The Exotic Alps

Mark BALLS
The Alps
The Alps are the highest and most
extensive mountain range system
that lies entirely in Europe.The
mountains were formed over tens of
millions of years as the African and
Eurasian tectonic plates collided.
Extreme shortening caused by the
event resulted in marine
sedimentary rocks rising by
thrusting and folding into high
mountain peaks such as Mont
Blanc and the Matterhorn. Mont
Blanc spans the French–Italian
border, and at 4,809 m is the
highest mountain in the Alps. The
Alpine region area contains 128
peaks higher than 4,000 m.
 Where does the
Alps lie?

The Alps are an extensive

mountain system that is located
in south-central Europe. These
mountain ranges extend for
about 1,200 km in a crescent
shape across eight Alpine
countries, namely Austria,
France, Germany, Italy,
Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia,
and Switzerland.
Four facts about the Alps.

1. Nature
2. Plant life
3. Funny Nickname
4. Youngest mountain range
Nature
The Alps are home to 13,000 species
of vegetation and 30,000 species of
wildlife, many of which are native to
the Alps. Can you imagine that? These
numbers are huge! The southern side
of the mountain range is more fertile
and the warm season lasts longer
there, as it is protected from northern
winds and snowstorms.
Plant life

The Alps are almost treeless near the

top, but forests grow below. The higher
forests have mostly spruce, pine, and
larch trees. Oak, beech, and chestnut
trees grow on the valley floors and
lower slopes.13,000 species of plants
have been identified in the Alpine
regions.
Funny Nickname

The Alpine region is often nicknamed

as four-thousanders because it
features around 100 peaks which have
the height over than 13,123 feet or
4,000 meter.
Youngest mountain
range

The Alps came into existence 65

million years ago, as a result of a
collision between the African and
Eurasian tectonic plates. Even so, the
Alps are Europe’s youngest mountain
range and its believed that people have
inhabited this mountain chain for
60,000 years.