The Andes are the longest mountain vary on land, stretching about 4,300 miles (6,920 kilometers) alongside the west coast of South America. They span seven international locations: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.
This chain shaped primarily as a result of the oceanic Nazca Plate dives beneath the South American Plate. That collision crumples, lifts and thickens Earth’s crust. It additionally feeds volcanoes the place magma rises by means of weak zones within the crust.
Mount Aconcagua is the very best peak within the Andes at about 22,838 toes (6,961 meters). The vary additionally comprises Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest lively volcano.
The Andes formed human historical past in addition to geography. The Inca Empire centered its energy on this mountain area, and Machu Picchu stays certainly one of its best-known websites.
The vary additionally helped create distinct climate zones throughout South America, blocking air currents, redirecting moisture and serving to kind dry areas on one facet and wetter areas on one other.
The Andes even modified dinner plates world wide. Widespread meals comparable to potatoes and tomatoes have roots within the Andean area, which makes this mountain vary a part of on a regular basis life far past the continent.
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