The Alma River is one of the most picturesque and large water streams of the Crimean Peninsula. Its length is 83 km. This length allows this watercourse to take second place, second only to p. Salgir. The pool has an area of 635 square meters. km
Briefly about the main thing
Alma is a mountain river. Its source is located on the northern slope of Babugan-Yayly. This is the highest point of the Crimean mountains, in the valley between two ranges - Sinab-Dag and Skate. The beginning of the Alma is the confluence of two water streams - the small river Babuganka and the brook Sary-Su. To the north of the source is the famous Chatyr-Dag massif.
Alma flows in a northerly direction, then half-way turns to the west and at the end of the current flows into the Gulf of Kalamits. Belongs to the Black Sea basin. Administratively, it flows through the Alushta region, Simferopol and Bakhchisarai regions.
The upper course of the river passes within the boundaries of the Crimean nature reserve. In this section, Alma is a river with a pronounced mountain character. It carries clean spring water with a fast flow. There he receives three tributaries - the Scythe, the Mavlah and the Dry Alma. Downstream, Bakal-Su and Bodrak flow into the river. At the very end, it practically ceases to exist. Closer to Alma Bay, swampy, overgrown with reeds.
Hydronym
What does the Alma River mean? The origin of the name has several versions. Orchards grow on the banks of the watercourse; apple trees are the most common here. It is believed that the river got its name due to apple orchards, since the word "alma" is translated from Turkic as "apple". However, the first academic researchers of the peninsula agree that the river was named after the Alma-Kermen fortress. The ancient settlement was located just off the coast of this stream.
Water characteristic
Alma is a river around which legends go. The water in it has medicinal and table properties. By its chemical composition, it is hydrocarbonate, with impurities of calcium and magnesium, of weak mineralization. In the place where the tributary of the Sary-Su flows into the river, a spring source Savlukh-Su (“healing waters”) is formed. The water in it really has a very rich mineral composition and is used for medicinal purposes, and is also suitable for drinking.
Features
In its central part, Alma becomes very beautiful. Its valley expands, the flow becomes calmer, and a picturesque forest surrounds the river. On both sides of the stream are small stone boulders that overgrown with moss for many years. In one of these places, the water, falling from a large pile of stones, forms a small but very beautiful waterfall with an interesting name - Trout. It was no coincidence that he got his name. The fact is that in this area there is a popular fish of the salmon family - trout. As you know, she lives only in crystal clear water, and therefore mountain Alma is a river ideally suited for this species. Fish was brought here specially from the Baltic states. Downstream built a fish farm that breeds trout. For these purposes, special ponds were arranged here.
Downstream
In the lower reaches, the slope of the river decreases, up to the confluence of Alma into the bay. The coast in this area is overgrown with reeds and marsh plants. During high tides, water from the sea, falling into the river, makes it salty. Also in this region, as a result of constant sand deposits, beaches favorable for relaxation have been formed. Limestones are washed out from the bottom of the river, interspersed with marble, which, when sanded, become like precious stones.
Reservoirs
Along the course of the Alma in Soviet times, two reservoirs were built. They were used for irrigation and for water supply. Upstream, not far from s. Chestnut, Partisan reservoir was built. It provided water to Simferopol district. Downstream in 1934, the Alma Reservoir was built, which is used for industrial purposes. Also in these places, local residents spend time actively in the summer season, relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Historical facts
The Alma River in Crimea is also known historically. In 1854, during the Crimean War , a battle occurred on the watercourse, which went down in history as a battle on the Alma River. In its course, Russian troops were defeated by opponents. And in honor of the victory in the battle, the French even built a bridge over the river. Sena, which was named - Alma.