Many researchers tried to build the Northern Sea Route along the coast of the Eurasian continent. The section of the sea corridor from Severnaya Zemlya to the mouth of the Lena River remained inaccessible for centuries.
Northern Sea Route
Only by the middle of the 20th century was it possible to explore it, draw up pilot charts and lay routes for ships. The beginning of the 21st century revived interest in Arctic research. It has become technically possible to carry out cost-effective transportation along the Northern Sea Route.
But the lands from the Northern land to the mouth of the Lena still keep numerous secrets. Only the German base during the Great Patriotic War near the mouth of the Lena is worth a lot. And the deep rear of the USSR and inaccessibility - even today.
History of the northern expeditions
The mouth of the Lena River splits into several branches. The main waters flow into the Laptev Sea in the north near Cape Doktorskie. Part of it goes east to the Buor-Khaya Bay, which cuts deep into the south into the continent. Hereone of the northern ports of Tiksi is located, the territory is well explored. Another part of the Lena channels goes west to the Olenek Bay. The region is practically uninhabited. On a vast territory, there are only three small settlements, the distance between which exceeds 100 km. Off-road or even on a snowfield, this path is very difficult to overcome.
From the middle of the 18th century, a large expedition led by an experienced polar explorer S. I. Chelyuskin worked here. The researchers managed to complete the task - to describe the coast from Taimyr to the New Siberian Islands. Unfortunately, the first leader of the expedition Pronchishchev V. V. died while exploring the lands adjacent to the Oleneksky Bay. In honor of whom the island is named, a mountain range between the Olenyok and Anabar rivers, a lake, a cape in Taimyr.
Geography of the mouth of the Olenek River
According to the results of the report by S. I. Chelyuskin, a large section of the East Siberian Lowland with adjacent waters received an official description.
In honor of the great Siberian river Lena, its western neighbor river Olenyok was named. Accordingly, the place of their confluence is called the Olenek Bay. The coastline stretches for 65 km. The total area of the delta is 470 km2. Maximum depth - 15 m, average - 3 m.
The largest Siberian river Lena and the longest polar river Olenek carry their waters to the Laptev Sea, largely desalinating coastal waters. The location of the Olenek Bay in the conditions of the northern tundra is determinedarctic climate. The water is covered in ice for most of the year. Only for two months a year (August, September) is released from captivity. This allows, albeit for a short period, to use it for navigation. Several islands are known in the bay, the largest of which is Dzhingylakh. Since ancient times, northern peoples have settled here. Today it is not inhabited. Nearby is the neighboring island of Khastakh-Ary, which is a low swampy plain with a number of lakes. To the southeast there is another island - Khastakh-Ary.
The eastern mouth of the Lena and the Olenyok River carry a large amount of water into the bay, which makes its waters slightly saline. At the point of access to the sea, the Chekanovsky Ridge separates the rivers. The left bank of the Olenok adjoins the East Siberian Lowland.
Animal world
The Laptev Sea is one of the coldest, it is not endowed with a we alth of flora and fauna. But nevertheless, here, especially in the southern part, you can see a diverse world. The waters of the Olenek Bay are warmer than the rest of the sea. Biodiversity is well represented here. Moreover, because of the shallow water, the bay warms up quite well in summer. Some species of coastal algae are described. There are phytoalgae with plankton. But mainly the plant world is reduced to diatoms. Noisy bird colonies often form on the shores and islands. Lots of seagulls. There are guillemots, guillemots, and a number of other arctic bird species. Sea stars and urchins are found in the waters. There are shellfish. Cannot do without worms with other invertebrates.
The low s alt content in the water allows river dwellers to livespecies of fish, including sturgeon and salmon. In general, the bay is of little interest for fishing.
But the inhabitants of the north - Arctic fox with polar bears - have enough food.
Arctic wildlife requires especially careful handling. Hunting is not welcome here. But there is always something to rejoice lovers of a good photo. Oleneksky Bay is still waiting for its development.
