Katun (river)

The Katun (Russian: Катунь, Katuń; Altay: Кадын, Kadyn) is a river in the Altai Republic and the Altai Krai of Russia. It forms the Ob as it joins the Biya some 19 kilometres (12 mi) southwest of Biysk.[3] The Katun is 688 kilometres (428 mi) long, and its drainage basin covers 60,900 square kilometres (23,500 sq mi).[4] It originates in the Katun glaciers on the southwestern slope of Belukha Mountain. The river freezes up in late November or early December and breaks up in early or mid-April. The main tributaries of the Katun are, from source to mouth: Koksa (left), Kucherla (right), Argut (right), Chuya (right), Ursul (left), Sema (left) and Isha (right). The river is navigable.

The Katun in the Altai Republic
Katun
The Katun in Tyungur village
Etymology"woman", Altay language
Native nameКатунь
Location
CountryRussia
RegionAltai Republic, Altai Krai
Physical characteristics
SourceKatun Glacier
  locationBelukha Mountain, Altai Republic
  coordinates49.7635°N 86.564°E / 49.7635; 86.564
  elevation2,300 m (7,500 ft)
MouthOb
  location
Confluence with Biya, near Biysk, Altai Krai
  coordinates
52°25′54″N 85°01′26″E
  elevation
195 m (640 ft)
Length688 km (428 mi)
Basin size60,900 km2 (23,500 sq mi)
Discharge 
  locationSrostki, 58 kilometres (36 mi) from the mouth[1]
  average617 m3/s (21,800 cu ft/s)[2]
  minimum16 m3/s (570 cu ft/s)
  maximum2,930 m3/s (103,000 cu ft/s)
Basin features
ProgressionObKara Sea
Tributaries 
  leftKoksa, Ursul, Kamenka
  rightKucherla, Argut, Chuya, Isha

In its upper reach of the Katun flows down the distant and sparsely populated area, but a few kilometers downstream near the village Kuyus, the coastal population density grows steadily and the area downstream of the village Ust-Sema is the most populated. There are numerous buildings, holiday camps and various guest houses in the pine forest near the village. The main settlements along the Katun are, from source to mouth: Ust-Koksa, Katanda, Inya, Chemal, Manzherok, Souzga, Aya, Mayma, Srostki and Verkh-Katunskoye.

See also

References

  1. "Katun River discharge at Srostki". Soviet Union Hydro-Station archive. UNESCO. 1936–1990. Archived from the original on 2009-11-25. Retrieved 2010-11-12.
  2. "Katun River discharge at Srostki". Soviet Union Hydro-Station archive. UNESCO. 1936–1990. Archived from the original on 2009-11-25. Retrieved 2010-11-12.
  3. Катунь, Great Soviet Encyclopedia
  4. Река БИЯ in the State Water Register of Russia (Russian), erroneously named "БИЯ"


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