Physical Geography of Russia
6th Grade Informational and Literature Reading Texts
Russia, with over 6.6 million square miles of varied climate and landscape, is the largest country in the world. It is nearly twice the size of the United States or Canada. Covering almost one-eighth of the Earth's surface, it ranges from the Arctic Circle in the north, to the borders of China in the south, from Europe in the west to the Pacific Ocean to the east. It spreads through two continents and 11 time zones. The Ural Mountains, some of the oldest mountain ranges, stretch from the north to the south. Russia borders more countries than any other and has 12 major seas.
Siberia, in the north, covers three-fourths of this landscape, with most of it being frozen tundra in the far north, meaning very little can grow because it is too cold. Okmyakon is the coldest inhabited city in the world with temperatures dipping down to -70°F. Only small trees, shrubs and moss survive the frigid temperatures. Winters are long with few people inhabiting this region. The endangered Siberian tiger can be found in this region. Permafrost, or frozen ground, prevents any agriculture.
Forested areas are south of the tundra where pine trees and evergreens are found. Most of the western part of the country is forests and steppes, or dry, flat plains, covering a major portion of the remaining land. Russia contains four of the world's largest rivers: Ob, Volga, Yenisei and Lena. The Lena stretches for 2,800 miles and is also one of the world's longest rivers. Lake Baikal, believed to hold one-fifth of the world's fresh water, is the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. Over 330 rivers flow into the Baikal and Nerpas, one of the only freshwater seals in the world is found in this lake.
The Kamchatka Peninsula juts into the Pacific Ocean, nearing the tendrils of Alaska. Over 150 volcanoes hover over the people living there. Most are non-active, but the threat of dangerous eruptions looms. The chain of islands rests within the Ring of Fire. The Kuril mountain chain, made up entirely of volcanoes, reaches from the southern tip of the Kamchatka Peninsula to northern Japan.
Moscow, the capital, is located in the western part of the country where the largest population lives along the Moskva (Moscow) River. The Moscow Kremlin, an ancient fortress, rebuilt to retain its ancient heritage is home to the Russian central government. In addition to being the official residence for the President, it includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and various other structures. It was initially constructed in the 1500s and has had many improvements and additions over its long history, always serving as a seat of power for those who ruled.
Siberia, in the north, covers three-fourths of this landscape, with most of it being frozen tundra in the far north, meaning very little can grow because it is too cold. Okmyakon is the coldest inhabited city in the world with temperatures dipping down to -70°F. Only small trees, shrubs and moss survive the frigid temperatures. Winters are long with few people inhabiting this region. The endangered Siberian tiger can be found in this region. Permafrost, or frozen ground, prevents any agriculture.
Forested areas are south of the tundra where pine trees and evergreens are found. Most of the western part of the country is forests and steppes, or dry, flat plains, covering a major portion of the remaining land. Russia contains four of the world's largest rivers: Ob, Volga, Yenisei and Lena. The Lena stretches for 2,800 miles and is also one of the world's longest rivers. Lake Baikal, believed to hold one-fifth of the world's fresh water, is the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. Over 330 rivers flow into the Baikal and Nerpas, one of the only freshwater seals in the world is found in this lake.
The Kamchatka Peninsula juts into the Pacific Ocean, nearing the tendrils of Alaska. Over 150 volcanoes hover over the people living there. Most are non-active, but the threat of dangerous eruptions looms. The chain of islands rests within the Ring of Fire. The Kuril mountain chain, made up entirely of volcanoes, reaches from the southern tip of the Kamchatka Peninsula to northern Japan.
Moscow, the capital, is located in the western part of the country where the largest population lives along the Moskva (Moscow) River. The Moscow Kremlin, an ancient fortress, rebuilt to retain its ancient heritage is home to the Russian central government. In addition to being the official residence for the President, it includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and various other structures. It was initially constructed in the 1500s and has had many improvements and additions over its long history, always serving as a seat of power for those who ruled.