Angara River facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Angara River
River
Elevation	456 m (1,496 ft)
Mouth	Yenisei River
Length	1,779 km (1,105 mi)
Discharge
- average	3,416 m³/s (120,635 cu ft/s)

The Angara River is a very important river in Siberia, Russia. It is special because it is the only river that flows out of Lake Baikal, which is the deepest lake in the world! The Angara River is about 1,779 kilometers (1,105 miles) long. It travels a long way before joining the mighty Yenisei River. A major city located right on the Angara is Irkutsk.

The Angara River's Journey

The Angara River starts its journey from the southwestern part of Lake Baikal. It flows generally north through the Irkutsk Oblast and Krasnoyarsk Krai regions of Russia. Along its path, the river passes through several important cities and towns. Finally, it meets the Yenisei River near a place called Strelka.

Why the Angara River is Important

The Angara River is very important for the areas it flows through. It provides water for cities and helps with transportation. But one of its biggest uses is for making electricity.

Hydroelectric Power

The Angara River has a strong current, which makes it perfect for building hydroelectric power stations. These stations use the force of the flowing water to generate electricity. There are several large dams and power plants built on the Angara, including:

• The Irkutsk Hydroelectric Power Station near Irkutsk.
• The Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station near Bratsk, which is one of the largest in the world.
• The Ust-Ilimsk Hydroelectric Power Station near Ust-Ilimsk.
• The Boguchany Dam near Kodinsk.

These power stations provide a lot of electricity for homes, factories, and businesses in Siberia.

Cities Along the Angara

Several important cities and towns are located along the Angara River. These cities often grew because the river provided water, transportation, and power.

• Irkutsk: This is one of the largest cities in Siberia and is located right where the Angara flows out of Lake Baikal. It's a historic city with a lot of culture.
• Bratsk: This city grew up around the huge Bratsk Dam and its power station.
• Ust-Ilimsk: Another city built near a major hydroelectric power plant on the river.

These cities use the river for many things, from drinking water to shipping goods.

History and Geography

The Angara River has been an important waterway for centuries. In the past, it was used by explorers and traders to travel through Siberia. Maps from long ago show how important the Angara and its nearby rivers were for connecting different areas.

Unique Connection to Lake Baikal

The Angara River is unique because it is the only river that flows out of Lake Baikal. Many rivers flow into Lake Baikal, but only the Angara carries its waters away. This connection is vital for the lake's ecosystem and the surrounding environment. The river's flow helps regulate the water levels of Lake Baikal.

Images for kids

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  The Bratsk Dam

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  Embankment of the Angara in Irkutsk

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  The Angara at Talzy, near Lake Baikal

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  The historical significance of the Angara and the Ilim as water routes is attested by a chain of villages along them (many of which, as well as the town of Ilimsk, were flooded by modern dams) on this map from 1773. Note that the lower course of the Angara is labeled as Nizhnyaya Tunguska – the name which is currently applied to another river

See also

In Spanish: Río Angará para niños