Atlas Mountains, series of mountain ranges in northwestern Africa, running generally southwest to northeast to form the geologic backbone of the countries of the Maghrib (the western region of the Arab world)—Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Frequent question, what is special about the Atlas Mountains? The Atlas Mountains are not a continuous chain of mountains but a series of ranges separated by wide areas of land, which are called plateaus. The mountain range separates the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert. It has several passes that provide routes between the coast and the Sahara desert.
As many you asked, where are the Atlas Mountains? The three mountain ranges that cross much of contemporary Morocco—the Middle in the north, the High Atlas in central Morocco, and the Anti-Atlas in the south along the Atlantic coast—form both a natural boundary and a rich natural environment.
Also the question is, what are the Atlas Mountains named after and what is the meaning? The Atlas ranges separate the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert. Most of the people living in the Atlas Mountains are part of Berber tribes in Morocco and in Algeria. The mountains are named after the ancient Greek Titan, Atlas.
Amazingly, what type of rock is the Atlas Mountains? The Atlas Mountains, with their folded sedimentary rocks and thick-skinned faulting, soar above dramatic gorges, lush palm oases, crumbling kasbahs, and the exotic souk in Marrakesh.
What tectonic plates formed the Atlas Mountains?
The Anti-Atlas Mountains of northern Africa and the nearby Atlas mountains were created by the prolonged collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, beginning about 80 million years ago.
Is Atlas a volcanic mountain?
It includes the Djebel Siroua, a massif of volcanic origin with the highest summit of the range at 3,304 m. The Jebel Bani is a much lower range running along the southern side of the Anti Atlas.
Why are the Atlas Mountains important to North Africa?
Resources. Despite their inhospitability and relative inaccessibility, the Atlas Mountains have played an important part in the modern development of the Maghribian countries. … The geologic formations of the Atlas are rich in minerals. The Moroccan High Atlas in particular contains important deposits.
What are some fun facts about Atlas?
- In Greek Mythology, Atlas was a Titan who was responsible for bearing the weight of the heavens on his shoulders, a punishment bestowed on him by Zeus.
- Atlas was the son of the Titans Iapetus and Clymene, and his siblings were Epimetheus, Menoetius and Prometheus.
How many mountains are in the Atlas Mountains?
Forming a barrier between the Mediterranean Sea and the vast Sahara Desert, the rugged Atlas Mountains are a major chain of peaks that runs through Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. The range contains 32,505 named peaks, the highest and most prominent of which is Toubkal (4,167m/13,671ft) in Morocco.
What is the climate of the Atlas Mountains?
The Atlas Mountains have a typical mountain climate with cool but sunny summers and average temperatures of approximately 25°C.
Are the Atlas Mountains fold mountains?
The Atlas Mountains are relatively complex folded mountains featuring horizontal thrust faults and ancient crystalline cores. The Cape ranges on the other hand are older, simpler structures, analogous in age and erosion to the Appalachian mountains of the eastern United States.
What are the Atlas Mountains for kids?
The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range in northwest Africa. They run 1,500 miles (2,410km) from the Atlantic coast of Morocco to northeast Tunisia. The Atlas Mountains are not a continuous chain of mountains but a series of ranges separated by wide areas of land, which are called plateaus.
Why are the Atlas Mountains named?
The Atlas Mountains were named after the Titan ‘Atlas’ in Greek mythology. In the myths, Titan was punished by Zeus and was forced to hold the heavens…
Are the Atlas Mountains growing?
The northern Atlas Mountains are considered to be fairly young. Just like you, they’re still growing! However, when mountains grow, it results in earthquakes and landslides.