Apennines

The Apennines are a major mountain range that forms the backbone of the Italian peninsula, extending from the Ligurian Sea in the northwest to the Ionian Sea in the south. They run in a broad, southeastward arc and are not a single continuous ridge but a sequence of parallel ranges separated by valleys and fault zones. The chain is conventionally divided into three sections: the Northern Apennines, the Central Apennines, and the Southern Apennines, with notable subranges and massifs such as the Tuscan-Emilian, Monti Sibillini, and Gran Sasso.

Geologically, the Apennines were largely formed during the Alpine orogeny as a result of the convergent interaction between the African and Eurasian plates. This tectonic activity produced extensive folding and thrust faulting, giving rise to complex rock suites that include limestones, sandstones, and marls. The highest point in the range is Corno Grande (2,912 meters) in the Gran Sasso d'Italia massif.

Ecologically, the Apennines encompass diverse habitats, from alpine meadows to deciduous and coniferous forests, supporting species such as wolves, wild boar, and various endemic plants. The range hosts several protected areas, including Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, Monti Sibillini National Park, Pollino National Park, and Majella National Park, among others.

Humans have long utilized the range as a corridor for commerce and travel, with roads and railways crossing its passes and valleys. The name Apennines derives from the Latin Apenninus, a term used by ancient writers, though its precise origin remains uncertain.