The Andes are the longest mountains in the world. Andes: the longest mountain range in the world. The longest mountains in the world

One mountain is great, but it’s even better if there are many mountains. It is especially pleasing to the eye when they are combined into a long ridge, in which peaks alternate with valleys, small spurs, and all this is diluted by the murmur of rivers. Such beauty, stretching over several thousand kilometers, will not leave anyone indifferent. The emergence of mountain ranges is explained by the theory of relief formation. It says: ridges of valleys, mountains and hills are formed due to the collision of continental plates creeping onto each other. It is difficult to imagine the forces that are necessary for such a process. Yes, this is not necessary. It is better to admire the result of their activities. Especially if it's the most long mountains in the world. Let's rank them and find out their location.

Cordillera

To begin with, I would like to clarify one thing important point. Many people confuse these mountains with the Andes, although these are two completely different chains, formed in different eras. Some call the Andes the "Andean Cordillera", but they have nothing to do with these mountains. There is also confusion about their location. The Cordillera “embraces” North America from the south and west, creating a dense climate barrier. The Andes play the same role. It is interesting that these mountains practically converge at the junction of the two Americas. Therefore, they are often combined into a single mountain range, which is fundamentally wrong. It would be better not to confuse these giants and leave the Cordilleras North America, and the Andes - South.

So, the Cordillera is the longest mountain in the world, with a length of just over 18,000 kilometers. They differ from their “colleagues” in a number of features. The cordillera extends exclusively in the submeridional direction, has a high percentage of high mountains, is formed in five orotectonic belts of different ages, has active volcanism and high seismicity.

sea ​​mountains

Not everyone knows that mountains can be located not only on land, but also under water. Unfortunately, most of them are hidden from the eyes of backpackers. And few are interested in them, because you can’t ski on such mountains. Well, conquering the peaks will look pretty ridiculous. But underwater chains are not inferior in number to above-ground ones. It is difficult to determine the height of underwater giants, but it is not difficult to measure their extent.

So, the second place in the rating “The longest mountain in the world” is at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge with a total length of 18,000 kilometers. It is located in the center along the contour of the American coast. This formation includes several ridges: Knipovich, Mona, Reykjanes, South and North Atlantic. Individual peaks have transformed into Bermuda, etc.). Among the ranges listed above there are no particularly high, old or young ones, they are simply the longest mountains on earth after the Cordillera, which is also quite a lot. Go ahead.

Andes

The Andes are the third longest mountain in the world, with a total length of 9,000 kilometers. With its wide front, the Andes are directed towards and in the north they face the Caribbean Sea. The eastern part of the border leads to the Andean ranges. By the way, ridges of different ages are located along the entire length of the mountain system. Mountain-building movements continue today, accompanied by earthquakes and volcanic processes.

The Andes are characterized by high-mountain relief, which determines a noticeable altitudinal zone and the formation of significant glaciation. The enormous extent of the mountain system determines the difference in moisture and heat supply of its individual parts. Despite the fact that the subcontinent has a mountainous character, its territory has long been densely populated. The Andean peoples mastered the high plains, intermountain valleys and basins within the mountain system and adapted to life in such conditions. The Andes contain the highest mountain villages, cities and cultivated lands. There are six physiographic units within the mountains. But in this article we will talk about only two: the Central Andes and Tierra del Fuego.

Central Andes

The largest part of the mountain system. Within its borders are the mountain ranges of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru. The orotectonic structure is characterized by the presence of high mountain plateaus and plateaus - “Pun” (or “Altiplano” in Bolivia). The rigid middle massif within which these plains were formed is divided into several blocks. This is clearly visible from the cracks that appeared due to the rise of magma and the outpouring of lavas. As a result, there is a combination of accumulative plains in the lowlands of the relief, areas of peneplain and lava plateaus. As for the climate, the Central Andes are quite dry.

Tierra del Fuego

The archipelago includes several dozen islands of varying sizes. The largest of them, occupying two-thirds of the total territory, is about. The islands belong to Argentina and Chile. The western part of Tierra del Fuego continues the Andes mountain system and is strongly dissected. Mountain ranges(1000-1300 meters) are separated by intermountain valleys, and some are flooded with ocean waters - straits, fjords. The highest point (2469 meters) is located at Big Island. Ancient glacial relief predominates. There are a lot of lakes dammed by moraines.

Over most of the archipelago, temperate weather prevails. In the western part, heavy precipitation (drizzle) of up to 3000 mm falls throughout the year. In the east there is less precipitation - up to 500 mm. Summers are cool and winters are relatively warm (1-5°C). Tourists who have visited Tierra del Fuego claim that summer there is like in the tundra, and winter is similar to the subtropics (in terms of temperatures). As you climb the mountains, the temperature drops sharply and already at around 500 meters reaches a negative value.

In Antarctica there is not only ice, snow and penguins, but also mountains. And quite long. The entire Antarctica is crossed by a huge ridge, dividing it into Western and Eastern. This occupying last place rating “The longest mountain in the world”, stretches for 3500 kilometers. The ridge was discovered back in 1908 by Captain Ross. In subsequent years, research expeditions crossed it several times, but most of it still remains unexplored. Fortunately, now there is satellite imagery, which allows you, if not to touch the ridge, then at least to look at it.


A mountain is a convex landform with a well-defined peak, base and slopes, rising above the surrounding area to a height of more than 200 m.

First, let's look at the longest mountains in the world!

Andes or Andean Cordillera, in the Inca language - copper mountains. They form the longest mountain range in the world. Their length is 9000 km - from Caribbean Sea to Tierra del Fuego. The most high mountain this mountain range - Aconkagau (6962 m). The maximum width of the longest mountains in the world is 750 km (Central Andes, Andean Highlands).

In Russia the longest are Ural Mountains. They are like a belt, stretching from north to south of our country for more than 2000 km. The highest point of the Urals is Mount Narodnaya (1894 m).

Let's take an interesting virtual journey across all six continents in search of the highest mountain peaks on the planet.

1. So, the first number on our list will be the highest mountains in the world - the Himalayas, with the highest mountain - Everest(8848 m). The Tibetans call it Chomolungma, and the Nepalese call it Sagarmatha.

2. Mount Aconcagua. This is the highest Mountain peak South American Andes. The height of Aconcagua is 6962 m. This mountain is also the highest extinct volcano on our planet. The fog you see below in the photo is actually a giant snow storm.

3. In third place is Mount McKinley, which is located in North America. The height of this mountain giant, which is included in the list of the highest mountains on the planet, is 6194 m.

4. The next snowy mountain peak is located in sultry Africa. Kilimanjaro rises to 5895 m above sea level, being the highest point of the African continent. This is the highest mountain in Africa. Climbing this mountain you can see truly fantastic and contrasting landscapes. Unfortunately, due to global warming, the snow cap of the mountain is rapidly melting.

5. Between the Black and Caspian seas on southern borders Russia has majestic Caucasus Mountains- these are the highest mountains in our country. The highest peak is Mount Elbrus (5642 m), is the most high mountain Russia. She is a cone extinct volcano and at its highest point it has a height of 6642 m. An impressive panorama of white snow and cloud cover will open before the eyes of those who are lucky enough to be at the top of this mountain.

6. Encased in ice armor, Antarctica also has its mountain giants. Vinson Massif, which was discovered in the middle of the last century, rises to a height of 4892 m.

7. The list of the highest mountains on the planet is completed by the highest point of Australia and Oceania, which is located on the island New GuineaMount Puncak Jaya (5030 m). The world's largest copper and gold mines are located on the spurs of this mountain.

Bay GP Features South America. What are the origins of the islands? The relationship between the history of continental development and outlines coastline. Types of learning activities in the classroom. Who owns the discovery of the continent? Football players Maradona and Pele. Cold current. Most wide strait on the ground. Geographical position mainland. The wealth of nature. Features of the geographical location. Problem-based learning.

"History of South America" ​​- Climate. Tourism. Geology. Patus. Geographical studies. Paraguay. Political division. South Georgia. Part of South America. Lakes. Amazon. Black River. Patagonia. Temperature fluctuation. Plain east. Mountain West. Climatic zones. Maracaibo. Sea route to India. Temperature. El Niño. Spanish expeditions. Parana. Rivers. Southern continent in America. desert on west coast South America.

“Questions about South America” - Mainland. South America. Population density. Who discovered America. Name the most dangerous fish. Argentine tea. Cultivated plants. Ancient civilizations of South America. Amazon. Name the highest point of the Andes Mountains. Mountain West. Andes. The difference between the change of natural zones on the plains and in the mountains. One of the most unusual and paradoxical dry zones globe. Copper Mountains. Lama. Timeline. Selva. Terms.

“Characteristics of South America” - Geographical location and history of exploration of the continent of South America. Russian botanist. Geographical location of South America. Climatic zones. Researchers. Location of South America. History of the study of South America. Travelers. Alexander Humboldt. Gallinas. Present. Caribbean Sea. Geographical position. The history of the discovery of America. History of the exploration of South America.

"South America" ​​game - The largest city by population in Brazil. Geographical position. Rivers and lakes. Countries and peoples. Toucan, howler condor, macaw, llama armadillo, sloth. Animals and birds. The largest water lily. Extreme northern point. Coniferous tree of the Brazilian plateau. An island in the Pacific Ocean named after the main character of the novel by Daniel Defoe. A bay in the north that has turned into a lake. Islands located on the equator.

“Journey to South America” - The highest point in South America. The longest mountains in the world. South America. Navigator. Why was the New Part of the World called America? Musical pause. My own game. The slowest animal. Stages of the competition. Satellite view. Russian botanist. Tell us about the plant. Geographical position. Travel to South America. Indigenous people of South America. Warm-up “Call me.” Meeting the teams. The largest snake in the world.

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 begin at the 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 the maximum width of the mountain system is 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 finished forming by uplifting rocks, as a result of which 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 for the mainland serve as a climatic barrier, in other words, the Andes isolate the land from the west from any influence Atlantic Ocean, on the other hand, from the east, protect from Pacific Ocean.

It is not surprising, given the extent of the mountains, that the Andes are located in six climatic 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 Mountains (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 most high peaks Tupungato with an altitude of 6800 meters and Medcedario with an altitude 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 in every country it crosses mountain system, its own highlight. For example, in the Andes of Venezuela, deciduous forests and shrubs grow on red soils. The lower slopes of the Central to Northwestern Andes are covered by tropical and equatorial rainforests. 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 animal world 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. Almost 400 species of freshwater fish are found in local rivers.

Tourist delicacy

The Andes, except in rugged and remote areas, are by no means a pristine nature reserve. Literally every piece of land here is cultivated 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 the patchwork of 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-trained and absolutely healthy people with special equipment.
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The length of the Andes is 9000 km

The Andes or Andean Cordillera, in the Inca language - copper mountains. They form the longest mountain range in the world. Their length is 9000 km - from the Caribbean Sea to Tierra del Fuego. The highest mountain in this mountain range is Aconkagau (6962 m). There are places where the Andes are 500 km wide, and the maximum width of the longest mountains in the world is 750 km (Central Andes, Andean Highlands). Most The Andean plateau occupies the Puna plateau. There is a very high snow line here, which reaches 6500 m, and the average height of the mountains is 4000 m.

The Andes are relatively young mountains; the process of mountain building ended many millions of years ago. The origin began in the Precambrian and Paleozoic periods. At that time, land areas were just beginning to emerge in place of the vast ocean. Throughout all time, the area where the current Andes are located was either sea or land.

Andean education

The formation of the mountain range ended with the uplift of rocks, as a result of which huge folds of stone extended to a very great height. This process continues to this day. The Andes are prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

The longest mountains in the world are also the largest interoceanic divide. The Amazon and its tributaries, as well as tributaries of other rivers, originate in the Andes. large rivers South America - Paraguay, Orinoco, Parana. The Andes serve as a climatic barrier for the mainland, that is, they isolate the land from the influence of the Atlantic Ocean from the west, and from the Pacific Ocean from the east.

Climate and relief of the Andes

The Andes lie in 6 climatic zones: northern and southern subequatorial, southern tropical, equatorial, subtropical temperate. On the western slopes of the mountains, up to 10 thousand millimeters of precipitation falls per year. As a result of their length, the landscape parts differ significantly from each other.

According to the relief, the Andes are divided into three regions: central, northern, southern. The Northern Andes include the Caribbean Andes, the Ecuadorian Andes, and the Northwestern Andes. The main Cordilleras are separated by the depressions of the Magdalena and Cauca river valleys. There are many volcanoes in this valley. These are Huila - 5750 m, Ruiz - 5400 m, and the current Kumbal - 4890 m.

Volcanoes of the Andes

The Ecuadorian Andes include a high volcanic chain with the highest volcanoes: Chimborazo - 6267 m and Cotopaxi - 58967 m. They stretch through seven countries of South America: Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile. The Central Andes include the Peruvian Andes. Highest point This is Mount Huascaran - 6768.