Where does the Lena River begin and what is its elevation?
The Lena River begins at an elevation of 1,640 meters within the Baikal Mountains. This source sits approximately 25 kilometers west of Lake Baikal and south of the Central Siberian Plateau.
Questions about Lena River
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How long can commercial vessels navigate the Lena River during specific times of the year?
Commercial vessels can navigate the Lena for a distance of 3,540 kilometers during specific times of the year. The annual navigation period lasts about 70 days in the estuarine region when ice is minimally present or absent.
Who explored the Lena River between 1620 and 1623 and how far did they travel?
Russian fur hunters led by Demid Pyanda sailed up the Nizhnyaya Tunguska between 1620 and 1623 to discover the river. In 1623 Pyanda explored approximately 1,500 kilometers of the river from its upper reaches to central Yakutia.
What historical event occurred near Bodaybo on the Lena River in 1912?
The Lena massacre occurred in 1912 when striking gold miners and local citizens were shot near Bodaybo in northern Irkutsk. Protesters demonstrated against poor working conditions within the mines along the river.
How large is the delta of the Lena River where it meets the Laptev Sea?
A large delta extends approximately 40,000 square kilometers into the Laptev Sea and spans about 700 kilometers wide at its mouth. Part of this area is protected as the Lena Delta Wildlife Reserve to preserve unique ecosystems.