Landscape
Azerbaijan is characterized by a diverse landscape. There are two main types of landscape: plains and mountains. Mountains account for 60% of the total area of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The main geomorphological structures of the Republic of Azerbaijan – the Greater Caucasus, the Lesser Caucasus (with the Garabagh Plateau) and the Talysh Mountains surround the Kur-Araz plain to the north, west and southeast. The Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic is located in the middle of the Araz River and within the boundary of the Zengezur bordering the river. The average altitude of the territory of the Republic can reach 400 meters. But the plain of the Caspian coast is below sea level (currently -26.5 meters), while the highest peak is Bazarduzu at 4,466 meters. Thus, it can be seen that the difference in altitude across the country is equivalent to nearly 4,500 meters. The northern part of the Greater Caucasus is located in Azerbaijan. Two mountain ranges are distinguished in this section: the Head Chain or Watershed with Bazarduzu (4466 meters) and the Grande (Côté) Mountains with the alpine meadows of Shahdagh (4243). The mountain ranges have elevations as low as 1000-700 meters in the southeast. The Greater Caucasus Mountains are surrounded by foothill areas: a steppe plateau in the northwest, Gobustan in the southeast, the Alazan-Ayrichay plain in the southwest and the steep Gusar plain in the northeast . The mountains were formed from little eroded flowing rocks from the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods. The foothills are characterized by badlands (Jeyranchol and Ajynour plains) and mud volcanoes (Gobustan and Absheron). The Gusar and Alazan-Hefteran valleys consist of a thick layer of Quaternary gravel deposits. The Lesser Caucasus surrounds the country to the southwest and west and includes a number of ranges and plateaus of relatively low altitude. Murovdag, Shahdagh and Zangazur are the main ranges of the Lesser Caucasus. The Garabagh Plateau, extending from Murovdagh south to the Araz River, lies on a cone of extinct volcanoes and Quaternary lavas. The Lesser Caucasus is made up of volcanic and sedimentary rocks from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The Talysh Mountains cover the southeast of the country. They are composed mainly of Tertiary sediments. Talysh mountains are the chain of transition from the Minor Caucasus to the Elbrus mountains in Iran. They consist of three mountain chains, reaching 2477 meters in height and a number of their ranges. Kur-Araz lowland lies in the area between the Major and Minor Caucasus and Talysh Mountains. As the largest intermontane lowland in the entire Transcaucasia, it covers the central part of the country. The Kur and Araz rivers divide the plain into five plains: Shirvan, Garabagh, Mil, Mughan and Salyan plains. Samur-Devechi Plain, located on the sloping Gusar Plain next to the Caspian Sea, extending from the Absheron Peninsula to the north. The Lankaran Plain extends from the Absheron Peninsula south, at the foot of the Talysh Mountains. Kur-Araz, Samur-Devechi, the Lankaran lowlands and most of the Absheron peninsula are below sea level.
Azerbaijan landscape
Climate
Azerbaijan’s climate is strongly influenced by its geography, landscape and the Caspian Sea. Semi-desert and dry, subtropical, temperate and glacial climate types dominate the country. It is determined that Azerbaijan represents 9 of the 11 existing climatic zones in the world. A dry subtropical climate is characteristic of the Kur-Araz and Absheron lowlands. A humid subtropical climate is observed only in the mountains, foothills and lowlands of Lankaran. A temperate climate is observed on the slopes of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, mainly covered with forests, divided into dry temperate, warm temperate, humid temperate and warm temperate zones. A frosty climate is characteristic of high mountain ranges, on the peaks of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, for alpine and sub-alpine meadows. The average annual temperature is 15°C in the plains, while in the high mountains the temperature even drops below freezing. Temperatures reach 25-27°C in the Aran region and 5°C in the mountains in July. The absolute maximum temperature is 43°C, while the minimum is below -30°C. These minimum and maximum temperatures were recorded in the lowlands and mountains of Nakhichevan. Rainfall is also uneven across the country. The Absheron Peninsula and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic record lower annual rainfall (200 meters). Precipitation is 200-300 mm in the Kur-Araz lowlands, 600-800 mm on the northeastern slopes of the Greater and Small Caucasus, 1200-1300 mm on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus at altitudes from 2,000 to 2,500 meters. Rainfall is highest (1,200–1,700 mm) in the southern Lankaran lowlands and the foothills of the Talysh Mountains. Winds blow mainly from the north (Absheron Peninsula), southwest (Kur-Araz Plain) and west (Lankaran Plain).
Inland waters
The country’s dense river system covers the territory like a blue spider’s web. Azerbaijan has 8,400 large and small rivers, of which 850 rivers are longer than 5km. But there are only 24 rivers stretching more than 100 km. The Kur and Araz rivers, the largest rivers in the Caucasus, are the main sources of hydroelectricity and irrigation. The Kur River rises at an altitude of 2740 meters on the northeastern slopes of Qyzylgedikdagh in Türkiye. It passes through Georgia and enters Azerbaijan, runs through Kur-Araz lowland, and flows into the Caspian Sea. Its total length is 1515 km, with 906 kilometers in Azerbaijan. The area of its basin is 188 thousand kilometers. Mingechevir, Shamkir, and Yenikend dams and hydroelectric power stations were constructed and big water reservoirs established on the river Kur. The reserves of two canals, carrying water from the Minchechevir reservoir, Upper Garabagh and Upper Shirvan canals-are used in irrigating the lands of Kur-Araz lowland. The River Araz originates from the Bingol mountains (2990) in Turkey and joins the Kur at Sabirabad. It stretches to 1072 km and covers an area of 102 thousand km2. The river Samur is the largest river in north-eastern Azerbaijan. It originates in Daghestan at a height of 3600 meters and flows into the Caspian Sea. It is 216 km in length and its area totals 4.4 thousand km2. Besides, the rivers Qusarchay, Qudyalchay, Velvelchay, Sumqayitchay, Vileshchay, Lenkeranchay, and Astarachay flow in the Caspian Sea as well. Azerbaijan has a great number of mountain rivers. Most rivers feed on snow and rains. The rivers Balakenchay, Talachay, Katehchay, Kurnurchay, Kishchay, and other rivers, originating from Major Caucasus join the Alazan and Ayrichay rivers in Alazan-Ayrichay valley. Rivers, running from the Minor Caucasus as Agstafachay, Tovuzchay, Asrikchay, Zeyemchay, Shamkirchay, Ganjachay, Kurekchay, Terterchay flow into the Kur, while Hekerichay, Okhchuchay, and Arpachay, Nakhichevanchay, Alianchay, Gilianchay, and Ordubadchay of the Nakhichevan AR enter Araz. Azerbaijan has nearly 250 freshwater and saltwater lakes, varying in water source and origin. These include Lake Tufangolu of glacial origin, Goygol, Maralgol, Qaragol, Batanat, etc. formed by landslides, Aggol, Sarysu, Mehman, Hadjyqabul, originating from the largest rivers and salt lakes Adjinour, Boyukshor, Bineqedi, etc.
Vegetation
Azerbaijan has a rich flora. Almost all types of plants found in the world are common on the territory of this relatively small country. Nearly 4,500 species of higher spore-bearing flowering plants belong to 125 species and 920 genera. Azerbaijan is richer than any other Caucasian country in terms of total species. This republic accounts for 66% of all plant species found in the Caucasus. In addition to widely distributed plant species in the Caucasus and other regions, Azerbaijan also stands out with nearly 240 endemic plant species. Vegetation extends depending on the physical and geographical formation of the area, modern climatic conditions, vertical zones and several other factors. Therefore, desert, semi-desert and swamp vegetation cover the plains at altitudes up to 200 meters. Desert-type plants are found on the edge of the Caspian Sea, southeast of Shirvan, Mil, Mugan and Shirvan. Depending on the salinity of the soil, plant species such as garasoran, shahsevdi gishotu are widely distributed in these regions. Semi-desert plants are widely distributed in the steppes of Shirvan, Salyan, Mugan, Mil and Garabagh, as well as in the plains of Djeyranchol, Qobustan and around Araz. The wormwood semi-desert as a zonal formation dominates the plains of Kur-Araz, Qobustan and Djeyranchol. Among other formations, the garagan (Kur-Araz) and dengiz (Gobustan, Nakhichevan) are typical of Azerbaijan. Other plant species widely distributed in the semi-desert region are onion greengrass, Japanese bromeliad, berk guramat, oriental bozag, chilingburnu and some saltgrasses (cheren, shahsevdi, saline, gishotu. Tughai Forest is characteristic of these regions. The forests covering the Kur, Araz and Qabirri river valleys contain trees such as oak, willow, birch, ash, etc. The foothill plains of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus are mainly covered with annual and perennial xerophytic plants. and bushes at an altitude of 200 meters up to 600-700 and sometimes even 1200 meters. The upper area (up to 1,800-2,000 meters) is covered with forest. Azerbaijan has an area of 86.6 million hectares, with 1213.7 thousand hectares of woodlands. Thus forests account for 989.5 thousand hectares or 11.4% of the total area of the country. Per capita area of forests equals 0.12 hectares of land that is by 4 lower than the average global indicator (0.48 hectares). Though Azerbaijan’s forests occupy a relatively small area they are rich in species of trees. There are 435 tree and bush species with 70 species of endemic ones. The country is characterized by broad-leaved forests. Such forests are widely spread on the Major and Minor Caucasus and Talysh mountains. At a height of 600-1600 meters above sea level, they form a single zone. In other areas, they are preserved in glades and narrow strips. The forests are formed by three main types of trees-beech-tree, hornbeam, and oak. They make up 86.2% of woodlands. Besides, forests also contain such broad-leaved trees as maple, elm, lime-tree, alder-tree, poplar, yalanyarpag, willow, etc. Needle-leaved forests account for 1.7% of the total area of forests. 7 species of needle-leaved trees out of 107 species of trees are naturally grown in the country. These are garajokesi, Eldar pine-tree, hooks pine, polycarpous, red, and uzungovdeli juniper trees. Azerbaijan is home to a number of rare trees and bushes. Garajoke is a rare relict tree of the Tertiary period. It is widely spread in the south (Qabala) and south-east (Pirqulu and Shamakhy regions)of the Major Caucasus. Though slow-growing yet long-lived garachohre does never cover large areas. Eldar valley of Djeyranchol foothill is home to Eldar pane-tree. Among relict and rare trees of Tertiary period iron-tree, Lankaran acacia, chestnut-leaved oak, zelkova, Caucasus date palm, box-tree, wing nut, Hirkan fig-tree, Hirkan birch-tree, etc are rare patterns of nature.
Fauna
Azerbaijan is located at the junction of several zoogeographic zones, which have a characteristic fauna. Thanks to the diversity of natural conditions, Azerbaijan has formed a colorful animal kingdom. 97 species of mammals, 357 species of birds, 67 species of amphibians and reptiles, 1 species of nematode, 97 species of fish, more than 15,000 species of invertebrates are known in the country. The fauna of the delta is represented by a large number of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and many species of resident and migratory birds. You can encounter mammals such as Jeyran antelope, wild boar, wolves, foxes, badgers, cane cats, rabbits. , etc., reptiles such as swamp turtles, Caspian and Mediterranean tortoises, striped lizards, common and water snakes, vipers, etc., amphibians – turtle species, insects, pheasants, partridge, turaj, various ducks and geese, noisy and whistling water birds, coots, eagles, honeycombs, herons, cormorants, pelicans, etc. Besides animals found in plains and mountains, these areas are also characterized by such animal species as East Caucasus goat, Caucasus roe deer, Caucasus chamois, Caucasus tetra, Caucasus donkey, etc. The Red Book of the Azerbaijan Republic comprises 108 animal species, including 14 species of mammals, 36 species of birds, 13 species of reptiles and amphibians, 5 species of fish, and 40 species of incests.
The minerals of Azerbaijan
The country is rich in three types of mineral products: metallic, non-metallic and combustible mineral products. Azerbaijan is famous for its oil and gas reserves. 2/3 of the republic is rich in oil and gas. The Absheron Peninsula, the Caspian Plateau, the Baku and Absheron Islands account for most of the reserves. Southeast Shirvan, central Aran, Gobustan, Jeyranchol, Ajinour and Siyezen are rich in oil.Naftalan oil is world famous for curing a number of diseases.Gas fields are found in Gatadagh, on the Caspian Plateau, in Baku and the Absheron Islands. The Lesser Caucasus is home to most of the metallic minerals: iron, manganese, titanium, chromium, copper, cobalt, complex ores, antimony, gold, silver, molybdenum, etc. The largest iron mine was found in Dashkesan. Among non-metallic minerals, limestone from Gobustan, Absheron, Tovuz, travertine from Kelbadjar and Shahtakhty (AR Nakhichevan), marble from Dashkesan, gypsum from Upper Aghjakend, alum from Hajyveli and are of important large industrial importance. The country is also rich in mineral water, with different chemical compositions. It is for this reason that Azerbaijan is known as a mineral water museum. Istisu (in Kelbedjar), Badamly and Sirab (in Nakhichevan AR) are famous mineral waters. Surakhany and Shykh of Absheron peninsula, Qalaalty, Devechi district, Turshsu of Julfa district are used to treat certain diseases. Thermal waters dominate the Talysh Mountains and the southern and northeastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus.
Caspian Sea
The Caspian Sea, the world’s largest closed water basin, is of great importance to the people of Azerbaijan. It has unique physical and geographical properties. It should be noted that the flora and fauna of the Caspian Sea are rich in endemic species. For example, 90% of the total sturgeon stocks, in contrast to ancient fish species, are found in these waters. The specific geographical landscape has created favorable conditions for recreation. The sea stretches along a longitude line shaped like the letter “S” in Latin, between 47’17” North latitude and 36’33” East longitude. The sea across the meridian stretches nearly 1,200 km, the average width is 310, the maximum and minimum width are 435 and 195 respectively. When the level of the Caspian Sea periodically changes, the amount of water and its boundaries also change change. Currently, the sea level is 26. 75 meters lower than sea level, at this level the sea area is 392,600 km2, the water volume is 78,648 km3. This volume accounts for 44% of the total water reserves of all lakes in the world. Its maximum depth is 1025 meters and due to that, the sea rivals the Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and the Yellow Sea and it is even deeper than the Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea, Tiren Sea, and the Sulu Sea. Caspian Azeri Sector occupies central and southern parts of the Sea. Caspian Sea water differs from that of the world ocean by its salinity. The salinity totals 5-6 ppm in the north and 12.6-13. 5 ppm in the south. 170 out of 300 mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan are located in the Caspian Azeri sector. The highest number of volcanoes is in the South Caspian Sea. The uniqueness and color of natural conditions have created favorable conditions for the preservation of a number of rare species of flora and fauna of the Caspian Sea to this day. The Caspian Azeri sector accounts for 171 species of phytoplankton, 40 species of animal plankton, 258 species of fitdentos, 91 species of macrozoobenthos, and 80 species and subspecies of fish belonging to 14 families. Carp-like fishes are the most numerous species-42 species, they are followed by gudgeons-31, herring-17, salmon fishes-2, sturgeon-5 species. The fish fauna of the Caspian Sea comprises 4 genuses, 31 species, and 45 subspecies of endemic fiches. Most endemic fishes are registered in the central part of the Caspian Sea. Approximately 40 species and subspecies of fish play an important role in fishing. The schools represent the largest portion of the total fish population (80%), with the remainder being herring, gray mullet, sparrowhawks, silverfish and groupers. The Red Book of the Republic of Azerbaijan includes the following rare and endangered species: stone eels, eels, South Caspian white-eyed eels, chekhon, sea perch.In recent years, the number of fish sturgeon (beluga, stickleback), sturgeon, longnose sturgeon), Caspian salmon, white salmon, khramulya, shamai, shibrit, garagesol, have declined rapidly and these fish species are on the brink of extinction strain. Seals are the only mammals found in the Caspian Sea. This is the smallest type of seal in existence. The number of Caspian seals increased from 1. 5 million at the beginning of the 20th century to 360-400 thousand in the 1980s. Caspian seals were listed in the Red Book in 1993. 4,444 4,444 302 bird species have been recorded in the Caspian Sea and coastal areas: 4,444 of which include 37 waterbird species, 109 bird species inhabiting areas surrounding the river basin and 156 local bird species.
SOURCES: AZERBAIJAN.AZ
SCIENCE.GOV.AZ