Alps

The Alps are Europe’s highest and most extensive mountain range, running roughly 1,200 kilometers from the Maritime Alps in southeastern France, through Switzerland and northern Italy, to Slovenia in the east, with extensions into Monaco, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Germany. They form a major geographic barrier between the Mediterranean region and Central Europe. The highest peak is Mont Blanc, at 4,808 meters on the French–Italian border.

Geology and structure: The Alps were formed by the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates during the Alpine orogeny, beginning in the late Mesozoic and continuing into the Cenozoic era. This orogenic process uplifted and folded rocks to create a complex system of ranges, valleys, and numerous glaciers. The Alps are commonly divided into Western, Central, and Eastern sections, and comprise a mix of sedimentary, metamorphic, and crystalline rocks.

Geography and notable peaks: Besides Mont Blanc, major summits include Dufourspitze (4,634 m) on the Swiss–Italian border, the Matterhorn (4,478 m) on the Swiss–Italian border, and Großglockner (3,798 m) in Austria. The range contains many glaciers and feeds important European rivers such as the Rhine, Rhône, and Po. The landscape features deep valleys, alpine meadows, and forested slopes.

Human use and conservation: The Alps support dense populations and are a global center for tourism, skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. They host extensive transportation networks, including mountain passes and rail tunnels. Protected areas and UNESCO designations, such as the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch and the Dolomites, conserve their natural heritage. Climate change is impacting glaciation, permafrost, and alpine ecosystems, with increasing hazards from avalanches and rockfalls.