How does the Greater Caucasus affect the movement of cold air into Transcaucasia?

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Snow-covered peaks and ridges of the Caucasus Mountains in Russia stretch across the landscape under a pale sky. — Caucasus Caucasus Mountains in Russia.

The crest of the Greater Caucasus acts as a significant climatic barrier between temperate mid-latitude and subtropical zones. By impeding the movement of cold air masses from the north, the mountain range prevents these frigid currents from reaching Transcaucasia in full force.1

This obstruction is a primary reason for the stark temperature differences observed between the two regions. During January, for instance, temperatures in Ciscaucasia typically range from 23 to 28 °F (−5 to −2 °C), while areas in Transcaucasia remain significantly warmer, with averages between 34 and 43 °F (1 and 6 °C). Conversely, the mountains also serve to block the movement of warm air masses from the south into Ciscaucasia.1