RIDGES

RIDGES, large linearly elongated elevations of relief with clearly expressed slopes,intersecting in the upper part. The pointsof maximum altitudes form the crest of theR. — a line, stretched in the longitudinaldirection, dividing it into two slopes andserving as a watershed. Crests differ inshape: sharp, serrated, saw‑tooth androunded. The crest usually gets lower closerto the longitudinal ends of the ridge, theso‑called centerline (ridge axis) is drawn onit. Each crest has a certain part with relatively gradual lowering of relief, it is calleda pass. Passes are distinguished by their origin: erosive, tectonic and glacial. The shape,length and height of the ridge depend onthe epoch of origin and history of development, as well as on the rocks it consists of.The height of the ridge reaches from severalhundred meters to sometimes several km;the length of the ridge is tens and hundredsof km. The shape of the centerline is dominated by straight‑line and weakly curvedridges. Large R. often have spurs — sideoffshoots that are smaller ridges. The pointsof intersection, or junction, of two or moreridges are called mountain nodes; a mountain node may also be the center of radiating ridges. The mountain ranges and masses, following one another in a linear sequence, and separated by depressions, forma mountain chain (ref. Mountains). A setof R. forms a mountain system. A lowlandnear neighboring ridges is called a notch ora mountain valley. They can be of differentforms — longitudinal, floodplain valleys,V‑shaped, several kilometers long. The valleys are formed under the mechanical impact of glaciers and mountain rivers.

R. in the RB are mostly of tectonic origin; by structure they can be folded andfolded‑lock; by height they can be low andmedium. Ural is the most elongated. Thefollowing R. are distinguished in the Republic: meridian‑oriented single mountainsof organogenic origin (Shikhany); watersheds (Uraltau); with severe roughness ofrelief and plateau‑like summits (Kraka); consisting of longitudinal R. with residualmountains (Kryktytau) and residual rockyhills (Irendyk); with rocky summits (Zilmerdak).