Apennines facts for kids
The Apennines are a long mountain range that runs down the middle of Italy. They are often called the "backbone" of Italy because they stretch for about 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) from north to south. These mountains are not as tall as the Alps, but they are very important to Italy's geography and history.
The highest mountain in the Apennines is Corno Grande, which means "Great Horn." It stands tall at 2,912 metres (9,554 feet) above sea level. The Apennines are divided into three main parts: the Northern Apennines, the Central Apennines, and the Southern Apennines.
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Where are the Apennines?
The Apennine mountain range begins in the northwest of Italy, near the city of Genoa. It then curves southeast, going through most of the Italian peninsula. The mountains even extend into Sicily, the large island off the tip of Italy's "boot." This long chain of mountains separates the western coasts of Italy from the eastern coasts.
How were they formed?
The Apennines were formed over millions of years. This happened when the African Plate slowly pushed against the Eurasian Plate. This huge pressure caused the Earth's crust to fold and lift, creating the mountains we see today. This process is still happening, which is why Italy sometimes experiences earthquakes.
Parts of the Apennines
The Apennines are usually divided into three main sections, each with its own unique features:
Northern Apennines
This part of the range is in the northern regions of Italy, like Liguria and Emilia-Romagna. The mountains here are generally lower and more rounded. They are known for their beautiful forests and green valleys. The highest peak in the Northern Apennines is Monte Cimone, which is 2,165 metres (7,103 feet) high.
Central Apennines
The Central Apennines are the widest and highest part of the range. They include famous areas like Abruzzo and Lazio. This is where you'll find Corno Grande, the highest peak of the entire Apennine range. This area is known for its rugged peaks, deep valleys, and some of Italy's most important national parks. These parks protect a lot of wildlife, including bears and wolves.
Southern Apennines
As the mountains continue south, they become narrower and more broken up. The Southern Apennines stretch through regions like Campania, Basilicata, and Calabria. While generally lower than the central section, they still have some impressive peaks. This part of the range is known for its Mediterranean climate and beautiful coastal views where the mountains meet the sea.
Rivers and Lakes
Many important Italian rivers begin in the Apennines. The most famous is the Tiber River, which flows through Rome and into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Another major river is the Arno River, which flows through Florence. These rivers are important for farming and providing water to many Italian cities. There are also several natural lakes in the Apennines, often found in volcanic craters or glacial valleys.
Wildlife and Nature
The Apennines are home to a rich variety of plants and animals. The lower slopes are covered with forests of oak, beech, and chestnut trees. Higher up, you can find pine forests and alpine meadows.
Many animals live in these mountains, including:
- Apennine wolf: A special type of wolf found only in Italy.
- Marsican brown bear: A rare type of brown bear that lives in the Central Apennines.
- Chamois: A type of goat-antelope that lives in the high mountains.
- Golden eagles: Large birds of prey that soar above the peaks.
Several national parks and protected areas have been created in the Apennines to protect this unique wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Life in the Mountains
Many small towns and villages are nestled in the valleys and on the slopes of the Apennines. People here often live a traditional way of life, relying on farming, forestry, and tourism. In recent years, the mountains have become popular for hiking, skiing, and exploring nature. The Apennines offer a peaceful escape from the busy cities of Italy.
Images for kids
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The plaque marking the Bocchetta di Altare
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Monte Cimone (2165 m) in Emilia Romagna, is the highest mountain of the northern Apennines
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Gran Sasso and Campo Imperatore
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Majella massif
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The Monti Picentini, in the Campanian Apennines.
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The Pietra di Bismantova, Emilian Apennines, Emilia-Romagna
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A pillow lava from an ophiolite sequence, Northern Apennines
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Corno Grande
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Serra Dolcedorme, the highest summit in Southern Apennine
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See also
In Spanish: Apeninos para niños
