Atlas Mountains
Rising far above the states, the Atlas Mountains record two watersheds. On the one hand, there is a humid climate, and on the other, the Atlas forms in northern Africa, the arid Sahara. The Atlas Mountains are divided into various units…
Towering far above the states
Two watersheds are recorded in the Atlas Mountains. On the one hand, there is a humid climate, and on the other hand, the Atlas forms in northern Africa, the dry Sahara. The Atlas Mountains are divided into different units. This includes the Little Atlas, which borders directly on the Algerian north coast and the Mediterranean Sea. The Rif extends over the Moroccan part from the north coast to the Mediterranean Sea. The units also include the Middle Atlas, which is located in the center of Morocco. It rises about 3300 meters from the ground. The largest and highest part of the Atlas Mountains is the High Atlas, which lies with 4000 meters in the south in the center of Morocco.
Also the Saharan Atlas and the Anti-Atlas are recorded both in the north and in the southwest of the region. The foothills of the Atlas Mountains can also be found in Tunisia, where they can be found again on the Algerian mountain ranges. Many years ago, there was a basement in Africa, which originated in ancient times. It is a very old mountain range that formed on the African continent. The mountains are divided into two parts, one of which consists of the Anti-Atlas and the other part of the remaining parts of the mountain range. From a geological point of view, it is also referred to as a fold mountain, since the Alps and Pyrenees were formed later. The tectonic boundary shows the changes in the plates that have formed over the years. The Atlas Mountains are also known for their recurring earthquakes. These are triggered by the shifts at the Eurasian and African plates deep in the Earth's core.
Recyclable raw materials in the Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are rich in numerous raw materials, which are very attractive for mining and use. Iron ore or phosphates are found here, which are used in industry. But also hard coal and natural gas, as well as cobalt are mined in the Atlas Mountains. The mountains are very rich in these raw materials and are thus the exception among African mountains. The climate in the Atlas Mountains is Mediterranean. In summer it is very hot, but in the winter months the temperature can drop sharply. Snow and ice are also possible on the higher peaks, where salt lakes form salt crystals. There are many shrubs and trees in the Atlas Mountains, but also oaks and olive trees.
The soils in the mountains are fertile
People grow their products there so they can survive. Rosemary or thyme are also harvested in large fields. The fertile soils show their diversity in cultivation. This is due to the good climate and vegetation. Due to the different climatic influences, various animal species are also counted in the Atlas Mountains, including wild boars or small reptiles. But insects also enrich the vegetation in their own way.
