The Caucasus has a wide variety of climates. The mountains shelter the Black Sea coast and the adjoining plain of Colchis from cold northerly winds. Forests on the lower mountain slopes supply Circassian walnut. Other products include grapes, oranges and lemons, tobacco, tea, and tung oil. In the east the lofty mountains keep rain from the hot Caspian coast.
Irrigated land produces cotton in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Cattle are pastured in the mountains and on the northern steppes. The greatest concentration of petroleum in the area is found on the Apsheron Peninsula in Azerbaijan. Rich manganese deposits and coal, copper, molybdenum, and tungsten are mined. The Caucasus has long played a major role as a link between Europe and Asia. Through it the ancient culture of Mesopotamia spread northward.