Britannica AI Icon

Southern Andes

mountains, South America

Quick Summary

The Southern Andes are the southernmost part of the Andes mountain range in South America, encompassing the Chilean, Fuegian, and Patagonian cordilleras. This region is characterized by rugged terrain, with mountain crests reaching over 10,000 feet, and features ice fields, glaciers, rivers, and lakes. The climate varies significantly with altitude, from temperate rainforests in the south to desert-like conditions in some areas. Vegetation ranges from dense forests to sparse alpine flora, and the area is home to diverse wildlife, including camelids and the condor. The Southern Andes are a result of tectonic activity, specifically the collision of the Pacific and South American plates.1234

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

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.