Question

Describe the Andes under the headings:

• Extent
• Position
• Features
• Significance

Answer 1

• Extent — Long stretch of young fold mountains that run parallel to pacific coast in Western part of South America.
• Position — They are not one mountain range but several parallel ranges with basins and plateaux between them lying in the West Coastal region of South America.
• Features — Despite being near the equator, the highest peak. Mt. Aconcagua ** snow covered. The Uspallata Pass is one of few gaps in the lofty mountain range. Lake Titicaca is the highest freshwater lake found in Andes. There are many active volcanic mountains present in Andes as they form a part of Pacific Ring of ***.
• Significance — Andes are storehouse of mineral wealth like copper, gold, silver, tin, lead and platinum. Many short, swift rivers flowing down the Andes supply hydroelectricity.