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Ural Mountains

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

The Ural Mountains are a huge mountain range in Eurasia.

UralMountains1
UralMountains1

They run north to south mostly through Russia. The chain also reaches into northwestern Kazakhstan. These mountains are very important because they mark the border between two continents. They separate the land of Europe from the land of Asia. This boundary splits European Russia from the region known as Siberia.

Operational Navigation Chart D-4, 3rd edition
Operational Navigation Chart D-4, 3rd edition

In the north, the mountains continue into the Arctic Ocean. They reach out to Vaygach Island and the islands of Novaya Zemlya.

The mountains look different depending on where you stand. The range is divided into several parts from north to south. The Polar Urals have sharp ridges and exposed rock.

Саблинский хребет
Саблинский хребет

Other areas, like the Nether-Polar Urals, are much higher. This part of the range contains the highest peaks.

Ural Mountains IMG 3277 (28448487562)
Ural Mountains IMG 3277 (28448487562)

You might see green woods or summer landscapes in some sections.

Ural Mountains IMG 3277 (28448487562)
Ural Mountains IMG 3277 (28448487562)

In other places, the mountains are covered in winter woods.

Ural Mountains Winter woods (32035729862)
Ural Mountains Winter woods (32035729862)

People have been interested in these mountains for a very long time. In the 16th century, Russians used names that meant "stone belt."

Herberstein-Moscovia-NE
Herberstein-Moscovia-NE

There is even an old legend about a hero named Ural. The story says he sacrificed his life for his people. People then piled stones over him, which became the mountains.

Verkhoturye 1910 LOC prok 02108
Verkhoturye 1910 LOC prok 02108

Merchants have traded in these areas since the 10th century. By the 1500s, explorers began to reach the southern parts of the chain.

The mountains are full of natural treasures. They hold metal ores, coal, and many types of stones.

Beryl-md20a
Beryl-md20a

People have mined for gems like malachite and gold here.

Gorskii 04428u
Gorskii 04428u

These riches helped the region become a center for heavy industry. Since the 18th century, mining has helped the Russian economy grow.

Platinum-41654
Platinum-41654

Large factories were even built to make steel and tanks.

Today, the Urals are well-connected by many paths. Many railways run through the mountains to link different cities.

Verkhoturye 1910 LOC prok 02108
Verkhoturye 1910 LOC prok 02108

One famous line is part of the Trans-Siberian Railway. The highest point in the whole range is Mount Narodnaya. It reaches a height of 1,895 meters.

Mount Iremel
Mount Iremel

Scientists from many countries have studied these mountains for years. They have mapped the rocks and studied the plants and animals.

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🖼️ Images & Media (19)
File:UralMountains1.png
UralMountains1.png
File:Herberstein-Moscovia-NE.png
Herberstein-Moscovia-NE.png
File:Verkhoturye 1910 LOC prok 02108.jpg
Verkhoturye 1910 LOC prok 02108.jpg
File:Уральские горы - panoramio (1).jpg
Уральские горы - panoramio (1).jpg
File:Operational Navigation Chart D-4, 3rd edition.jpg
Operational Navigation Chart D-4, 3rd edition.jpg
File:Саблинский хребет.jpg
Саблинский хребет.jpg
File:Ural Mountains IMG 3277 (28448487562).jpg
Ural Mountains IMG 3277 (28448487562).jpg
File:Mountain formation near Saranpaul.jpg
Mountain formation near Saranpaul.jpg
File:Rochers dans les montagnes de l Oural 448122760 3572eca433 o.jpg
Rochers dans les montagnes de l Oural...
File:Mount Iremel.jpg
Mount Iremel.jpg
File:Ignateva cave entry.jpg
Ignateva cave entry.jpg
File:Gorskii 04428u.jpg
Gorskii 04428u.jpg

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