Consider the following statements regarding the High Atlas Mountains: ...
The epicenter of the recent devastating earthquake in Morocco was in the High Atlas Mountains, about 71km southwest of Marrakesh.
About High Atlas Mountains:
- The High Atlas Mountains, often referred to simply as the High Atlas, is a prominent mountain range in North Africa, primarily located in Morocco.
- Location:
- The High Atlas Mountains are part of the Atlas Mountain range, which stretches across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
- It extends northeastward for 1000km from the Atlantic Coast to the Moroccan-Algerian border.
- Geography:
- They are characterized by their rugged and steep terrain.
- They are known for their high peaks, deep valleys, and extensive plateaus.
- The range includes several peaks over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) in elevation, with Mount Toubkal being the highest at approximately 4,167 meters (13,671 feet).
- Cultural Significance: They have cultural significance in Morocco. The region is inhabited by Berber communities, and traditional Berber villages can be found throughout the mountains.
- Climate Divide: Its saw-toothed Jurassic peaks act as a weather barrier between the mild, Mediterranean climate to the north and the encroaching Sahara to the south.
Key Facts about Morocco:
- It is located in the northwest corner of Africa and is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Land Borders: It shares land borders with Algeria to the east and southeast and Western Sahara to the south.
- The High Atlas Mountains separate the mild coastline from the harsh Sahara.
- Sahara Desert: A significant part of Morocco is covered by the Sahara Desert.
- Climate: Morocco has a diverse climate, ranging from the Mediterranean along the coast to desert in the interior. The country experiences hot summers and mild winters in most regions.
- It was a French protectorate between 1912 and 1956.
- Capital: Rabat, which is located on the Atlantic coast.
- Largest City: Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and serves as its economic and business hub.
- Official Languages: Arabic and Amazigh (Berber) are the official languages of Morocco. French is also widely spoken and used in business and government.
- Government:
- Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament.
- King Mohammed VI has been the reigning monarch since 1999.
Hence only statement 2 is correct.
Consider the following statements regarding the High Atlas Mountains: ...
The correct answer is option 'B' - 2 only. Let's discuss each statement in detail:
1. It is a prominent mountain range located in Algeria in Africa.
This statement is incorrect. The High Atlas Mountains are not located in Algeria, but rather in Morocco. The High Atlas Mountains are a range of mountains in North Africa, primarily located in Morocco. They extend for about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) across the country, from the Atlantic coast to the eastern edge of the Sahara Desert.
2. It acts as a weather barrier between the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert climates.
This statement is correct. The High Atlas Mountains do act as a weather barrier between the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert climates. They play a significant role in influencing the climate of the region. The mountains receive more rainfall on their northern slopes, which creates a stark contrast with the drier southern slopes. This variation in climate is due to the mountains' position as a barrier to the moisture-laden winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean. As the winds move from west to east, they are forced to rise over the mountains, causing them to cool and release their moisture. This results in more precipitation on the northern side of the mountains, while the southern side remains relatively dry and desert-like.
The High Atlas Mountains also contribute to the formation of the Mediterranean climate in the coastal regions. The mountains block the hot desert winds from the Sahara, preventing them from reaching the coast. This helps maintain a more temperate and moderate climate along the Mediterranean coast.
In conclusion, only statement 2 is correct. The High Atlas Mountains are located in Morocco, not Algeria, and they act as a weather barrier between the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert climates.
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