Everyone knows that Elbrus above Mont Blanc.Its height above sea level up to 5642 meters, while the most significant peaks of the Alps almost 800 meters below.Then why to this day under dispute about what is the highest mountain in Europe?
thing is that Elbrus is located at the junction of the two parts of the world.And some of them it belongs - to Europe or Asia - depends on how to spend the border between them.This controversial "borderline" question for several hundred years.And that Elbrus is one of the reasons for its relevance.
The problem is that in nature there are no abrupt changes or clear boundary between the parts of the world, and scientists can not even agree on where it ends and Asia begins in Europe.When the border is carried out on the Kuma-Manych Depression, the Caucasus, with its highest peak is in Asia.In this case, the highest mountain in Europe is no longer Elbrus and Mont Blanc.
But most researchers believe such a division unfounded.According to them, much more logical to divide Europe and Asia on the centerline of the Caucasus mountain range, in fact, in addition to geological factors, it is necessary to take into account other.In particular, the flora of the southern slopes of the Caucasus is significantly different from the one located on the north side.South of the watershed is dominated by subtropical vegetation, and to the north - steppe.This is explained by the fact that the Caucasus mountains protect from cold air and serve as a natural border that divides natural areas.There are many other arguments in favor of the border on the main watershed of the Caucasus Mountains, which suggest that the highest mountain in Europe - still Elbrus.
biceps
Mount Elbrus This title received for the presence of two peaks: the western 21 meters above the east.They are covered with snow-white ice caps.From the slopes of snow domes descend glaciers, which in recent years is rapidly decreasing in size.Many scientists attribute this to global warming, but some believe that the rapid melting of glaciers is due to increasing volcanic activity of Mount Elbrus.
And all because that is the highest mountain in Europe is of volcanic origin.The last eruption of Mount Elbrus occurred at the beginning of a new era.Scientists believe the volcano will soon awaken.And that means a new opportunity of its eruption.But, most likely, in the next century is unlikely to happen.
Young European mountain
In Europe, there are several mountain ranges, extended belt from the Caucasus to the Atlantic.The most significant ones are the Alps, is a complex system of ridges and array length of 1200 kilometers.The highest mountain in Europe are located in the eight European countries and in some cases, they occupy large areas, for example in Switzerland, almost 60%, and in Slovenia - 40%.Despite the fact that Alps occupy only 3% in Germany, is the most elevated part of the country.Here is the highest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze with an unusual name, which means "head of the train."With a height of 2962 meters, it is its shape is very similar to a locomotive with a pipe.
