Caucasus Mountains Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Caucasus Mountains
Aerial view of the Caucasus Mountains
Highest point
Peak	Mount Elbrus
Elevation	5,642 m (18,510 ft)
Dimensions
Length	1,200 km (750 mi)
Width	160 km (99 mi)
Geography
Topographic map
Countries	List Russia Georgia Armenia Azerbaijan Iran Turkey
State/Province	Eurasia
Range coordinates	42°30′N 45°00′E / 42.5°N 45°E / 42.5; 45

The Caucasus Mountains are a huge mountain range located in Eurasia, which is the large landmass that includes both Europe and Asia. These impressive mountains stretch for about 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) between the Black Sea in the west and the Caspian Sea in the east. They are a natural border, with the Greater Caucasus range often seen as the dividing line between Europe and Asia. South of the Greater Caucasus, you'll find the Lesser Caucasus range.

Exploring the Caucasus Mountains
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Exploring the Caucasus Mountains

The Caucasus region is home to some of the tallest mountains in Europe. It's a place of amazing natural beauty, with high peaks, deep valleys, and diverse wildlife.

Where are the Caucasus Mountains?

The Caucasus Mountains are located in a region called the Caucasus. This area is shared by several countries. These include Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. The mountains act like a giant natural wall, separating different parts of the world.

What are the Highest Peaks?

The tallest mountain in the Caucasus range is Mount Elbrus. It stands incredibly tall at 5,642 meters (18,510 feet) above sea level. Mount Elbrus is actually an inactive volcano. It is considered the highest peak in Europe. Other famous peaks include Mount Kazbek and Mount Shkhara.

How Were the Mountains Formed?

The Caucasus Mountains were formed over millions of years. This happened when the Arabian Plate moved north and crashed into the Eurasian Plate. This slow but powerful collision caused the Earth's crust to fold and push upwards, creating the towering peaks we see today. This process is called orogeny, which means mountain building.

Wildlife and Nature in the Caucasus

The Caucasus Mountains are a hotspot for different kinds of plants and animals. Many unique species live here because of the varied landscapes. You can find everything from forests and alpine meadows to glaciers and rocky peaks. Some animals that call the Caucasus home include the Caucasian tur (a type of wild goat), leopards, and brown bears. The region is also important for many types of birds.