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The Caucasus or Caucas is a geopolitical region at the border of Europe and Asia.
Europe's highest mountain is usually listed as Mount Elbrus 5,642 m (18,510 ft), in the Caucasus Mountains, though in a few sources, Mont Blanc 4,810 m (15,780 ft), in the Alps is listed. The Caucasus Mountains are generally considered as in both Europe and Asia. In fact, the main Greater Caucasus range is the most common definition for the continental divide. For a detailed history of the Asia-Europe definition, see Boundaries between continents. While clearly not a scientific definition, most mountain climbers consider Mt. Elbrus to be the highest mountain in Europe.
The Caucasus Mountains have a varied landscape which mainly changes vertically and according to the distance from large bodies of water. detail »
Karachai aul Arkhyz is situated on the bank of the river Bolshoj Zelenchuk at the height of 1470 m and is surrounded by woody mountains. It is the most highland village in the valley. After the beech and pine forests there come the alpine meadows, then the rocks and glaciers of the Caucasus range. The vast mountain area at the headstream of the river Bolshoj Zelenchuk is called Arkhyz. The main summits of this mountain range are Pshish (3780 m), Sofia (3640 m), Amanauz-bashi (3530 m) and Psish (3502 m). There are a lot of snow patches and about 50 glaciers in the Central range and its offshoots that give a start to numerous mountain torrents.The main rivers Arkhyz, Sofia, Psish and Kizgich flow from the gorges to the Arkhyz hollow. The confluence of the rivers Psish and Kizgich start the river Bolshoj Zelenchuk.
The Arkhyz climate is milder than in the neighbouring valleys. detail »
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mt. Sofia
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Sofia falls
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Sofia falls
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Sofia falls
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Sofia falls
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