At-Bashy Range Explained

At-Bashy Range
Photo Size:250
Country:Kyrgyzstan
Region:Naryn
District:At-Bashi
Coordinates:40.8924°N 75.6055°W
Elevation M:4786
Length Km:140
Length Orientation:SW-NE
Width Km:30
Width Orientation:NW-SE
Formed By:limestone, schists
Period:Paleozoic
Map:Kyrgyzstan

The At-Bashy Range (Kirghiz; Kyrgyz: Ат-Башы тоо кыркасы) is a mountain range in the south part of the internal Tien-Shan. The range is located in At-Bashy District of the Naryn Region in Kyrgyzstan. The length of the range is 140km (90miles) and the width of the range is 30km (20miles). The highest parts of the At-Bashy Range, with elevations of more than 4500m (14,800feet), are in its middle part while lower elevated parts, below 4000m (13,000feet), are in the west and in the east. The average height is around 4280m (14,040feet) with the highest point of 4786m (15,702feet).[1]

The central crest area of the ridge is above the snowline. The slopes are cut by short deep transverse gorges with frequent occurrence of glaciers. The range is composed of limestone and schist of Paleozoic age. [1] The landscapes at southern slopes are: Alpian and sub-Alpian at 3600-, and Alpine tundra at 3900-; at northern slopes: mountain steppes at 2400-, mountain meadows at 2700-, sub-Alpian and Alpian at 3400-, and tundra at 3800-; and at western slopes: stony, steppe, sub-Alpian and tundra. [2]

Several rivers taking their rise from the south slopes of the At-Bashy Range form Aksay river, right tributary of Kakshaal River (Toshkan River). Among those rivers are Keng-Suu, Kosh Kara-Tash, Muzdabas, Tuyuk Bogoshtu, Jol Bogoshtu, Kashka-Suu and Tuyz Ashuu. Kara-Koyun River, left tributary of At-Bashy, rises from the northern slopes of the At-Bash Range.

Notes and References

  1. Book: ru:Рельеф Киргизии. The Relief of Kirghizia. Ilim. ru. Frunze. 1964. 144.
  2. Book: ru:Иссык-Куль. Нарын:Энциклопедия. Encyclopedia of Issyk-Kul and Naryn Oblasts. Chief Editorial Board of Kyrgyz Soviet Encyclopedia. ru. Bishkek . 1991. 5-89750-009-6. 512.