Ivankovo Reservoir, Dubna, Селиховское сельское поселение, Кимрский муниципальный округ, Tver Oblast, Central Federal District, Russia
Lake Ivankovo Reservoir, often referred to as the Ivankovskoye Reservoir and colloquially known as the Moscow Sea, is a notable hydroelectric reservoir situated on the Volga River. It spans across the Moscow and Tver Oblasts in Russia, approximately 130 kilometers north of Moscow. The geographical coordinates of the reservoir are 56°45′N 37°04′E.
Geographical and Hydrological Features
The Ivankovo Reservoir extends to a length of about 120 kilometers and has a maximum width of approximately 4 kilometers. The surface area of this expansive water body is 327 square kilometers. It is characterized by an average depth of 15 meters and reaches its maximum depth at 23 meters.
Tributaries and Subdivisions
This reservoir incorporates the lower course of the Shosha River, its right tributary the Lama, and the Soz. It comprises three primary bays or ‘plyoses’: the Ivankovo Bay in the northeast, the Volga Bay in the northwest, and the Shosha Bay in the west. These bays mark different sections of the reservoir, each with its unique environmental and hydrological aspects.
Climate and Seasonal Changes
Ivankovo Reservoir experiences a seasonal freeze, typically covered by ice from mid-November to mid-April. The water level shows significant fluctuation throughout the year, with a notable increase following the ice melt and then stabilizing until the onset of winter.
Drainage Basin
The reservoir’s drainage basin is extensive, encompassing the central part of Tver Oblast, the northwestern segment of Moscow Oblast, and areas in northeastern Smolensk Oblast and southwestern Novgorod Oblast. This basin includes several towns and cities like Dubna, Konakovo, Tver, and Torzhok, among others.
Historical Significance and Construction
Constructed in conjunction with the Moscow Canal, the Ivankovo Reservoir plays a crucial role in the region’s hydroelectric power generation. The construction of its dam commenced in January 1934, and by 1937, the reservoir began to fill up. The filling of the reservoir resulted in the submersion of the historic town of Korcheva and several villages, leading to resettlement and relocation of buildings to nearby areas like Konakovo.