In encyclopedias and ratings, we continually encounter an assessment of the Earth's mountain systems in height relative to sea level. Indeed, this indicator is attractive for tourism - it is so interesting to climb to the very top, admire the outlandish mountain flora and fauna, breathe in pure oxygen and appreciate the marvelous panorama from the bird's-eye view.
But mountains are such an amazing natural element that you can explore them according to a wide variety of parameters: rock composition, age, number of layers, reason for formation, etc.
Today we decided to find out what the longest mountain system of the planet is listed (Scandinavian, Ural mountains or Cordillera).
In the world there are chains that are rightfully considered the longest. Of course, often they belong to the record-breaking mountains in other respects, such as Altai or the Himalayas.
But the leaders of the rating, of course, will be the Cordillera, stretching from north to south and crossing almost the entire continent of North America. Incidentally, this territory contains 1.5 dozens of different large states. That is, the Cordillera have the longest mountain range on the planet, namely 18 thousand kilometers.
But in our ranking, the Andes get the prize - part of the Cordillera, which extends across South America. We present you the longest mountains in the world.
List
- 10. Altai, 1847 km
- 9. Ural, 2000 km
- 8. Atlas, 2092 km
- 7. Himalayas, 2330 km
- 6. Appalachian Mountains, 2400 km
- 5. Kunlun, 3000 km
- 4. The Great Dividing Range, 3244 km
- 3. Rocky Mountains, 4830 km
- 2. Transantarctic mountains, 8105 km
- 1. Andes, 9000 km
10. Altai, 1847 km
No wonder they got the name "Golden mountains" - Local rocks have abundantly preserved natural minerals and valuable minerals, and the mountains themselves are rich in clear waters and dense green areas.
The spoiled mountain keys and waterfalls, the famous alpine meadows and pine forests attract curious visitors from all over the world. UNESCO even included Altai to the heritage list.
Ridges that enter the chain Altai mountains, spread over the territory of four states, including Russian Federation and China.
Interestingthat depending on the location and altitude you can see various natural zones - mountain tundra, taiga, forest, steppe, etc.
9. Ural, 2000 km
Ural spread its ridges from north to south of the Eurasian continent. In fact, he naturally divides the latter into two huge territories that were previously separate continents.
The majesty of the mountain system, extended over 2 thousand kilometers, is admired by tourists from all over the world. Local lakes are found along the entire length, inviting lovers to go fishing or quietly hunt in the lap of nature.
Interesting, what Ural mountains since the Petrine era they were considered a treasure trove with reserves of rare minerals. It was here that for the first time in Russia they found deposits of gold and gems (emerald, malachite, amethyst). In terms of fishing, tons of wood of excellent quality is obtained at local logging sites.
8. Atlas, 2092 km
The long mountain range lies in the northwestern part of the African continent, starting from the Atlantic coast and stretching to the Tunisian coast. Atlas Mountains cover 2 climatic zones: subtropics and tropics. Traces of prehistoric glaciation can be observed in the north.
In the desert part, where the Sahara Range extends, amazing salt lakes and unique natural oases arose.
In cool areas up to a height of 800 meters, you can find evergreen trees and cork oaks, but only a few cereals, feather grass and wormwood have been preserved in the arid south.
7. Himalayas, 2330 km
It is located between the Tibetan mountains and the Indo-Gangetic plain. Himalayas are not only long mountains (2330 km), but also the highest on the planet. They cover the territory of five Asian states.
In the rocks Himalayan mountains Valuable materials have been preserved: ores (copper, arsenic, chromium), deposits of gold, salt and fuel material (coal, oil, gas). Here the best world climbers gather, dreaming of conquering the peaks (and there are still many who have not been conquered).
6. Appalachian Mountains, 2400 km
It is located in the east of the North American continent and covers the territory of the modern USA and Canada. Northern Appalachian mountains are plateaus with massifs of hills where traces of prehistoric glaciers can be found.
In the southern part, the ridges are parallel and penetrated by deep valleys. Deposits of ores (iron, titanium) and fuel materials (oil, gas, coal) were found in the rocks. Also, the Appalachians are famous for forests that have been growing since the time of the Permian period.
5. Kunlun, 3000 km
Considered one of the largest Asian mountain systems on land. Geographically Kunlun located in China, skirting Tibet from the north. The sources of the largest rivers are located here. The mountains themselves formed during the Late Triassic - and this is about 250 million years ago.
Since ancient times, caravan trails were laid along mountain passes, and the southern branch of the Silk Road passed. Due to the dryness and poverty of the mineral composition of the land, the fauna and flora of the region are rather scarce.
Wormwood and cereals grow here, and at an altitude of 3.5-4 km among the firs and junipers you can meet some species of ungulates, wolves, foxes and leopards.
4. The Great Dividing Range, 3244 km
The ridge, consisting of granite, limestone, volcanic rocks is not picturesque. Located in Australia, Dividing ridge is a valuable source of fossil minerals such as coal, oil, gold, gas. Also here are the sources of industrially and economically significant rivers, on which hydroelectric power stations and dams are being built.
Despite the poverty of the territory, the Australians managed to organize national parks here to attract tourists.
3. Rocky Mountains, 4830 km
They are also part of the Cordillera of the North American continent, covering areas of Canada and America. They are considered a real national symbol - it was here that the Indians began to settle.
Now valuable minerals are being extracted here, as a result of which the ecosystem was severely disturbed. Rocky Mountains picturesque - travelers come here for exciting fishing, hiking and skiing (the best resorts in the country are located here).
By the way, the famous Yellowstone Nature Reserve is also located in the Rocky Mountains.
2. Transantarctic mountains, 8105 km
Unique transantarctic mountains, with a length of more than 8 thousand km, it is difficult to consider - the ice layer is several kilometers.
The system passes through Antarctica, dividing it into western and eastern regions. It is one of the oldest on the planet, having a volcanic origin. Thus, huge layers of coal lie in the surface layers, but at the moment it is unprofitable to get to them because of the eternal glaciers and the special status of Antarctica.
1. Andes, 9000 km
Part of the Cordillera, located on the South American continent, is half the entire length of this huge mountain system. Andes cover the territory of 7 countries and are divided into 3 parts: northern, southern and central, each of which is located in its own climate zone.
Here, useful ores are extracted (gold, silver, iron, copper), oil, and valuable agricultural crops are grown (grapes, cereals, bananas, olives, etc.). It is in the Andes that in alpine farms they keep alpacas and llamas, valuable for their wool.
Nature generously endowed the Earth with landscapes. Mountains are not only attractive tourist attractions for active leisure, but also a storehouse of valuable minerals, a habitat for unique animals and plants. That is why mankind must take care of the safety of mountain systems and conduct industrial activities more competently.