The Alma River is one of the most picturesque and largest water streams of the Crimean peninsula. Its length is 83 km. This length allows this watercourse to take second place, second only to the river. Salgir. The pool has an area of 635 sq. km.
Briefly about the main thing
Alma is a mountain type river. Its source is located on the northern slope of Babugan-Yaila. This is the highest point of the Crimean Mountains, in the valley between two ridges - Sinab-Dag and Konyok. The starting point of the Alma is considered to be the confluence of two water streams - the small Babuganka river and the Sary-Su stream. To the north of the source is the famous Chatyr-Dag mountain range.
The Alma flows in a northerly direction, then turns west halfway and at the end of the flow flows into Kalamitsky Bay. Refers to the Black Sea basin. Administratively, it flows through the Alushta region, Simferopol and Bakhchisarai regions.
The upper course of the river passes within the borders of the Crimean nature reserve. In this section, the Alma is a river with a pronounced mountainous character. It carries clean spring water with a fast current. It also receives three tributaries - the Kosa, the Mavlya and the DryAlma. Downstream, Bakal-Su and Bodrak flow into the river. At the very end, it practically ceases to exist. Closer to Alma Bay, swampy, overgrown with reeds.
Hydronym
What does "river Alma" mean? The origin of the name has several versions. Orchards grow along the banks of the watercourse, most of all here are apple trees. It is believed that the river got its name thanks to the apple orchards, since the word "alma" is translated from Turkic as "apple". However, the first academic researchers of the peninsula agree that the river got its name from the Alma-Kermen fortress. The ancient settlement was located just off the banks of this stream.
Water characteristics
Alma is a river around which there are legends. The water in it has healing properties. According to the chemical composition, it is hydrocarbonate, with impurities of calcium and magnesium, and weak mineralization. In the place where the Sary-Su tributary flows into the river, a spring spring Savlukh-Su (“healing waters”) is formed. The water in it really has a very rich mineral composition and is used for medicinal purposes, and is also suitable for drinking.
Features
In her central part, Alma becomes very beautiful. Its valley widens, the current becomes calmer, and a picturesque forest surrounds the river. On both sides of the stream, small stone boulders are located, which over the years have become overgrown with moss. In one of these places, water, falling from a large pile of stones, forms a small but very beautiful waterfall with an interesting name - Trout. He got his name not by chance. The thing isthe fact that the area is home to a popular fish of the salmon family - trout. As you know, she lives only in crystal clear water, and therefore the mountain Alma is a river ideal for this species. The fish was brought here specially from the B altic States. A fish farm has been built downstream, which is engaged in trout breeding. For these purposes, special ponds were arranged here.
Downstream
In the lower reaches, the slope of the river decreases, until the Alma flows into the bay. The shores in this area are overgrown with reeds and marsh plants. During high tides, water from the sea, falling into the river, makes it s alty. Also in this region, as a result of constant sand drifts, beaches favorable for recreation are formed. Limestones interspersed with marble are washed out from the bottom of the river, which, when polished, become like precious stones.
Reservoirs
Two reservoirs were built along the Alma in Soviet times. They were used for irrigation and for water supply. Upstream, not far from Chestnut, the Partizanskoe reservoir was built. It provided water to the Simferopol region. Downstream in 1934, the Alma reservoir was built, which is used for industrial purposes. Also in these places, locals actively spend time in the summer season, relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Historical facts
The Alma River in Crimea is also known historically. In 1854, during the Crimean War, athe battle that went down in history as the battle on the Alma River. In its course, Russian troops were defeated by opponents. And in honor of the victory in the battle, the French even built a bridge across the river. Senu, who was named Alma.
