Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which mountain ranges make up the Sierra Madre mountain system in Mexico?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
The Sierra Madre mountain system in Mexico is primarily composed of three major mountain ranges that enclose the central Mexican Plateau:1
- Sierra Madre Occidental: Located to the west, this range extends approximately 700 miles (1,100 km) and is characterized by formidable escarpments and deep canyons known as barrancas.123
- Sierra Madre Oriental: Situated to the east, this range consists of folded sedimentary strata, such as shales and limestones, running roughly 700 miles (1,100 km) north to south.13
- Sierra Madre del Sur: Located to the south, this range is part of the broader Southern Highlands and consists of highly dissected mountain ranges and narrow ridges.13
Additionally, the Cordillera Neo-Volcánica acts as a geologically active link between the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental at the southern edge of the Mexican Plateau.3