Hope this helps, I couldn't find much info on the Ob River so here it is!
A map of Russia
Key Facts:
The Ob River is located in Russia. It is 3650km long in length and is the 7th longest river in the world. It can be traversable by boat through 2900km of the river. The Ob River flows through China, Kazakhstan and Siberia. For 5-6 months of the year, the Ob River is frozen.
Sources of the River:
The source of the Ob River is high in the Altai Mountains, by the joining of the Biya and Katun rivers. The Biya forms from Lake Teletskoye, and the Katun, bursts out of a glacier on Mount Byelukha. The Ob zigzags west and north until it curves finally eastward into the
The river splits into more than one arm, especially after it joins with the Irtysh tributary, making it 1000km longer (4650km).
Image via Wikipedia
The floodplains of the Ob are characterized by many tributaries and lakes. The river freezes over for 4 to 5 months every year but the area can get hot in the summer and is popular for sightseers and does have tourist hotels along its sandy beach stretches.
Image via Wikipedia
The Ob River zigzags across Russia.
Water Usage:
Water from the Ob River is used for transportation, irrigation, drinking water, fishery and hydro-electricity purposes.
Irrigation: Water is drawn from the Ob River to irrigate crops and for use in industrial areas.
Drinking Water: Water from the Ob River is relied upon for clean drinking water for everyone in its path.
Fishery: The Ob River is home to over 50 species of fish. Fishing is a valuable industry in this area and many people rely on it for their livelihood.
Hydro-Electricity: There are several major hydro-electricity stations positioned on the Ob River.
Transportation: The Ob River is an important transport route for timber, oil and other industrial materials which need to be transported to destinations not accessible by rail.
Tourism: In some areas along the Ob you can find hotels and beaches popular with tourists.
Water from the Ob River is used extensively for industrial purposes. This is causing pollution problems.
Wildlife:
Fish- The River contains more than 50 species of fish. Like all areas with developing industries, pollution is becoming an increased problem. Although no species are considered endangered, pollution and the loss of water from irrigation has had a marked effect on the fishing industry.
Other wildlife which inhabit the Ob River environment include big mammals (bear, lynx, reindeer, snow leopard, Siberian stag, glutton) through to giant sea eagles and many different varieties of gulls, ducks and waterfowl. Camels and Yak are found high in the Russian Altai.
Plants – Grapes, melons and watermelons are grown along parts of the river.
Image via Wikipedia
Many species of plants, animals and fish inhabit the environment of the Ob River. We need to protect the water quality to ensure their survival.
5. HOW HEALTHY IS THIS RIVER?
The largest oil and gas deposits in
Increased demand for irrigation to industrial areas from the Ob River mean that great amounts of water are withdrawn. Results of this water loss can include –
- The loss of fish, animal and plants.
- Loss of livelihood for fishermen.
- Irrigation for agriculture will be less, and harvests will be poor. People who live at the river will have less food.
- The amount of clean drinking water will be less.
- Industries will be forced to stop.
Action needs to be taken to work a balance between the need for industry and the need for a quality water supply.
