Fertile valleys, networks of hiking paths, remote Berber villages and snow-smeared peaks across North Africa’s highest mountain range. The three ranges of the Atlas Mountains create a striking, sometimes harsh barrier between the arid Sahara and Morocco’s milder coastal climate.
Subsequently, what countries are the Atlas Mountains? 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.
Also the question is, what are the Atlas Mountains called? The Atlas Mountains (Amazigh: Idurar n Watlas, Arabic: جبال الأطلس) are a mountain range in northwest Africa. They extend about 2,400 km (1,500 miles) through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The highest peak is Tougkal, with an elevation of 4,167 metres (13,671 ft) in southwestern Morocco.
Similarly, 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.
People ask also, 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.
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 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 are the 4 major mountain ranges in Africa?
- Atlas Mountains. Located in northwestern Africa, the Atlas Mountains stretches 2,000 kilometers (1,600 miles) from Morocco through Algeria and Tunisia.
- Ethiopian Highlands.
- Nuba Mountains.
- Rwenzori Mountains.
- Virunga Mountains.
- Marrah Mountains.
- Swartberg Mountains.
- Magaliesberg Mountain Range.
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…
What 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.
Where is Alps mountain?
Located in Central Europe, the Alps stretch across the countries of France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. As with nearby mountain chains, the Alps are very important as they contribute much of what is left of the original forest cover of central and southern Europe.
Where is Himalayan mountains?
The Himalayas stretch across the northeastern portion of India. They cover approximately 1,500 mi (2,400 km) and pass through the nations of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan and Nepal.
Is Atlas a fold mountain?
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 kind of mountain is Kilimanjaro?
Also called a stratovolcano (a term for a very large volcano made of ash, lava, and rock), Kilimanjaro is made up of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the summit of the mountain and the tallest of the three volcanic formations.
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.