List of mountain ranges

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Physical World Map 2004-04-01

List of Mountain Ranges

A mountain range is a series of mountains connected by high ground. Mountain ranges are formed through tectonic forces or volcanism. These landforms are critical to various ecological systems, providing habitats for numerous species and affecting weather patterns. This article provides an overview of significant mountain ranges across the globe, categorized by continent.

Africa

• Atlas Mountains – Stretching through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, the Atlas Mountains are a range of mountains in the Maghreb. They separate the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines from the Sahara Desert.
• Drakensberg – Located in South Africa and Lesotho, the Drakensberg range is the highest in Southern Africa, offering dramatic landscapes and important archaeological sites.
• Ruwenzori Range (Mountains of the Moon) – Situated on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, these mountains are known for their unique alpine flora and fauna.

Antarctica

• Transantarctic Mountains – This major mountain range divides Antarctica into East and West by extending across the continent for about 3,500 km (2,175 miles).

Asia

• Himalayas – The world's highest mountain range, spanning five countries: Bhutan, India, Nepal, China, and Pakistan. It includes Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth.
• Karakoram – Located in the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan), Ladakh (India), and China, the Karakoram includes K2, the second-highest peak in the world.
• Tien Shan – Extending through several Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, the Tien Shan is known for its alpine beauty.

Europe

• Alps – Stretching across eight countries in Europe, the Alps are central to the continent's geography and climate, and are a popular destination for tourists and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
• Carpathians – Running through Central and Eastern Europe, the Carpathians offer a rich mix of landscapes, wildlife, and cultures.
• Pyrenees – Forming a natural border between France and Spain, the Pyrenees are renowned for their stunning vistas and challenging hiking trails.

North America

• Rocky Mountains – Known as the Rockies, this major mountain range stretches from the northernmost part of British Columbia, in western Canada, to New Mexico, in the southwestern United States.
• Appalachian Mountains – Extending from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada to central Alabama in the United States, the Appalachians are among the oldest mountains on Earth.
• Sierra Nevada – Located in the Western United States, the Sierra Nevada includes the highest peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney.

South America

• Andes – The world's longest continental mountain range, the Andes stretch along South America's western side and are crucial to the continent's climate and hydrography.
• Cordillera Blanca – Part of the Andes mountain range in Peru, known for its high peaks and significant glaciation.

Oceania

• Australian Alps – Located in southeastern Australia, these mountains contain the Australian mainland's highest peaks and are a center for winter sports.
• Southern Alps – The mountain range running along the western side of New Zealand's South Island, home to Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand.

See also

• Mountain
• Plate tectonics
• Volcanism