Natural reservoirs are one of the main we alth of the Russian north, the economic potential of which has not yet been fully used. Incredibly beautiful nature, almost untouched by civilization, provides ample opportunities for the development of recreational tourism. Of the almost 27,6 thousand rivers of Karelia, the Kem River is one of the most actively used for economic purposes.
General information
The river enters the White Sea basin and is the largest lake-river system of the Karelian Peninsula. Historically, the population believes that the Kem River originates in the Lower Kuito Lake, however, many professional hydrologists believe that it is more correct to consider the beginning of the largest tributary of the Chirka-Kem River as the source.
The length of the largest river in Karelia is 191 km, if you count together with the main tributary, then you need to add another 221 km. The catchment area is about 27,700 km. The river is fed by snow and rain. The Kem River usually freezes in November and is under ice for half a year,until almost mid-May. The water is not transparent, dark, visibility is about 5 meters.
Several dozen tributaries flow into the river, the largest of which are: right-handed - Chirka-Kem, Okhta, left-handed - Kepa, Shomba.
Vegetation in the river basin was formed in the post-glacial period. Predominantly coniferous forests grow here, with a predominance of ordinary pines and spruces; Finnish spruce is also found in the northern part. There are also deciduous trees characteristic of the Russian North - various types of birch, alder and aspen.
Industrial use
In the first half of the last century, the water area and adjacent territories of the Kem River were practically in a virgin state and were little used for economic purposes. In the city of Kem, founded in 1785 at the mouth of the river, there was a transit point for sending political prisoners to Solovki. Wood was harvested along the banks, which was then floated on the water, fishing was carried out, water transport went.
In 1967, on the Kem River, with the beginning of the development of the region's energy resources, the Putkinskaya hydroelectric power station was built, then three more hydroelectric power stations. In the western part of the basin, in the city of Kostomuksha, one of the largest mining and processing plants operates, which uses raw materials from a large iron ore deposit located here, which negatively affects the state of water resources.
Tributaries
The largest tributary flowing in the very center of Karelia is the Chirka-Kem River. She is oneone of the longest (221 km), stormy and high-water in the region. Its source is in Lake Naomango, and on its way it passes through several lakes. The depth of Chirki-Kem is from 1 to 3 meters. Like many northern rivers, the water in it is opaque, very dark.
Due to the geological features of the formation, there are a large number of different rapids, rifts and shivers on the river. Many of them do not freeze even in the harsh northern winters, when covered with a thick layer of ice. The Chirka-Kem river is frozen from November to May.
Among the numerous tourists, kayaking and kayaking down the river is considered very popular. In addition to picturesque landscapes and interesting water obstacles, fans of extreme recreation are attracted by the opportunity to go fishing, pick berries and mushrooms.
