La Atlas mountain range is a mountain system located in the northwest region of Africa. The area exhibits a striking contrast between its green, snow-covered terrain and its formidable dry deserts. This mountain range serves as a natural divider, separating the Sahara Desert from the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlas Mountains are home to the highest peaks in its territories and are considered the geological base of the nations of the Arab Maghreb, which constitute the northwest subregion of Africa.
Therefore, in this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the Atlas Mountains, its characteristics, origin and much more.
Key features
The Atlas Mountains are located in North Africa and are known for certain distinctive features. These features include rugged terrain, rocky slopes, and an elevation of up to 4.167 meters.
The mountain range known as the Atlas Mountains extends through the countries of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, covering a distance of 2.400 kilometers. The highest peak in this mountain range is Mount Toubkal (also known as Tubqal), which It rises 4.167 meters above sea level.
The Atlas mountain range is divided into three large massifs: the Moroccan Atlas, the Saharan Atlas and the Tellian Atlas. This intricate system is made up of several subranges, massifs, individual peaks, national parks and bodies of water, including:
- The Atlas mountain range is made up of several extensions, among which are Mount Aurés or Orés and the Tunisian mountain range, which are among the most significant.
- The Jbel Saghro mountain range is an extension located towards the eastern region of the Anti-Atlas mountain range. Its summit reaches a maximum height of 2712 meters.
- Jebel Ouanoukrim is a mountain range that has two of the highest points in the region: the peaks of Timezguida (4089 meters) and Ras Ouanoukrim (4083 meters), which occupy second and third place respectively.
- With a height of 4071 meters, Ighil M'Goun (also known as Jebel Mgoun) is recognized as the fourth highest peak in the Atlas Mountains.
- Toubkal National Park is the residence of the famous Mount Toubkal.
- Djebel Chambi National Park and Biosphere Reserve It is a majestic destination highly appreciated for its natural beauty and ecological importance.
- Tazekka National Park is a protected area that has a diverse ecosystem, abundant in flora and fauna. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure and natural beauty.
- Tineghir is a World Heritage Site and is located at the base of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. This site is an oasis that provides much-needed respite in an otherwise arid region.
- The Uzud waterfalls are a natural wonder.
- The Cheliff, Draa, El Abid, Meyerda, Mulya, Oum Er-Rbia, Sus and Wadi Ourika rivers They have various sources and channels.
Surrounding population
The Atlas region is mainly inhabited by Berber peoples, who make up the majority of its population. The region supports millions of people who predominantly depend on agriculture, livestock, fishing and tourism as their main livelihoods. Due to its favorable geography, the area is a popular destination for travelers seeking recreational activities such as hiking, trekking, mountaineering and even skiing, thanks to resorts like Oukaïmeden and Timichi.
The Moroccan Atlas mountain range is a formidable natural landmark that It extends for more than 2.500 km throughout the country. It is made up of several distinct subranges, each with its own unique geology, flora and fauna. The highest peak in the range is Toubkal, which rises above the surrounding landscape to a staggering height of 4.167 meters above sea level. The Atlas Mountains have played an essential role in shaping Moroccan culture and society, serving as a barrier and bridge between different regions of the country. Today, the Atlas remains a popular destination for hikers, hikers, and mountaineers looking to explore its rugged terrain and stunning views.
Formation of the Atlas Mountains
The formation of the Atlas Mountains can be attributed to a complex series of geological events. The mountain range extends 2.500 kilometers through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, and It is believed to have emerged during the Paleozoic Era, about 300 million years ago. The Atlas Mountains are characterized by their jagged peaks, deep valleys and steep slopes, which are the result of intense tectonic activity and volcanic eruptions. These geological forces caused the uplifting and folding of the Earth's crust, which in turn created the Atlas Mountains we see today.
The Titans of Greek mythology are said to have given their name to the Atlas Mountains due to their supposed role in shaping the terrain. It is believed that the powerful titan Atlas used his body, back and arms reclined to shape the mountains and valleys of the mountain range. The highest point in the Atlas Mountains and in all of North Africa is called Toubkal. In Berber languages it can be translated into Spanish as “Land that rises above the rest”, “he who believes in the land” or “the land that speaks”.
From a geological point of view, the Atlas Mountains date back to the collision point between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, which It occurred about 65 million years ago. The Anti-Atlas region was the first to form in the Paleozoic era, as a result of numerous tectonic deformations and continental collisions. Later, in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras, the rest of the mountain range arose due to various geological phenomena. These included the stretching of the Earth's crust, the separation of land masses, the compression of once extensive basins, and the uplift of the land itself.
Flora and fauna of the Atlas Mountains
This mountain range has a great variety of plant and animal life. From vibrant From wildflowers to towering trees, the flora of this region is a sight to behold. The fauna is equally impressive with a variety of animal species such as the Barbary macaque, Atlas viper and the endangered Barbary deer. The Atlas Mountains are truly a paradise for nature enthusiasts and biologists alike.
The climate of the Atlas Mountains is marked by marked differences. This is due to the convergence of two opposing air masses, a cold and humid one from the north and a warm and tropical one from the south. The location of the region determines the type of climate experienced, from arid and semi-arid conditions to high altitude conditions. The Moroccan High Atlas is known for its snowfalls, which last six months a year. The Tellian Atlas receives more precipitation than the Sub-Saharan Atlas and the Anti-Atlas.
The mountain range has a diverse range of biomes and ecosystems, including North African Mediterranean Forest, North African Montane Forest, Mediterranean Shrub Steppe, North Saharan Steppe, High Atlas Juniper Steppe, and Mediterranean Dry Forest and Succulents. Thicket of acacias and erguenes.
The flora of this region It is characterized by xerophilous and sclerophyllous vegetation. Among the notable species are the Aleppo oak, the Andalusian oak, the hawthorn, the holm oak, the cork oak, the African larch, the esparto grass, the rosemary, the olive tree, the fig tree, the black juniper, the Albar juniper, the Aleppo pine, the pine. rodeno, lupin, colleja, gum arabic, Bupleurum spinosum and Buxus balearica. In addition, the region has Argania spinosa, Atlas cedar, common yew, Spanish fir, Algerian fir, common juniper, black pine and Dracaena draco.
This mountain range is home to endemic and critically endangered species, including:
- The Barbary monkey is a type of primate native to North Africa.
- The Barbary sheep, also known as aoudad, is a species of wild sheep native to North Africa.
- The Barbary Leopard It is a species of leopard found in North Africa. It is a critically endangered species and it is estimated that only 250 individuals remain in the wild. The Barbary leopard is known for its distinctive coat, marked with black spots. Despite conservation efforts, the population of these leopards continues to decline due to habitat loss, hunting and other human activities.
- The Atlas deer is a species of deer native to the Atlas Mountains in North Africa.
- The Cuvier's gazelle is a species of gazelle native to North Africa. It is characterized by its slender body, long legs and distinctive facial markings. This gazelle is known for its speed and agility, which it uses to evade predators in its natural habitat.
A variety of important species occupy this region, including the North African green frog, black tortoise, wild boar, African wildcat, fennec or fennec, caracal, crested porcupine, common weasel, genet, smooth snake. south, the Forskal snake, the red-billed snake, ringed chough, bearded vulture, golden eagle, Bonelli's eagle, dipper, Algerian nuthatch, common sole, Tunisian shrimp, sharp-toothed catfish and friarfish.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the Atlas Mountains, its characteristics, geology and formation.