Kuma


Kuma

 

a river in the RSFSR, in the Northern Caucasus. Length, 802 km; basin area, 33,500 sq km. The river rises on the northern slopes of the Skalistyi Range. The Kuma flows between high, steep banks in its upper reaches and has a broad valley in its middle course. As it reaches the Caspian Lowland, the river’s channel breaks up into a number of branches, whose waters usually do not reach the Caspian Sea.

The Kuma is fed primarily by snow and rain. In the middle course, the average flow rate is 10.9 cu m per sec. The Kuma’s waters are distinguished by high turbidity (approximately 600,-000 tons of suspended material annually). The river freezes over in late November or early December and opens up in early March. High flood waters in the spring are typical.

The Kuma’s principal tributaries are the Podkumok on the right and the Mokryi Karamyk on the left. The waters of the Kuma are extensively used for irrigation, with the Terek Kuma and Kuma-Manych canals. The cities of Mineral’nye Vody, Zelenokumsk, and Prikumsk lie on the Kuma River.


Kuma

 

a river in Khanty-Mansi National Okrug, Tiumen’ Oblast, RSFSR; a right tributary of the Konda River (Irtysh Basin). Length, 530 km; basin area, 7,750 sq km. The Kuma flows through a marshy depression, forming large loops. There are many lakes in the area. The Kuma is fed by mixed sources, primarily snow. The river floods from May through October.