Maritime Alps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maritime Alps |
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| French: Alpes Maritimes Italian: Alpi Marittime |
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Maritime Alps
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Monte Argentera |
| Elevation | 3,297 m (10,817 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Countries | France, Italy and Monaco |
| Region, Région | Piedmont, Liguria Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur |
| Range coordinates | 44°13.9′N 7°10.6′E / 44.2317°N 7.1767°E |
| Parent range | Alps |
| Borders on | Ligurian Alps, Cottian Alps, Provence Alps and Prealps and Mediterranean Sea |
| Rivers |
List
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| Geology | |
| Orogeny | Alpine orogeny |
The Maritime Alps (which means Alpes Maritimes in French and Alpi Marittime in Italian) are a cool mountain range located in the southwestern part of the Alps.
These mountains create a natural border. They separate the French region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur from the Italian regions of Piedmont and Liguria. They are also the very southernmost part of the entire Alps mountain system.
Contents
Exploring the Maritime Alps: What Makes Them Special?
The Maritime Alps are unique because they are so close to the Mediterranean Sea. This means you can find both high mountain peaks and coastal views nearby. The highest point in this range is Monte Argentera, which stands tall at 3,297 meters (about 10,817 feet).
Where Are the Maritime Alps Located?
These mountains are found where France and Italy meet. They are part of the larger Western Alps. To their north, you'll find the Cottian Alps. To the east are the Ligurian Alps. To the west, you'll see the Provence Alps and Prealps. And to the south, of course, is the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
Rivers Flowing Through the Mountains
Several important rivers start or flow through the Maritime Alps. These rivers carve valleys and create stunning landscapes. Some of these rivers include:
- The Verdon River
- The Ubaye River
- The Roya River
- The Var River
- The Stura di Demonte River
These rivers are important for the local environment and the communities that live in the valleys.
How Were the Maritime Alps Formed?
Like many large mountain ranges, the Maritime Alps were formed by a process called the Alpine orogeny. This is a fancy way of saying that huge pieces of the Earth's crust (called tectonic plates) slowly crashed into each other over millions of years. This immense pressure pushed the land upwards, creating the towering peaks we see today. It's a bit like pushing a rug from both ends – it wrinkles up in the middle!
Images for kids
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Col d'allos (2,250 m)
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Mercantour National Park
See also
In Spanish: Alpes marítimos para niños
