Sierra Vicuña Mackenna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cordillera Vicuña Mackenna |
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Cerro Armazones is a mountain located in the Sierra Vicuña Mackenna.
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Cerro Vicuña Mackenna |
| Elevation | 3,114 m (10,217 ft) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 170 km (110 mi) north-south |
| Geography | |
| Country | Chile |
| Range coordinates | 24°30′S 69°00′W / 24.500°S 69.000°W |
| Parent range | Chilean Coast Range |
The Cordillera Vicuña Mackenna is a tall mountain range in northern Chile. It is the highest part of the Chilean Coast Range. This mountain range runs from north to south for about 170 kilometers. It stands west of a large flat area called the Pampa del Tamarugal.
The highest points in the Cordillera Vicuña Mackenna reach over 3,000 meters (about 9,800 feet) above sea level. The tallest peak is called Cerro Vicuña Mackenna.
Contents
What is a Mountain Range?
A mountain range is a group of mountains that are connected. They are usually formed by the same geological processes. The Cordillera Vicuña Mackenna is part of a bigger system. This system is known as the Chilean Coast Range.
Where is it Located?
The Cordillera Vicuña Mackenna is found in the northern part of Chile. This area is known for its very dry climate. The range is located to the west of the Andes mountains. It also sits west of the Pampa del Tamarugal.
The Rain Shadow Effect
The Cordillera Vicuña Mackenna plays a big role in the climate of the nearby Atacama Desert. The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth. This is partly because of something called the rain shadow effect.
How Rain Shadow Works
When moist air from the ocean moves towards a mountain range, it is forced to rise. As the air rises, it cools down. This cooling causes the moisture in the air to form clouds and then fall as rain or snow on one side of the mountains. This side is called the "windward" side.
After the air passes over the mountains, it loses most of its moisture. As it goes down the other side, called the "leeward" side, it warms up. This warm, dry air creates a very dry area. This dry area is the rain shadow.
Impact on Atacama Desert
The Cordillera Vicuña Mackenna creates a rain shadow. This means that the land to its east, where the Atacama Desert is, gets very little rain. This is why the Atacama Desert is so extremely dry.
Who was Vicuña Mackenna?
The mountain range is named after a famous Chilean person. His name was Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna. He was an important historian and writer. He lived in the 1800s and wrote many books about Chile's history.
See also
- Vicuña Mackenna Batholith
In Spanish: Sierra Vicuña Mackenna para niños
