Geography Chapter 14

Tundra

A vast, treeless plain where average temperature is below freezing.

Caucasus Mountains

In southwestern Russia, the rugged Caucasus Mountains lie between the Black and Caspian Seas. This area of moderate climate near the Black Sea has long attracted human settlement. The Caucasus Mountains reach their highest elevation at Mount Elbrus, an extinct volcano that reaches 18,510 feet (5642 meters), Russia's highest point.

Chernozem

It is a rich black soil that supports the production of wheat, barley, rye, oats, and other crops.

Central Siberian Plateau

Mountain ranges also form a rugged natural boundary between Russia and China These mountains mark the southeastern edge of the Central Siberian Plateau. This rolling plateau has elevations ranging from 1,600 to 2,300 feet (490 to 700 meters). Throughout the plateau's expanse, swiftly flowing rivers have carved out canyons.

Ural Mountains

The Ural Mountains mark the traditional boundary between European Russia and Asian Russia. The Urals are and old, worn-down series of mountain ranges with an average height of about 2,000 feet (about 610 m). Though modest in height, the Urals are rich in iron ore and mineral fuels, such as oil and natural gas.

Volga River

Western Russia's Volga River is the fourth longest river in the country. Called Matushka Volga or "Mother Volga" the river is vital to Russia. The Volga and its tributaries drain much of the eastern part of Russia's Northern Caspian Sea and, by way of the Volga-Don Canal, to the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. Two thirds of Russia's water traffic travels along the Volga.