Andes on a contour map. Where are the Andes mountains

The Andes is the longest (9000 km) and one of the highest (Mount Aconcagua, 6962 m) mountain systems of the Earth, bordering all of South America from the north and west; southern part Cordillera. In some places, the Andes reach a width of over 500 km (the greatest width - up to 750 km - in the Central Andes, between 18 ° and 20 ° S). The average height is about 4000 m. The Andes are a major interoceanic watershed; to the east of the Andes flow the rivers of the Atlantic Ocean basin (the Amazon itself and many of its large tributaries, as well as tributaries of the Orinoco, Paraguay, Parana, the Magdalena River and the Patagonian rivers originate in the Andes), to the west - the rivers of the basin Pacific Ocean(mostly short). The Andes serve as the most important climatic barrier in South America, isolating the territories to the west of the Cordillera Main from the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, to the east - from the influence of the Pacific Ocean. Mountains lie at 5 climatic zones(equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate) and are distinguished (especially in the central part) by sharp contrasts in moistening of the eastern (leeward) and western (windward) slopes.

Due to the considerable length of the Andes, their individual landscape parts differ significantly from each other. By the nature of the relief and other natural differences, as a rule, there are three main regions - Northern, Central and Southern Andes.
The Andes stretched across the territories of seven states South America- Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.
According to the Italian historian Giovanni Anello Oliva (1631), the eastern ridge was originally called the "Andes or Cordilleras" ("Andes, o cordilleras") by the European conquerors, while the western one was called the "sierra" ("sierra"). Currently, most scientists believe that the name comes from the Quechuan word anti (high ridge, ridge), although there are other opinions.

Geological structure and relief

Andes - revived mountains erected by the latest uplifts on the site of the so-called Andean (Cordillera) folded geosynclinal belt; The Andes are one of the largest Alpine folding systems on the planet (on the Paleozoic and partly Baikal folded basement). The formation of the Andes dates back to the Jurassic. For Andean mountain system typical are troughs formed in the Triassic, subsequently filled with layers of sedimentary and volcanic rocks of considerable thickness. Large massifs of the Main Cordillera and the coast of Chile, the Coastal Cordillera of Peru are Cretaceous granitoid intrusions. Intermountain and marginal troughs (Altiplano, Maracaibo, etc.) formed in the Paleogene and Neogene times. Tectonic movements, accompanied by seismic and volcanic activity, continue in our time. This is due to the fact that a subduction zone passes along the Pacific coast of South America: the Nazca and Antarctic plates go under the South American one, which contributes to the development of mountain building processes. The extreme southern part of South America, Tierra del Fuego, is separated by a transform fault from the small Scotia plate. Beyond the Drake Passage, the Andes continue the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The Andes are rich in ores, mainly of non-ferrous metals (vanadium, tungsten, bismuth, tin, lead, molybdenum, zinc, arsenic, antimony, etc.); the deposits are confined mainly to the Paleozoic structures of the eastern Andes and the vents of ancient volcanoes; in Chile - large copper deposits. There is oil and gas in the forward and foothill troughs (in the foothills of the Andes within Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina), and in the weathering crusts - bauxites. In the Andes there are also deposits of iron (in Bolivia), sodium nitrate (in Chile), gold, platinum and emeralds (in Colombia).
The Andes consist mainly of meridional parallel ranges: the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes, the Central Cordillera of the Andes, the Western Cordillera of the Andes, the Coastal Cordillera of the Andes, between which lie internal plateaus and plateaus (Puna, Altiplano - in Bolivia and Peru) or depressions. The width of the mountain system is mainly 200-300 km.

Orography

Northern Andes

The main system of the Andes mountains (Andean Cordillera) consists of parallel ridges stretching in the meridional direction, separated by internal plateaus or depressions. Only the Caribbean Andes, located within Venezuela and belonging to the Northern Andes, stretch sublatitudinally along the coast of the Caribbean Sea. The northern Andes also include the Ecuadorian Andes (in Ecuador) and the Northwestern Andes (in western Venezuela and Colombia). The highest ridges of the Northern Andes have small modern glaciers, and eternal snows on volcanic cones. The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao in the Caribbean are the peaks of the continuation of the Northern Andes descending into the sea.
In the Northwestern Andes, fan-shaped diverging north of 12 ° N. sh., there are three main Cordillera - Eastern, Central and Western. All of them are high, steeply sloping and have a folded-block structure. They are characterized by faults, uplifts and subsidences of modern times. The main Cordilleras are separated by large depressions - the valleys of the rivers Magdalena and Cauca - Patia.
The Eastern Cordillera has highest altitude in its northeastern part (Mount Ritakuwa, 5493 m); in the center of the Eastern Cordillera - an ancient lake plateau (the prevailing heights are 2.5 - 2.7 thousand m); the Eastern Cordillera is generally characterized by large leveling surfaces. In the highlands there are glaciers. In the north, the Eastern Cordillera is continued by the Cordillera de Mérida ranges ( highest point- Mount Bolivar, 5007 m) and the Sierra de Perija (reaches a height of 3540 m); between these ridges in a vast low-lying depression lies Lake Maracaibo. On the far north- horst massif Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta with altitudes up to 5800 m (Mount Cristobal Colon)
The valley of the Magdalena River separates the Eastern Cordillera from the Central, relatively narrow and high; in the Central Cordillera (especially in its southern part) there are many volcanoes (Huila, 5750 m; Ruiz, 5400 m; and others), some of them are active (Kumbal, 4890 m). To the north, the Central Cordillera drops somewhat and forms the Antioquia massif, strongly dissected by river valleys. The Western Cordillera, separated from the Central Valley of the Cauca River, has lower altitudes (up to 4200 m); in the south of the Western Cordillera - volcanism. Further to the west is the low (up to 1810 m) Serraniu de Baudo ridge, which passes in the north into the mountains of Panama. North and west of the Northwest Andes are the Caribbean and Pacific alluvial lowlands.
As part of the Equatorial (Ecuadorian) Andes, reaching up to 4 ° S, there are two Cordillera (Western and Eastern), separated by depressions 2500-2700 m high. Along the faults that limit these depressions (depressions) - one of the highest volcanic chains (the highest volcanoes are Chimborazo, 6267 m, Cotopaxi, 5897 m). These volcanoes, as well as those of Colombia, form the first volcanic region of the Andes.

Central Andes

In the Central Andes (up to 28 ° S), the Peruvian Andes (spreading south to 14 ° 30′ S) and the Central Andes proper are distinguished. In the Peruvian Andes, as a result of recent uplifts and intensive incision of rivers (the largest of which - Marañon, Ucayali and Huallaga - belong to the system of the upper Amazon), parallel ridges (Eastern, Central and Western Cordillera) and a system of deep longitudinal and transverse canyons were formed, which dissected the ancient leveling surface . The peaks of the Cordillera of the Peruvian Andes exceed 6000 m (the highest point is Mount Huascaran, 6768 m); in Cordillera Blanca - modern glaciation. Alpine landforms are also developed on the blocky ridges of the Cordillera Vilcanota, Cordillera de Vilcabamba, Cordillera de Carabaia. To the south is the widest part of the Andes - the Central Andean Highlands (up to 750 km wide), where arid geomorphological processes predominate; a significant part of the highlands is occupied by the Puna plateau with heights of 3.7 - 4.1 thousand m. Pune is characterized by drainless basins (“bolsons”) occupied by lakes (Titicaca, Poopo, etc.) and salt marshes (Atacama, Koipasa, Uyuni, etc. .). To the east of Pune - Cordillera Real (Ankouma peak, 6550 m) with powerful modern glaciation; between the Altiplano plateau and the Cordillera Real, at an altitude of 3700 m, is the city of La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, the highest mountain in the world. East of the Cordillera Real - Subandian folded ranges of the Eastern Cordillera, reaching up to 23 ° S. The southern continuation of the Cordillera Real is the Central Cordillera, as well as several blocky massifs (the highest point is Mount El Libertador, 6720 m). From the west, Pune is framed by the Western Cordillera with intrusive peaks and numerous volcanic peaks (Sahama, 6780 m; Lullaillaco, 6739 m; San Pedro, 6145 m; Misti, 5821 m; etc.), which are part of the second volcanic region of the Andes. South of 19° S the western slopes of the Western Cordillera go to the tectonic depression of the Longitudinal Valley, occupied in the south by the Atacama Desert. Behind the Longitudinal Valley there is a low (up to 1500 m) intrusive Coastal Cordillera, which is characterized by arid sculptural relief forms.
In Pune and in the western part of the Central Andes, there is a very high snow line (in some places above 6,500 m), therefore, snow is noted only on the highest volcanic cones, and glaciers are found only in the Ojos del Salado massif (up to 6,880 m high).

Southern Andes

In the Southern Andes, extending south of 28 ° S, there are two parts - the northern (Chile-Argentine, or Subtropical Andes) and the southern (Patagonian Andes). In the Chilean-Argentinean Andes, tapering to the south and reaching 39 ° 41′ S, a three-membered structure is pronounced - the Coastal Cordillera, the Longitudinal Valley and the Main Cordillera; within the latter, in the Cordillera Frontal, - highest peak Andes, Mount Aconcagua (6960 m), as well as the large peaks of Tupungato (6800 m), Mercedario (6770 m). The snow line here is very high (at 32°40′ S - 6000 m). East of the Cordillera Frontal are the ancient Precordillera.
South of 33°S (and up to 52 ° S) is the third volcanic region of the Andes, where there are many active (mainly in the Main Cordillera and to the west of it) and extinct volcanoes(Tupungato, Maipa, Limo, etc.)
When moving south, the snow line gradually decreases and under 51 ° S.l. reaches a mark of 1460 m. High ridges acquire the features of an alpine type, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bmodern glaciation increases, and numerous glacial lakes appear. South of 40°S the Patagonian Andes begin with lower ridges than in the Chilean-Argentine Andes (the highest point is Mount San Valentin - 4058 m) and active volcanism in the north. About 52° S the heavily dissected Coastal Cordillera plunges into the ocean, and its peaks form a chain of rocky islands and archipelagos; The longitudinal valley turns into a system of straits reaching the western part of the Strait of Magellan. In the area of ​​the Strait of Magellan, the Andes (here called the Andes of Tierra del Fuego) deviate sharply to the east. In the Patagonian Andes, the height of the snow line barely exceeds 1500 m (in the extreme south it is 300-700 m, and from 46 ° 30′ S. glaciers descend to ocean level), glacial landforms predominate (below 48 ° S - powerful Patagonian ice sheet) with an area of ​​​​over 20 thousand km², from where many kilometers of glacial tongues descend to the west and east); some of the valley glaciers on the eastern slopes end in large lakes. Young volcanic cones (Corcovado and others) rise along the shores, strongly indented by fjords. The Andes of Tierra del Fuego are relatively low (up to 2469 m).

Vegetation and soils

The soil and vegetation cover of the Andes is very diverse. This is due high altitudes mountains, a significant difference in the moisture content of the western and eastern slopes. Altitudinal zonality in the Andes is clearly expressed. There are three altitudinal belts- Tierra Caliente, Tierra Fria and Tierra Elada.
In the Andes of Venezuela, deciduous (during the winter drought) forests and shrubs grow on red mountainous soils. The lower parts of the windward slopes from the Northwestern Andes to the Central Andes are covered with mountainous equatorial and tropical forests on lateritic soils, as well as mixed forests of evergreen and deciduous species. The appearance of equatorial forests differs little from appearance these forests in the flat part of the mainland; various palms, ficuses, bananas, a cocoa tree, etc. are characteristic. Higher (up to altitudes of 2500-3000 m), the nature of the vegetation changes; Bamboos, tree ferns, coca shrub (which is the source of cocaine), cinchona are typical. Between 3000 m and 3800 m - alpine hylaea with stunted trees and shrubs; epiphytes and creepers are widespread, bamboos, tree-like ferns, evergreen oaks, myrtle, heather are characteristic. Above - predominantly xerophytic vegetation, paramos, with numerous Compositae; moss swamps on flat areas and lifeless rocky spaces on steep slopes. Above 4500 m - a belt of eternal snow and ice.
To the south, in the subtropical Chilean Andes - evergreen shrubs on brown soils. In the Longitudinal Valley there are soils resembling chernozems in composition. The vegetation of the alpine plateaus: in the north - mountain equatorial meadows of paramos, in the Peruvian Andes and in the east of Pune - dry alpine-tropical steppes of halka, in the west of Pune and in the entire Pacific west between 5-28 ° south latitude - desert types of vegetation (in the Atacama Desert - succulent vegetation and cacti). Many surfaces are saline, which hinders the development of vegetation; in such areas, mainly wormwood and ephedra are found. Above 3000 m (up to about 4500 m) - semi-desert vegetation, called dry puna; grow dwarf shrubs (tholoi), grasses (feather grass, reed grass), lichens, cacti. To the east of the Main Cordillera, where there is more rainfall, there is steppe vegetation (puna) with numerous grasses (fescue, feather grass, reed grass) and cushion-shaped shrubs. On the humid slopes of the Eastern Cordillera, tropical forests (palm trees, cinchona) rise to 1500 m, stunted evergreen forests with a predominance of bamboo, ferns, and lianas reach 3000 m; at higher altitudes - alpine steppes. A typical inhabitant of the Andean highlands is polylepis, a plant of the Rosaceae family, common in Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Chile; these trees are also found at an altitude of 4500 m.
In the middle part of Chile, the forests are largely reduced; once forests rose along the Main Cordillera to heights of 2500-3000 m (mountain meadows with alpine grasses and shrubs, as well as rare peat bogs, began higher), but now the mountain slopes are practically bare. Nowadays, forests are found only in the form of separate groves (pines, araucaria, eucalyptus, beeches and plane trees, in the undergrowth - gorse and geraniums). On the slopes of the Patagonian Andes south of 38°S. - subarctic multi-tiered forests of tall trees and shrubs, mostly evergreen, on brown forest (podzolized to the south) soils; there are many mosses, lichens and lianas in the forests; south of 42°S - mixed forests (in the region of 42 ° S there is an array of araucaria forests). Beeches, magnolias, tree ferns, tall conifers, and bamboos grow. On the eastern slopes of the Patagonian Andes - mostly beech forests. In the extreme south of the Patagonian Andes - tundra vegetation.
In the extreme southern part of the Andes, in Tierra del Fuego, forests (from deciduous and evergreen trees- for example, southern beech and canelo) occupy only a narrow coastal strip in the west; above the forest border, the snow belt begins almost immediately. In the east and in places in the west, subantarctic mountain meadows and peat bogs are common.
The Andes are the birthplace of cinchona, coca, tobacco, potatoes, tomatoes and other valuable plants.

Animal world

Animal world the northern part of the Andes is included in the Brazilian zoogeographic region and is similar to the fauna of the adjacent plains. The fauna of the Andes south of 5 ° south latitude belongs to the Chilean-Patagonian subregion. The fauna of the Andes as a whole is characterized by an abundance of endemic genera and species. The Andes is inhabited by llamas and alpacas (representatives of these two species are used by the local population for obtaining wool and meat, as well as pack animals), chain-tailed monkeys, a relic spectacled bear, pudu and gaemal deer (which are endemic to the Andes), vicuña, guanaco, Azar fox , sloths, chinchillas, marsupial opossums, anteaters, degu rodents. In the south - blue fox, Magellanic dog, endemic rodent tuco-tuco, etc. There are many birds, among them hummingbirds, which are also found at altitudes of more than 4000 m, but are especially numerous and diverse in the "foggy forests" (moist tropical forests of Colombia, Ecuador , Peru, Bolivia and the extreme northwest of Argentina, located in the fog condensation zone); endemic condor, rising to a height of up to 7 thousand meters; and others. Some species (such as, for example, chinchillas, which were intensively exterminated in the 19th and early 20th centuries for the sake of obtaining skins; wingless grebes and the Titicaca whistler, found only near Lake Titicaca; etc.) are endangered.
The peculiarity of the Andes is the great species diversity amphibians (over 900 species). Also in the Andes, there are about 600 species of mammals (13% are endemic), over 1,700 species of birds (of which 33.6% are endemic) and about 400 species freshwater fish(34.5% endemic)

Information

• Countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina
• Length: 9000 km
• Width: 500 km
• highest peak: Aconcagua

Source. wikipedia.org

If you had to learn geography at school, then most likely you passed which mountain range is the longest in the world. The correct answer to this question would be the Andes - after all, the length of this mountain range is 9,000 kilometers. This unique miracle of nature is located in South America, and starts from its southern part and ends in the north.

Geographic location

The Andean Cordillera runs through everything Western countries Latin America and are characterized by variable climatic conditions. The eastern part of the Andes is characterized by permanent ridges that appeared here in the Cenozoic era. Reflecting on the question of where the Andes are, for some reason they recall ancient states in South America, which arose even before the development of civilizations. The tribes of the Aztecs, Incas, the Mayan tribe created an indelible atmosphere of the secret and mysterious here. For example, one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, is located in these mountains.

Dedicated dark color- Andes mountain range

Minerals of the mountain range

Most of the Andean countries use rocks for mining. So, for example, Peru extracts copper, gold and silver from the mountain bowels. Despite the fact that Peru is still an agricultural country, the extraction of these minerals makes a significant contribution to the development of the economy. Another South American country, Argentina, extracts oil and gas from the eastern foothills, extracts zinc, lead, copper and aluminum from the very mountain ores. In general, Argentina is one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America, so you can talk a lot about it, but because. in this article we consider a mountain range, then we will go further. The next South American country located where the Andes are located is Chile. This country is today the largest exporter of copper in the world. Thanks to the mountain range passing through its territory, the state is beginning to develop the extraction of other non-ferrous metals, which in the future will allow it to develop the economic infrastructure in the country.

The next state, located on the eastern part of the Andes and their foothills, is Bolivia. It is characterized by one of the world's largest mining of tin, zinc and tungsten. The presence of foothills on the territory of the country makes it possible to extract oil and gas, which is so necessary for the energy development of the region. It is worth mentioning another state located in the same place - Colombia. Despite the fact that this country is primarily associated with Pablo Escobar, coffee and drugs, the mining industry here is one of the most important sectors of the economy. Gold, platinum, 90% of all emeralds in the world are mined here.

Sights of the mountain range

Machu Picchu

Being a kind of wall, the Andes more than once protected the countries located to the east of the mountain range from natural disasters. Mountains are the “feeding trough” for the economies of many countries whose territories this mountain range crosses. In addition to the mining component of the economies of states, the Andes are also a tourist center. So, on the territory of Peru there is a new wonder of the world, recognized as such in 2007 - Machu Picchu, lost city Incas, located at an altitude of 2450 meters.

Also on the territory of the mountain range, at an altitude of 3650 meters, there is a dried salt Lake(salt marsh) - Uyuni. This is a huge area (10,500 square kilometers) of land, on the surface of which table salt is located, the depth of which reaches 8 meters.

Uyuni - dried salt lake

Other amazing place in these mountains is the driest desert in the world - Atacama. It is located just to the west of the main mountain range in the state of Chile. Despite the fact that Atacama is the driest desert on Earth, the average temperature in January here is 19 degrees Celsius, June - 13 degrees.

The highest point of the mountain range, the southern and western hemisphere is Mount Aconcagua. Its height is 6962 meters above sea level. It got its name from the ancient Quechua language, Ackon Cahuak, which means "Stone Guardian". It is located in the central part of the mountain range, in Argentina.

In addition to the largest salt marsh in the world, the Andes has the largest lake in terms of reserves. fresh water in South America - Titicaca. It got its name in the same way as the highest mountain from the ancient language of the Quechua Indians, which means rock (kaka) and puma (titi) - a sacred animal. The lake is also the highest navigable lake in the world. Located on the territory of two states, Peru and Bolivia, Titicaca has an average depth of 130 meters and a temperature of 12-14 degrees. Despite this, the lake often freezes off the coast, as it is located at an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level.

The most full-flowing lake in South America - Titicaca

Which is simply amazing, can rightly be called one of the wonders of our planet. These mountains border the entire western coast of South America, and besides, they are a powerful natural barrier separating the mainland and the Pacific Ocean. What is the absolute height of the highest point of the Andes? And what is unique about this mountain system?

controversial issue

Many geographers consider the Andes to be part of the Cordillera mountain system, which stretches along west coast North and South America and has a total length of 18,000 kilometers. Therefore, they are even called the Southern Cordillera. The thing is that this mountain range clearly has a common origin. It is believed that it arose when both parts of America began to move east.

Other scientists call Cordillera only mountains in the Northern Hemisphere. The Andes are distinguished as an independent system. Their arguments are based on the fact that the Cordillera differ in both relief and position above sea level. Therefore, the highest point of the Andes is (6962 meters). The Cordillera cannot boast of such indicators: Mount McKinley, which is located in Alaska, rises up to 6194 meters. And if you agree with the first opinion, then Mount Aconcagua, and not McKinley, should be considered the highest point of the Cordilleras.

But if we talk about the Andes, their height in any case does not change their indicators. The summit of Aconcagua rises above the entire western hemisphere. It is also striking that the average height of the mountains (Andes) is 4000 m, despite the fact that they extend 9000 km (!) in length and up to 750 km in width. Even from space you can see such a huge stone massif with snow-capped peaks. Among other things, the Andes is also the highest mountain system on Earth.

History of occurrence

It is believed that the Andes began to emerge in the Paleozoic and Precambrian era, and finally formed during jurassic. Scientists suggest that at first land areas appeared from the ocean, which over time again went under water, and this was repeated periodically.

As a result, layers of marine sediments several kilometers thick accumulated on the continental shelves. Over tens of thousands of years, they hardened, turning into deposits of stone. Further, under pressure, they were pushed out in the form of huge folds. All this was accompanied by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The entire process of relief formation was completed by the general uplift of the entire system.

young mountains

The Andes are classified as (the era of tectogenesis in the Cenozoic). Therefore, despite their considerable age (60 million years are attributed to them), they are considered young mountains. Their peers are the Himalayas, the Pamirs, the Caucasus, the Alps. Therefore, in the Andes there are many seismically hazardous areas and some volcanoes are active. This is due to the fact that the mountains have not yet completed their formation process and are still growing. average speed- 10 cm per year.

As a result of this, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and glacier collapse often occur in the Andes. Unfortunately, serious disasters occur in the Andes with a frightening cycle - once every 10-15 years. Not so long ago (in 2010) the world was shocked by the earthquake in Chile, which affected millions of people.

Relative and absolute height: what's the difference

Speaking about the height of the Andes, it should be clarified how the absolute height differs from the relative one. The first is the distance from sea level to the highest point of the feature. The second is calculated from the foot of the mountain to the top. It goes without saying that it will always be less than the absolute value.

This rule is confirmed by the Andes. The height of Aconcagua from sea level is 6962 meters, and from the foot - 6138 meters, that is, 824 meters less than the absolute one. This, by the way, is of great importance for climbers, because the real distance that they need to overcome is relative performance. But well-being, depending on atmospheric pressure and the temperature minimum, the absolute height already determines. Experienced climbers never ignore these numbers.

If you look at South America in a section, then the relief of its surface is very peculiar. There is a fairly large amplitude between the minimum and maximum values.

The Amazonian lowland is the largest on the planet, its area covers 5 million square kilometers. Its average absolute height is less than 200 meters above sea level. But there are parts, especially near the Atlantic coast and in the center of the mainland, that rise no more than 100 meters. And the minimum is 10 meters above sea level. The surface rises as it approaches the western part of the continent. The maximum performance is 150-250 meters.

So what is the height of the Andes relative to the Amazonian lowland? If we take into account only the difference in average heights, then this is already impressive: a drop from 200 to 4000 meters - and this is all at a width of about 5000 kilometers.

Given the maximum variation in absolute heights, it turns out that the rise of the surface ranges from 10 meters to almost 7 kilometers. This could not but affect the climate and atmospheric pressure zones, but more on that below.

Aconcagua is located in Argentina. Etymology given title is not known for sure, but it may be derived from the words "acon caguac", which in the language of the Quechua tribe means "stone guard".

The navigator will help you get to the foot of Aconcagua, and then conquer the peak of the Andes mountain system. The absolute height and coordinates of the highest point are indicated to the nearest meter and minute: the peak lies at 6962 meters above sea level and is located at 32 ° 39′ S. sh. 70°00′ W d.

Major Peaks

The Andes can boast of 13 six-thousanders. Here is their list:

1. Aconcagua (6962 m).
2. Ojos del Salado (6893 m). It is located on the border between Argentina and Chile.
3. Pisis (6795 m). It is located in the most picturesque part of the Andes. In the neighborhood from it lie the most beautiful lakes and glaciers.
4. Bonet (6759 m). Located close to national park Laguna Brava.
5. Tres Cruzes (6749 m). This is also a volcano with three peaks. Nearby is the national park of the same name.
6. Huascaran (6746 m). The highest mountain in Peru.
7. Lulaillako (6739 m). This is the highest place in the world where the remains of an ancient civilization have been discovered. Archaeologists have found three Inca mummies here.
8. Mercedario (6700 m). This is a huge glacier, from which many mountain rivers originate.
9. Walter Penck (6658 m). This volcano is named after its explorer from Germany, who worked here at the end of the 19th century.
10. Incahuasi (6638 m). This mountain was a place of worship for the Incas.
11. Yerupaya (6617 m). In translation, the name sounds like "white dawn", perhaps because of the eternal snows that cover the peak.
12. Tupungato (6570 m). Located on the border of Chile and Argentina, 80 kilometers from Aconcagua.
13. Sayyama (6542 m). This is the highest point in Bolivia.

Regions

Since the described mountain system is too extended in length, three main landscape zones are distinguished in it: the Northern, Southern and Central Andes.

The first of them consists of three massifs: the Caribbean (located on the territory of Venezuela), the Northwestern (Colombia-Venezuela) and the Ecuadorian (they are also called Equatorial) Andes. It is interesting that these mountains go into the sea - islands like Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao are actually peaks that have not yet risen from the depths. This part of the Andes is distinguished by the highest chain of volcanoes in the world, some of which are still active.

If we talk about the central landscape zone, then there, in addition to the main part itself, one can also distinguish the Peruvian Andes. Here is the highest capital of the world - the city of La Paz (Bolivia), built at an altitude of 3700 m.

The width of the Andes in this part reaches its maximum: 750 km. A large area is occupied by the Puna Plateau, the average heights of which range from 3.7 to 4 kilometers. Also, it is in the Central Andes that the second peak after Aconcagua is located - Ojos del Salado. There are many six-thousanders here. All of them have one interesting feature - a very high snow line (starts from 6500 m). This part is characterized by alpine lakes, the most famous of them is Titicaca, resting at an altitude of 3821 m.

Despite the fact that this is where the famous peak is located, in general, the Southern region of the mountains is much lower than the Central. The height of the Andes in meters is clearly on the decline here. Accordingly, the snow line also decreases (the peaks starting from 1500 m lie under the white cover). When immersed in the ocean, they take on a different look: they transform into archipelagos and islands. The predominant heights of the Andes mountains on Tierra del Fuego, which is also covered with ridges, are significantly lower (up to 2500 m).

Climate

The northern part of the mountains lies in the subequatorial and equatorial climatic zone. The first is characterized by alternating wet and dry seasons. The eastern slopes are abundantly moist, while the western slopes are characterized by a drier climate. In the Caribbean Andes, the air is almost tropical. The annual rainfall is very low. And now the Ecuadorian Andes are more stable with respect to temperature: there the thermometer needle basically stands still all year round. This is enjoyed by the inhabitants of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. This area is very well hydrated.

In the Central Andes, the climate is very harsh due to the large difference in humidity between the western and eastern slopes of the mountains. Here is the Atacama - the driest desert in the world, where no more than 50 mm of precipitation falls per year.

The southern Andes lie in the subtropical zone, which smoothly passes into the temperate climate zone. Due to strong winds, the amount of precipitation here reaches 6000 mm. This is not surprising, because on the south coast it rains almost 200 days a year.

Climbing Aconcagua

Aconcagua is second in the list of the Seven Peaks. Second only to Everest. Matthias Jurbiggen, who climbed the Andes in 1897, is considered to be the first conqueror of the Andes.

Compared to other peaks, climbing Aconcagua is technically easy, especially from the north side. Unlike climbing Everest, oxygen tanks are not required to conquer the Andes - the altitude here is less than 2000 m.

Records

Despite the possibility of sudden storms, every year about 5,000 daredevils try to reach the summit and find themselves on the highest point of the entire western hemisphere. Records have already been set.

For example, the fastest ascent (5 hours 45 minutes) was carried out in 1991. Apparently, in recent times interest in the Andes has increased again, as several records have been set at once, almost one after another. So, in 2013, 9-year-old American schoolboy Tyler Armstrong became the youngest representative of the stronger sex to master the summit of Aconcagua. And 12-year-old Romanian Jeta Popescu gave a decent answer in February 2016.

At the same time, the Spaniard Fernanda Maciel took first place in the list of the fastest complete (top - descent - top) ascents, having done it in 14 hours and 20 minutes. A similar record for men's rise was recorded a year earlier. The greatest height of the mountains (Andes) succumbed to the climber Karl Egloff, who managed in 11 hours 52 minutes.

Another fact is also surprising: at a distance of 4400 meters from sea level is the highest art gallery in the world. It is located in the base camp of Plaza de Mulas. It exhibits the work of contemporary Argentine artist Miguel Doura. Apparently, climbers are provided with leisure.

Ancient civilization in the Andes

It is believed that people have mastered the highlands as early as 4000 years ago, at least, this is how it dates from the first archaeological excavations. Yes, the Andes hide many mysteries! Their height, apparently, did not at all frighten the Incas, who built an entire civilization here.

Researchers are especially perplexed by the Sacsayhuaman archaeological complex (3700 m), the fortress of which consists of huge processed stones weighing up to 200 tons. And just below (3500 m) is the ancient agricultural laboratory of Morai, where the Incas, most likely, conducted experiments with plants.

The Andes can truly be called the heritage of the world, because they keep both the wealth of breathtaking landscapes and mysteries ancient history humanity.

The longest mountain system

The Inca Empire in the Andes is one of the most mysterious disappeared states. The tragic fate of a highly developed civilization that appeared in far from the most favorable natural conditions and who died at the hands of illiterate aliens, still worries humanity.
The era of great geographical discoveries (XV-XVII centuries) made it possible for European adventurers to quickly and fabulously get rich in new lands. Most often cruel and unprincipled, the conquistadors rushed to America not for the sake of scientific discoveries and cultural exchange between civilizations.
The fact that the papal throne in 1537 recognized the Indians as spiritualized beings did not change anything in the methods of the conquistadors - they were not interested in theological disputes. By the time of the "humane" papal decision, the conquistador Francisco Pizarro had already managed to execute the Inca emperor Atahualpa (1533), defeat the Inca army and capture the capital of the empire, the city of Cuzco (1536).
There is a version that at first the Indians mistook the Spaniards for gods. And it is quite possible that the main reason for this misconception was not the white skin of the aliens, not that they were riding on unseen animals, and not even that they possessed firearms. The Incas were struck by the incredible cruelty of the conquistadors.
At the first meeting of Pizarro and Atahualpa, the Spaniards ambushed thousands of Indians and captured the emperor, who did not expect anything like this at all. After all, the Indians, whom the Spaniards condemned for human sacrifice, believed that human life is the highest gift, and that is why the human sacrifice to the gods was the highest form of worship. But in order to simply destroy thousands of people who did not come to the war at all?!
That the Incas could offer serious resistance to the Spaniards is beyond doubt. After the murder of the captive Atahualpa, for whom the Indians paid a monstrous ransom - almost 6 tons of gold, the conquistadors began to plunder the country, mercilessly melting down Inca jewelry pieces into ingots. But the brother of Atahualpa Manco, appointed by them as the new emperor, instead of collecting gold for the invaders, fled and led the fight against the Spaniards. The last emperor, Tupac Amaru, was only able to be executed by Viceroy Francisco de Toledo of Peru in 1572, and even after that, the leaders of new uprisings were named after him.
Not much has survived from the Inca civilization to this day - after the death of hundreds of thousands of Indians, both at the hands of the Spaniards and from work in the mines, hunger, European epidemics, there was no one to maintain irrigation systems, high mountain roads, beautiful buildings. The Spaniards destroyed a lot to get building material.
A country whose inhabitants were accustomed to supply from public warehouses, in which there were no beggars and vagabonds, on long years after the arrival of the conquistadors, it became a zone of human disaster.

Nature

Andes run through everything climatic zones, so the flora and fauna of these mountain ranges is very diverse.

Different theories determine the age of the Andean mountain system from 18 million years to several hundred million years. But, more importantly for people living in the Andes, the process of formation of these mountains is still ongoing.
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, glaciers in the Andes do not stop. In 1835, Charles Darwin observed the eruption of the Osorno volcano from the island of Chiloe. The earthquake described by Darwin destroyed the cities of Concepción and Talcahuano and claimed numerous victims. Such events in the Andes are not uncommon.
So, in 1970, a glacier in Peru literally in seconds buried the city of Yungay under itself with almost all the inhabitants, about 20,000 people died. In Chile in 2010, an earthquake claimed several hundred lives, left millions homeless, and caused enormous property damage. In general, serious disasters occur in the Andes with a frightening cycle - once every 10-15 years.
The most severe climate is noted on the central plateaus of the Andes, where precipitation, if any, occurs even in summer in the form of snow. It is believed that these highlands are the most barren and driest in the world, which is quite due to the combination of rarefied dry air, fierce winds and dazzling sun.
The Andes perform the function of an interoceanic watershed: the rivers belonging to the Atlantic Ocean basin flow east of the Andes, and many of them originate in the mountains, the source of the Amazon itself is located in the Andes, largest river peace. The rivers belonging to the Pacific Ocean are generally short and flow west of the Andes.
Also, the Andes, whose length is the largest in the world, are also a climatic barrier that isolates the Pacific coast of South America from the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, and most continent - from the influence of the Pacific Ocean. As a result of the great extent of the Andes, their landscape parts differ significantly, according to various natural features distinguish the Northern Andes (up to 5º S), the Central Andes (5-28 "S) and the Southern Andes (28-41º 30º S). Another feature of this mountain system is a clearly defined altitudinal zonality, according to which is distinguished by three belts - tierra caliente - the lower high-altitude forest belt, tierra fria - the upper forest belt and tierra elada - a belt with a harsh climate.
Depending on the distance from the equator and on the height above sea level, both equatorial, tropical and subtropical forests with their abundance of vegetation (palms, bananas, ficuses, cocoa trees, bamboos, evergreen trees and shrubs) and forests grow in the Andes. temperate climate. Subarctic forests and tundra vegetation are characteristic of high altitudes and southern latitudes. It is believed that many of the most important agricultural crops, such as tomatoes, potatoes, tobacco, come from the Andes.
In the animal world of the Andes, there are many unique species. So, Andean camels, llamas, alpacas, vigoni and guanacos are not found anywhere else in the world. The Andes are home to over 900 amphibian species, about 600 mammal species, and over 1,700 bird species. Many of them are endemic.

general information

Andes, Andean Cordillera- the longest mountain system in the world, the southern part of the Cordillera.

Location: bordering the continent of South America from the north and west

States in which the Andes are located: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina

The peoples inhabiting the Andes: Indians, Europeans, Mestizos, African Americans, Mulattos, Asians

Languages: mainly Spanish, as well as Quechua, Aymara, Guaraní and other Indian tribal languages

Religion: Primarily Catholic

Main seaports: Guayaquil (Ecuador), Valparaiso (Chile).

The most important airports: international Airport Simon Bolivar (Caracas, Venezuela); Eldorado International Airport (Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia), Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito, Ecuador), Jorge Chavez International Airport (Lima, Peru), El Alto International Airport (La Paz, Bolivia), Santiago International Airport (Chile).

The most important rivers are: Orinoco, Marañon, Ucayali, Medeira, Pilcomayo, Bermejo, Parana, Rio Salado, Colorado, Rio Negro.

Major lakes: Titicaca, Poopo.

Economy

The leading industry is mining: deposits of tungsten, silver, tin, oil are being developed (Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Chile); copper (Chile), gold and emeralds (Colombia), iron (Bolivia).

Agriculture: bananas (Ecuador, Colombia), potatoes, coffee (Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador), corn, tobacco, wheat, sugarcane, olives, grapes; sheep breeding, fishing on large lakes.

Climate and weather

Due to the great length of the Andes, there is a huge variety of climate here, this mountain system stretches over six climatic zones (equatorial, northern and southern subequatorial, southern tropical, subtropical and temperate).

Most of the precipitation (up to 820 mm per year) falls from May to November.

In highland Quito, the temperature is kept within +13ºС... +15ºС, but there are big differences between day and night.

Precipitation (up to 1200 mm per year) - from September to May.

In La Paz, the average monthly temperature in November is about +1ºС, in July - about +7ºС.
In Chile, the average temperature in the north of the country is from +12ºС to +22ºС, in the south - from +3ºС to +16ºС.

Attractions

■ Lake Titicaca;
■ Lauca National Park;
■ Chiloe National Park;

■ Cape Horn National Park;
■ Santa Fe de Bogota: Catholic churches of the 16th-18th centuries, National Museum of Colombia;
■ Quito: Cathedral, Museum of Musical Instruments, Museum of Del Banco Central;
■ Cusco: Cusco Cathedral, La Campagna Church, Haitun-Rumiyok Street (remains of Inca buildings);
■ Lima: the archaeological sites of Huaca Hualyamarca and Huaca Pucllana, the archbishop's palace, the church and monastery of San Francisco;
■ Archaeological complexes: Machu Picchu, Pachacamac, the ruins of the city of Caral, Tambomachay, Pukapukara, Kenko, Pisak, Ollantaytambo, Moray, the ruins of Pikiljakta.

Curious facts

■ The capital of Bolivia, La Paz, is the highest mountain capital in the world. It is located at an altitude of 3600 m above sea level.
■ 200 km north of the city of Lima (Peru) are the ruins of the city of Caral - temples, amphitheatres, houses and pyramids. It is believed that Caral belonged to the oldest civilization of America and was built approximately 4000-4500 years ago. Archaeological excavations showed that the city traded with vast territories of the continent of South America. It is especially interesting that archaeologists have not found any evidence of military conflicts for about a thousand years in the history of Karala.
■ One of the most mysterious monuments of history in the world - the monumental archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman, located northwest of Cusco, at an altitude of about 3700 meters above sea level. The fortress of the same name of this complex is attributed to the Inca civilization. However, it has not yet been possible to establish how the stones of these walls, weighing up to 200 tons and fitted to each other with jeweler's precision, were processed. Also, the ancient system of underground passages has not yet been fully explored.
■ The archaeological complex of Morai, located 74 kilometers from Cusco at an altitude of 3500 meters, is still admired not only by archaeologists. Here, huge terraces, descending, form a kind of amphitheater. Studies have shown that this structure was used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, since different height terraces made it possible to observe plants in different climatic conditions and experiment with them. It used different soils and a complex irrigation system, in total, the Incas grew 250 plant species. Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru , Bolivia, Chile , Argentina Length 8000 km Width 500 km highest peak aconcagua Andes at Wikimedia Commons

Andes, Andean Cordillera(Spanish) Andes; Cordillera de los Andes ) - the longest (9000 km) and one of the highest (Mount Aconcagua, 6962 m) mountain systems of the Earth, bordering all of South America from the north and west; southern part of the Cordillera. In some places, the Andes reach a width of over 500 km (the greatest width - up to 750 km - in the Central Andes, between 18 ° and 20 ° S). The average height is about 4000 m.

The Andes is a major interoceanic divide; to the east of the Andes, the rivers of the Atlantic Ocean basin flow (the Amazon itself and many of its large tributaries originate in the Andes, as well as tributaries of the Orinoco, Paraguay, Parana, the Magdalena River and the Patagonia River), to the west - the Pacific Ocean basin (mostly short).

The Andes serve as the most important climatic barrier in South America, isolating the territories to the west of the Cordillera Main from the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, to the east - from the influence of the Pacific Ocean. The mountains lie in 5 climatic zones (equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate) and are distinguished (especially in the central part) by sharp contrasts in the moistening of the eastern (leeward) and western (windward) slopes.

Due to the considerable length of the Andes, their individual landscape parts differ significantly from each other. By the nature of the relief and other natural differences, as a rule, three main regions are distinguished - the Northern, Central and Southern Andes.

The Andes stretched through the territories of seven states of South America - Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.

Name history

According to the Italian historian Giovanni Anello Oliva (g.) originally European conquerors " Andes or Cordillera” (“Andes, o cordilleras”) was the name of the eastern ridge, while the western was called “ sierra"("sierra").

Geological structure and relief

Andes - revived mountains, erected by the latest uplifts on the site of the so-called Andean (Cordillera) folded geosynclinal belt; The Andes are one of the largest Alpine folding systems on the planet (on the Paleozoic and partly Baikal folded basement). The formation of the Andes dates back to the Jurassic. The Andean mountain system is characterized by troughs formed in the Triassic, subsequently filled with layers of sedimentary and volcanic rocks of considerable thickness. Large massifs of the Main Cordillera and the coast of Chile, the Coastal Cordillera of Peru are Cretaceous granitoid intrusions. Intermountain and marginal troughs (Altiplano, Maracaibo, etc.) formed in the Paleogene and Neogene times. Tectonic movements, accompanied by seismic and volcanic activity, continue in our time. This is due to the fact that a subduction zone passes along the Pacific coast of South America: the Nazca and Antarctic plates go under the South American, which contributes to the development of mountain building processes. The southernmost part of South America, Tierra del Fuego, is separated by a transform fault from the small Scotia Plate. Beyond the Drake Passage, the Andes continue with the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Andes are rich in ores, mainly non-ferrous metals (vanadium, tungsten, bismuth, tin, lead, molybdenum, zinc, arsenic, antimony, etc.); the deposits are confined mainly to the Paleozoic structures of the eastern Andes and the vents of ancient volcanoes; in Chile - large copper deposits. In the advanced and foothill troughs there is oil and gas (in the foothills of the Andes within Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina), in weathering crusts - bauxites. The Andes also have deposits of iron (in Bolivia), sodium nitrate (in Chile), gold, platinum, and emeralds (in Colombia).

The Andes consist mainly of meridional parallel ranges: the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes, the Central Cordillera of the Andes, the Western Cordillera of the Andes, the Coastal Cordillera of the Andes, between which lie the internal plateaus and plateaus (Puna, Altiplano - in Bolivia and Peru) or depressions. The width of the mountain system is mainly 200-300 km.

Orography

Northern Andes

The main system of the Andes (Andean Cordillera) consists of parallel ridges stretching in the meridional direction, separated by internal plateaus or depressions. Only the Caribbean Andes, located within Venezuela and belonging to the Northern Andes, stretched sublatitudinally along the coast of the Caribbean Sea. The northern Andes also include the Ecuadorian Andes (in Ecuador) and the Northwestern Andes (in western Venezuela and Colombia). The highest ridges of the Northern Andes have small modern glaciers, and eternal snows on volcanic cones. The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao in the Caribbean represent the peaks of the continuation of the Northern Andes descending into the sea.

In the Northwestern Andes, fan-shaped diverging north of 12 ° N. sh., there are three main Cordillera - Eastern, Central and Western. All of them are high, steeply sloping and have a folded-block structure. They are characterized by faults, uplifts and subsidences of modern times. The main Cordilleras are separated by large depressions - the valleys of the rivers Magdalena and Cauca - Patia.

The Eastern Cordillera has its highest altitude in its northeastern part (Mount Ritakuwa, 5493 m); in the center of the Eastern Cordillera - an ancient lake plateau (the prevailing heights are 2.5 - 2.7 thousand m); the Eastern Cordillera is generally characterized by large leveling surfaces. In the highlands there are glaciers. In the north, the Eastern Cordillera is continued by the Cordillera de Merida (the highest point is Mount Bolivar, 5007 m) and the Sierra de Perija (reaches a height of 3,540 m); between these ranges, in a vast low-lying depression, lies Lake Maracaibo. In the far north - the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta horst massif with altitudes up to 5800 m (Mount Cristobal Colon)

The valley of the Magdalena River separates the Eastern Cordillera from the Central, relatively narrow and high; in the Central Cordillera (especially in its southern part) there are many volcanoes (Huila, 5750 m; Ruiz, 5400 m; and others), some of which are active (Kumbal, 4890 m). To the north, the Central Cordillera drops somewhat and forms the Antioquia massif, strongly dissected by river valleys. The Western Cordillera, separated from the Central Valley of the Cauca River, has lower altitudes (up to 4200 m); in the south of the Western Cordillera - volcanism. Further to the west is the low (up to 1810 m) Serraniu de Baudo ridge, which passes in the north into the mountains of Panama. North and west of the Northwest Andes are the Caribbean and Pacific alluvial lowlands.

As part of the Equatorial (Ecuadorian) Andes, reaching up to 4 ° S, there are two Cordillera (Western and Eastern), separated by depressions 2500-2700 m high. Along the faults that limit these depressions (depressions) - one of the highest volcanic chains (the highest volcanoes are Chimborazo, 6267 m, Cotopaxi, 5897 m). These volcanoes, as well as those of Colombia, form the first volcanic region of the Andes.

Central Andes

In the Central Andes (up to 28 ° S), the Peruvian Andes (spreading south to 14 ° 30′ S) and the Central Andes proper are distinguished. In the Peruvian Andes, as a result of recent uplifts and intensive incision of rivers (the largest of which - Marañon, Ucayali and Huallaga - belong to the system of the upper Amazon), parallel ridges (Eastern, Central and Western Cordillera) and a system of deep longitudinal and transverse canyons were formed, which dissected the ancient leveling surface . The peaks of the Cordillera of the Peruvian Andes exceed 6000 m (the highest point is Mount Huascaran, 6768 m); in Cordillera Blanca - modern glaciation. Alpine landforms are also developed on the blocky ridges of the Cordillera Vilcanota, Cordillera de Vilcabamba, Cordillera de Carabaya.

To the south is the widest part of the Andes - the Central Andean Highlands (up to 750 km wide), where arid geomorphological processes predominate; a significant part of the highlands is occupied by the Puna plateau with heights of 3.7 - 4.1 thousand m. Pune is characterized by drainless basins (“bolsons”) occupied by lakes (Titicaca, Poopo, etc.) and salt marshes (Atacama, Coipasa, Uyuni, etc. .). To the east of Pune - Cordillera Real (Ankouma peak, 6550 m) with powerful modern glaciation; between the Altiplano plateau and the Cordillera Real, at an altitude of 3700 m, is the city of La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, the highest mountain in the world. East of the Cordillera Real - Subandian folded ranges of the Eastern Cordillera, reaching up to 23 ° S. The southern continuation of the Cordillera Real is the Central Cordillera, as well as several blocky massifs (the highest point is Mount El Libertador, 6720 m). From the west, Pune is framed by the Western Cordillera with intrusive peaks and numerous volcanic peaks (Sahama, 6780 m; Lullaillaco, 6723 m; San Pedro, 6159 m; Misti, 5821 m; etc.), which are part of the second volcanic region of the Andes. South of 19° S the western slopes of the Western Cordillera face the tectonic depression of the Longitudinal Valley, occupied in the south by the Atacama Desert. Behind the Longitudinal Valley there is a low (up to 1500 m) intrusive Coastal Cordillera, which is characterized by arid sculptural relief forms.

In Pune and in the western part of the Central Andes, there is a very high snow line (in some places above 6,500 m), therefore, snow is noted only on the highest volcanic cones, and glaciers are found only in the Ojos del Salado massif (up to 6,880 m high).

Southern Andes

Andes near the border of Argentina and Chile.

In the Southern Andes, extending south of 28 ° S, there are two parts - the northern (Chile-Argentine or Subtropical Andes) and the southern (Patagonian Andes). In the Chilean-Argentinean Andes, tapering to the south and reaching 39 ° 41′ S, a three-membered structure is pronounced - the Coastal Cordillera, the Longitudinal Valley and the Main Cordillera; within the latter, in the Cordillera Frontal, there is the highest peak of the Andes, Mount Aconcagua (6960 m), as well as the large peaks of Tupungato (6800 m), Mercedario (6770 m). The snow line here is very high (at 32°40′ S - 6000 m). East of the Cordillera Frontal are the ancient Precordillera.

South of 33°S (and up to 52 ° S) there is the third volcanic region of the Andes, where there are many active (mainly in the Main Cordillera and to the west of it) and extinct volcanoes (Tupungato, Maipa, Lyimo, etc.)

When moving south, the snow line gradually decreases and under 51 ° S.l. reaches a mark of 1460 m. High ridges acquire the features of an alpine type, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bmodern glaciation increases, and numerous glacial lakes appear. South of 40°S the Patagonian Andes begin with lower ridges than in the Chilean-Argentine Andes (the highest point is Mount San Valentin - 4058 m) and active volcanism in the north. About 52° S the heavily dissected Coastal Cordillera plunges into the ocean, and its peaks form a chain of rocky islands and archipelagos; The longitudinal valley turns into a system of straits reaching the western part of the Strait of Magellan. In the area of ​​the Strait of Magellan, the Andes (here called the Andes of Tierra del Fuego) deviate sharply to the east. In the Patagonian Andes, the height of the snow line barely exceeds 1500 m (in the extreme south it is 300-700 m, and from 46 ° 30′ S. glaciers descend to ocean level), glacial landforms predominate (below 48 ° S - powerful Patagonian ice sheet) with an area of ​​​​over 20 thousand km², from where many kilometers of glacial tongues descend to the west and east); some of the valley glaciers on the eastern slopes end in large lakes. Along the coast, heavily indented by fjords, young volcanic cones rise (Corcovado and others). The Andes of Tierra del Fuego are relatively low (up to 2469 m).

Climate

Northern Andes

The northern part of the Andes belongs to the subequatorial belt of the northern hemisphere; here, as in sub equatorial belt southern hemisphere, there is an alternation of wet and dry seasons; Precipitation falls from May to November, but at its most northern regions the wet season is shorter. The eastern slopes are much more humid than the western ones; precipitation (up to 1000 mm per year) falls mainly in summer. In the Caribbean Andes, located on the border of the tropical and subequatorial zones, tropical air dominates throughout the year; there is little precipitation (often less than 500 mm per year); the rivers are short with characteristic summer floods.

In the equatorial belt, seasonal fluctuations are practically absent; for example, in the capital of Ecuador, Quito, the change in average monthly temperatures per year is only 0.4 °C. Precipitation is plentiful (up to 10000 mm per year, although usually 2500-7000 mm per year) and distributed more evenly over the slopes than in subequatorial belt. The altitudinal zonality is clearly expressed. In the lower part of the mountains - a hot and humid climate, precipitation falls almost daily; in the depressions there are numerous swamps. With height, the amount of precipitation decreases, but at the same time the power increases. snow cover. Up to altitudes of 2500-3000 m, temperatures rarely drop below 15 ° C, seasonal temperature fluctuations are insignificant. Here, daily temperature fluctuations are already large (up to 20 ° C), the weather can change dramatically during the day. At altitudes of 3500-3800 m, daily temperatures already fluctuate around 10 °C. Above - a harsh climate with frequent snowstorms and snowfalls; daily temperatures positive, but at night there are severe frosts. The climate is dry, as there is little precipitation due to high evaporation. Above 4500 m - eternal snow.

Central Andes

Between 5° and 28° S there is a pronounced asymmetry in the distribution of precipitation along the slopes: the western slopes are much less moistened than the eastern ones. West of the Cordillera Main - deserted tropical climate(the formation of which is greatly facilitated by the cold Peruvian current), there are very few rivers. If in the northern part of the Central Andes 200-250 mm of precipitation falls annually, then to the south their amount decreases and in some places does not exceed 50 mm per year. In this part of the Andes is Atacama - the driest desert in the world. Deserts rise in places up to 3000 m above sea level. A few oases are located mainly in the valleys of small rivers fed by the waters of mountain glaciers. The average January temperature in coastal areas ranges from 24 °C in the north to 19 °C in the south, the average July temperature ranges from 19 °C in the north to 13 °C in the south. Above 3000 m, in a dry puna, there is also little precipitation (rarely more than 250 mm per year); arrivals of cold winds are noted, when the temperature can drop to -20 ° C. The average July temperature does not exceed 15 °C.

At low altitudes, with an extremely small amount of rain, significant (up to 80%) air humidity, so fogs and dews are frequent. The Altiplano and Puna plateaus have a very harsh climate, with average annual temperatures not exceeding 10 °C. large lake Titicaca has a mitigating effect on the climate of the surrounding areas - in the lakeside areas, temperature fluctuations are not as significant as in other parts of the plateau. To the east of the Main Cordillera - a large (3000 - 6000 mm per year) amount of precipitation (brought mainly in summer time east winds), dense river network. Through the valleys air masses from the Atlantic Ocean they cross the Eastern Cordillera, moistening its western slope as well. Above 6000 m in the north and 5000 m in the south - negative average annual temperatures; due to the dry climate, there are few glaciers.

Southern Andes

In the Chilean-Argentine Andes, the climate is subtropical, and the humidification of the western slopes - due to winter cyclones - is greater than in the subequatorial zone; when moving south, the annual precipitation on the western slopes increases rapidly. Summer is dry, winter is wet. As you move away from the ocean, the continentality of the climate increases, and seasonal temperature fluctuations increase. In the city of Santiago, located in the Longitudinal Valley, the average temperature of the warmest month is 20 ° C, the coldest - 7-8 ° C; there is little precipitation in Santiago, 350 mm per year (to the south, in Valdivia, there is more precipitation - 750 mm per year). On the western slopes of the Main Cordillera, precipitation is more than in the Longitudinal Valley (but less than on the Pacific coast).

When driving south subtropical climate on the western slopes smoothly passes into the oceanic climate of temperate latitudes: the annual amount of precipitation increases, the differences in moistening by seasons decrease. Strong westerly winds bring to the coast a large number of precipitation (up to 6000 mm per year, although usually 2000-3000 mm). More than 200 days a year go heavy rains, thick fogs often fall on the coast, while the sea is constantly stormy; the climate is unfavorable for living. The eastern slopes (between 28° and 38° S) are drier than the western (and only in temperate zone, south of 37 ° S, due to the influence of westerly winds, their moisture increases, although they remain less humid compared to western ones). average temperature the warmest month on the western slopes is only 10-15 ° C (the coldest - 3-7 ° C)

In the extreme southern part of the Andes, on Tierra del Fuego, there is a very humid climate, which is formed by strong humid western and southwestern winds; precipitation (up to 3000 mm) falls mainly in the form of drizzling rain (which occurs most of the days of the year). Only in the easternmost part of the archipelago is much less precipitation. Throughout the year are low temperatures(although temperature fluctuations by season are extremely small).

Vegetation and soils

The soil and vegetation cover of the Andes is very diverse. This is due to the high altitudes of the mountains, a significant difference in the moisture content of the western and eastern slopes. Altitudinal zonality in the Andes is clearly expressed. There are three altitudinal belts - tierra caliente, tierra fria and tierra elada.

On the slopes of the Patagonian Andes south of 38°S. - subarctic multi-tiered forests of tall trees and shrubs, mostly evergreen, on brown forest (podzolized to the south) soils; there are many mosses, lichens and lianas in the forests; south of 42°S - mixed forests (in the region of 42 ° S there is an array of araucaria forests). Beeches, magnolias, tree ferns, tall conifers, and bamboos grow. On the eastern slopes of the Patagonian Andes - mostly beech forests. In the extreme south of the Patagonian Andes - tundra vegetation.

In the extreme southern part of the Andes, on Tierra del Fuego, forests (from deciduous and evergreen trees - for example, southern beech and canelo) occupy only a narrow coastal strip in the west; above the forest border, the snow belt begins almost immediately. In the east and in places in the west, subantarctic mountain meadows and peat bogs are common.