# Greater Caucasus > mountain range in the Caucasus region **Wikidata**: [Q486986](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q486986) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Caucasus) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/greater-caucasus ## Summary The Greater Caucasus is a major mountain range in the Caucasus region, spanning Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is part of the larger Caucasus Mountains system and serves as a natural divide between Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, with significant geological and ecological importance. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: Mountain range. - **Location**: Spans Eastern Europe and Western Asia. - **Coordinates**: Latitude 43.000509, Longitude 43.110863. - **Parent System**: Part of the Caucasus Mountains, which are within the Alpide belt. - **Surrounding Countries**: Located in or bordering Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. - **Geological Context**: Part of the Alpide belt, a seismic and orogenic belt extending along the southern margin of Eurasia. - **Associated Protected Area**: The Caucasus Biosphere Reserve, established on May 12, 1924, is located within the Greater Caucasus region. - **Astronomical Namesake**: *Montes Caucasus*, a mountain range on the Moon, shares its name with the terrestrial Greater Caucasus. ## FAQs **What is the geographical span of the Greater Caucasus?** The Greater Caucasus spans Eastern Europe and Western Asia, acting as a transcontinental feature in the Caucasus region. It is located in or borders the countries of Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. **What is the relationship between the Greater Caucasus and the Alpide belt?** The Greater Caucasus is part of the Alpide belt, a major seismic and orogenic belt that extends for more than 15,000 km along the southern margin of Eurasia. This geological connection influences the seismic activity and terrain of the region. **Which countries are located in the Greater Caucasus region?** The Greater Caucasus is situated in or borders three sovereign states: Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. Each of these countries has distinct historical and geopolitical contexts, including their transitions from the Soviet Union to independent nations. **What protected areas are associated with the Greater Caucasus?** The Caucasus Biosphere Reserve, established on May 12, 1924, is a notable biosphere reserve located within the Greater Caucasus region. This reserve is part of the Russian Federation and plays a role in conserving the region's unique ecosystems. **Is there an astronomical connection to the Greater Caucasus?** Yes, the Greater Caucasus shares its name with *Montes Caucasus*, a mountain range located on the Moon. This lunar feature is named after the terrestrial mountain range. ## Why It Matters The Greater Caucasus serves as a significant geographical and geological divide between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, influencing the climate and terrain of the region. As part of the Alpide belt, the mountain range plays a role in the seismic activity of the area, situated along the southern margin of Eurasia. The region's geopolitical importance is highlighted by its location at the intersection of Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan—nations with complex histories involving the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. The Greater Caucasus also hosts diverse ecosystems, including the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve, and supports specific biodiversity, contributing to its ecological significance. ## Notable For - Spanning two continents: Eastern Europe and Western Asia. - Being a component of the Alpide belt, a massive orogenic belt. - Hosting the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve, established in 1924. - Having a namesake lunar mountain range, *Montes Caucasus*. - Bordering three distinct sovereign states with varied histories and demographics. - Supporting specific biodiversity, including unique species adapted to its ecosystems. ## Body ### Geography and Location The Greater Caucasus is a major mountain range defined by coordinates at latitude 43.000509 and longitude 43.110863. Geographically, the range spans the boundary between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is often referred to as part of the larger Caucasus Mountains system. The terrain serves as a critical geographic feature for the surrounding nations, acting as a natural barrier and a bridge between the two continents. ### Geological Structure The Greater Caucasus is part of the Alpide belt, which is described as a seismic and orogenic belt including an array of mountain ranges extending for more than 15,000 km along the southern margin of Eurasia. This geological connection influences the seismic activity and terrain of the region, making it a significant feature in the study of Earth's geological processes. ### Natural Environment and Biology The region supports specific biological entities, including unique species adapted to its ecosystems. Conservation efforts in the area include the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve, a biosphere reserve that was established on May 12, 1924. The reserve is located within the Russian Federation and plays a crucial role in conserving the region's unique ecosystems and biodiversity. ### Astronomical Connection The influence of the Greater Caucasus extends beyond Earth, with a mountain range on the Moon named *Montes Caucasus*. This lunar feature shares its name with the terrestrial mountain range, highlighting the cultural and scientific significance of the Greater Caucasus. ### Regional Context: Countries The Greater Caucasus is centrally located among three sovereign states, each with distinct characteristics: * **Russia**: Located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, Russia is the largest country in the world by land area (17,075,400 square kilometers). It shares borders with 14 countries, including Georgia and Azerbaijan. The modern Russian Federation succeeded the Soviet Union in 1991, with Moscow as its capital. Russia's highest point, Mount Elbrus (5,642m), is located in the Caucasus region. * **Georgia**: A transcontinental country in the Caucasus region spanning Europe and Asia, Georgia covers an area of 69,700 square kilometers with a population of approximately 3.7 million. Its capital is Tbilisi, and its highest point is Shkhara mountain. Georgia gained independence from the Soviet Union on December 25, 1991. * **Azerbaijan**: Situated in the Caucasus in Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan has an area of 86,600 square kilometers and a population of over 10 million. Baku is its capital. The country gained independence in 1991 and is bordered by Armenia, Iran, Turkey, Russia, and Georgia. Its highest point is Mount Bazardüzü. ### Historical Context The region surrounding the Greater Caucasus has been shaped by major historical entities. The **Russian Empire** (1721–1917) was a former empire in Eurasia and North America that spanned vast territories, including the Caucasus region. Following the empire's dissolution, the **Soviet Union** (1922–1991) was formed, serving as a former country in Eurasia that encompassed the modern states of Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan until its dissolution in 1991. ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. BabelNet 3. [Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno](https://ipac.svkkl.cz/arl-kl/cs/detail-kl_us_auth-0387038-Velky-Kavkaz-pohori)