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Ecuadorian Andes

mountain range, South America

Quick Summary

The Ecuadorian Andes are a significant part of the larger Andes Mountains in South America. This mountain system in Ecuador is characterized by two main chains, the Cordillera Occidental and the Cordillera Central, which run north-south and are home to numerous high volcanoes, some with permanent snowcaps like Chimborazo. These ranges create a long, narrow plateau divided into basins by lava flows, which are densely populated and intensively cultivated. The climate in the Ecuadorian Andes varies with elevation, generally becoming cooler and damper as altitude increases, with frost possible at higher elevations. The region's basins and slopes are crucial for agriculture, supporting crops like corn, potatoes, and wheat.1234

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