URAL RIVER: IMPACT ON ORSK

The Ural River, a major waterway that flows through Russia and Kazakhstan, recently attracted global attention  when Russia declared a "federal  emergency" in the southern Orenburg  region due to flooding in the city of Orsk.

Key Facts about the Ural River:

1. Length and Location:

• The Ural River extends for approximately 2,428 km, making it the third longest river in Europe and the 19th longest river in Asia.
• It flows along the continental boundary between Europe and Asia, acting as a natural divider between the two continents.

2. Local Name:

• In the native Kazakh language, the Ural River is referred to as the Zhayyq River, reflecting its cultural significance in the region.

3. Source and Destination:

• The Ural River originates in the Ural Mountains, close to Mount Kruglaya in Russia.
• It empties into the Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland sea located between Europe and Asia.

4. Water Source and Delta:

• Melting snow makes up a significant part (60–70%) of the Ural River's water source, with little precipitation.
• A prominent feature of the Ural’s tree-like (or “digitate”) delta. This type of delta forms naturally when wave action is low, and sediment content in the river is high.

5. Tributaries:

• The Ural River has 58 tributaries in total, with the most notable ones being the Kushum, Derkul, Chagan, Irtek, and Or rivers.
• The tributaries on the right display typical mountain river characteristics, while the tributaries on the left display flatland characteristics.

Orsk City:

1. Location:

• Orsk is situated in the Orenburg Oblast region of Russia, approximately 150 miles (240 km) south of Magnitogorsk.
• It lies at the confluence of the Ural and Or rivers.

2. Proximity to the Border:

• Orsk is adjacent to the Kazakhstan–Russia border, making it a strategic location in terms of trade and transportation.

3. Industrial Center:

• Orsk has turned into a major industrial centre, with a large oil refinery that uses petroleum piped from Caspian Sea fields.

FAQs:

Q1: Which countries border the Caspian Sea?

The Caspian Sea is the world's largest inland body of water, and is often considered the world's largest lake. It's located between Asia and Europe, and has characteristics of both seas and lakes.

The Caspian Sea is bordered by five countries:

1. Kazakhstan: Northeast
2. Russia: Northwest
3. Azerbaijan: West
4. Turkmenistan: Southeast
5. Iran: South

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