Andes
Andes Chain of mountains in South America, extending along the whole length of the w coast. The longest mountain range in the world, they stretch for 8900km (5500mi). At their widest they are c.800km (500mi) across. There are more than 50 peaks over 6700m (22,000ft) high. They contain many active volcanoes, including Cotopaxi in Ecuador. Earthquakes are common, and cities such as Lima, Valparaíso, and Callao have been severely damaged. The highest peak is Aconcagua, rising 6960m (22,834ft) in Argentina. Lake Titicaca, the world's highest lake at 3810m (12,500ft), lies in the Andes on the Peru-Bolivia border.
More From encyclopedia.com
NEARBY TERMS
Andes
