Irgiz River, Saratov Region: description, features, photo

In the Saratov and Samara regions, the Irgiz River flows . This is the left tributary of the Volga. This river has one more name - Big Irgiz. The water stream is known for its gyrations. That is why it is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the most "broken" rivers in Europe.

general information

In the Saratov region the Irgiz river originates from the ramification of the General Syrt. The coordinates of the source are 52 ° 12'34 "N, 51 ° 18'55" in. Etc., the coordinates of the mouth are 52 ° 0'49 "N, 47 ° 23'7" in. The river flows into the Volga and belongs to the Lower Volga basin. Irgiz has a large catchment area - 24 thousand km, and 675 km - the length of the river. The flow is slow, as in most large and developed water currents. In summer the Big Irgiz dries up, and during the period from November to March there is an ice drift on the river. In some places the Irgiz river freezes completely. A lot of dams were built around the drain.

Sulak and Pugachev reservoirs - two water areas, which are located on the river. About 800 artificial reservoirs and ponds have been created, with a total volume of about 0.45 km³.

Origin and name

Scientists believe that the Irgiz hydronym has a Turkic origin. In translation from this language the name means "source". Ahmad ibn Fadlan is an Arab traveler who mentioned this river in one of his studies in 921. And she had the name - Irgiz. On the banks of the water stream at that time there were many settlements.

Cities and villages

On the Big Irgiz there is Pugachev. This is the only city that uses water resources in industry and economy in large numbers. The remaining small villages and settlements spend less of the river's reserves. For example, Tolstovka, Belenka, Davydovka, Bolshaya Tavolozhka, Imeleevka, Klevenka and the Old Pobrezhka. There are also a few small settlements that are located on the banks of the Irgiz River.

Tributaries and lakes

The Irgiz River (Saratov region) has many tributaries, both small and large enough. The largest: the left - Rostash (slightly less than 640 km), Greater Glushitsa (more than 600 km), the right - Talovka (length - about 630 km), Karalyk (length - more than 560 km).

Long, Naumovskoe, Podolnoye, Kamyshovoe, Kalach - one of the largest and most famous lakes that are in the basin of this watercourse.

Coastal fauna and fish

Big Irgiz surprises with its flora and fauna. In the area of Zhuravlikhi there is a forest where rabbits, foxes, pheasants, wild boars live . They all come to the river bank. Especially often wild boars arrange bathing in these areas. They love mud, and therefore this place is very suitable for them. On the shore are many vipers, toads, gnats, mosquitoes, spiders, lizards, otters, red ants. Also, their seagulls nest, this is confirmed by the fact that the Irgiz River (Saratov region) has a great relationship with the Volga. The water is inhabited by a large number of fish: pike, ruff, pike perch, crucian carp, perch, roach, perch, catfish.

On the shore you can always see fishermen. But especially a lot of them in the autumn and spring period. During good frosts in places where water freezes, there are brave souls who break through the hole and fish.

Forest zone

The coastal flora of the river is almost identical on both sides. You can see on the left bank a lot of willows and aspens, which lower their branches to the water. From grassy plants there are plantain, wild grasses, tansy, dandelions, wormwood, mouse peas and white-on-white. Solanaceae grow on the slopes. The right bank is overgrown with forest (about 140 m). The most common trees are poplar, aspen, and oak. But the spindle warty, the dog rose and the thornbush grow closer to the shore. In general, vegetation is represented by a large number of plants that easily tolerate a lack of sunlight, or those that love a shadow. Also there are a lot of hops, celandine, plantain, nettle, sage and many other species.

Water flora

But the vegetation in the water is represented by a smaller number of species. It is unique that on different sites there are various plants. You can find a broad-leaved cattail, but its plantations are small. Reeds are also found in some places. And there are areas where the main decoration is water lilies and egg-caps.

The dam on the river Irgiz

The dam has the following latitude coordinates - 51 ° 51'48.12 "and longitude - 48 ° 17'30.76". It was built to supply the Saratov Canal. After the rains and at the beginning of summer, the water there is dirty and cloudy, and the rest of the time it is mirror-clear. In hot weather people in this area are saved from the heat. In winter, there is practically no one, so people come here to enjoy nature and a beautiful view. You can get to these places in 2 ways. For example, to enter from the direction of the road, turning into the Maloperekopnogo area. Or move from Sulak. To the dam are dirt roads, on which absolutely any passenger car will pass.

Rest on the river

Throughout the length of the Irgiz river, the overflowing river has small beaches. There you can have a great holiday or a weekend. Especially in summer there are many tourists. You can also go on a picnic in the more wild part, where the banks of the river are guarded by willows and aspens. Most tourists break a campground and stay overnight to enjoy the beauty of the Big Irgiz.

Every year many people come here to admire the landscapes. Someone is invited by friends, friends or relatives, and some themselves find such an amazing place. Here you can fry shish kebabs, sit by the fire and sing the merry songs to the guitar. Nobody forbids! Fishermen will also find a worthy occupation, because the catch will be unforgettable.

Children will also have a great time. The water in the river is warm and quickly warms up. Here you can swim; Beaches are equipped, you can buy appliances for swimming and rent them. The cost is small, so everyone will be afforded. Catamarans and boats are also provided. Price per hour is also symbolic (up to 300 rubles).