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Northern Andes
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Physical map of northern and central South America highlighting the Andes Mountains along the continent's western edge and the Amazon River basin and drainage network spanning Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and surrounding countries. The map uses color shading to show elevation, marks major rivers, cities, international and political boundaries, and features a small locator map of South America in the corner. Physical map of the northern Andes and the Orinoco River basin, covering parts of Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and northern Brazil. The map uses color shading to indicate elevation, highlights major mountain ranges, rivers, and drainage networks, and marks international and political boundaries as well as key cities. An inset locator map shows the region's position in northern South America.
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Northern Andes

mountains, South America
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Physical map of northern and central South America highlighting the Andes Mountains along the continent's western edge and the Amazon River basin and drainage network spanning Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and surrounding countries. The map uses color shading to show elevation, marks major rivers, cities, international and political boundaries, and features a small locator map of South America in the corner.
Central and Northern Andes and the Amazon River basin and drainage network

The Northern Andes are the northernmost section of the Andes mountain range, stretching from Ecuador through Colombia to Venezuela. This region is characterized by high plateaus and numerous volcanoes, with some peaks exceeding 15,000 feet. The Loja Knot in southern Ecuador marks the transition from the Central Andes.1

The Northern Andes are divided into three main cordilleras: the Cordillera Occidental, Cordillera Central, and Cordillera Oriental. These ranges contain significant volcanoes and have shaped the landscape, creating basins and valleys that are densely populated and intensively cultivated. The climate varies greatly with altitude, ranging from tropical at lower elevations to polar on the highest peaks. Geologically, the Andes were formed by the collision of the Nazca and South American plates.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
6 Britannica Sources
  1. Andes Mountains - Physiography of the Northern Andes
  2. Andes Mountains - Climate
  3. Andes Mountains - Geology
  4. Bolivia - Animal life
  5. Andes Mountains - Physiography of the Southern Andes
  6. Andes Mountains: Top Questions

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