Natural reservoirs are one of the main treasures of the Russian north, economic potential, which is not yet fully utilized. Incredibly beautiful, almost untouched by civilization, nature provides great opportunities for the development of recreational tourism. Of the nearly 27.6 thousand rivers of Karelia, the Kem River is one of the most actively used for economic purposes.
General information
The river is part of 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, but many professional hydrologists believe that it is more correct to consider the source of the beginning of the largest tributary of the Chirka-Kem River.
The length of the largest river in Karelia is 191 km, if you count along with the main tributary, you need to add another 221 km. The catchment area is about 27,700 km. Nutrition of the river is due to snow and rain. The Kem River usually freezes in November and is under ice for six months, almost until mid-May. The water is not clear, dark, visibility is about 5 meters.
Several dozens of tributaries flow into the river, the largest of which are right-sided - Chirka-Kem, Okhta, left-sided - Kepa, Shomba.
Vegetation in the river basin was formed in the postglacial period. Mostly coniferous forests grow here, with a predominance of ordinary pine and spruce; Finnish spruce is also found in the northern part. Deciduous trees characteristic of the Russian North also grow - various species 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 at the mouth of the river in 1785, there was a transfer post for sending political prisoners to Solovki. A forest was prepared along the banks, which was further rafted on water, fish were fished, and water transport went.
In 1967, at the Kem River, with the beginning of the development of the region’s energy resources, the Putkinskaya Hydroelectric Power Station was built, followed by three more hydroelectric power stations. In the western part of the basin in Kostomuksha, one of the largest mining and processing enterprises 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. It is one of the longest (221 km), turbulent and high-water in the region. Its source is in Lake Naomango, and on its way it passes through several lakes. The depth of the Teal-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 on the river there are a large number of different rapids, rifts and shivers. 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 many tourists, kayaking and kayaking is considered very popular. In addition to picturesque landscapes and interesting water obstacles, lovers of extreme relaxation are attracted by the opportunity to go fishing, pick berries and mushrooms.