Irtysh River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Irtysh River |
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Irtysh River watershed
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| Country | Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, Russia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Altay Mountains |
| River mouth | Ob River |
| Length | 4,248 km (2,640 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,643,000 km2 (634,000 sq mi) |
The Irtysh River is a long and important river that flows through Russia, China, and Kazakhstan. It is the main branch of the Ob River. The Irtysh starts high up in the Altai Mountains in China, near the border with Mongolia.
Many smaller rivers flow into the Irtysh, like the Tobol River and the Ishim River. Together, the Ob and Irtysh rivers create a huge area where water collects, called a drainage basin. This basin covers much of Western Siberia and the Altai Mountains in Asia.
Contents
How People Use the Irtysh River
The Irtysh River is very important for travel and trade. In Kazakhstan and Russia, large boats like tankers (which carry liquids) and freight boats (which carry goods) use the river. Passenger boats also travel on it. They can use the river when it's not frozen, usually from April to October.
The city of Omsk in Russia is a major center for river transport. It has the biggest river port in Western Siberia. The main office for the Irtysh River Shipping Company is also located there.
Hydroelectric Power on the Irtysh
In the Kazakhstan part of the river, there are three big hydroelectric power plants. These plants use the river's water to make electricity.
One special feature is the world's deepest lock. A lock is like a water elevator for boats. This lock is near the Ust-Kamenogorsk dam and helps boats go up or down a huge 42-meter (138-foot) difference in water level. There are also plans to build more dams along the river in the future.
Bridges Crossing the Irtysh
Many bridges cross the Irtysh River, connecting different areas. Seven railway bridges allow trains to cross the river. These bridges are found in several cities:
- Near Serebryansk
- Oskemen
- Semey, which is part of the Turkestan–Siberia Railway
- Pavlodar, on the South Siberian rail line
- Near Cherlak
- Omsk, which has the oldest bridge on the river, built in 1896. This bridge is part of the famous Trans-Siberian Railway.
- Tobolsk, on the line connecting Tyumen and Surgut
As the Kuytun–Beitun Railway in China expands, a new railway bridge will be built over the Irtysh near Altay City. Besides railway bridges, there are also many highway bridges for cars and trucks in China, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
Images for kids
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Map including the lower reaches of the Irtysh River
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The Irtysh in Omsk
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The Irtysh near Pavlodar in Kazakhstan
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Tobolsk river wharves in 1912
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An aerial view of the Irtysh in Omsk
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The Sixty Years of Victory Bridge in Omsk. (This bridge celebrates the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.)
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Irtysh River landscape in Burqin County, China
See also
In Spanish: Río Irtish para niños
