Climbing Andes

i need some answers?

its about mt. andes 1.what is the land like? 2.what type of plants can be found? 3.what supplies might you need to climb the mt.?
ive searched it

Andes
Mountain chain, W South America, one of the greatest mountain systems of the world, extending almost parallel with the Pacific coast from Cape Horn nearly to Panama. The chain, about 7240 km (about 4500 mi) long, has an average breadth of 241 km (150 mi) and an average height of about 3660 m (about 12,000 ft). From their narrow S end in Chile, the Andes spread into several parallel ranges in N Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia. In Venezuela the chain divides into three distinct ranges. Along its entire length the chain rises abruptly from the Pacific coast. In the Amazon Valley area and in Argentina, the land rises toward the mountains, while the mountains rise steeply everywhere.

Uplift and folding of the sedimentary rocks that comprise the Andes began during the Cretaceous period, when the Pacific crustal plate began to subduct the South American plate . Tectonic forces generated by this collision still trigger volcanic eruptions and earthquakes and have lifted parts of the Andes over 1500 m (5000 ft) during the past 20 million years.

The passes through the Andes, N of Patagonia, are all at a great height and are narrow, steep, and dangerous. The pass from Arequipa to Puno, in Peru, is 4468 m (14,660 ft) high; the one from Lima to Tarma and Cerro de Pasco, also in Peru, is 4804 m (15,760 ft) high; and the Uspallata Pass, between Mendoza, Argentina, and Santiago, Chile, is 3900 m (12,795 ft) high. Railroads have been built through a number of these passes. They include the railroad uniting Mollendo with Puno on Lake Titicaca; the Central Railroad in Peru, which links Lima and La Oroya and is considered the most remarkable railroad construction in the world; and the Transandine Railroad.

The Andes contain many volcanoes, notably Tungurahua (5033 m/16,512 ft), Cotopaxi (5897 m/19,347 ft), and Chimborazo (6267 m/20,561 ft), in Ecuador; Tolima (5215 m/17,110 ft), in Colombia; and Llullaillaco (6723 m/22,057 ft), on the border of Argentina and Chile. Other peaks are Illampu (6485 m/21,276 ft), in Bolivia; Huascarán (6768 m/22,205 ft), in Peru; and Aconcagua (6960 m/22,834 ft), in Argentina, the highest mountain in the western hemisphere. Within the range are lofty plateaus, such as the plateau of Quito (about 3050 m/about 10,000 ft) and that of Lake Titicaca (3960 m/13,000 ft). The snow line lies at an elevation of about 1220 m (about 4000 ft) at the S extremity of Patagonia; it ranges from an elevation of about 4570 m (about 15,000 ft) to about 5490 m (about 18,000 ft) near the equator.

The timberline ranges from an average elevation of 3500 m (11,500 ft) at the equator to about 910 m (about 3000 ft) in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.. Potatoes grow at elevations of 3050 m (10,000 ft) and above, and oats ripen on the plateau of Lake Titicaca at an elevation of nearly 3960 m (13,000 ft). The mineral riches of the Andes, which have not been fully exploited, include gold, silver, copper, platinum, mercury, lead, iron ore, petroleum, and sulfur.

The rivers flowing toward the Pacific are short and small in volume because the rainfall on the W slopes of the mountains is limited. The streams to the E are long and supplied with an abundance of water brought by the trade winds and precipitated as the winds approach the mountains. The Andes of Colombia are drained N to the Caribbean Sea by the Magdalena, Cauca, and Atrato rivers, and E to the Caribbean by the Orinoco R. and to the Atlantic by the Negro and Japura rivers, which are tributaries of the Amazon R.

There are over 15 million trees in just the Andean zone. The exotic plants have grown close to the Polylepis forest causing shading

of the native trees. In the Polylepis forest there are 20 evergreen tree species that are characterized by gnarled shapes. The trees have a thick and dense laminated bark with small green and gray leaves. Loss of high mountain forests is considered the major cause of water scarcity in many parts of the Andes. A lot of forest birds live in the Polylepis forest. The Polylepis forest is a very bright colored forest.

Polylepis is a group of tree species belonging to the rose family. Fifteen species of the Polylepis genus grow in South America, from northern Venezuela to northern Chile and Argentina. The highest number of species grow in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

The forest has to adapt to the unstable water supply. Birds had to adapt to the small range sizes. The Peruvian Polylepis forests contain three of South America’s endangered birds. Great colored parrots and toucans live in the forests, as does the Royal Cinclodes. The forests are vegetated with little-leafed plants. Polylepis trees are evergreens, so they begin photosynthesis as soon as the weather gets warmer. The small leaves prevent water loss (cold, dry conditions). The

thick, red peeling bark on the trees protects them from animals and fire damage.

The Andean people use the Polylepis forest for many reasons. Fifty-six percent of the forest is used for medicines. Twelve percent is used for human food. And nine percent is used for construction and ritual purposes. Over all about thirty-five percent of the most useful plant species are only found inside the forest. The animals, like the birds use the forest for food.

Climbing In The Andes

Looking out of a tent at White Rocks campsite, Piedras Blancas, 6200m, Photo Mugs Looking out of a tent at White Rocks campsite, Piedras Blancas, 6200m, Aconcagua 6962m, highest peak in South America, Aconcagua Provincial Park, Andes mountains, Argentina, South America….

Sport/climbing/peck Photo Mugs ANNIE PECK The American climber who attempted many dangerous ascents in the Andes. ….

Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Looking out of a tent at White Rocks campsite, Piedras Blancas, 6200m, from Robert Harding $24.99 Photo Puzzle, Looking out of a tent at White Rocks campsite, Piedras Blancas, 6200m,. Looking out of a tent at White Rocks campsite, Piedras Blancas, 6200m, Aconcagua 6962m, highest peak in South America, Aconcagua Provincial Park, Andes mountains, Argentina, South America. Chosen by Robert Harding. 10×14 Photo Puzzle with 252 pieces. Packed in black cardboard box of dimensions 5 5/8 x 7 5/8 x 1 1…

Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Sport/climbing/peck from Mary Evans $29.99 Photo Puzzle, SPORT/CLIMBING/PECK. ANNIE PECK The American climber who attempted many dangerous ascents in the Andes. . Chosen by Mary Evans. 10×14 Photo Puzzle with 252 pieces. Packed in black cardboard box of dimensions 5 5/8 x 7 5/8 x 1 1/5. Puzzle image 5×7 affixed to box top. Puzzle pieces printed on RA4 paper at 300 dpi. This item is shipped from our American lab….

Touching the Void $13.97 To describe Touching the Void as a mountaineering documentary would be to do this breathtaking drama an injustice. By intercutting narration from the climbers themselves with a nail-biting reconstruction of their remarkable adventure in the Peruvian Andes, the film has the best of both genres: the authentic stamp of factual storytelling and the edge-of-the-seat tension of a dramatic movie. In 19…

Aconcagua and Tierra del Fuego; A Book of Climbing, Travel and Exploration $21.41 General Books publication date: 2009 Original publication date: 1902 Original Publisher: Cassell and company, limited Subjects: Mountaineering Aconcagua, Mt. (Argentina) Tierra del Fuego (Argentina and Chile) Chile Andes History / Latin America / South America Sports

Cicerone Aconcagua $16.93 At 6962m, Aconcagua is the highest peak outside the Himalayas and is accessible for both trekkers and mountaineers. The approach through Santiago and Mendoza is attractive with scope for equipping expeditions, and meeting the contrasting cultures in the region. Jim Ryan”s book concentrates on the ascent of Aconcagua by the normal and Polish Glacier routes and great attention is given to preparation, equipment, health and handling the effects of altitude and the tough Andean climate.In addition, the trekking and mountaineering opportunities throughout the southern Andes are highlighted with treks in the Valecitos, Tupungato ranges and in the area around Santiago and Aconcagua itself, as well as background information to the region and its opening up as a climbing and trekking area.This is the most complete and up to date guide to the area and should materially improve the chances of completing the ascent safely and having an outstanding trip.

Moon Handbooks Ecuador $5.06 From horseback riding between ancient haciendas in the Andes and cruising around the Galapagos Islands to relaxing in a mellow coastal beach town, Moon Handbooks Ecuador is the guide to the best the country has to offer, both on and off the beaten path. Practical information includes suggested travel strategies and lists of must-see sights, plus essentials on dining, transportation, and accommodations for a range of budgets. Complete with details for exploring the colonial architecture of Quito’s Old Town, climbing volcanoes, and hiking, biking, and rafting information, Moon Handbooks Ecuador gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Trekking & Climbing in the Andes $2.39 Clear, authoritative coverage of 28 treks and 18 climbing peaks in the Andes in South America make this a welcome addition to the Trekking & Climbing Guide Series. Learn details of the treks and peaks before you go. Includes practical tips on traveling in the Andes and information on trekking styles, local ecological concerns, and mountain photography.