Mingachevir Reservoir, Goranboy District, Ganja-Dashkasan, Azerbaijan
Lake Mingachevir Reservoir, also known as The Mingachevir Sea, stands as a colossal man-made marvel in northwestern Azerbaijan. As the largest reservoir in the Caucasus region, it holds a significant place in the country’s topography and economy. This reservoir, with a surface area of 605 square kilometers, was constructed on the Kura River and started filling in 1953, reaching its capacity by 1959.
Geographical and Structural Details
Located at 40°47′20″N 47°01′40″E, the reservoir stretches across an impressive length of 70 kilometers and spans 18 kilometers in width. Its maximum depth plunges to about 75 meters, while the average depth hovers around 26 meters. The reservoir’s shoreline extends over 247 kilometers, showcasing a varied landscape along its banks.
One of the most striking features of the Mingachevir Reservoir is the Mingachevir Hydro Power Plant. This powerhouse, located on the reservoir, is the largest of its kind in Azerbaijan, boasting an installed capacity of 401.6 megawatts. The dam associated with this power plant is a massive structure, measuring 1,550 meters in length, 16 meters in width, and 80 meters in height.
Functions and Uses
The reservoir plays multiple roles. It is a crucial source for fishing, water supplies, and irrigation, significantly contributing to the local economy and sustenance of the surrounding areas. It also supplies water to the Upper Karabakh and Upper Shirvan channels, underlining its importance in regional water management.
In terms of hydroelectric power, the reservoir is pivotal in meeting the energy needs of Azerbaijan, with the Mingachevir Hydro Power Plant utilizing its vast water volume of 15.730 cubic kilometers to generate electricity.
Environmental Aspects
The area around Mingachevir Reservoir is characterized by cliffs along the banks of the Kura River and where it meets the reservoir. The orography of the region includes sandy-clayey sediments from the Paleogene-Neogene period. The edges of the reservoir are prone to occasional landslide processes, adding a dynamic aspect to its geological features.