Map Of Kemerovo (oblast)

The Kemerovo Oblast, also known as Kuzbass, is a region in southwestern Siberia, Russia, characterized by its significant coal mining industry and diverse landscapes. A map of Kemerovo Oblast reveals a region stretching roughly from the southern reaches of the West Siberian Plain into the foothills and low mountains of the Kuznetsk Alatau and Gornaya Shoria mountain ranges.

The administrative center and largest city is Kemerovo, located in the north-central part of the oblast, along the Tom River. The map shows other major industrial cities clustered around the Kuznetsk Basin (Kuzbass), the heart of the region’s coal production. These include Novokuznetsk, the oblast’s second largest city, located further south along the Tom River and near the confluence with the Kondoma River. Other notable cities marked on the map include Prokopyevsk, Leninsk-Kuznetsky, and Belovo, all playing significant roles in the coal industry and its related sectors.

Rivers are a defining feature. The Tom River, a major tributary of the Ob River, flows northwards through the oblast, providing crucial water resources and transportation routes. The map also highlights other important rivers such as the Inya, Yaya, and Kiya, which drain into the Tom, and the Kondoma and Mras-Su rivers, tributaries of the Tom in the south. These rivers are depicted as a network of waterways connecting the various settlements and industrial areas.

The topography varies considerably. The northern part of the oblast transitions from the West Siberian Plain, indicated by relatively flat terrain on the map, to rolling hills as you move south. The southern part is dominated by the Kuznetsk Alatau, a mountain range characterized by dense forests and alpine meadows. Gornaya Shoria, a mountainous region in the southeast, is known for its ski resorts and picturesque landscapes. These mountainous areas are typically represented with contour lines or shading to indicate elevation changes.

The map also highlights transportation infrastructure. Major highways connect Kemerovo with other key cities within the oblast and with neighboring regions like Novosibirsk and Tomsk. Railway lines, crucial for transporting coal and other goods, crisscross the oblast, connecting the coal mines with processing plants and transportation hubs. The Trans-Siberian Railway, a vital artery for Russia’s east-west transportation, passes through the northern part of the oblast.

Beyond the industrial centers, the map reveals large areas of sparsely populated land, covered by taiga forests and agricultural land. These areas offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and hunting. Protected areas, such as the Shorsky National Park in Gornaya Shoria, are often marked on the map, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Understanding the map of Kemerovo Oblast is essential for grasping the region’s economic activities, population distribution, and geographical diversity. It portrays a region shaped by its rich natural resources, particularly coal, and its ongoing efforts to balance industrial development with environmental preservation.