The Ob RiverThe problemThe Ob River is located in the north of Russia and flows in a southeast direction 68.8333° N, 73.5000° E. It is the seventh longest river in the world. This river originates in the Altai Mountains and flows through Siberia to the Gulf of Ob. Some countries crossed include Russia and Kazakhstan. With an area of ​​395,000 km2, its length is 1,670 km and the average annual rainfall in the Ob River is 800 mm. The Ob River provides 12% of all water in the Arctic Ocean. This water is slightly mineralized due to material eroded from the surrounding banks. The Ob River is a major means of transportation in the Siberian region. Import and export activities take place along the river. I chose to research this long river because of its diverse climate zones. The river basin passes through a variety of landscapes, including tundra, steppe, swamps, and semi-desert topography. The Ob River has gradually become polluted by various sources of contamination flowing into it. If this problem is not taken seriously, using the Ob River as drinking water could be dangerous. The issue I chose to study is the pollution contaminating the Ob River and its devastating impact on humans and animals. How did this happen? The Ob River is made up of many smaller rivers that slowly join together and then disperse into the Arctic Ocean. Erosion and weathering continued to increase the immense size of this river system. Ice forms on the river from October to mid-May. Melting ice causes ice jams which further erode the river upstream. Human elements have shaped parts of the landscape with the introduction of a dam, bridges and boats that dredge the water, modifying the natural background...... middle of paper ....these measures are currently encouraged, but harsher fines must be imposed if companies choose to reduce pollutants released into the river. I believe that the Ob River is truly a beautiful river and should be protected for future generations. We must work together to raise awareness about the pollution of this majestic river. I believe we must act now to prevent this vast source of water from becoming undrinkable in the near future. Large companies, like those that supply electricity in Russia, are torn between their right to make money and the high costs of reducing pollution of waterways. Some companies believe it is their right to provide jobs and electricity to cities, regardless of the pollution they create in the process. A balance between environment and economic wealth must be achieved if the Ob River is to be ecologically stable in the future..