Great Salt Lake in the USA: this is the "geography" of this remarkable creature. And in Sivash Artemia feels very well: in one cubic meter up to 13 grams of these small crustaceans live here. And the total mass of Artemia Sivash is about 14-15 thousand tons! By the way, artemia feeds on one or two types of unicellular algae: those that can live in such salty water. Islands and the coast: the bird's kingdom Not only this reservoir and its inhabitants are unusual - the land that surrounds it is also unusual: the coasts of the bay and the island. By the way, two islands (Churyuk and Kuyuk-Tuk) are protected and are part of the Azov-Sivash national park. And many other places on the mainland coast should also be declared protected from both the Kherson and Crimean sides.

The thing is that on the coasts and islands of Sivash, many virgin areas have been preserved: because there was no point in plowing the saline land. After all, agricultural plants almost do not grow on it. And according to the scientific classification, these landscapes are distinguished in special group: they are called desert wormwood-cereal steppes. Wormwood-cereal because it is wormwood (like a few types of cereals) that form the grass cover of these steppes. And desert - due to the fact that due to arid conditions and salinity of the soil, these landscapes are poor in species. But even such poor and small territories are of considerable value. Because this is the steppe. Let even desert and sagebrush! And there are many of those animal species that have disappeared elsewhere: insects, reptiles and mammals.

But above all, Sivash is known for its birds. And in many ways this is the “merit” of Artemia. After all, it is largely thanks to this invertebrate that Sivash cannot be called lifeless and deserted. Because this crustacean is an excellent food for birds: shelducks, different types kulikov and some others. All of these species have beaks designed so that they can filter out nutritious crustaceans - fortunately, there are sometimes so many of them in the water that it resembles a reddish soup! And every year the bay feeds many thousands of birds - adults and chicks.

In total, almost 100 species of birds are found here - “local” (which nest) and migratory. After all, among other things, the bay is located on important ways bird migrations. And besides near-water birds, there are also steppe birds here. In some places, for example, bustards and demoiselle cranes nest! And if we write about Sivash, then we cannot but remember that the waters of this bay have healing properties. Like some other "oversalted" reservoirs - the Dead Sea, for example. And according to experts, the water from some of the Sivash lagoons is not inferior to the waters of the Dead Sea in terms of its healing properties! Problems of a unique reservoir On this major note, one could end, but, alas, it will not work.

Sivash's problems began long ago, back in "Soviet" times. And these problems sonorous name: titanium dioxide plant. And two more chemical plant for the production of aniline dyes and soda.

True, in recent years they have not constantly worked for full power, but the titanium plant has always been "on top". All these enterprises are located near the city of Armyansk, which is in Autonomous Republic Crimea, on the Isthmus of Perekop. And emissions from these enterprises regularly poison both the land and water - Karkinitsky Bay and Sivash.

How to solve this problem, we will not give “recipes”: after all, you cannot close the three largest enterprises overnight! Here at least reduce the damage - and that's good! By the way, this year, by a court decision, the titanium dioxide plant was ordered to pay the village council of the village of Chervony Chaban 800 thousand hryvnias as compensation for the damage caused to the villagers. One can only hope that this money will be used for real measures aimed at reducing damage: for treating people and equipping medical institutions.

But of course, this problem cannot be solved by monetary compensation alone. And then, most likely, it is impossible to do without the closure of chemical "monsters". Otherwise, the unique bays will no longer be able to cope with pollution. And then - a disaster.

And on the shores of the Dead Sea, there are no polluting enterprises at all: even at the very beginning of the existence of the State of Israel, it was decided there that this body of water has too much value to risk it. And they did not build any "chemistry" (and other pollutants) there. Looks like the Israelis would not even think of placing three of the most dangerous enterprises near their resort area!

That would be so for us! I wonder what can be done for this?