Alborz: Difference between revisions
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| name = Alborz |
| name = Alborz |
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| map = Iran |
| map = Iran |
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| coordinates={{Coord|35|57|20|N|52|06|36|E|display=inline,title}} |
| coordinates = {{Coord|35|57|20|N|52|06|36|E|display=inline,title}} |
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The '''Alborz''' ({{Audio|Alborz pronounce.ogg|listen}} {{ |
The '''Alborz''' ({{Audio|Alborz pronounce.ogg|listen}} {{langx|fa|البرز}}) range, also spelled as '''Alburz''', '''Elburz''' or '''Elborz''', is a [[mountain range]] in northern [[Iran]] that stretches from the border of [[Azerbaijan]] along the western and entire southern [[coast]] of the [[Caspian Sea]] and finally runs northeast and merges into the smaller [[Aladagh Mountains]] and borders in the northeast on the parallel mountain ridge [[Kopet Dag]] in the northern parts of [[Greater Khorasan|Khorasan]]. All these mountains are part of the much larger [[Alpide belt]]. The Alborz range is divided into the Western, Central, and Eastern Alborz Mountains. The Western Alborz Range (usually called the [[Talysh Mountains|Talysh]]) runs south-southeastward almost along the western coast of the Caspian Sea. The Central Alborz (the Alborz Mountains in the strictest sense) runs from west to east along the entire southern coast of the Caspian Sea, while the Eastern Alborz Range runs in a northeasterly direction, toward the northern parts of the Khorasan region, southeast of the Caspian Sea. [[Mount Damavand]], the highest mountain in Iran measuring 5,610.0 m (18,405.5 ft), is located in the Central Alborz Mountains. [[Mount Damavand]] is the [[List of peaks by prominence|12th most prominent peak]] in the world and the second most prominent in Asia after [[Mount Everest]]. |
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[[File:Iran-geographic map.svg|thumb|Alborz |
[[File:Iran-geographic map.svg|thumb|Alborz on a geographic map of Iran]] |
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[[File:Damavand in winter.jpg|thumb]] |
[[File:Damavand in winter.jpg|thumb|Damavand, the highest summit of Alborz]] |
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==Etymology== |
==Etymology== |
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The name ''Alborz'' is derived from [[Hara Berezaiti|Harā Barazaitī]], a legendary mountain in the [[Avesta]], the main text of [[Zoroastrianism]]. ''Harā Barazaitī'' is from a [[Proto-Iranian language |
The name ''Alborz'' is derived from [[Hara Berezaiti|Harā Barazaitī]], a legendary mountain in the [[Avesta]], the main text of [[Zoroastrianism]]. ''Harā Barazaitī'' is from a [[Proto-Iranian language| Proto-Iranian]] name, ''Harā Bṛzatī'', meaning "Mountain Rampart." ''Bṛzatī'' is the feminine form of the adjective ''bṛzant-'' "high", the ancestor of modern Persian ''bouland'' and ''BarzBerazandeh'', cognate with Sanskrit ''Brihat''. ''Harā'' may be interpreted as "watch" or "guard", from an [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European]] root *''ser-'' "protect". In Middle Persian, ''Harā Barazaitī'' became ''Harborz'', Modern Persian ''Alborz'', which is a cognate with [[Mount Elbrus|Elbrus]], the highest peak of the [[Caucasus]].<ref name="alborziranica">{{cite web |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/alborz-massif-iran |title=ALBORZ |author=electricpulp.com |access-date=2016-02-17 |archive-date=2019-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903110757/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/alborz-massif-iran |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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[[File:Aerial View of Tehran 26.11.2008 04-35-03.JPG|thumb|Alborz Mountain range seen from Tehran]] |
[[File:Aerial View of Tehran 26.11.2008 04-35-03.JPG|thumb|Alborz Mountain range seen from Tehran]] |
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[[File:Tochal view from Milad Tower.jpg|thumb|[[Milad Tower]]'s view to the city and mountains |
[[File:Tochal view from Milad Tower.jpg|thumb|[[Milad Tower]]'s view to the city and mountains]] |
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==Mythology== |
==Mythology== |
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[[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrians]] seem to identify the range with the dwelling place of the [[Peshyotan]], and the Zoroastrian [[Ilm-e-Kshnoom]] sect identifies [[Mount Damavand |
[[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrians]] seem to identify the range with the dwelling place of the [[Peshyotan]], and the Zoroastrian [[Ilm-e-Kshnoom]] sect identifies [[Mount Damavand]] as the home of the ''Saheb-e-Dilan'' ('Masters of the Heart'). In his epic [[Shahnameh]], the poet [[Ferdowsi]] speaks of the mountains "as though they lay in [[India]]."<ref name="alborziranica"/> This could reflect older usage, for numerous high peaks were given the name, and some even reflect it to this day, including [[Mount Elbrus]] in the [[Caucasus Mountains]] and Mount Elbariz (Albariz, [[Jebal Barez]]) in the [[Kerman]] area above the [[Strait of Hormuz]]. All these names reflect the same [[Iranian languages|Iranian language]] compound, and have been speculatively identified, at one time or another, as the legendary mountain [[Hara Berezaiti]] of the [[Avesta]]. |
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==Geology== |
==Geology== |
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{{unreferenced section|date=June 2017}} |
{{unreferenced section|date=June 2017}} |
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The Alborz mountain range forms a barrier between the south Caspian and the [[Iranian plateau]]. It is only 60–130 km wide and consists of sedimentary series dating from Upper [[Devonian]] to [[Oligocene]], prevalently [[Jurassic]] [[limestone]] over a [[granite]] core. Continental conditions regarding [[sedimentation]] are reflected by thick Devonian [[sandstone]]s and by [[Jurassic]] [[shale]]s containing coal seams. Marine conditions are reflected by [[Carboniferous]] and [[Permian]] strata that are composed mainly of limestones. In the Eastern Alborz Range, the far eastern section is formed by [[Mesozoic]] (chiefly [[Triassic]] and Jurassic) rocks, while the western part of the Eastern Alborz Range is made primarily of [[Paleozoic]] rocks. [[Precambrian]] rocks can be found chiefly south of the city of [[Gorgan]] situated in the southeast of the [[Caspian Sea]] and, in much smaller amounts, in the central and western parts of the Central Alborz Range. The central part of the Central Alborz Range is formed mainly of [[Triassic]] and [[Jurassic]] rocks, while the northwestern section of the range is mainly composed of Jurassic rocks. Very thick beds of [[Tertiary]] (mostly [[Eocene]]) green [[Volcano|volcanic]] [[tuff]]s and [[lava]]s are found mainly in the southwestern and south-central parts of the range. The far northwestern part of the Alborz, that constitutes the Western Alborz Range or the [[Talish Mountains]], is mainly made up of [[Upper Cretaceous]] volcano-sedimentary deposits, with a strip of Paleozoic rocks and a band of Triassic and Jurassic rocks in the southern parts, both in a northwest–southeast direction. As the [[Tethys Sea]] was closed and the [[Arabian |
The Alborz mountain range forms a barrier between the south Caspian and the [[Iranian plateau]]. It is only 60–130 km wide and consists of sedimentary series dating from Upper [[Devonian]] to [[Oligocene]], prevalently [[Jurassic]] [[limestone]] over a [[granite]] core. Continental conditions regarding [[sedimentation]] are reflected by thick Devonian [[sandstone]]s and by [[Jurassic]] [[shale]]s containing coal seams. Marine conditions are reflected by [[Carboniferous]] and [[Permian]] strata that are composed mainly of limestones. In the Eastern Alborz Range, the far eastern section is formed by [[Mesozoic]] (chiefly [[Triassic]] and Jurassic) rocks, while the western part of the Eastern Alborz Range is made primarily of [[Paleozoic]] rocks. [[Precambrian]] rocks can be found chiefly south of the city of [[Gorgan]] situated in the southeast of the [[Caspian Sea]] and, in much smaller amounts, in the central and western parts of the Central Alborz Range. The central part of the Central Alborz Range is formed mainly of [[Triassic]] and [[Jurassic]] rocks, while the northwestern section of the range is mainly composed of Jurassic rocks. Very thick beds of [[Tertiary]] (mostly [[Eocene]]) green [[Volcano|volcanic]] [[tuff]]s and [[lava]]s are found mainly in the southwestern and south-central parts of the range. The far northwestern part of the Alborz, that constitutes the Western Alborz Range or the [[Talish Mountains]], is mainly made up of [[Upper Cretaceous]] volcano-sedimentary deposits, with a strip of Paleozoic rocks and a band of Triassic and Jurassic rocks in the southern parts, both in a northwest–southeast direction. As the [[Tethys Sea]] was closed and the [[Arabian plate]] collided with the [[Iranian plate]], and was pushed against it, and with the clockwise movement of the [[Eurasian plate]] towards the [[Iranian plate]] and their final collision, the Iranian plate was pressed from both sides. The collisions finally caused the folding of the Upper Paleozoic, [[Mesozoic]], and [[Paleogene]] rocks and the [[Cenozoic]] (chiefly the [[Eocene]]) [[volcanism]], to form the Alborz Mountains, primarily during the [[Miocene]]. The [[Alpine orogeny]] began, therefore, with Eocene volcanism in southwestern and south-central parts of the Alborz, and continued with the uplift and folding of the older sedimentary rocks in the northwestern, central and eastern parts of the range, during the most important orogenic phases, which date from the Miocene and [[Pliocene]] epochs. |
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==Ecoregions, flora and fauna== |
==Ecoregions, flora and fauna== |
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{{unreferenced section|date=June 2017}} |
{{unreferenced section|date=June 2017}} |
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While the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains are usually semiarid or arid, with irregular and low precipitation, the northern slopes of the range are usually humid, especially in the western parts of the Central Alborz. In the southern slopes or the [[Elburz Range forest steppe]] [[ecoregion]], the higher elevations are arid with few trees. [[Juniper]] is the most common tree in inaccessible areas and at high elevation, while common [[Shrub|shrubs]] are [[pistachio]], [[maple]], and [[almond]]. But in the northern slopes, the [[Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests]] ecoregion is lush and forested. The natural [[vegetation]] of this [[region]] grows in distinct zones: |
While the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains are usually semiarid or arid, with irregular and low precipitation, the northern slopes of the range are usually humid, especially in the western parts of the Central Alborz. The Alborz is the easternmost extent of many European plant species. In the southern slopes or the [[Elburz Range forest steppe]] [[ecoregion]], the higher elevations are arid with few trees. [[Juniper]] is the most common tree in inaccessible areas and at high elevation, while common [[Shrub|shrubs]] are [[pistachio]], [[maple]], and [[almond]]. But in the northern slopes, the [[Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests]] ecoregion is lush and forested. The natural [[vegetation]] of this [[region]] grows in distinct zones: |
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* [[Hyrcania|Hyrcanian]] forests on the lowest levels, |
* [[Hyrcania|Hyrcanian]] forests on the lowest levels, |
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* [[oak]] forests in higher regions. |
* [[oak]] forests in higher regions. |
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The wild [[cypress]] is the dominant form of vegetation in some valleys, while olive trees grow in the western valleys of the Central Alborz near the [[Sefidrud]]. The [[bezoar ibex]], [[Blanford's fox]], [[Rüppell's fox]], [[red fox]], [[Persian fallow deer]], [[wild boar]], [[Syrian brown bear]], [[Persian leopard]], [[Indian wolf]], [[buzzard]], [[goose]], [[woodpecker]], [[griffon vulture]], and [[eagle]] are among important animals and birds found in the Alborz Mountains. The extinct [[Caspian tiger]] also lived in the Alborz Mountains. |
The wild [[Cupressus sempervirens|cypress]] is the dominant form of vegetation in some valleys, while olive trees grow in the western valleys of the Central Alborz near the [[Sefidrud]]. The [[bezoar ibex]], [[Blanford's fox]], [[Rüppell's fox]], [[red fox]], [[Persian fallow deer]], [[wild boar]], [[Syrian brown bear]], [[Persian leopard]], [[Indian wolf]], [[buzzard]], [[goose]], [[woodpecker]], [[griffon vulture]], and [[eagle]] are among important animals and birds found in the Alborz Mountains. The extinct [[Caspian tiger]] also lived in the Alborz Mountains. |
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==Prehistory== |
==Prehistory== |
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[[File:Alborz mountains seen from haraz road.jpg|thumb|Alborz mountains in Amol county, Mazandaran, Iran. taken from Haraz road]] |
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[[Archaeology|Archaeological]] evidence from Alborz indicates that early human groups were present in the region since at least late [[Lower Paleolithic]]. The [[Darband Cave]] located at the [[Gilan Province]] contains evidence for late [[Lower Paleolithic]]. Stone [[Artifact (archaeology)|artifacts]] and animal [[fossil]]s were discovered by a group of archaeologists of the ''Department of Paleolithic'' of the [[National Museum of Iran]] and ICHTO of [[Gilan]]. The presence of large numbers of [[cave bear]] and [[brown bear]] remains and sparse stone artifacts at the site indicates that Darband primarily represents a bear den. The co-occurrence of artifacts and bear bones does not imply human predation or scavenging. Because there are no clear cut marks, except a few burning signs on the bear bones, they probably accumulated through natural processes.<ref>Biglari, F., V. Jahani 2011 The Pleistocene Human Settlement in Gilan, Southwest Caspian Sea: Recent Research, Eurasian Prehistory 8 (1-2): 3-28</ref> During [[Middle Paleolithic]] period, [[Neanderthal|Neanderthals]] were most probably were present in the region as their fossil have been found at northwest of Alborz, in the [[Azykh Cave]]. Their stone tools found in the [[Buzeyir cave|Buzeir Cave]] and Kiaram cave and number of other surveyed sites.<ref>Biglari, F. (2019). Lower and Middle Paleolithic Occupation of the Northern Alborz and Talesh, |
[[Archaeology|Archaeological]] evidence from Alborz indicates that early human groups were present in the region since at least late [[Lower Paleolithic]]. The [[Darband Cave]] located at the [[Gilan Province]] contains evidence for late [[Lower Paleolithic]]. Stone [[Artifact (archaeology)|artifacts]] and animal [[fossil]]s were discovered by a group of archaeologists of the ''Department of Paleolithic'' of the [[National Museum of Iran]] and ICHTO of [[Gilan]]. The presence of large numbers of [[cave bear]] and [[brown bear]] remains and sparse stone artifacts at the site indicates that Darband primarily represents a bear den. The co-occurrence of artifacts and bear bones does not imply human predation or scavenging. Because there are no clear cut marks, except a few burning signs on the bear bones, they probably accumulated through natural processes.<ref>Biglari, F., V. Jahani 2011 The Pleistocene Human Settlement in Gilan, Southwest Caspian Sea: Recent Research, Eurasian Prehistory 8 (1-2): 3-28</ref> During [[Middle Paleolithic]] period, [[Neanderthal|Neanderthals]] were most probably were present in the region as their fossil have been found at northwest of Alborz, in the [[Azykh Cave]]. Their stone tools found in the [[Buzeyir cave|Buzeir Cave]] and Kiaram cave and number of other surveyed sites.<ref>Biglari, F. (2019). Lower and Middle Paleolithic Occupation of the Northern Alborz and Talesh, |
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South of the Caspian Sea. Tourism Research, 1(3), 90-106 (access: http://journal.richt.ir/browse.php?a_id=76&sid=7&slc_lang=en</ref> Evidence for Modern human comes from a river side site called [[Garm Rud|Garm Roud]] in the [[Mazandaran Province]] which dates back to about 30,000 years ago.<ref>Berillon G., Asgari Khaneghah A. (dir.) 2016. Garm Roud : une halte de chasse en Iran, Paléolithique supérieur, Garm Roud : Hunting place in Iran, Upper Paleolithic. Prigonrieux : @rchéo-éditions, IFRI, |
South of the Caspian Sea. Tourism Research, 1(3), 90-106 (access: http://journal.richt.ir/browse.php?a_id=76&sid=7&slc_lang=en {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010135222/http://journal.richt.ir/browse.php?a_id=76&sid=7&slc_lang=en |date=2020-10-10 }}</ref> Evidence for Modern human comes from a river side site called [[Garm Rud|Garm Roud]] in the [[Mazandaran Province]] which dates back to about 30,000 years ago.<ref>Berillon G., Asgari Khaneghah A. (dir.) 2016. Garm Roud : une halte de chasse en Iran, Paléolithique supérieur, Garm Roud : Hunting place in Iran, Upper Paleolithic. Prigonrieux : @rchéo-éditions, IFRI, |
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</ref> |
</ref> |
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==Ski resorts== |
==Ski resorts== |
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Due to the |
Due to the snowy winters of the Alborz Mountains, there are several [[ski resorts]] in different places across the range. Some of them, according to ski enthusiasts, are among the best in the world.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/feb/24/iran.skiing |title=Iran's biggest secret: the skiing's great |author=Dom Joly |work=the Guardian |date=24 February 2008 |access-date=16 December 2016 |archive-date=20 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220104612/https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/feb/24/iran.skiing |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==Mounts, summits, alpine lakes and attractions== |
==Mounts, summits, alpine lakes and attractions== |
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'''The Alborz four-thousanders with at least 300 meters of''' [[topographic prominence]]: |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|+ |
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! |
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!'''Name''' |
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!'''Height (m)''' |
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!Prominence (m) |
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|- |
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|1 |
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|[[Mount Damavand|Damavand]] |
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|5610 |
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|4661 |
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|- |
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|2 |
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|[[Alam-Kuh]] |
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|4828 |
|||
|1848 |
|||
|- |
|||
|3 |
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|Kalahoo |
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|4412 |
|||
|345 |
|||
|- |
|||
|4 |
|||
|[[Azad Kuh]] |
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|4398 |
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|980 |
|||
|- |
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|5 |
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|[[Kholeno]] |
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|4375 |
|||
|746 |
|||
|- |
|||
|6 |
|||
|[[Do Khvaharan|Do Khaharan]] |
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|4310 |
|||
|644 |
|||
|- |
|||
|7 |
|||
|Avidar |
|||
|4286 |
|||
|503 |
|||
|- |
|||
|8 |
|||
|Great Nazer |
|||
|4260 |
|||
|510 |
|||
|- |
|||
|9 |
|||
|Kaman-Kuh |
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|4234 |
|||
|533 |
|||
|- |
|||
|10 |
|||
|Zarrin-Kuh |
|||
|4198 |
|||
|451 |
|||
|- |
|||
|11 |
|||
|Sarakchal |
|||
|4194 |
|||
|317 |
|||
|- |
|||
|12 |
|||
|[[Sialan]] |
|||
|4160 |
|||
|1160 |
|||
|- |
|||
|13 |
|||
|Kolunbastak |
|||
|4156 |
|||
|359 |
|||
|- |
|||
|14 |
|||
|[[Shah Alborz]] |
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|4125 |
|||
|931 |
|||
|- |
|||
|15 |
|||
|[[Mount Naz|Naz]] |
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|4108 |
|||
|1018 |
|||
|- |
|||
|16 |
|||
|[[Do Berar]] |
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|4082 |
|||
|1352 |
|||
|- |
|||
|17 |
|||
|Kahoun |
|||
|4075 |
|||
|342 |
|||
|- |
|||
|18 |
|||
|[[Varavasht|Varavašt]] |
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|4025 |
|||
|852 |
|||
|- |
|||
|19 |
|||
|Korma-Kuh |
|||
|4020 |
|||
|359 |
|||
|- |
|||
|20 |
|||
|Parchenan |
|||
|4015 |
|||
|1144 |
|||
|- |
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|21 |
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|Saat |
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|4003 |
|||
|428 |
|||
|} |
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'''The peaks with altitude of 3800 m - 4000 m, with at least 300 meters of''' [[topographic prominence]]: |
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{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+ |
|||
! |
|||
!'''Name''' |
|||
!'''Height (m)''' |
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!Prominence (m) |
|||
|- |
|||
|1 |
|||
|Mishineh Marg |
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|3990 |
|||
|562 |
|||
|- |
|||
|2 |
|||
|Tochal |
|||
|3964 |
|||
|1164 |
|||
|- |
|||
|3 |
|||
|Karkas Neshin |
|||
|3950 |
|||
|537 |
|||
|- |
|||
|4 |
|||
|Khashechal |
|||
|3945 |
|||
|645 |
|||
|- |
|||
|5 |
|||
|Vantar |
|||
|3944 |
|||
|544 |
|||
|- |
|||
| |
|||
|South Kharsang |
|||
|3940 |
|||
|293 |
|||
|- |
|||
|6 |
|||
|Sechal |
|||
|3936 |
|||
|436 |
|||
|- |
|||
|7 |
|||
|Sineza |
|||
|3933 |
|||
|336 |
|||
|- |
|||
|8 |
|||
|Shahvar |
|||
|3932 |
|||
|1923 |
|||
|- |
|||
|9 |
|||
|Mehrchal |
|||
|3912 |
|||
|759 |
|||
|- |
|||
|10 |
|||
|Keyoonchal |
|||
|3910 |
|||
|390 |
|||
|- |
|||
|11 |
|||
|Pashooreh |
|||
|3896 |
|||
|814 |
|||
|- |
|||
|12 |
|||
|Small Nazer |
|||
|3881 |
|||
|444 |
|||
|- |
|||
|13 |
|||
|Gavingchal |
|||
|3880 |
|||
|344 |
|||
|- |
|||
|14 |
|||
|Deev Asiab (Alarm) |
|||
|3880 |
|||
|421 |
|||
|- |
|||
|15 |
|||
|Zarrin-Kuh |
|||
|3850 |
|||
|858 |
|||
|- |
|||
| |
|||
|Kushgak (Sorkhak) |
|||
|3843 |
|||
|299 |
|||
|- |
|||
|16 |
|||
|Gavkoshan |
|||
|3840 |
|||
|1160 |
|||
|- |
|||
|17 |
|||
|Khozanak |
|||
|3840 |
|||
|402 |
|||
|- |
|||
|18 |
|||
|Asemankuh |
|||
|3819 |
|||
|499 |
|||
|- |
|||
|19 |
|||
|[[Lake Tar]] |
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|3200 |
|||
|500 |
|||
|} |
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'''The peaks with at least 1000 meters of''' [[topographic prominence]]: |
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{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+ |
|||
! |
|||
!'''Name''' |
|||
!'''Height (m)''' |
|||
!Prominence (m) |
|||
|- |
|||
|1 |
|||
|[[Mount Damavand|Damavand]] |
|||
|5610 |
|||
|4661 |
|||
|- |
|||
|2 |
|||
|Shahvar |
|||
|3932 |
|||
|1923 |
|||
|- |
|||
|3 |
|||
|[[Alam-Kuh]] |
|||
|4828 |
|||
|1848 |
|||
|- |
|||
|4 |
|||
|Neyzeva |
|||
|3730 |
|||
|1510 |
|||
|- |
|||
|5 |
|||
|[[Do Berar]] |
|||
|4082 |
|||
|1352 |
|||
|- |
|||
|6 |
|||
|Tochal |
|||
|3964 |
|||
|1164 |
|||
|- |
|||
|7 |
|||
|[[Sialan]] |
|||
|4160 |
|||
|1160 |
|||
|- |
|||
|8 |
|||
|Gavkoshan |
|||
|3840 |
|||
|1160 |
|||
|- |
|||
|9 |
|||
|Parchenan |
|||
|4015 |
|||
|1144 |
|||
|- |
|||
|10 |
|||
|Shahdar Kuh |
|||
|3252 |
|||
|1107 |
|||
|- |
|||
|11 |
|||
|Ghadamgah |
|||
|3563 |
|||
|1057 |
|||
|- |
|||
|12 |
|||
|Badleh Kuh |
|||
|3203 |
|||
|1036 |
|||
|- |
|||
|13 |
|||
|[[Mount Naz|Naz]] |
|||
|4108 |
|||
|1018 |
|||
|} |
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* [[Mount Damavand]] [[Amol]] [[Mazandaran]] |
* [[Mount Damavand]] [[Amol]] [[Mazandaran]] |
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* [[Tochal]] mount and summit |
* [[Tochal]] mount and summit |
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Line 58: | Line 358: | ||
* [[List of mountains in Iran]] |
* [[List of mountains in Iran]] |
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* [[Kayanian dynasty]] |
* [[Kayanian dynasty]] |
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* [[The Clouds Forest]] |
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* [[Koh e Alburz (Balkh)|Koh e Alborz]] |
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==Sources== |
==Sources== |
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{{Portal|Iran|Geography}} |
{{Portal|Iran|Geography}} |
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*{{Commons category-inline|Alborz}} |
*{{Commons category-inline|Alborz}} |
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* ''Alborz Mountains'', Photos from Iran, [https://www.livius.org/ei-er/elburz/elburz.html ''Livius'']. |
* ''Alborz Mountains'', Photos from Iran, [https://www.livius.org/ei-er/elburz/elburz.html ''Livius''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226212408/https://www.livius.org/ei-er/elburz/elburz.html |date=2012-12-26 }}. |
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* [http://www.summitpost.org/show/mountain_link.pl/mountain_id/5145 Maps, Photos and a List of peaks] |
* [http://www.summitpost.org/show/mountain_link.pl/mountain_id/5145 Maps, Photos and a List of peaks] |
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* {{APOD |date=3 May 2008 |title=Alborz Mountain Milky Way}} |
* {{APOD |date=3 May 2008 |title=Alborz Mountain Milky Way}} |
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[[Category:Mountain ranges of Iran]] |
[[Category:Mountain ranges of Iran]] |
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[[Category:Caspian Sea]] |
[[Category:Caspian Sea]] |
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[[Category:Iranian |
[[Category:Iranian plateau]] |
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[[Category:Landforms of Alborz |
[[Category:Landforms of Alborz province]] |
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[[Category:Landforms of Ardabil |
[[Category:Landforms of Ardabil province]] |
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[[Category:Landforms of Gilan |
[[Category:Landforms of Gilan province]] |
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[[Category:Landforms of Golestan |
[[Category:Landforms of Golestan province]] |
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[[Category:Mountains of Mazandaran |
[[Category:Mountains of Mazandaran province]] |
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[[Category:Landforms of Semnan |
[[Category:Landforms of Semnan province]] |
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[[Category:Landforms of Tehran |
[[Category:Landforms of Tehran province]] |
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[[Category:Tourist attractions in Gilan |
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Gilan province]] |
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[[Category:Tourist attractions in Mazandaran |
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Mazandaran province]] |
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[[Category:Physiographic provinces]] |
[[Category:Physiographic provinces]] |
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[[Category:Mountains of Iran]] |
[[Category:Mountains of Iran]] |
Latest revision as of 04:55, 2 November 2024
Alborz | |
---|---|
Highest point | |
Coordinates | 35°57′20″N 52°06′36″E / 35.95556°N 52.11000°E |
Geography | |
The Alborz (Persian: البرز) range, also spelled as Alburz, Elburz or Elborz, is a mountain range in northern Iran that stretches from the border of Azerbaijan along the western and entire southern coast of the Caspian Sea and finally runs northeast and merges into the smaller Aladagh Mountains and borders in the northeast on the parallel mountain ridge Kopet Dag in the northern parts of Khorasan. All these mountains are part of the much larger Alpide belt. The Alborz range is divided into the Western, Central, and Eastern Alborz Mountains. The Western Alborz Range (usually called the Talysh) runs south-southeastward almost along the western coast of the Caspian Sea. The Central Alborz (the Alborz Mountains in the strictest sense) runs from west to east along the entire southern coast of the Caspian Sea, while the Eastern Alborz Range runs in a northeasterly direction, toward the northern parts of the Khorasan region, southeast of the Caspian Sea. Mount Damavand, the highest mountain in Iran measuring 5,610.0 m (18,405.5 ft), is located in the Central Alborz Mountains. Mount Damavand is the 12th most prominent peak in the world and the second most prominent in Asia after Mount Everest.
Etymology
[edit]The name Alborz is derived from Harā Barazaitī, a legendary mountain in the Avesta, the main text of Zoroastrianism. Harā Barazaitī is from a Proto-Iranian name, Harā Bṛzatī, meaning "Mountain Rampart." Bṛzatī is the feminine form of the adjective bṛzant- "high", the ancestor of modern Persian bouland and BarzBerazandeh, cognate with Sanskrit Brihat. Harā may be interpreted as "watch" or "guard", from an Indo-European root *ser- "protect". In Middle Persian, Harā Barazaitī became Harborz, Modern Persian Alborz, which is a cognate with Elbrus, the highest peak of the Caucasus.[1]
Mythology
[edit]Zoroastrians seem to identify the range with the dwelling place of the Peshyotan, and the Zoroastrian Ilm-e-Kshnoom sect identifies Mount Damavand as the home of the Saheb-e-Dilan ('Masters of the Heart'). In his epic Shahnameh, the poet Ferdowsi speaks of the mountains "as though they lay in India."[1] This could reflect older usage, for numerous high peaks were given the name, and some even reflect it to this day, including Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus Mountains and Mount Elbariz (Albariz, Jebal Barez) in the Kerman area above the Strait of Hormuz. All these names reflect the same Iranian language compound, and have been speculatively identified, at one time or another, as the legendary mountain Hara Berezaiti of the Avesta.
Geology
[edit]The Alborz mountain range forms a barrier between the south Caspian and the Iranian plateau. It is only 60–130 km wide and consists of sedimentary series dating from Upper Devonian to Oligocene, prevalently Jurassic limestone over a granite core. Continental conditions regarding sedimentation are reflected by thick Devonian sandstones and by Jurassic shales containing coal seams. Marine conditions are reflected by Carboniferous and Permian strata that are composed mainly of limestones. In the Eastern Alborz Range, the far eastern section is formed by Mesozoic (chiefly Triassic and Jurassic) rocks, while the western part of the Eastern Alborz Range is made primarily of Paleozoic rocks. Precambrian rocks can be found chiefly south of the city of Gorgan situated in the southeast of the Caspian Sea and, in much smaller amounts, in the central and western parts of the Central Alborz Range. The central part of the Central Alborz Range is formed mainly of Triassic and Jurassic rocks, while the northwestern section of the range is mainly composed of Jurassic rocks. Very thick beds of Tertiary (mostly Eocene) green volcanic tuffs and lavas are found mainly in the southwestern and south-central parts of the range. The far northwestern part of the Alborz, that constitutes the Western Alborz Range or the Talish Mountains, is mainly made up of Upper Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary deposits, with a strip of Paleozoic rocks and a band of Triassic and Jurassic rocks in the southern parts, both in a northwest–southeast direction. As the Tethys Sea was closed and the Arabian plate collided with the Iranian plate, and was pushed against it, and with the clockwise movement of the Eurasian plate towards the Iranian plate and their final collision, the Iranian plate was pressed from both sides. The collisions finally caused the folding of the Upper Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Paleogene rocks and the Cenozoic (chiefly the Eocene) volcanism, to form the Alborz Mountains, primarily during the Miocene. The Alpine orogeny began, therefore, with Eocene volcanism in southwestern and south-central parts of the Alborz, and continued with the uplift and folding of the older sedimentary rocks in the northwestern, central and eastern parts of the range, during the most important orogenic phases, which date from the Miocene and Pliocene epochs.
Ecoregions, flora and fauna
[edit]While the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains are usually semiarid or arid, with irregular and low precipitation, the northern slopes of the range are usually humid, especially in the western parts of the Central Alborz. The Alborz is the easternmost extent of many European plant species. In the southern slopes or the Elburz Range forest steppe ecoregion, the higher elevations are arid with few trees. Juniper is the most common tree in inaccessible areas and at high elevation, while common shrubs are pistachio, maple, and almond. But in the northern slopes, the Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests ecoregion is lush and forested. The natural vegetation of this region grows in distinct zones:
- Hyrcanian forests on the lowest levels,
- beech forests in the middle zone,
- oak forests in higher regions.
The wild cypress is the dominant form of vegetation in some valleys, while olive trees grow in the western valleys of the Central Alborz near the Sefidrud. The bezoar ibex, Blanford's fox, Rüppell's fox, red fox, Persian fallow deer, wild boar, Syrian brown bear, Persian leopard, Indian wolf, buzzard, goose, woodpecker, griffon vulture, and eagle are among important animals and birds found in the Alborz Mountains. The extinct Caspian tiger also lived in the Alborz Mountains.
Prehistory
[edit]Archaeological evidence from Alborz indicates that early human groups were present in the region since at least late Lower Paleolithic. The Darband Cave located at the Gilan Province contains evidence for late Lower Paleolithic. Stone artifacts and animal fossils were discovered by a group of archaeologists of the Department of Paleolithic of the National Museum of Iran and ICHTO of Gilan. The presence of large numbers of cave bear and brown bear remains and sparse stone artifacts at the site indicates that Darband primarily represents a bear den. The co-occurrence of artifacts and bear bones does not imply human predation or scavenging. Because there are no clear cut marks, except a few burning signs on the bear bones, they probably accumulated through natural processes.[2] During Middle Paleolithic period, Neanderthals were most probably were present in the region as their fossil have been found at northwest of Alborz, in the Azykh Cave. Their stone tools found in the Buzeir Cave and Kiaram cave and number of other surveyed sites.[3] Evidence for Modern human comes from a river side site called Garm Roud in the Mazandaran Province which dates back to about 30,000 years ago.[4]
Ski resorts
[edit]Due to the snowy winters of the Alborz Mountains, there are several ski resorts in different places across the range. Some of them, according to ski enthusiasts, are among the best in the world.[5]
Mounts, summits, alpine lakes and attractions
[edit]The Alborz four-thousanders with at least 300 meters of topographic prominence:
Name | Height (m) | Prominence (m) | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Damavand | 5610 | 4661 |
2 | Alam-Kuh | 4828 | 1848 |
3 | Kalahoo | 4412 | 345 |
4 | Azad Kuh | 4398 | 980 |
5 | Kholeno | 4375 | 746 |
6 | Do Khaharan | 4310 | 644 |
7 | Avidar | 4286 | 503 |
8 | Great Nazer | 4260 | 510 |
9 | Kaman-Kuh | 4234 | 533 |
10 | Zarrin-Kuh | 4198 | 451 |
11 | Sarakchal | 4194 | 317 |
12 | Sialan | 4160 | 1160 |
13 | Kolunbastak | 4156 | 359 |
14 | Shah Alborz | 4125 | 931 |
15 | Naz | 4108 | 1018 |
16 | Do Berar | 4082 | 1352 |
17 | Kahoun | 4075 | 342 |
18 | Varavašt | 4025 | 852 |
19 | Korma-Kuh | 4020 | 359 |
20 | Parchenan | 4015 | 1144 |
21 | Saat | 4003 | 428 |
The peaks with altitude of 3800 m - 4000 m, with at least 300 meters of topographic prominence:
Name | Height (m) | Prominence (m) | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Mishineh Marg | 3990 | 562 |
2 | Tochal | 3964 | 1164 |
3 | Karkas Neshin | 3950 | 537 |
4 | Khashechal | 3945 | 645 |
5 | Vantar | 3944 | 544 |
South Kharsang | 3940 | 293 | |
6 | Sechal | 3936 | 436 |
7 | Sineza | 3933 | 336 |
8 | Shahvar | 3932 | 1923 |
9 | Mehrchal | 3912 | 759 |
10 | Keyoonchal | 3910 | 390 |
11 | Pashooreh | 3896 | 814 |
12 | Small Nazer | 3881 | 444 |
13 | Gavingchal | 3880 | 344 |
14 | Deev Asiab (Alarm) | 3880 | 421 |
15 | Zarrin-Kuh | 3850 | 858 |
Kushgak (Sorkhak) | 3843 | 299 | |
16 | Gavkoshan | 3840 | 1160 |
17 | Khozanak | 3840 | 402 |
18 | Asemankuh | 3819 | 499 |
19 | Lake Tar | 3200 | 500 |
The peaks with at least 1000 meters of topographic prominence:
Name | Height (m) | Prominence (m) | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Damavand | 5610 | 4661 |
2 | Shahvar | 3932 | 1923 |
3 | Alam-Kuh | 4828 | 1848 |
4 | Neyzeva | 3730 | 1510 |
5 | Do Berar | 4082 | 1352 |
6 | Tochal | 3964 | 1164 |
7 | Sialan | 4160 | 1160 |
8 | Gavkoshan | 3840 | 1160 |
9 | Parchenan | 4015 | 1144 |
10 | Shahdar Kuh | 3252 | 1107 |
11 | Ghadamgah | 3563 | 1057 |
12 | Badleh Kuh | 3203 | 1036 |
13 | Naz | 4108 | 1018 |
- Mount Damavand Amol Mazandaran
- Tochal mount and summit
- Tangeh Savashi, a popular attraction
- Alam Kuh, a mountain in Alborz mountain range
- Alamut
- Dizin
- Ovan lake
Map of central Alborz | Peaks: | 1 Alam-Kuh |
---|---|---|
2 Azad Kuh | 3 Damavand | |
4 Do Berar | 5 Do Khaharan | |
6 Ghal'eh Gardan | 7 Gorg | |
8 Kholeno | 9 Mehr Chal | |
10 Mishineh Marg | 11 Naz | |
12 Shah Alborz | 13 Sialan | |
14 Tochal | 15 Varavašt | |
Rivers: | 0 | |
1 Alamut | 2 Chalus | |
3 Do Hezar | 4 Haraz | |
5 Jajrood | 6 Karaj | |
7 Kojoor | 8 Lar | |
9 Noor | 10 Sardab | |
11 Seh Hazar | 12 Shahrood | |
Cities: | 1 Amol | |
2 Chalus | 3 Karaj | |
Other: | D Dizin | |
E Emamzadeh Hashem | K Kandovan Tunnel | |
* Latyan Dam | ** Lar Dam |
See also
[edit]- List of Iranian four-thousanders
- List of mountains in Iran
- Kayanian dynasty
- The Clouds Forest
- Koh e Alborz
Sources
[edit]- North, S.J.R., Guide to Biblical Iran, Rome 1956, p. 50
References
[edit]- ^ a b electricpulp.com. "ALBORZ". Archived from the original on 2019-09-03. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
- ^ Biglari, F., V. Jahani 2011 The Pleistocene Human Settlement in Gilan, Southwest Caspian Sea: Recent Research, Eurasian Prehistory 8 (1-2): 3-28
- ^ Biglari, F. (2019). Lower and Middle Paleolithic Occupation of the Northern Alborz and Talesh, South of the Caspian Sea. Tourism Research, 1(3), 90-106 (access: http://journal.richt.ir/browse.php?a_id=76&sid=7&slc_lang=en Archived 2020-10-10 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Berillon G., Asgari Khaneghah A. (dir.) 2016. Garm Roud : une halte de chasse en Iran, Paléolithique supérieur, Garm Roud : Hunting place in Iran, Upper Paleolithic. Prigonrieux : @rchéo-éditions, IFRI,
- ^ Dom Joly (24 February 2008). "Iran's biggest secret: the skiing's great". the Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 February 2021. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
External links
[edit]- Media related to Alborz at Wikimedia Commons
- Alborz Mountains, Photos from Iran, Livius Archived 2012-12-26 at the Wayback Machine.
- Maps, Photos and a List of peaks
- NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day: Alborz Mountain Milky Way (3 May 2008)
- Alborz (mountain range)
- Mountain ranges of Iran
- Caspian Sea
- Iranian plateau
- Landforms of Alborz province
- Landforms of Ardabil province
- Landforms of Gilan province
- Landforms of Golestan province
- Mountains of Mazandaran province
- Landforms of Semnan province
- Landforms of Tehran province
- Tourist attractions in Gilan province
- Tourist attractions in Mazandaran province
- Physiographic provinces
- Mountains of Iran