Comparative statistics level of rainfall in the country and the world as a whole shows that we have rain and snow occur much less frequently, and their intensity is lower than in many other regions of the globe.However, despite this, water resources of Russia in scope are one of the first places in the world.This is due primarily to the fact that our country has a vast territory, covering an area of not less than fifteen percent of the total land surface of the planet.Water resources of Russia - is, first of all, the many rivers that cross the country, as well as underground water, not less numerous lakes and glaciers.
distribution of rainfall climatic zones
Our country includes several climatic zones, in which the amount of precipitation falling out in the year may be very different.Areas with excessive moisture are located mostly in the north.There rainfall reaches 700 mm per year, far exceeding the natural amount of moisture evaporation from the surface.Many of these areas require drying procedures.Areas with sufficient moisture in equilibrium between the amount of precipitation falling out and evaporates.This is about 500-600 mm during the year.These areas are usually occupied by forests and steppes.
areas with unstable moisture, in contrast, receive too little rainfall to compensate for their high level of evaporation of moisture from the soil.This is mainly the southern regions of the country.The level of rainfall here ranges from 300 to 500 mm per year.At the same time, the zone of an unreliable moistening in our country is much better populated and developed than others.Unfortunately, most of the areas suitable for agriculture, it is in such areas.Therefore, they require supplemental irrigation.
Surface water resources of Russia
In our country, the river has historically always played a huge role.In the past it on their location is largely dependent on the resettlement of people and trade.All Russia covers an extensive network of rivers, of which about 120 thousand are over ten kilometers.On the territory of many of them were created by artificial reservoir volume, with some of the area occupied by them are superior great lakes.
Marshes - the same important element without which water resources shall turn Russia significantly.They are located in areas with abundant moisture and permafrost, which can take up to half of the total area (West Siberia).Marsh areas are sort of natural battery moisture.In addition, they play an important role in the regulation of the hydrological areas and stabilizing the climate, and are the main source of peat.Many of the major wetlands are now taken under protection.
Another important element, which is part of the water resources of our country - a lake.On the whole territory of Russia, they are scattered over 2 million.The role of the lakes can not be overestimated, as they contain more than half of all fresh water available at our disposal.The largest of the lakes is Lake Baikal: it contains 95 percent of the lake water.Followed Onega, Lake Ladoga, Ilmen and Taimyr.
quarter of all fresh water reserves in the country are glaciers.
Groundwater Russia
But water resources are located not only on the surface.There are other sources of water, among which an important role under the ground.This unique natural resources of Russia, well-protected from contamination due to its location.Among the groundwater are also found healing mineral springs, formed as a result of exceeding them in a number of compounds and mineral salts.Total in our country they are more than 300. Their main number are located in the European part.
In addition, the territory of the country is washed by 12 seas.Among them, the most commercially important are the Barents and Japan.Other widely used as recreational areas and for international shipping.Atlantic shelf seas contain potential oil and gas deposits.
