High mountain in the Andes. How many kilometers are the length of the Andes mountains?

Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina Length 8000 km Width 500 km highest peak Aconcagua Andes on 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 on 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 is up to 750 km in Central Andes ah, between 18° and 20° S). The average altitude is about 4000 m.

The Andes are a major interoceanic divide; to the east of the Andes flow the rivers of the Atlantic Ocean basin (the Amazon itself and many of its origins originate in the Andes major tributaries, as well as tributaries of the Orinoco, Paraguay, Paraná, Magdalena River and 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 west of the Main Cordillera from influence 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 moisture content of the eastern (leeward) and western (windward) slopes.

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

The Andes stretch across the territories of seven countries South America- Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.

History of the name

According to the Italian historian Giovanni Anello Oliva (g.), initially by European conquerors “ Andes or Cordilleras" ("Andes, o cordilleras") was the name of the eastern ridge, while the western one was called " Sierra"("sierra").

Geological structure and relief

The Andes are reborn mountains, erected by new uplifts on the site of the so-called Andean (Cordilleran) folded geosynclinal belt; The Andes are one of the largest systems of alpine folding on the planet (on the Paleozoic and partly Baikal folded basement). The beginning of the formation of the Andes dates back to Jurassic time. For Andean mountain system 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 granitoid intrusions of Cretaceous age. Intermountain and regional troughs (Altiplano, Maracaibo, etc.) were formed in 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 runs along the Pacific coast of South America: the Nazca and Antarctic plates go under the South American plate, 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 the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Andes are rich in ores of 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; There are large copper deposits in Chile. There is oil and gas in the foredeep and foothill troughs (in the foothills of the Andes within Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina), and bauxite in the weathering crusts. The Andes also contain deposits of iron (in Bolivia), sodium nitrate (in Chile), gold, platinum and emeralds (in Colombia).

The Andes consist primarily of meridional parallel ridges: 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 generally 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, 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, on volcanic cones there is eternal snow. The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao in the Caribbean Sea represent the peaks of the extension of the Northern Andes that descend into the sea.

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

The Eastern Cordillera has its highest altitude in its northeastern part (Mount Ritakuva, 5493 m); in the center of the Eastern Cordillera - an ancient lake plateau (predominant heights - 2.5 - 2.7 thousand m); The Eastern Cordillera is generally characterized by large planation surfaces. In the highlands there are glaciers. In the north, the Eastern Cordillera is continued by the Cordillera de Merida (highest point - Mount Bolivar, 5007 m) and 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 there is the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta horst massif with altitudes up to 5800 m (Mount Cristobal Colon)

The Magdalena River Valley separates the Eastern Cordillera from the Central Cordillera, which is relatively narrow and high; in the Central Cordillera (especially in its southern part) there are many volcanoes (Hila, 5750 m; Ruiz, 5400 m; etc.), some of which are active (Kumbal, 4890 m). To the north, the Cordillera Central decreases somewhat and forms the Antioquia massif, strongly dissected river valleys. The Western Cordillera, separated from the Central Valley by 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) Serrania de Baudo ridge, which turns into the mountains of Panama in the north. To the north and west of the Northwestern 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) there is one of the highest volcanic volcanoes in the world 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 (extending 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 upper Amazon system), parallel ridges (Eastern, Central and Western Cordillera) and a system of deep longitudinal and transverse canyons were formed, dismembering the ancient alignment surface . The peaks of the Cordillera of the Peruvian Andes exceed 6000 m (the highest point is Mount Huascaran, 6768 m); in the Cordillera Blanca - modern glaciation. Alpine landforms are also developed on the blocky ridges of the Cordillera Vilcanota, Cordillera de Vilcabamba, and Cordillera de Carabaya.

To the south is the widest part of the Andes - the Central Andean Highlands (width up to 750 km), where arid geomorphological processes predominate; a significant part of the highland is occupied by the Puna plateau with heights of 3.7 - 4.1 thousand m. Puna is characterized by drainage basins (“bolsons”) occupied by lakes (Titicaca, Poopo, etc.) and salt marshes (Atacama, Coipasa, Uyuni, etc. .). East of Puna is the Cordillera Real (Ankouma Peak, 6550 m) with thick 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 in the world. To the east of the Cordillera Real are the sub-Andean folded ridges of the Eastern Cordillera, reaching up to 23° S. latitude. The southern continuation of the Cordillera Real is the Cordillera Central, as well as several blocky massifs (the highest point is Mount El Libertador, 6720 m). From the west, Puna is framed by the Western Cordillera with intrusive peaks and numerous volcanic peaks (Sajama, 6780 m; Llullaillaco, 6723 m; San Pedro, 6159 m; Misti, 5821 m; etc.), included in 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 is the low (up to 1500 m) intrusive Coastal Cordillera, which is characterized by arid sculptural landforms.

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

Southern Andes

The Andes near the border of Argentina and Chile.

In the Southern Andes, extending south of 28° S, two parts are distinguished - northern (Chilean-Argentine or Subtropical Andes) and southern (Patagonian Andes). In the Chilean-Argentine Andes, narrowing to the south and reaching 39°41 S, a three-member structure is clearly expressed - 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). To the east of the Cordillera Frontal are the ancient Precordilleras.

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, Llymo, etc.)

When moving south, the snow line gradually decreases and at 51° S. reaches 1460 m. High ridges acquire features of the Alpine type, the area of modern 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 strongly 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 (called the Andes of Tierra del Fuego) sharply deviate 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 latitude glaciers drop to ocean level), glacial landforms predominate (at 48° S latitude - 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 big lakes. Along the coasts, 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 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 in the most northern regions wet season less long lasting. The eastern slopes are moistened much more 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 rainfall (often less than 500 mm per year); The rivers are short with characteristic summer floods.

In the equatorial belt, seasonal variations are practically absent; Thus, in the capital of Ecuador, Quito, the change in average monthly temperatures over the year is only 0.4 °C. Precipitation is abundant (up to 10,000 mm per year, although usually 2500-7000 mm per year) and is distributed more evenly along the slopes than in subequatorial belt. Altitudinal zonation is clearly expressed. In the lower part of the mountains it is hot and humid climate, precipitation falls almost daily; in the depressions there are numerous swamps. With altitude, the amount of precipitation decreases, but the thickness of the snow cover increases. Up to altitudes of 2500-3000 m, temperatures rarely drop below 15 °C; seasonal temperature fluctuations are insignificant. There are already large daily temperature fluctuations here (up to 20 °C), the weather can change dramatically during the day. At altitudes of 3500-3800 m, daily temperatures fluctuate around 10 °C. Higher up there is a harsh climate with frequent snowstorms and snowfalls; Daytime temperatures are positive, but there are severe frosts at night. The climate is dry, as there is little precipitation due to high evaporation. Above 4500 m there is 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 moistened much less than the eastern ones. West of the Main Cordillera - 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 per year, then to the south their amount decreases and in some places does not exceed 50 mm per year. This part of the Andes is home to the Atacama, the driest desert. globe. Deserts rise in places up to 3000 m above sea level. The 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, and the average July temperature ranges from 19 °C in the north to 13 °C in the south. Above 3000 m, in dry puna, there is also little precipitation (rarely more than 250 mm per year); There are arrivals of cold winds when the temperature can drop to −20 °C. The average July temperature does not exceed 15 °C.

At low altitudes, at extremely small quantity rains, significant (up to 80%) air humidity, therefore fog and dew are frequent. On the Altiplano and Puna plateaus there is a very harsh climate, average annual temperatures do not exceed 10 °C. Large lake Titicaca has a moderating 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 Cordillera Main there is a large (3000 - 6000 mm per year) amount of precipitation (brought mainly to summer time easterly winds), a dense river network. Through the valleys air masses from the Atlantic Ocean they cross the Eastern Cordillera, moistening its western slope. 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, annual precipitation amounts on the western slopes increase rapidly. Summer is dry, winter is wet. As you move away from the ocean, the climate becomes more continental and seasonal temperature fluctuations increase. In the city of Santiago, located in the Longitudinal Valley, the average temperature of the most warm month is 20 °C, the coldest is 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 there is more precipitation than in the Longitudinal Valley (but less than on the Pacific coast).

When driving south subtropical climate western slopes smoothly transitions to an oceanic climate temperate latitudes: annual precipitation amounts increase, differences in moisture between seasons decrease. Strong westerly winds bring large amounts of precipitation to the coast (up to 6000 mm per year, although usually 2000-3000 mm). It rains heavily for more than 200 days a year, thick fog often falls on the coast, and the sea is constantly stormy; the climate is unfavorable for living. The eastern slopes (between 28° and 38° S) are drier than the western ones (and only in the 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, Tierra del Fuego, there is a very humid climate, which is formed by strong, humid westerly and southwesterly winds; Precipitation (up to 3000 mm) falls mainly in the form of drizzle (which occurs most days of the year). Only in the easternmost part of the archipelago is there much less precipitation. Stands throughout the year low temperatures(temperature fluctuations between seasons are extremely insignificant).

Vegetation and soils

The soil and vegetation cover of the Andes is very diverse. This is due to the high altitudes of the mountains and the significant difference in moisture content between the western and eastern slopes. Altitudinal zonation in the Andes is clearly expressed. There are three high altitude zones- 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 a lot of 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 there are mainly beech forests. In the extreme south of the Patagonian Andes there is tundra vegetation.

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

Copper Mountains. This is the name of the longest mountains in the world in the Inca language. These are the Andean Cordillera or simply the Andes.

The length of this mountain range is incomparable to any other on the planet. The Andes stretch for a record 9 thousand kilometers. They start at Caribbean Sea and reach Tierra del Fuego.

The highest peak of the Andean cordillera is Mount Aconcagau. It rises exactly 6962 meters. By the way, there are places where the Andes are 500 kilometers wide, but maximum width mountain system - 750 kilometers. This value was recorded in the Central Andes, in the Andean Highlands.

However, most of the Andean cordillera is occupied by a plateau called Puna. It has a very high snow line. It reaches 6500 meters, but average height The mountains are about 4000 meters.

As experts say, the Andes are relatively young mountains. Here the process of mountain building was completed several million years ago. The origin of fossils began in the Precambrian and Paleozoic periods. Then areas of land began to appear in place of the vast ocean. For a long time The area where today's Andes are located was either land or sea.

The mountain range has finished forming by uplift rocks, as a result of this, huge folds of stone extended to an impressive height. By the way, this process continues today. Sometimes there are earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the Andes.

The longest mountains in the world are also the largest interoceanic divide. The famous Amazon River, as well as its tributaries, originate in the Andean Cordillera. In addition, the tributaries of other major rivers in South America - the Parana, Orinoco and Paraguay - begin here. The mountains serve as a climatic barrier for the mainland, in other words, the Andes isolate the land from the west from any influence of the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other hand, from the east, protect it from the Pacific Ocean.

It is not surprising, given the extent of the mountains, that the Andes are located in six climate zones. Subtropical temperate, equatorial, southern tropical, northern and southern subequatorial. On the western slopes, in contrast to the southern ones, up to ten thousand millimeters of precipitation falls per year. Therefore, the landscape in different parts radically different.

Based on their topography, the longest mountains in the world are divided into three regions. These are the southern, northern and central Andes. The Northern Andes include the Ecuadorian Andes, the Caribbean Andes and the Northwestern Andes. The main Cordilleras are divided by the depressions of the Cauca and Magdalena rivers. And there are many volcanoes here. For example, Huila rose to 5750 meters, Ruiz to 5400 meters, and the current Kumbal rises to 4890 meters.

The longest mountains in the world are the Andes (Very beautiful)

A volcanic target hit the Ecuadorian Andes with the most high volcanoes. Just look at Chimborazo alone, with a height of 6267 meters. The no less giant Cotopaxi breathes in his back - its height is 5896 meters. The chain crosses seven South American countries at once. These are Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Peru, Argentina. And the highest point of the Ecuadorian Andes is Mount Huascaran with a height of 6769 meters.

As for the Southern Andes, they are divided into Patagonian and Chilean-Argentine. In this part, the highest peaks are Tupungato with a height of 6800 meters and Medcedario with a height of 6770 meters. The snow line in this part reaches 6 thousand meters.

Varied and beautiful

The Andes are unique natural place. The longest mountains on the planet are extremely picturesque. And each country that the mountain system crosses has its own zest. For example, in the Andes of Venezuela, deciduous forests and shrubs grow on red soils. The lower parts of the slopes from the Central to the Northwestern Andes cover humid tropical and equatorial forests. There are ficus trees, bananas, palm trees, cocoa trees, bamboos, and vines. However, there are also numerous moss swamps and lifeless rocky spaces. Well, everything above 4500 meters is already eternal ice and snow. By the way, the Andes are the birthplace of coca, cinchona, tobacco, tomatoes and potatoes.

No less interesting fauna Andes. Here you can find alpacas, llamas, prehensile-tailed monkeys, as well as pudu deer, gaemal, relict spectacled bears, vicunas, sloths, blue foxes, chinchillas, and hummingbirds. In a word, those whom Russian residents can only meet in zoos.

A special feature of the Andes is the great diversity of amphibians - there are more than 900 species. There are about 600 species of mammals and almost 2 thousand species of birds in the mountains. IN local rivers There are almost 400 species of freshwater fish.

Tourist delicacy

The Andes, except in difficult and remote areas, are not at all untouched nature reserve nature. Literally every piece of land here is cultivated by local residents. But still, for most tourists, the road to the Andes means the same thing as “escape” from modernity. The local way of life, which has been preserved for centuries, helps to go back in time.

Travelers will immediately notice patchwork quilt from the crops that cover the mountain slopes. And its color changes from dark green to golden. Tourists are invited to follow ancient Indian trails, where sometimes, however, they will have to stop to let a herd of goats, sheep or guanacos pass. And no matter how many times you visit the Andes, the first or the hundredth, nature will never leave you indifferent.

Meetings with local residents will be unforgettable. You can talk to them both in their language and with gestures. However, some mountain inhabitants are not very willing to engage in dialogue. If you come across a contact resident, it would be a good idea to look at his lifestyle. The huts here are made of untreated bricks, people sometimes live without electricity, and draw water from a nearby stream.

Well, hiking in the mountains is not quite like mountaineering. These are most likely walks along steep paths. But they should only be performed by well-prepared and absolutely healthy people with special equipment.
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Which are simply amazing and can rightfully be called one of the wonders of our planet. These mountains border the entire western coast of South America, and, moreover, are a powerful natural barrier separating the mainland and Pacific Ocean. What is the absolute altitude of the highest point in the Andes? And what makes this mountain system unique?

Controversial issue

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

Other scientists call only mountains in the Northern Hemisphere Cordilleras. The Andes are distinguished as an independent system. Their arguments are based on the fact that the Cordilleras 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 to 6194 meters. And if we agree with the first opinion, then Mount Aconcagua, and not McKinley, should be considered the highest point of the Cordillera.

But if we talk about the Andes, their height in any case does not change its indicators. The peak 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 in width - up to 750 km. Even from space you can see such a huge rock massif with snow-capped peaks. Among other things, the Andes are also the highest mountain system on Earth.

History of origin

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

As a result, layers of marine sediments several kilometers thick accumulated on continental shelves. Over tens of thousands of years, they hardened 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 with a general uplift of the entire system.

Young Mountains

The Andes are considered to be the era of tectogenesis in the Cenozoic. Therefore, despite their considerable age (they are believed to be 60 million years old), they are considered young mountains. Their peers are the Himalayas, Pamirs, Caucasus, Alps. Therefore, in the Andes there are many seismically dangerous zones, and some volcanoes are active. This is explained by 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 glaciers often occur in the Andes. Unfortunately, serious disasters occur in the Andes with a frightening cyclicity - once every 10-15 years. Not long ago (in 2010), the world was shocked by an earthquake in Chile, which affected millions of people.

Relative and absolute height: what is the difference

Speaking about the height of the Andes, it is necessary to clarify how absolute height differs from relative height. The first is the distance from sea level to the highest point of the object. 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 also 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 height. This, by the way, is of serious importance for climbers, because the real distance they need to overcome is equal to relative indicators. But the state of health depends on atmospheric pressure And temperature minimum, already determines the absolute altitude. Experienced climbers never ignore these numbers.

If you look at South America in cross-section, the topography of its surface is very peculiar. Here 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. Maximum values are 150-250 meters.

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

Taking into account the maximum spread of absolute heights, it turns out that the surface rise 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 of this name The exact name is unknown, perhaps it comes from the words "acon caguac", which means "stone guardian" in the Quechua language.

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 6962 meters above sea level and is located at 32°39′ S. w. 70°00′ W d.

Major peaks

The Andes can boast 13 six-thousand-meter peaks. Here is their list:

Aconcagua (6962 m).
Ojos del Salado (6893 m). It is located on the border between Argentina and Chile.
Pisis (6795 m). Located in the most picturesque part of the Andes. Next door to him lie beautiful lakes and glaciers.
Bonete (6759 m). Located near national park Laguna Brava.
Tres Cruzes (6749 m). This is also a volcano with three peaks. Nearby is the national park of the same name.
Huascaran (6746 m). The most high mountain Peru.
Lulaillaco (6739 m). This is the highest place in the world where remains have been discovered ancient civilization. Archaeologists have found three Inca mummies here.
Mercedario (6700 m). This is a glacier of enormous size, from which many mountain rivers originate.
Walter Penk (6658 m). This volcano is named after its German explorer, who worked here at the end of the 19th century.
Incahuasi (6638 m). This mountain was a place of worship among the Incas.
Ierupaya (6617 m). Translated, the name sounds like “white dawn,” perhaps due to the eternal snow covering the peak.
Tupungato (6570 m). It is located on the border of Chile and Argentina, 80 kilometers from Aconcagua.
Sayama (6542 m). This is the highest point in Bolivia.

Regions

Since the described mountain system is too stretched in length, three main landscape zones are distinguished in it: 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 (also called Equatorial) Andes. Interestingly, these mountains extend into the sea - islands such as Bonairo, Aruba and Curacao are actually peaks that have not yet risen from the depths. This part of the Andes is distinguished by the world's highest chain of volcanoes, some of which are still active.

If we talk about the central landscape zone, then, in addition to the main part itself, we can also distinguish the Peruvian Andes. The highest capital of the world is located here - 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. Large area occupies the Pune 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 also many six-thousanders here. They all have one interesting feature- very high snow line (starts at 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 significantly lower than the Central region. The height of the Andes in meters is clearly declining here. Accordingly, the snow line also decreases (peaks starting from 1500 m also lie under the white cover). When immersed in the ocean, they take on a different appearance: they transform into archipelagos and islands. The prevailing 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 climate zone. The first is characterized by alternating wet and dry seasons. The eastern slopes are abundantly moist, while the western slopes have a drier climate. In the Caribbean Andes, the air is almost tropical. The annual rainfall is very low. But the Ecuadorian Andes are more stable relative to temperature: there the thermometer needle basically stands still all year round. This is what the residents of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, enjoy. This area is very well hydrated.

In the Central Andes, the climate is very harsh due to the large difference in humidity levels on 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 transitions into a temperate climate zone. Due to strong winds, the amount of precipitation here reaches 6000 mm. This is not surprising, since on the south coast it rains almost 200 days a year.

Climbing Aconcagua

Aconcagua is second on the list of the Seven Summits. It is second only to Everest. Matthias Jurbiggen, who made the ascent in 1897, is considered to be the first to conquer the top of the Andes.

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

Records

Despite the possibility of sudden storms, every year about 5,000 daredevils attempt to reach the summit and reach the highest point in 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 lately interest in the Andes has increased again, since several records have been set at once, almost one after another. Thus, in 2013, 9-year-old American schoolboy Tyler Armstrong became the youngest member of the stronger sex to scale the summit of Aconcagua. And 12-year-old Romanian Geta Popescu gave a worthy 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, doing it in 14 hours 20 minutes. A similar record for men's lifting was recorded a year earlier. The greatest height of the mountains (Andes) succumbed to the climber Karl Egloff, who managed it in 11 hours 52 minutes.

Another surprising fact is that at a distance of 4400 meters from sea level there is the highest art gallery in the world. It is located at the base camp of Place de Mulas. The works of contemporary Argentinean artist Miguel Doura are exhibited there. Apparently, the climbers have plenty of leisure time.

Ancient civilization in the Andes

It is believed that people inhabited the highlands 4,000 years ago, at least as far back as the first archaeological excavations. Yes, the Andes hide many mysteries! Their height, apparently, did not frighten the Incas at all, who built an entire civilization here.

Researchers are especially perplexed by the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman (3,700 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 Moray, 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 richness of landscapes that will take your breath away, and mysteries ancient history humanity.

Or the South American Cordillera, a mountain system stretching in a narrow strip on the western edge. The Andes ridges, when crossing each other, form peculiar nodes with the highest peaks. There are many active and extinct ones here.

Andes

The Andes consist of meridionally extending ridges. Due to the enormous extent from north to south, the Andes are located in several. Altitudinal zonation is clearly visible in the mountains. The sequence of changes in altitudinal zones depends on the position of the foothills of the Andes in one or another natural area, as well as on the height, width and direction of the slopes of the ridges. Many intermountain valleys and slopes have long been inhabited and developed by humans. The highest mountain cities in the world are located here - (3690 m), Sucre (2694 m).

Northern Andes

They consist of several ridges separated by deep troughs. There are more than 30 active and many extinct volcanoes, among which the most famous are Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.

Most of the population of the Northern Andes lives in the altitudinal zone of tropical moist mountain forests at an altitude of 1 to 3 km, where average monthly temperatures (+16 - +22°C) are lower than on the neighboring plains. Here, at an altitude of more than 2500 m, are the cities of Santa Fe de Bogota and. Coffee, corn, and tobacco are grown on the gentle mountain slopes.

Central tropical Andes

The widest part of the mountain system. There are internal high plateaus bordered on the east and west by mountain ranges.

The plateaus have long been inhabited by Indian tribes. On one of them is ancient city- capital of the Inca state. The Western Cordillera is home to large active volcanoes, including Llullallaco, 6,723 m high.

In the southern part of the Central Andes, the Coastal Cordillera is separated from the Western Cordillera by a narrow depression. It stretches for 1000 km. One of the driest depressions, the Atacama, is located in this depression. Less than 100 mm of precipitation falls here per year, and heavy rains occur 2-4 times every 100 years. Atacama is much colder than other areas located at the same latitude: average annual temperatures are well below +20°C.

Southern Andes

Two ridges are well defined in the relief: the Main Cordillera with the peak of Aconcagua and the Coastal Cordillera. Between 33 and 55 °S. The third volcanic region of the Andes is located.

The slopes of mountain ranges in subtropical zone up to a height of 2.5 km was once covered with heat-loving forests. Currently, almost all of them have been cut down and wherever the steepness of the slopes allows, subtropical crops are grown: olive trees, grapes, citrus fruits. The western slopes of the Andes in the temperate zone are covered with moisture-loving forests of beeches, magnolias, conifers, bamboo, ferns and vines.

) and are distinguished (especially in the central part) by sharp contrasts in the moisture content of the eastern (leeward) and western (windward) slopes.

The Andes stretch across the territories of seven South American countries - Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina

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History of the name

According to the Italian historian Giovanni Anello Oliva (g.), originally by European conquerors “ Andes or Cordilleras" ("Andes, o cordilleras") was the name of the eastern ridge, while the western one was called " Sierra"("sierra"). Currently, most scholars believe that the name comes from the Quechuan word anti(high ridge, ridge), although there are other opinions [ which?] .

Geological structure and relief

The Andes are reborn mountains, erected by new uplifts on the site of the so-called Andean (Cordilleran) folded geosynclinal belt; The Andes are one of the largest systems of alpine folding on the planet (on the Paleozoic and partly Baikal folded basement). The beginning of the formation of the Andes dates back to Jurassic time. 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 granitoid intrusions of Cretaceous age. Intermountain and regional troughs (Altiplano, Maracaibo, etc.) were formed in Paleogene and Neogene times. Tectonic movements, accompanied by seismic and volcanic activity, continue in our time. This is due to the fact that along the Pacific coast of South America there is a subduction zone: the Nazca and Antarctic plates go under the South American plate, 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 the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula.

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 snow on the volcanic cones. The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao in the Caribbean Sea represent the peaks of the extension of the Northern Andes that descend into the sea.

The Magdalena River Valley separates the Eastern Cordillera from the Central Cordillera, which is relatively narrow and high; in the Central Cordillera (especially in its southern part) there are many volcanoes (Hila, 5750 m; Ruiz, 5400 m; etc.), some of them active (Kumbal, 4890 m). To the north, the Central Cordillera decreases somewhat and forms the Antioquia massif, strongly dissected by river valleys. The Western Cordillera, separated from the Central Valley by 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) Serrania de Baudo ridge, which turns into the mountains of Panama in the north. To the north and west of the Northwestern Andes are the Caribbean and Pacific alluvial lowlands.

Central Andes

In the Central Andes (up to 28° S) the Peruvian Andes (extending 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 upper Amazon system), parallel ridges (Eastern, Central and Western Cordillera) and a system of deep longitudinal and transverse canyons were formed, dismembering the ancient alignment surface . The peaks of the Cordillera of the Peruvian Andes exceed 6000 m (the highest point is Mount Huascaran, 6768 m); in the Cordillera Blanca - modern glaciation. Alpine landforms are also developed on the blocky ranges of the Cordillera Vilcanota, Cordillera de Vilcabamba, and Cordillera de Carabaya.

To the south is the widest part of the Andes - the Central Andean Highlands (width up to 750 km), where arid geomorphological processes predominate; a significant part of the highland is occupied by the Puna plateau with heights of 3.7 - 4.1 thousand m. Puna is characterized by drainage basins (“bolsons”) occupied by lakes (Titicaca, Poopo, etc.) and salt marshes (Atacama, Coipasa, Uyuni, etc. .). East of Puna is the Cordillera Real (Ankouma Peak, 6550 m) with thick 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 in the world. To the east of the Cordillera Real are the sub-Andean folded ridges of the Eastern Cordillera, reaching up to 23° S. latitude. The southern continuation of the Cordillera Real is the Cordillera Central, as well as several blocky massifs (the highest point is Mount El Libertador, 6720 m). From the west, Puna is framed by the Western Cordillera with intrusive peaks and numerous volcanic peaks (Sajama, 6780 m; Llullaillaco, 6739 m; San Pedro, 6145 m; Misti, 5821 m; etc.), included in 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 is the low (up to 1500 m) intrusive Coastal Cordillera, which is characterized by arid sculptural landforms.

Southern Andes

In the Southern Andes, extending south of 28° S, two parts are distinguished - northern (Chilean-Argentine, or Subtropical Andes) and southern (Patagonian Andes). In the Chilean-Argentine Andes, narrowing to the south and reaching 39°41 S, a three-member structure is clearly expressed - Coastal Cordillera, Longitudinal Valley and 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). To the east of the Cordillera Frontal are the ancient Precordilleras.

When moving south, the snow line gradually decreases and at 51° S. reaches 1460 m. High ridges acquire features of the Alpine type, the area of modern 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 strongly 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 (called the Andes of Tierra del Fuego) sharply deviate 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 latitude glaciers drop to ocean level), glacial landforms predominate (at 48° S latitude - 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 coasts, 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 the subequatorial belt of the Southern Hemisphere, there is an alternation of wet and dry seasons; Precipitation falls from May to November, but in the most northern regions the wet season is shorter. The eastern slopes are moistened much more 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 rainfall (often less than 500 mm per year); The rivers are short with characteristic summer floods.

In the equatorial belt, seasonal variations are practically absent; Thus, in the capital of Ecuador, Quito, the change in average monthly temperatures over the year is only 0.4 °C. Precipitation is abundant (up to 10,000 mm per year, although usually 2500-7000 mm per year) and is distributed more evenly along the slopes than in the subequatorial belt. The altitudinal zone is clearly expressed. In the lower part of the mountains there is a hot and humid climate, precipitation falls almost daily; in the depressions there are numerous swamps. With altitude, the amount of precipitation decreases, but the thickness of the snow cover increases. Up to altitudes of 2500-3000 m, temperatures rarely drop below 15 °C; seasonal temperature fluctuations are insignificant. There are already large daily temperature fluctuations here (up to 20 °C), the weather can change dramatically during the day. At altitudes of 3500-3800 m, daily temperatures fluctuate around 10 °C. Higher up there is a harsh climate with frequent snowstorms and snowfalls; Daytime temperatures are positive, but there are severe frosts at night. The climate is dry, as there is little precipitation due to high evaporation. Above 4500 m there is 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 moistened much less than the eastern ones. To the west of the Main Cordillera there is a desert tropical climate (the formation of which is greatly facilitated by the cold Peruvian Current), and there are very few rivers. If in the northern part of the Central Andes 200-250 mm of precipitation falls per year, then to the south their amount decreases and in some places does not exceed 50 mm per year. This part of the Andes is home to the Atacama, the driest desert on earth. Deserts rise in places up to 3000 m above sea level. The 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, and the average July temperature ranges from 19 °C in the north to 13 °C in the south. Above 3000 m, in dry puna, there is also little precipitation (rarely more than 250 mm per year); There are arrivals of cold winds when the temperature can drop to −20 °C. The average July temperature does not exceed 15 °C.

At low altitudes, with very little rain, there is significant (up to 80%) air humidity, so fog and dew are frequent. The Altiplano and Puna plateaus have a very harsh climate, with average annual temperatures not exceeding 10 °C. The large Lake Titicaca has a softening 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 there is a large (3000 - 6000 mm per year) amount of precipitation (brought mainly in the summer by easterly winds), a dense river network. Along the valleys, air masses from the Atlantic Ocean cross the Eastern Cordillera, moistening its western slope. 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, annual precipitation amounts on the western slopes increase rapidly. Summer is dry, winter is wet. As you move away from the ocean, the climate becomes more continental 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 month is 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 there is more precipitation than in the Longitudinal Valley (but less than on the Pacific coast).

When moving south, the subtropical climate of the western slopes smoothly transforms into the oceanic climate of temperate latitudes: annual precipitation amounts increase, and differences in moisture between seasons decrease. Strong westerly winds bring large amounts of precipitation to the coast (up to 6000 mm per year, although usually 2000-3000 mm). It rains heavily for more than 200 days a year, thick fog often falls on the coast, and the sea is constantly stormy; the climate is unfavorable for living. The eastern slopes (between 28° and 38° S) are drier than the western ones (and only in the 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). The average temperature of the warmest month on the western slopes is only 10-15 °C (the coldest month is 3-7 °C)

In the extreme southern part of the Andes, Tierra del Fuego, there is a very humid climate, which is formed by strong, humid westerly and southwesterly winds; Precipitation (up to 3000 mm) falls mainly in the form of drizzle (which occurs most days of the year). Only in the easternmost part of the archipelago is there much less precipitation. Temperatures are low throughout the year (with very little temperature variation between seasons).

Vegetation and soils

The soil and vegetation cover of the Andes is very diverse. This is due to the high altitudes of the mountains and the significant difference in moisture content between the western and eastern slopes. Altitudinal zonation in the Andes is clearly expressed. There are three altitudinal zones - 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