The Earth is home to numerous mountain ranges and chains, formed by tectonic plate movements and other geological processes. Here are some of the main mountain ranges and chains on the planet:
- Himalayas:
- Location: Asia (Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, Pakistan)
- Notable Peaks: Mount Everest, K2
- Andes:
- Location: South America (Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia)
- Notable Peaks: Aconcagua, Huascarán
- Rocky Mountains:
- Location: North America (United States and Canada)
- Notable Peaks: Mount Elbert, Mount Robson
- Alps:
- Location: Europe (France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany)
- Notable Peaks: Mont Blanc, Matterhorn
- Appalachian Mountains:
- Location: North America (United States and Canada)
- Notable Peaks: Mount Mitchell, Clingmans Dome
- Ural Mountains:
- Location: Russia
- Notable Peaks: Mount Narodnaya, Mount Yamantau
- Great Dividing Range:
- Location: Australia
- Notable Peaks: Mount Kosciuszko
- Cascade Range:
- Location: North America (United States and Canada)
- Notable Peaks: Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens
- Southern Alps:
- Location: New Zealand
- Notable Peaks: Aoraki / Mount Cook, Mount Aspiring
- Atlas Mountains:
- Location: North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
- Notable Peaks: Toubkal, Tell Atlas
- Transantarctic Mountains:
- Location: Antarctica
- Notable Peaks: Mount Tyree, Mount Kirkpatrick
- Sierra Nevada:
- Location: North America (United States and Spain)
- Notable Peaks: Mount Whitney, Mulhacén
These mountain ranges play a crucial role in shaping the geography, climate, and ecosystems of the regions they traverse. They are also significant for cultural, recreational, and ecological reasons, hosting diverse flora and fauna adapted to their specific environments.
Author: Kirill Shrayber, Ph.D.