Apennine

The Apennines, or Apennine Mountains, are a major mountain range that runs the length of the Italian Peninsula, forming its backbone from the Ligurian Sea in the northwest to the Ionian Sea in the south. The range stretches about 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) and comprises a sequence of subranges. The highest peak is Gran Sasso d’Italia, at 2,912 meters above sea level.

Geographically, the Apennines are commonly divided into the Northern, Central, and Southern Apennines. The belt features rugged ridges of limestone and sandstone, with areas of marble and, in places, volcanic rocks. The mountains influence regional climates and provide headwaters for several rivers, including the Tiber and Arno.

Geology and seismicity: The Apennines formed primarily through the Apennine orogeny as the African plate moved northward and collided with the Eurasian plate, during the late Mesozoic to the Cenozoic. They are not dominated by active volcanism, though there are volcanic and geothermal features in parts of the broader region. The range is seismically active, with historically significant earthquakes in central Italy.

Ecology and human context: Higher elevations sustain beech and conifer forests, while lower slopes host broad-leaved woodlands and Mediterranean vegetation. The Apennines have supported human settlement for millennia and include numerous towns, routes, and passes that have connected the peninsula. Protected areas, such as Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park and Pollino National Park, help preserve their natural heritage.