Throughout the course of its 2,500km (1,600 mi) extent, the Atlas Mountains
Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range in the Maghreb. It stretches around 2,500 km through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The range's highest peak is Toubkal, with an elevation of 4,167 metres in southwestern Morocco. It separates the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the S…
Where are the Atlas Mountains in Africa?
Where Are The Atlas Mountains? 1 Anti-Atlas Range. The Anti-Atlas range extends for 420 miles from the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in southwest Morocco to the city of Ouarzazate, and then east to Tafilalt. 2 High Atlas Range. ... 3 Middle Atlas Range. ... 4 Saharan Atlas Range. ... 5 Tell Atlas Range. ... 6 Aurès Mountains Range. ...
What are the subranges of the Atlas Mountains?
The mountain range is divided into six subranges: Anti-Atlas, High Atlas, Middle Atlas, Saharan Atlas, Tell Atlas, and Aurès Mountains. The Anti-Atlas range extends for 420 miles from the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in southwest Morocco to the city of Ouarzazate, and then east to Tafilalt.
What are the two highest peaks of the Atlas Mountains?
The two highest peaks of the Atlas Mountains, Toubkal (13,671 ft) and m'Goun (13,356 ft), are located in the High Atlas range. The landscape of the range is characterized by green valleys, deep gorges, and rock outcroppings.
Why is it called the Atlas Mountains?
The mountains have a “strong” name after Atlas, the ancient Titan, an immortal being from Greek mythology. Atlas Mountain range’s terrain is quite difficult to cross due to its extremely high peaks, reaching 13,671 feet (4,167 meters).
How many countries does the Atlas Mountains cover?
The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range in Northwest Africa. The range spans a length of approximately 1,600 miles, stretching across Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, and separates the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts from the Sahara Desert.
Where do the Atlas Mountains start and end?
The High Atlas Mountains extend in a northeasterly direction from Morocco's Atlantic coast (near Agadir) for hundreds of miles inland toward the Algerian border. The western portion of the range is home to its tallest mountains, with peaks that stand above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet).
Where are the Tell Atlas Mountains located?
North AfricaTell Atlas, also called Maritime Atlas, French Atlas Tellien, Arabic Tel Al-aṭlas, range of the Atlas Mountains in North Africa, extending about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from eastern Morocco through Algeria to Tunisia.
How many Atlas Mountains are there?
It stretches around 2,500 km (1,600 mi) through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The range's highest peak is Toubkal, which is in central Morocco, with an elevation of 4,167 metres (13,671 ft)....Atlas MountainsCountriesMorocco, Algeria and TunisiaRegionMaghrebGeologyAge of rockPrecambrian7 more rows
Why are they called the Atlas Mountains?
Most of the people living in the Atlas Mountains are part of Berber tribes in Morocco and in Algeria. The mountains are named after the ancient Greek Titan, Atlas.
What are the Atlas Mountains famous for?
Fertile valleys, networks of hiking paths, remote Berber villages and snow-smeared peaks across North Africa's highest mountain range. The three ranges of the Atlas Mountains create a striking, sometimes harsh barrier between the arid Sahara and Morocco's milder coastal climate.
What are the 4 major mountain ranges in Africa?
Major Mountain Ranges in AfricaAtlas Mountains. Located in northwestern Africa, the Atlas Mountains stretches 2,000 kilometers (1,600 miles) from Morocco through Algeria and Tunisia. ... Ethiopian Highlands. ... Nuba Mountains. ... Rwenzori Mountains. ... Virunga Mountains. ... Marrah Mountains. ... Swartberg Mountains. ... Magaliesberg Mountain Range.
Why are the Atlas Mountains important?
The geologic formations of the Atlas are rich in minerals. The Moroccan High Atlas in particular contains important deposits. Among these the most important economically is phosphate, mined principally in the Khouribga area.
Where does the Great Dividing Range start and end?
The Great Dividing Range is at 3,500 km the world's third longest land based mountain range. It begins in north Queensland, passing through the middle of New South Wales and finishes in Victoria.
How long are the Atlas Mountains?
They extend for more than 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometres), from the Moroccan port of Agadir in the southwest, to the Tunisian capital of Tunis in the northeast.
What are the 4 major mountain ranges in Africa?
Major Mountain Ranges in AfricaAtlas Mountains. Located in northwestern Africa, the Atlas Mountains stretches 2,000 kilometers (1,600 miles) from Morocco through Algeria and Tunisia. ... Ethiopian Highlands. ... Nuba Mountains. ... Rwenzori Mountains. ... Virunga Mountains. ... Marrah Mountains. ... Swartberg Mountains. ... Magaliesberg Mountain Range.
What is significant about the Atlas Mountains?
The geologic formations of the Atlas are rich in minerals. The Moroccan High Atlas in particular contains important deposits. Among these the most important economically is phosphate, mined principally in the Khouribga area.
What is the highest mountain in the Atlas Mountains?
The range separates the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts from the Sahara Desert. The highest peak in the Atlas Mountains is Toubkal, which is located in southwestern Morocco and has an elevation of 13,671 ft.
Where is the Middle Atlas?
The Middle Atlas range is located entirely within Morocco, sitting south of the Rif mountains and north of the High Atlas. The region receives more rainfall than the other subranges, making it a critical water catchment area. The highest peak in the Middle Atlas is Jbel Bou Naceur, which has an elevation of 10,960 ft.
What is the highest peak in the Middle Atlas?
The highest peak in the Middle Atlas is Jbel Bou Naceur, which has an elevation of 10,960 ft. The range is home to the largest population of Barbary macaques in the world.
Where is the Anti Atlas range?
The Anti-Atlas range extends for 420 miles from the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in southwest Morocco to the city of Ouarzazate, and then east to Tafilalt. The southernmost region of the range bounds the Sahara, while the Jbel Saghro range forms the eastern boundary, and the High Atlas range flanks the northern section.
Where is the Tell Atlas located?
A large part of the Tell Atlas lies within Morocco, and the Algerian capital of Algiers, as well as the city of Oran, are both located within the Tell Atlas range.
What is the Tell Atlas?
The Tell Atlas range is the longest subrange of the Atlas Mountains, covering a distance of about 930 miles. The range runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast and stretches across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. A large part of the Tell Atlas lies within Morocco, and the Algerian capital of Algiers, as well as the city of Oran, are both located within the Tell Atlas range.
Where is the southernmost of the two Atlas Mountains?
The southernmost of the two ranges is the Saharan Atlas, and the two merge in eastern Algeria,the mains moutains are situated in kabylia region, the djurdjura and biban, with babor (tala guilef) . The western end of the Tell Atlas is near the Middle Atlas range in Morocco.
How were the Anti Atlas Mountains formed?
The Anti-Atlas Mountains are believed to have originally been formed as part of Alleghenian orogeny. These mountains were formed when Africa and America collided, and were once a chain rivaling today's Himalayas.
What is the easternmost point of the Anti-Atlas?
The easternmost point of the anti-Atlas is the Jbel Saghro range and its northern boundary is flanked by sections of the High Atlas range. It includes the Djebel Siroua, a massif of volcanic origin with the highest summit of the range at 3,304 m.
How was the Atlas formed?
The Atlas was formed during three subsequent phases of Earth's geology. The first tectonic deformation phase involves only the Anti-Atlas, which was formed in the Paleozoic Era (~300 million years ago) as the result of continental collisions. North America, Europe and Africa were connected millions of years ago. The tectonic boundary.
What is the Saharan Atlas?
The Saharan Atlas of Algeria is the eastern portion of the Atlas mountain range. Though not as high as the Grand Atlas, they are far more imposing than the Tell Atlas range that runs to the north of them and closer to the coast. The highest peak in the range is the 2,236 m (7,336 ft) high Djebel Aissa. They mark the northern edge of the Sahara Desert. The mountains see some rainfall and are better suited to agriculture than the plateau region to the north. Today, most of the population of the region are Berbers ( Imazighen ).
What are the resources of the Atlas Mountains?
There are deposits of iron ore, lead ore, copper, silver, mercury, rock salt, phosphate, marble, anthracite coal and natural gas among other resources .
What is the highest mountain in the Sahara Desert?
The highest peak in the range is the 2,236 m (7,336 ft) high Djebel Aissa. They mark the northern edge of the Sahara Desert. The mountains see some rainfall and are better suited to agriculture than the plateau region to the north. Today, most of the population of the region are Berbers ( Imazighen ).
How long is the Atlas Mountains?
The range spans a length of approximately 1,600 miles, stretching across Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, and separates the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts from the Sahara Desert. The highest peak in the range is Toubkal, which is located in southwestern Morocco and has an elevation of 13,671 ft. The Atlas Mountains were formed 80 million years ago ...
What is the longest section of the Atlas Mountains?
The Tell Atlas range is the longest section of the Atlas Mountains, covering a distance of about 930 miles, most of which is located within Morocco. The range runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast, and stretches across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
What is the highest mountain in the Middle Atlas?
The highest peak in the Middle Atlas range is Jbel Bou Naceur, which has an elevation of 10,960 ft. The slopes of the range are home to the world's largest population of Barbary macaque, also known as the Barbary ape.
What are the two highest mountains in Morocco?
It rises from the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and then stretches east to Morocco's border with Algeria. The two highest peaks of the Atlas Mountains, Toubkal (13,671 ft) and m'Goun (13,356 ft), are located in the High Atlas range.
Where is the Middle Atlas Range?
Middle Atlas Range. The Middle Atlas is located entirely within Morocco and is situated south of the Rif mountains and north of the High Atlas range. It receives more rainfall than the other subranges, making it an important water catchment area. The highest peak in the Middle Atlas range is Jbel Bou Naceur, which has an elevation of 10,960 ft.
Where is the Saharan Atlas located?
The Saharan Atlas range runs parallel the Tell Range, located to its north. The range is primarily situated in Algeria, but extends east into Tunisia. The average elevation of the Saharan Atlas range is less than the High Atlas.
Where is the Aurès Mountains?
Aurès Mountain Range. The Aurès Mountains occupy the easternmost section of the Atlas Mountains. The mountains are located on the border between Tunisia and Algeria, and the slopes of the range support agricultural development during the wet season, except for the northern side, which is characterized by extremely rough cliffs.
What is the region of the Atlas Mountains?
This region of the Atlas Mountains is defined by its arid, rocky landscapes and fantastic rock formations, and is punctuated in places by verdant oases and natural swimming pools. It lies entirely within Morocco.
How far do the Atlas Mountains stretch?
Email. Albert Engeln / Getty Images. The Atlas Mountains stretch for 1,600 miles through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. They have some of the most beautiful landscapes North Africa has to offer and the mountains act as a natural boundary between the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts and the Sahara Desert.
What is the highest mountain in Morocco?
High Atlas . The High Atlas is the most famous and most frequently visited of the Atlas sub-ranges. It is also exclusively Moroccan, rising in the west near the Atlantic Ocean and extending eastward towards the border with Algeria. The High Atlas includes the range’s highest peaks, including Jebel Toubkal.
Why do people go to the Atlas Mountains?
Hiking is the primary reason that most people travel to the Atlas Mountains, and the High Atlas is usually their sub-range of choice. There are several peaks of over 13,000 feet in the High Atlas, including the three highest mountains in North Africa (Jebel Toubkal, Ouanoukrim, and Ighil M’Goun respectively). Companies like Much Better Adventures and High Atlas Hiking offer guided trekking expeditions in the High Atlas.
What is the name of the mountain range in Morocco?
Anti-Atlas. The Anti-Atlas is the westernmost mountain range, stretching approximately 310 miles northeast from the Atlantic Ocean towards Ouarzazate and Tafilalt, the largest oasis in Morocco. To the south of the Anti-Atlas lies the Sahara Desert. This region of the Atlas Mountains is defined by its arid, rocky landscapes ...
What is the Middle Atlas?
The Middle Atlas is the country’s northernmost range and the second highest. It is defined by its warmer, wetter climate; and the dense cedar forests that provide shelter for a variety of unique flora and fauna. These forests make the Middle Atlas the most biodiverse sub-range and the best destination for wildlife enthusiasts and birders. It is also a rewarding choice for less experienced hikers.
Where to ski in Morocco?
Oukaïmeden, the only proper ski resort in North Africa, is located 49 miles south of Marrakesh on the flanks of Jebel Attar.
How tall is the Atlas Mountains?
In total they stretch for around 2,500 kilometres. The High Atlas Mountains, reaching a height of 4,167 metres, is exclusively in central Morocco. It is here that the scenery is most dramatic and diverse.
What is the Atlas Mountains in Morocco?
Morocco’s Atlas Mountains are a remarkable area of stunning scenery, rural Berber villages, ruined Kasbahs and great hiking. Here is our complete guide to visiting the Atlas Mountains. In the Berber villages of the Atlas Mountains, life still follows a traditional way of life.
What is the most famous waterfall in Morocco?
Another favourite day trip from Marrakech, the Ouzoud Falls are the most impressive in Morocco. Tumbling a total of 110 metres across three different drops, the falls are beautifully nestled in a jungle paradise that’s a cool relaxing relief from the harsh Moroccan sun.
Where is the Todra Gorge in Morocco?
Just a couple of hours east of the Dad ès Valley is the Todra Gorge. The most dramatic of the red rock canyons in Morocco, it’s almost 200 metres high and only 10 metres wide at its narrowest point. It opens out into the Tinghir Oasis, a massive swathe of green breaking the monotony of the desert. It is a remarkable contrast of red rock boulders and swaying green palms.
What is the third highest mountain in Morocco?
It’s a sea of green under the towering rocky summit of M’Goun massif – the third highest in Morocco. Berber villages dot the landscapes, and their way of life is ever present in the valley. Men tend goats in the foothills, women scythe crops to pile high on their backs and kids scurry back and forth to school.
How long does it take to hike in Morocco?
It can be done in as little as two days or over five days via a more relaxing route. Another great option is to hike west to the Azzadene Valley and Ouirgane, home to some of the most traditional Berber villages in the area. Start the climb to Mount Toubkal, the highest point in Morocco from the village of Imlil.
Which side of the Atlas Mountains is greener?
While the northern and western sides of the Atlas Mountains are greener and richer in life, the southern side is a sea of boulder and rock. Yet in spring, the snowmelt from the High Atlas Mountains collects in rivers and rushes downhill which, over the years, has cut deep ravines and dramatic valleys.
What are the Atlas Mountains?
Stretching some 2,500km (1,600 miles) across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, the mighty Atlas Mountains are a series of mountain ranges created by the violent collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates roughly 80 million years ago .
How far are the Atlas Mountains from the major cities?
It is possible to experience part of the Atlas Mountains via day trips or two-day trips from major cities across the three countries.
What are the sights in the Middle Atlas sub-range?
The oak and cedar-forested Ifrane National Park lies 80k (50 miles) south of Fès, it is home to the world’s largest population of Barbary macaques. Seeing a troop of them – with 10 to 30 individuals in a troop – is almost guaranteed. In the Cedre Gouraud Forest, there is also an 800-year-old cedar tree.
Where to hike the high Atlas?
Imlil, 90km (56 miles) south of Marrakech is where most visitors start their journey into the High Atlas. Set outside the Toubkal National Park (Parc National du Jbel Toubkal), Imlil is a hub for mountain tourism in Morocco – meaning it is the place to meet your guide, hire a mule or get any last-minute supplies before starting your trek. The route from Imlil to Refuge du Toubkal (French CAF Refuge) – the second hut – should take about four hours, although you are likely to take some time admiring the stunning views around Aroumd which is along the way.
What is the highest mountain in North Africa?
High Atlas or the Grand Atlas Mountains are probably the most well-known section of the Atlas Mountains. The area stretches from the Atlantic coast to the Moroccan-Algerian border and includes Toubkal, the highest summit in North Africa at 4,167m or 13,671ft. Middle Atlas is the northernmost chain of the Atlas Mountains.
What are the Berber communities in Morocco?
The Berber communities in Morocco are mainly farmers, livestock owners, and also merchants. They also make good tour guides to foreign visitors. In this guide, we will focus on the key sights in the Anti-Atlas, High Atlas, and Middle-Atlas sub-ranges, all of which are in Morocco.
Which mountain range is near Constantine?
In Algeria, Constantine is relatively close-by to both the Tell Atlas and the Aurès Mountain sub-ranges.
Where are the Atlas Mountains?
Famous for the mountain peaks, they spread alongside the north-western portion of the African continent through modern-day Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The great lovers of trekking can find a wide variety of routes to explore this incredible mountain range.
How many regions are there in the Atlas Mountains?
There are 4 regions within the Atlas Mountains. The first region has three ranges, all of them located in Morocco. These three ranges are known as Middle Atlas, High Atlas, and Anti-Atlas ranges. The High Atlas range, also known as the Grand Atlas is the highest in the Atlas Mountains. Saharan Atlas.
What are the two highest mountains in Morocco?
It’s surrounded by high snow-capped peaks. The second and third highest peaks in the Atlas Mountains range are on the mountain Ouanoukrim in Morocco. The two peaks are Timzguida, 3,415 feet (4,089 meters) high, and Ras Ouanoukrim that extends to 13,396 feet (4,083 meters). Many tourists are attracted by the glorious Atlas Mountains.
How tall is the Aurès Mountains?
The Aurès Mountains are formed of long parallel pleats, which reach a height of 7,638 feet at Mount Chelia. Located in the centre of the Tell Atlas range, the city of Blida, underwent a fatal blow in the 19th century from a strong earthquake. The city with 265,000 inhabitants was totally destroyed.
What are the trees in the High Atlas range?
High Atlas and Middle Atlas ranges’ slopes have dense forests rich with trees including pine, oak, and cedar trees.
How high is the Atlas Mountain range?
Atlas Mountain range’s terrain is quite difficult to cross due to its extremely high peaks, reaching 13,671 feet (4,167 meters). It’s highly challenging for travelers and the journey is full of risks. Tourists find the Atlas Mountains temperature gap extreme.
What is the name of the mountain range in the Mediterranean?
The coastlines of the Mediterranean and Atlantic are separated from the Sahara Desert with the Atlas Mountains. The mountains have a “strong” name after Atlas, the ancient Titan, an immortal being from Greek mythology.
How did the Atlas Mountains contribute to the development of the Maghribian countries?
Despite their inhospitability and relative inaccessibility, the Atlas Mountains have played an important part in the modern development of the Maghribian countries. The mountain massifs constitute catchment areas with considerable potential. The construction of reservoir dams not only has permitted the storage of enormous amounts of water for irrigating the plains but has also made it possible to generate hydroelectric energy. In Morocco efforts have been made in the last half of the 20th century to exploit the potential of the mountain wadis. In addition to the dams across the Wadi el-Abid and the Wadi el-Rhira on the northern slope of the High Atlas, dams on the southern face have been constructed across the Drâa and Ziz watercourses. In Algeria the Kabylie region has been developed with hydroelectric stations on the Agrioun and Djendjene wadis.
How do villages in the Atlas Mountains communicate?
Villages are linked by paths that, avoiding the valley bottoms, follow the crest lines of the hills. Travel is on foot or by mule or local bus.