GEOGRAPHY THROUGH MAPS
Andes
The Andes form the western backbone of South America. Their great height redirects winds, divides drainage and creates sharply contrasting environments over short distances.
Fast Facts
- Follow the range through Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.
- The continental chain extends roughly 7,000 km; its broad central section encloses the Altiplano in Peru and Bolivia.
- Aconcagua in Argentina is the highest summit. Volcanic peaks are concentrated in distinct belts rather than along every part of the chain.
Connected lessons
- AndesMap, explanation and practice
- AmazonMap, explanation and practice
- Why is the west coast so dry?Guided exploration
- Across the southern Andes to the AtlanticGuided exploration
- Rocky MountainsMap, explanation and practice
- HimalayasMap, explanation and practice
- Along the western AmericasGuided exploration
- Orient through major systemsGuided exploration
Geographical connections
- Nazca PlateRelated places
- Altiplano · Bolivian PlateauRelated places
- AconcaguaRelated places
- Patagonian DesertRelated places
- AmazonRelated places
- Atacama DesertRelated places
- Machu PicchuRelated places
- Patagonian PlateauRelated places
- Andean piedmont · ArgentinaRelated places
- HuascaránRelated places
- ChimborazoRelated places
- Mantaro RiverRelated places
- Madeira RiverRelated places
- SubductionFormed by
- VolcanismAssociated with
- AmazonContributes to
- Rain-shadow effectInfluences
- AmazonSource region for
- VenezuelaLocated in
- ColombiaLocated in
- EcuadorLocated in
- PeruLocated in
- BoliviaLocated in
- ChileLocated in
- ArgentinaLocated in
- Rocky MountainsCompare with
- HimalayasCompare with
- GuatemalaRelated places
- Nile RiverRelated places