cordilleras

Cordilleras are extensive systems of multiple mountain ranges connected in a large, continuous belt that runs roughly parallel along a continental margin or plate boundary. The term, derived from Spanish cordillera meaning a chain or belt of mountains, is used globally to describe major mountainous regions that consist of several subranges rather than a single peak.

Cordilleras form primarily through tectonic processes that uplift and deform the crust, such as subduction, continental collision, and accretion of crustal blocks. They often comprise several subranges separated by valleys, basins, and plateaus. Many cordilleras also host volcanic activity, high peaks, and complex geology, including metamorphic and igneous rocks. Their elevation and structure influence climate patterns, precipitation distribution, and regional hydrology, frequently creating rain shadows and serving as crucial headwaters for major rivers.

Notable examples include the Andes, or Andean Cordillera, which runs along the western edge of South America and features multiple subranges; the North American Cordillera, a vast belt along the western edge of North America that includes the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, Cascades, and Coast Ranges; the Cordillera Central of the Philippines on Luzon; and the Cordillera Central of Hispaniola in the Dominican Republic. Other regions also use the term to describe similar belts of mountains.

Cordilleras are important for their ecological diversity, cultural and historical significance, and economic roles in mining, forestry, and tourism. They shape regional climates and water resources and host diverse flora and fauna, as well as many Indigenous and local communities.