NATURE OF
NAKHCHIVAN
Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is allocated
on southwest of Small Caucuses. In the region of geomorphology regioning of the territory
of Azerbaijan Republic, the territory of
Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is related to semi-regions of adjacent Mountains and
Nakhchivan conclave (Memdium Araks) of the geomorphologic region of the territory
of Small Caucasus. In the territory of Autonomous Republic the semi-region adjacent
mountains of Daralayaz and Zangezur edges and semi-region of Nakhchivan cavity basically surrounded by Arazboy plains. The
medium height distance over sea level equals 1450 m. The one third part of the territory includes more than 1000m height highlands
areas. And the one third of the territory are covered by sloped Arazboy plains (Sadarak, Sharur, Boyukduz, Nakhchivan, Djulfa,
Yaychi, Kangarli, Dasta, Ordubad and etc) being separated from each other by rock hands and pickets. The total area of the
plains equals to 10 thousands hectares.
RELIEF
Most part of the territory of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is covered
by Zangazur and Daralayaz mountain ridges of small Caucasus and its hands leading to Araks
valley, which forms middle and lower mountains in modern relief. Zangezur ridges are the top highest mountain ridges in small
Caucasus. The highest top is Gapijic mountain (3906m) and at the same time within Small Caucasus
of Azerbaijan Republic it is considered the top highest peak and constant snow is laid from 41m-height level. High tops: Yaglidara
mountain –3827m, Gazangoldag – 3814m, Saridara mountain – 3754 m, Davaboyu montain –3560 m and etc.
Absolute height of mounting passing is among – 2346m (Bicanak crossing), 3362 m (Aycongal crossing).
GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND
MINERALS
The territory of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
has been attracted by attention of geologists and travelers still since middle 18 century. In the field of minerals reas (Duzdag,
Daridag, Shakardara, Gomur, Guyuludag, Giszilgaya and etc.). Being discovered caves, wells, primitive instruments of labor
findings, still from the ancient times it shows that within the territory of Nakhchivan Republic there are deposits of salt, arsenic, copper, gold, sulfur and others: in the
Middle Ages in Azerbaijan territory there
were founded scientific – descriptive mineralogy tractates –“Djavahirname”. In the territory the first
geological research works and mineral wealthy studying have been commenced since the 2nd half of 18th
century. Foundation exploring works carried out in the territory of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic have been started since when Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
was established.
Taking
into account geological factor the territory of Autonomous Republic is allocated at Small Caucasus Nakchevan plicate tectonic zones.
Geological structure total thickness is formed from 14 kilometers coverings of vugs, land surface beds. Their extractions
being lifted on the land surface found possibilities on carrying out refurbishment works on geological history accounting
400 million year in the territory of Nakhhcivan.
The discovered produced rocks, being widely spread out, constructional stones and glass products in such beds with hollow
structures play important role in development of local industry.
Nakhchivan ore deposits are as follows:
1.
Pyazbashi golden bed.
That
deposit is allocated in the territory of Ordubad
region. It is placed in 4 km towards north-west and 1800-2700 meters in height. The main ore minerals are pyrite, halcopryte,
bornyte, malachite and pure gold. In the ore the gold quantity percentage constitutes from 1,0-1,9 g/t, copper 0,1-1,8%. The
field can be put into operation
2.
Blue Mountain
copper – porphyry deposit
This
deposit is placed in Djulfa region. It is in 2 km from south-west head village, in 2050-2000 height over sea level. Distribution
of copper and molybdenum compositions is fully equaled and composes of copper – 1-2,7%, molybdenum – 0,01-0,08%.
Main copper minerals are composed of pyrites, halcopryte, faleryte, galenyte, molybdenum and copper minerals.
The
field can be put into operation.
3. Diyakhchay copper- porphyry
deposit (field, bed)
That
bed is from Ordubad region. In 1,5 km distance from north-east direction of Nus-Nus village. It is placed in 2000m heights
over sea level. There are two technological ore types; basically there are known copper and molybdenum.
In Shtokverk
type ore (it is observed at 1500 m in the thickness of 70-100m), copper amount –0,006-2,25%, molybdenum – 0,01-0,31%
and thickness –2m-20m, being laid in 55mcopper-molybdenum ores deposits, 0,01-0,27%, copper 0,01-0,85% was found in
south and south-west direction. The bed can be put into operation
4. Copper Mountain – porphyry field
That
field is allocated in Ordubad region. It is placed in Aychangilchay river upper flow side at 3000-3500 m height over sea level.
Copper
porphyry ore bed is deemed as a muscular type deposit. In the ore deposit there are exist copper -0,002-2%, molybdenum- 0,001-0,02%.
Main
ore minerals elements are pyrite, khalkopyrite, azurite, koveline kupryte, malachite and in less quantity – molybdenum.
The field can be put into operation.
5.
Agyurd (White homeland) golden field.
This
deposit is placed in Ordubad area. It is placed in 2300-2750m heights over sea level.
Main
ore minerals elements like pyrite, khalkopyrite, molybdonyte are composed of copper minerals and petty dispersed gold.
In the
ore deposit the quantity of gold is ranged – 0,4 -11,6 g/t, copper-0,04 - 1,4%, molybdenum 0,03 - 0,09%. The field
can be put into operation
6.
Green copper-porfir deposit
That
field is allocated in Ordubad region. It is placed in 2,4 km from Pazmali village in northwest direction and allocated in
Shiladzochay left slope side and at 2200-2500m height over sea level.
Having
thickness in 300m it can be watched in distance of 500m and in ore beds, copper quantity is ranged 0,1-1,4%, molybdenum 0,01-0,8%.
Main
ore minerals pyrite, khalkopiryte, molybdenite, khalkozin, bornit minerals. The field can be put into operation.
7.
Blue high copper porphyry deposit
That
bed is allocated in Ordubad region. It is placed in 2 km of northwest direction from Pazmari village in upper field of Vanadchay River at
2150-2600m heights over sea level.
Having
thickness of the bed ranged in 5,6 –15m and total width in 400-500m, it is can be looked at the distance amounted to
5500-1500m. Here the copper amount is ranged in 0,44-1,33%, molybdenum – in 0,001-0,5%.
The
main ore minerals are pyrite, khalkopiryte, molibdenit, kovelin, bornyte, kupryte and malachite. The deposit can be put into
operation.
8.
Nasirvaz poly-metal deposit
That
field is allocated in Ordubad region. It is placed in Nasirvaz village at 1800-2300m heights in vicinity of Nasirvaz village.
Ore deposits processing with thickness in 60-120m can be looked in 2,2km distance and it forms zink-1,2%, plumbum-1,16%,
copper-0,4%.
Main
ore minerals are pyrite, galenite, sfarenite, khalkopryte, bornyte, kupryte and copper minerals. The field can be put into
operation
9.
Agdara poly-metal deposit
This
deposit is belonged to Ordubad region. It is allocated in 25 km from Aza railroad station in north direction at 2100-2550km
heights over sea level.
It is
considered as a ore polymetal processing layer, lens, vein type. In industry – in type of significant form layer. In
the ore deposit there are exists lead-6,6%, zink-8,9%, copper-1,0.
The
field was given for operation in 1952.
10.
Shakardara gold deposit
This
field is allocated in Ordubad region. It is placed in 30 km in northwest direction at 1500-2000m heights over sea level.
The field is allocated in northwest direction and being possessed by thickness in 1,0-8,0m it can be watched at 1500m distances.
The gold quantity rate in ore bed composes 1,4 g/t, copper-1,9%. Main ore minerals, like pyrite, khalkopryte, saflerite, copper
mineral formations are composed of pure gold. The field can be put into operation.
11.
Goy-gol copper – profyre deposits
This
deposit is allocated in Ordubad region. It is placed in 3 km from Nurgut village in northwest direction at 2800-3554 over
sea level.
Like
a stem whilst the zone thickness is 60-140m it can be watched from 900m till 1700m and forms copper rate –0,47-1,6%,
molybdenum - 0,01-0,05%.
Main
ore mineral like pyrite, khalkoprite, bornyte, kovelmin are copper and molybdenum mineral formations. The field can be
put into operation.
12.
Paragachay molybdenum field
This
field is allocated in Ordubad region in vicinity of Paraga village and stays at 2300-2800m height over sea level.
In the
field as an operation site it is known 4 kvarts molybdenum veins.
Main
ore minerals are pyrite, khalkopyrite and molybdenum elements. The field was given for operation in 1952. Nowadays it
is being partially operated.
13.
Silver polymetal field
This
field is allocated in Sharur region and placed in Arpachay river lower flow. It has been known since VII century. The field
was given for operation in 1954
14. Daridag silver content field
This
field is allocated in Djulfa region in 8-9 km northwest direction.
The
ore mass composes of realgar, auripigment, melnikovit, antimonit and pittisit minerals
The
field is ready for putting into operation.
Main free ore deposits (beds) of Nakhchivan
AR are as follows:
1. Buzgov travertine field
This
field is allocated in the territory of Babek
region in 40 km from Nakhchivan city northwest direction and in 2km from Ashagi Buzgov village north. The area of the field
became 0,6 km2, the useful bed layer thickness – 5,7-59m. It forms block output – 42,8%. The field
has been maintaining since 1983.
2. Shahtakhti travertine
field
This
field is allocated in Sharur region territory in 3 km from Shahtakhti village in northwest direction. The deposit field consists
of three areas: 1 site is allocated in north-west part of Sakhtakhti village, the 2 area – from the 1 site – in
o,7 km in north-west, the III site – in 1 km north-west direction. The area of the field was 0,8km, useful bed thickness
is 6,5-22,7m. It forms block exit 30-45%. The field is being maintained since 1968.
2.
Khalach marbled limestone
This
field is placed in Sharur region in 10 km from Sharur city southwest direction.
The
field zone makes up 0,016 sq. km. Useful bed thickness-40-70m, maximal safety thickness rate –24m. Limestone capacity
mass –2,33-2,70t/m3, CaCO3 – voice value-98%.
The
field was operated till 1990.
4. Garabaglar travertine
beds
This
field is allocated in Sharur region in 1 km from Garabaglar village northwest direction.
The
field area is 1 sq.m. Useful deposit thickness -15-40m. The field block exit was 58%. From 1 m3 block 17,2 sq km
facing plates can be derived. The field has been putting into operation since 1984.
5. Oglangala (Boy Mountain) marbling
limestone field
This
field is placed in Sharur region in 8 km from Sharur railroad station northwest direction.
Before
it was petty and middle pips bed layer and in different directions it was crossed with calcite vein element. It forms con
element - 51,8%. The field is ready for operation
6. Nehrem (Churn) dolomite
field
This
field is allocated in Babek region in 10 km from Nehrem (churn) village south area. It places at Darasham railroad station
in 2km-north direction. The field area – 5 sq. m. The thickness of dolomite is exceeded 1000m. This material is intended
for purposes of manufacturing refractory raw materials, highest rigid break-stones, dehydrated soda, and glass. The field
is ready for putting into operation
7. Nakhchivan Dash Duz (Stone-Salt)
field
This
field is allocated in Babek territory in 12 km from Nakhchivan city northwest direction.
In the
field there were revealed 5 stone salt layers. Out of them only 2 surfaced layers are utilized in industry. The first layer
is allocated in 105-178m down the ground and salt middle thickness makes 6m. The 2nd stratum is separated from
the 1st layer by 6-9 thicknesses of clay strata and middle thickness of salt – 8.6m. It forms Nacl value
–92-98,5%. The field has been utilized since XIX century.
8. Nehrem Dash Duz (stone
salt) field.
This
field is allocated in Babek region in 12 km from Nakhevan city southwest direction.
In the
field salt stratum thickness ranged within 43 - 92m. NaCl rate in salt composition makes 78-92%. The field was studied for
dehydrated soda. The field is prepared for putting into operation.
9. Gomur sulfur field
This
field is placed in Shakhbuz region. It is allocated in territory
of Gomur village.
The
field was known since 60 years of XIX century. The field was put into operation for calculating sulfur reserve deposits.
10. Paragachay Andaluzite field
This
field is allocated in Ordubad region. It is placed in 9km from Paragachay molybdenum pit in north direction. In rock deposits
it forms quantity of andaluzite-10-30%, sometimes –65-75%. The field had been explored till 10m depths. The deeper done
works the more revealed andaluzite deposits. According to the first calculating the quantity of andaluzite reaches 0,5 millions
tons. The field can be maintained.
Having
summarizing the aforesaid, we may say that throughout the all the territory Nakhchivan
Autonomous Republic is wealthy
by gravel, clay, sand and gyps, stratum fields.
MINERAL WATERS
Due to multi coloring range mineral water springs of Nakhchivan
Autonomous Republic are staying
under the worthiest attention throughout the world. On 5,5 thousands sq km territory
of Autonomous Republic there were discovered more than 250 mineral water
springs. The majority of those sources are in Shargi Arpachay, Nakchevanchay, Alincachay, Gilanchay, Ordubadchay, Garadara
and Aylishchay valleys and vicinities. According to their chemical properties, being a certain numbers of types they are being
utilized in farming, potable water supply, therapy purposes, and in industry. In the territory the most ancient water carrying
rock age is 400 mln. is ranged for 500-700 thousand year.
In Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic there are exist 6 types, 16 kinds and 33 different sorts of mineral waters. This water contained
98% carbon gases and it is related to hydrocarbon water kind. Mineral water temperature rate mostly ranged in 8C-22C. There
are 35% Azerbaijan carbon gases water discovered in the territory of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
Among
the essential mineral waters, as well as for table water needs it is allowed showing such springs like Badamli, Sirab, vayxir,
Daridag, Nahacir, Gahab, Ordubad “Narzan”. On the basis of springs there are being operated Badamli and Daridag
balneological clinics. Mineral water manufacturing by industrial method has been started since 1947. Nowadays the Autonomous Republic
possesses by two mineral water plants. They are allocated closer to Badamli and Sirab mineral water plants.
“Badamli”
This
mineral water spring is allocated in almond forest and covered grapevine splendid valley at 1400m heights over sea level.
It is placed in 30km from Nakhchivan city in similar named purlieus village (Nakhchivan AR Shakhbuz region). This place was
known due to daily debit 2,5mln-litter carbonate water-narzan spring’s basis. Inside composition of the water there
is available iodine, bromine, copper, borate acidity. Being based on applied springs in Caucuses there is being operated the
biggest mineral water filling plant. Badamli –5 water is known as wonderful table drink water, which makes appetite
increasable, improves digestive processes and makes dehydration process calm. Apart from this resort purposing water the latter
presents unchangeable remedy for treatment of patients with digestive problems.
“Sirab”
Sirab-
Borjomi sort water is the famous curing purposes table water. The total mineralizing rate of water is 2,0-2,7g/t including
carbonate-hydro-carbonate – natrium-calcium elements. In “Sirab” mineral water there were revealed such
elements as iron, bromine and silisium acidities, lithium, strontium elements. On the basis of operated springs it is being
functioned “Sirab-12” water filling plant with palatable delicious taste. This water is utilized for digestive
and urine secreted ways kind of diseases and, as well as it is used while metabolic process place. The water source is related
to the well-known “Gashgala” memorial complex of Bronze Age period and placed near Sirab village.
“Vayxir”
Vayxir
was the richest field of Yesentuki sort carbonate, salt – alkali water. It is placed in 17km from Nakhchivan city north
direction at 1400m heights over sea level. The daily debit of excavated wells composes more than 2 mln liters. The water composition
comprises carbonate, chlor hydro carbonate -natrium elements with total mineralizing rate – 6,5g/l. The water is applied
for curing such diseases like digestive diseases, chronicle gastritis, diseases connected with metabolism processes (diabetes
melitus, gastritis, diathesis, okslanturia).
“Daridag”
Carbonate
mineral silvering water Daridag is the spring, which rarely met in the nature. It is placed in 8 km from Djulfa city north
direction. The quantity of discovered reserves is 500 cub meters. It possesses by high mineralizing value (temperature –52S)
–21g/l and contains carbonate CO2-1,5 g/l chloride – hydro-carbonate – sodium substances.
At the same time in the composition of the water there were revealed a good deal of amounts of boron, iodine, bromine, strontium
and lithium elements. The water is preferable to use for the patients suffering by gastric – bowel diseases. The water
possessed by unappreciable quality in terms of applying thereof for baths taking purposes intended for peripheral nervous
system diseases.
“Nakhajir”
Nakhajir
is considered important treatment health-resort place and it is allocated in north area of Nakhchivan city. Nakhadgir is placed
on patches of the mountain. Being based on health-resort stock reserves there are being utilized water springs containing
carbonate (1,3g/l free carbonate), iron-hydro carbonate sodium elements with mineralizing rate equaled to 6 g/l. The water
shows unbelievable effects whilst taking it for anaemic diseases treatment.
“Batabat”
Batabat
is spread over patches of Small Caucasus in 62 km from Nakhchivan city northwest direction. It is placed at 1700 height over
sea level and considered important climatic health-resort zone.
It has
subtropical climate, snowing, moderate winter, dry and not much hot summer. Being taking into account climatic purposes this
is a water in composition of which are available carbonate (essential remedy for aeroheliotherepy treatment), hydro-carbonate,
calcium-natrium-magnesium elements with mineralizing rate – 0.5g/l. This water is intended for gastric patients’
treatment purposes. Mild climate, sweet water lake, picturesque and impressive alpine meadows allows for this herbs to be
top effective remedy.
“Gomur”
Gomur
is the highest mountain top climatic station. It is placed in 75 km from Nakhchivan city at 1700m heights over sea level.
Here, there were discovered mineral water fields being enormously enriched with salt-alkali elements. The climate of the place
is moderate cold, winter is mild, and summer is cool. Gomur recreational zone is very useful for such diseases treatment like
nervous system functional illnesses, fatigue, and gastric and respiratory routes diseases.
“Sharur”
Sharur
springs are placed on Sadarak village northwest direction at the upper part of road. Here to exist all grounds for carrying
out erection of Clinical Complex being based on springs of strong local curing water (daily debit capacity more than 1 mln
liter), containing such elements like carbonate, hydro-carbonate – chlorine -natrium and rare micro-component complexes.
Nakhchivan region is possessed by luxuriant mineral waters being capable to be competed at world market.
CLIMATE
There
are 5 types of climates to exist in Nakhchivan Republic:
1. Dried summer climate of moderate hot semi desert and dry steppe covers Arax plains and partially
lowered mountain areas (600-110m). Here, the medium temperature rate 10-14C, middle annual downfalls till 300mm, possible
is steaming rate –1200-1400 mm.
2. Semi desert climate and dried steppe with dried winter covers upper of lower mountain zone and lower
of medium mountains zones (1100-1600m). Medium annum temperature rate 8-10C, middle annual downfalls- 300-350mm, possible
vaporing –800-1100mm.
3. Dried summer climate of cold semi desert and dried stepped climate covers medium part of lower mountain
zone and high mountain lower part of zone (1600-2600m). Middle annual temperature rate is 6-10C, middle annual downfalls –
400-800mm.
4. Dried summer and cold climate are spread out at 2600-3200m heights only in northwest slopes of Zangezur
ridges, in center stripe of high mountain zones. Medium annual temperature 1-3C.
5. Mountain tundra climate surrounds high mountaintops of the territory (more than 3200m).
Medium annual temperature – 3-8C.
In the
territory obligatory minimum temperature - 31C (Darvish), compulsory maximum temperature -+44C (Djulfa); at the same time
this is the most higher and lower temperature within the territory of Azerbaijan
Republic. Wind middle speed rate 2/4 m a sec. Annual downfalls in Arax
plains makes up 200-300mm, in highest mountain areas – 500-800mm.
INNER WATERS
Having
been proceeded from hydrographic peculiarity Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is related to Araz river
basin. In center and in southwest part of the territory rivers influents take from Zangezur and Daralyaz mountain ridges.
In Zangezur ridges – in Sagarsu upper flows, in Goygol, Gazngoldag, Gapichig Gamigaya divisions there are available
ancient icy shapes, as well as in summer - snow caps lying on mountaintops.
LAKES
Taking
into account dried climate conditions on the territory of Autonomous Republic here it is observed less quantity of lakes; their areas and capacities
are not a big. It has, basically, relation to Nature lakes of the territory such as Nakhchivanchay and Gilanchay basins.
On the territory of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic there are exists 20 lakes. There were established a certain number of watersheds
(Arpachay, Uzunboa, Nehrem, Vayxir, Bananiyar, Gahab, Khok and etc.) and irrigated channels had been laid. One part of water
shed of Araz water merger is placed in Nakhchivan territory.
FLORAL
CLOTH
The territory
of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic possesses by wealthy flora and vegetative
coats. In comparison with other botanic-geography regions of Azerbaijan
the flora of Autonomous Republic
is richer. In this region there are met 2782 kinds of supreme herbs; they were agglomerated in 773 breeds and 134 families.
Among those ones there 68 kinds’ were cultivated as crops. There are 123 families and 697 breeds are related to agrarian
plants. There are met flora 732 kinds in Arax river plains, 1326 kinds – in middle mountains, 640 kinds – in top
mountains. The listed below vegetative cloth and its types are differed in the territory of Autonomous Republic: deserts and semi deserts,
friganoid and steeped plants; mountain meadows and steeps; high grass, sub-Alp and Alpine plains; forests, oasis, riverbank
grooves; pits and rock herbs, swamps.
WORLD
OF ANIMALS
Owing
to nature condition and world animal’s wealthy range the territory of Autonomous Republic is differed from other regions in Azerbaijan.
Animals habituating here comprise 60-80% of Azerbaijan
fauna area. Autonomous Republic’s
animal world has been investigated since the second half of 19th century. There were highlighted among animal world:
813 kinds of butterflies, 134 kinds of sovka, 4 sorts of caterpillars, 3 kinds of beetles, 4 kinds of mantis, 67 kinds of
rectal-wings’, 75 kinds of grasshoppers, 480 kinds of semi-rigid-wings’.
In rivers
and in lakes of Autonomous Republic
there were discovered 29 kinds of osseous fishes.
In Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic it is available 6 kinds of amphibious animals and 19 kinds of reptiles.
Out
of 366 kinds being registered in Azerbaijan
more than half of them (218) are met in this territory. It is known 61 kinds of mammals. Out of 350 of spinal animals, being
distributed throughout Autonomous Republic,
45 kinds were inserted into Red Book.
Reference:
nakhchivan.az
