The main results of hydrochemical investigation in the center for geographical research of the Kabardino-Balkarian scientific center

The article summarizes the main results of hydrochemical studies conducted at the Geographical Research Center of the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center since 2013. The research covered the territory from the sources of the main rivers in the high-altitude areas to their flow to the foothill plain from the Teberda River in the west to the Cherek River in the east. Significant differences in the content of major ions and microelements in waters originating from glaciers or in the places of underground water outlets were revealed. It is shown that the contamination of natural waters with trace elements in the highlands has a focal character and is largely associated with the influence of underlying rocks. The features of the dynamics of the ionic composition are also associated with the change in the type of rocks during the transition from the high-altitude zone to the middle-altitude zone. The results obtained are of particular practical significance in connection with the intensive recreational development of the high-altitude areas of the Central and Western Caucasus.