Stavropol Territory, rich in natural attractions, is famous not only for mineral waters, but also for healing mud. In world medicine they have been used for several millennia. In Russia, they were the first to use them in the Astrakhan region, in the middle of the 13th century.
Unique sources
In the Stavropol Territory there are five famous places of therapeutic mud. These are the lakes Bolshoi Tambukan, Solenoye (Lushnikovskoye), Solenoye (Krasnogvardeisky district), Manych-Gudilo and Solenoye in the Aleksandrovsky district.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Zemstvo leadership turned their attention to the last body of water. Even before the revolution, a scientific expedition visited Salt Lake. This interest was caused by a mysterious phenomenon: in the dry summer months, water from the reservoir evaporated, and the bottom was exposed. It was so smooth that everyone as one from afar saw the water surface. And even coming close, it was hard to believe that this was just a bare bottom.
The salt lake in the Stavropol Territory is an amazing sight. Like an oasis, just the opposite. Among the lush summer grasses is a white desert circle, sprinkled with coarse salt. Salt crystals (scientifically, brines) are crystal clear. Scientists simply explain this mesmerizing purity of salt crystals. Crystals are formed very slowly, so they manage to squeeze out any impurities. When the lake draws water again by autumn, the brine dissolves.
This Salt Lake in the Stavropol Territory has a unique composition of healing mud. Best of all, it has established itself for medical, cosmetic and balneological purposes.
Protected area
The salt lake in the Stavropol Territory is included in the reserve, which was formed by the Governor’s decree in 1999. Geographically, the reserve has two parts: Lake Lushnikovskoye with the territory adjacent to it, and Solenoe with its coast.
A study of mud and brine samples from the Salt Lake conducted 10 years ago confirmed previously recognized healing properties. It is scientifically proven that salt mud from this reservoir has a healing effect on the respiratory system, joints, and skin integuments. Therefore, the region’s administration compiled and approved a roadmap for the development of medical tourism in the area, up to the opening of a sanatorium-based holiday home.
In outline
The salt lake in the Stavropol Territory, located near Svetlograd, has the outlines of a slightly elongated circle (4.6 x 6 km). The depth, even in the rainy period, does not exceed 60 cm. The lake is fed by several springs and rains. Judging by the scientific calculations, in water with a predominance of sodium chloride contains about 280 ml / l of calcium chloride and 202 mg / l of magnesium chloride. A layer of silt reaches already nine meters.
The salt lake in the Stavropol Territory (Aleksandrovsky District) boasts a Neogene relic living in it. This is the pinniped crustacean artemia salina. It feeds in abundance on the naliella seaweed growing here.
Along the shores of the lake there are many herbs. Meadow-steppe prevail: chicory, leafless iris, Bieberstein tulip, spring adonis, mountain clover, six-leaved meadowsweet, etc.
Due to the specific composition of the water on the shores of the lake, there is not a large variety of birds. Only a lapwing, a gerbil and a large beak inhabit, a stop is made by migratory goose, coot, mute swan and mallard duck.
At one time they tried to breed fish, the attempts were in vain.
Of the large animals, a fox, a hare, and a raccoon dog were seen.
There is something to think about
The Salt Lake (Stavropol Territory, Svetlograd) is nourished by seven springs flowing from the slope of Mount Kutsai. Today, due to the ever-increasing water intake, the body of water has begun to decline. Environmentalists sound the alarm and offer to take action until the unique lake has completely disappeared.