Atlas mountains

Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range in the Maghreb. They stretch around 2,500 km (1,600 mi) through Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. The range's highest peak is Toubkal, with an elevation of 4,167 metres (13,671 ft) in southwestern Morocco. The Atlas ranges separate the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert.

Geography

The Atlas Mountains extend over 2,500 km, traversing three countries: Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. They are divided into six main subranges: the Middle Atlas, High Atlas, and Anti-Atlas in Morocco, the Saharan Atlas in Algeria and Tunisia, and the Tell Atlas in Algeria.

Geology

The Atlas was formed during three separate phases of Earth's geology. The first two phases involved the formation of the ancient supercontinents Pangaea and Gondwana. The final phase involved the breaking up of Pangaea and the formation of the modern continents.

Climate

The Atlas Mountains are primarily affected by the Mediterranean climate. However, due to the high elevation, there are also several microclimates present, including a wet, maritime climate in the west, a drier, continental climate in the east, and a snow climate at the highest elevations.

Flora and Fauna

The Atlas Mountains are home to a number of plant and animal species unique to Africa, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. These include the Atlas cedar, the Atlas bear, and the Barbary macaque.

Human Settlement

The Atlas Mountains have been home to various peoples for thousands of years, including the ancient Berbers and the Romans. Today, the mountains are home to various Berber tribes, many of whom have lived in the area for generations.

See Also

• Geography of Algeria
• Geography of Morocco
• Geography of Tunisia
• Berbers
• Roman Empire