The Formation of Atlas Mountains
Atlas Mountains is a mountain range in the northwestern part of Africa. The range stretches for over 2400km through three countries; Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The formation of the Atlas Mountains started over 300 million years ago, during the Paleozoic Era. The region was part of a vast continental landmass, Gondwana, consisting of South America, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica. During the period, tectonic activity resulted in the formation of mountains and valleys, including the Atlas Mountains.
The Geology of Atlas Mountains
A large part of the Atlas Mountains is composed of sedimentary rocks, which formed as a result of continued sedimentation and accumulation of particles from erosion within the region that took place over time. The traces of marine fossils and shellfish that occur within the rocks show that Atlas Mountains was once covered by the sea. Other geological features found in the Atlas Mountains are igneous rocks, such as volcanic rock formations, granites, and basalts, formed from lava flows, and displaced from the earth’s crust some thousands of years ago.
The Atlas Mountains Faults and Earthquakes
The rocks in Atlas Mountains show signs of deformation and fractures, pointing to the occurrence of faults and earth movements within the region. From the past occurrences of earthquakes, the mountains have an overall underlying active tectonic setting. The most infamous and deadliest earthquake that hit the region was the 1960 earthquake located in the Agadir region in Morocco, which caused over 12,000 deaths.
Climate and Hydrology of Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains have an arid and semi-arid climate with cold winters and hot summers. The highest peaks of the range receive snowfall and frequent snowmelt that provides a significant source of water for the lower regions of the mountains. These regions have unique plant life such as cedar, juniper, and cypress forests that thrive due to the snowmelt. Atlas mountains have numerous rivers and creeks that flow through the mountainous region, and the rivers provide water to the locals for irrigation and domestic use.
The Atlas Mountains is a fascinating mountain range with a rich geological history. The range is an excellent example of an active tectonic region characterized by intense faulting and earthquakes, formed by a series of geological events that took place over millions of years ago. The range plays an essential role in the local climate and hydrology and offers a unique experience for anyone who visits them.
