Strictly speaking, Akhtuba is not a river, but one of the branches of the Volga. But its significant length, the nature of the channel and the hydrological regime bring the flow to the rank of significant water arteries, which the country of Russia is rich in. The Akhtuba River is a recreational area. It is also appreciated by fishing enthusiasts. The waters of Akhtuba irrigate numerous melons and fields in the northern reaches of the river. The Volzhskaya hydroelectric power station was also built on this stream. In a word, Akhtuba deserves to be given more attention to her. In this article, we will describe the water artery. In addition to geographical characteristics, we will talk about the features of recreation on Akhtuba and its wildlife. It should be said that the modern length of the Volga branch is several kilometers shorter than the old one. The Volga hydroelectric power station blocked the entrance to Akhtuba with a dam. To prevent the stream from disappearing, an artificial channel was dug to its bed, six and a half kilometers long.
Mother and daughter
In its lower reaches, the great Russian river Volga, before pouring its waters into the Caspian Sea, is divided into several branches. Thus, Akhtuba is not a tributary, but one of the outflows. She can be called the daughter of the Volga. The Akhtuba River got its name from two Turkic words. "Ak" is "white". But about the second syllable, scientists cannot come to a single conclusion. If you call the arm of the Volga "Ak-Tube", then it translates as "White Hills". There really are such, in some places the river forms steep, bright banks. And if we consider that the name of the stream comes from the Turkic "Ak-Tepe", then it turns out "White Pool". And indeed, quite often the river, the depth of which usually reaches two meters, presents surprises - pits. Carp, pike perch and large catfish love to live in them. The depth of such pools can reach thirty meters.
Hydrographic parameters
The depth of the Akhtuba River has already been mentioned by us. What about other features? Let's start with the fact that as the left branch of the Volga, the modern Akhtuba is born in the northern suburbs of Volgograd, a kilometer from the hydroelectric dam. And the river does not flow into the Caspian Sea, as one might assume. Not far from Krasny Yar (a settlement twenty-five kilometers upstream from Astrakhan), the Akhtuba merges with another stream from the Volga delta - the Buzan branch. It is considered the main one. Thus, south of the confluence point, the stream flows already under the name Buzan, and then, branching into numeroussmall channels, flows into the Caspian Sea. But back to the water artery called Akhtuba. The length of this river is five hundred thirty-seven kilometers. The width of the Akhtuba channel reaches two hundred meters, and in high water - three hundred. But before the construction of the Volga hydroelectric power station, the sleeve spilled over twenty or more kilometers. The water level in the Akhtuba River depends on the seasons. But now such a factor as the Volga hydroelectric power station has appeared. The level of the river is regulated by the release of water from the dam. The flood of Akhtuba occurs in April and May. The river is under ice for three winter months. The average annual water consumption in Akhtuba is 153 m³/s.
Value in the household
The Akhtuba River flows through an area with a rather arid climate. Therefore, its waters are of great importance in the irrigation of agricultural land. It is especially important in the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain, which is a supplier of fruits, vegetables and watermelons. On the banks of the river there are such cities as Volzhsky (at the beginning of the outflow from the great Russian river), Znamensk, Leninsk, Akhtubinsk. Kharabali is located five kilometers from the arm. The Volga-Akhtuba floodplain is the largest on earth. It is not only a center for horticulture and growing melons, but also a center for cattle breeding. In addition, fishermen love it very much. The floodplain invariably gives them a rich catch. The region of Three Rivers is especially rich in fish. There are sixty species of river dwellers.
What is the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain
450 kilometers out of 537, the branch flows very close to the main river. The distance between water streams is changeable, but the "daughter" always remainsconnected with the "mother-Volga" by countless channels, which are called "eriks". The width of the floodplain varies from ten to thirty kilometers. The Akhtuba River is very winding, it creates numerous rifts and meanders. Therefore, there are so many "ilmens" in the floodplain - small and shallow lakes-outliers. In the hot summer, these reservoirs dry up. But in April and May, the entire territory of the floodplain is flooded. The water depth at this time reaches two, and in some places - eight meters. Low water is observed in July and August. In autumn, especially in November, the river is fed by heavy rains, but its level is still not as high as in the spring flood. Ninety percent of the territory of the floodplain belongs to the Astrakhan region, and only its extreme north belongs to the Volgograd region.
Relief
The Akhtuba River, flowing through soft soils, creates low banks. They are cut by eriks and ducts. But sometimes there are quite high, steep banks. These bright hills, from which Akhtuba may have received its name, are called here "krutoyars". Their height reaches eight meters. The bottom of Akhtuba is sandy, sometimes clayey and silty. The river often changes its course. These abandoned channels or eriki are called Old Akhtuba, or Dry. The flow velocity of the left branch of the Volga ranges from ten to forty centimeters per second. But in May, during high water, this parameter can increase to 0.9 m/s.
Climate and nature
Akhtuba flows through the forest-steppe zone. Summer herequite hot and sunny weather sets in. The air warms up to thirty-five degrees during the day. And the nights here are by no means cold: +20-25 0С. The water temperature in the Akhtuba River reaches its peak in August. Usually this figure is 24-25 degrees, but sometimes the flow warms up to plus twenty-eight. Even warmer are small eriki and oxbow lakes. In the lower reaches of the Akhtuba, September is very comfortable. In deciduous forests and oak forests on the banks of the river, a lot of game lives. In the reeds and willows there are herons, snakes and even turtles. But poisonous snakes on the banks of the Akhtuba, except for steppe vipers and muzzles, were not noticed. Mosquitoes, by the way, get their buzzing only two hours a day - after sunset. The natural landscapes of Akhtuba are very diverse. Anyone can choose a landscape to their liking, whether it is an oxbow lake hidden from prying eyes by a wall of reeds, a wide expanse of rivers or a narrow channel-erik.
Rest on the Akhtuba River
First of all, this branch of the Volga is known among fishermen. And not so much the whole Akhtuba, but the area near Three Rivers. Carp is kept under the steeps. And deep bottom pits serve as a haven for flocks of zander and huge catfish. Fishing on Akhtuba is possible at any time of the year. In recent years, due to global warming, prolonged thaws are possible, when the eriki and rapids of the river are freed from ice. Then fishing becomes a dangerous occupation. Local residents have long noticed: a good bite occurs when the "moryana" blows - the wind from the Caspian. But at other times, everyone - from a beginner to an ace- trophy fishing awaits on Akhtuba. There are crayfish in abundance in the river. The only minus of fishing in May-June is a surge in the activity of the Astrakhan midge. But during this period, the best bite is also observed.
When is it better to relax on Akhtuba
Sandy beaches on the Akhtuba River seem attractive all summer months, and even in September. But if you want to get the most comfortable rest, then you should delve into some of the nuances. June weather is very good. And the Astrakhan midge appreciates it. It is in the first month of summer that the peak of the departure of this midge is observed. There is an incentive for fishermen to sit in mosquito gear - a rich catch. But those who decide to strip down to swimming trunks in June on the Akhtuba River will not be in for a very pleasant surprise. Then maybe July? A beach holiday in the middle of summer on Akhtuba can only be endured by a native of the Sahara. The temperature in the shade can reach forty degrees, and the sand heats up so that it is not possible to walk on it. No wind, no rain. The weather in August favors vacationers. The water in Akhtuba warms up to + 24-28 0C, during the day a fresh breeze softens the heat. But sometimes there are so many holidaymakers that the most important thing in outdoor recreation is lost - solitude. But September is the best time to come to the shore of Akhtuba. Mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects are no longer pestering. The ranks of vacationers are also thinning. But watermelons, berries and fruits ripen. What about the weather? September on Akhtuba can be compared with June in the Moscow region in terms of temperature. So you can buy andsunbathe.
Recreation centers on the Akhtuba River
When is the best time to go to the left branch of the Volga, we have already found out. Now it remains to decide where to stay. Recreation centers located in the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain are especially valued. Lapis Lazuli is one of them. Guests are accommodated in the rooms of the building or in cottages. On the territory of the recreation center there are saunas, swimming pools, children's and sports grounds. A real VIP vacation is provided to guests of Athena, which is located near the Sredne-Akhtubinsky bridge. At the recreation center "Veterok" there are both the "House of the Fisherman" hotel and small houses designed to accommodate from three to ten people. This complex has its own sandy beach. Of the inexpensive bases in the Volgograd region, we can recommend Peresvet. It is located ten kilometers from the city of Volzhsky, in a picturesque place in the middle of a forest park.
