Fuegian Andes
Quick Summary
The Fuegian Andes are the southernmost part of the Andes mountain system in South America. They begin on Staten Island, the easternmost point of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, and extend westward. The highest ridges in this region are less than 7,900 feet. The physiography of the Fuegian Andes is complicated by the Sierra de la Costa. This southernmost subdivision of the Andes is characterized by rugged terrain, with many ranges containing ice fields, glaciers, rivers, lakes, or fjords. The line of permanent snow in the Southern Andes, including the Fuegian region, is around 2,300 feet. The climate in this region is cold, with average annual temperatures below 50°F (10°C) and significant daily temperature variations.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Andes MountainsPhysiography of the Southern AndesThe Fuegian Andes begin on the mountainous Estados (Staten) Island, the easternmost point of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, reaching an elevation of 3,700 feet. They run to the west through Grande Island, where the highest ridges—including Mounts Darwin, Valdivieso, and Sorondo—are all less than 7,900…
Read MoreThe Fuegian Andes begin on the mountainous Estados (Staten) Island, the easternmost point of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, reaching an elevation of 3,700 feet. They run to the west through Grande Island, where the highest ridges—including Mounts Darwin, Valdivieso, and Sorondo—are all less than 7,900…
Read More- Andes MountainsSoils
In the Fuegian and southern Patagonian Andes, the formation of soils is difficult; the actions of glaciers and of strong winds have left nearly bare rock in many places. Peat bogs, podzols, and meadow soils, all with thick horizons (layers) of humus, are found; drainage is poor.…
Read MoreIn the Fuegian and southern Patagonian Andes, the formation of soils is difficult; the actions of glaciers and of strong winds have left nearly bare rock in many places. Peat bogs, podzols, and meadow soils, all with thick horizons (layers) of humus, are found; drainage is poor.…
Read More