Introduction to The Alps
Alps, a mountain system of central Europe. Its lofty ranges stretch in a rough arc from the Riviera on the Mediterranean coast, across southeastern France and northern Italy, through most of Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein, and into southern Germany and Slovenia. The Alps are about 470 miles (760 km) long along the inner edge of the arc, and 810 miles (1,300 km) along the outer edge. Their width ranges from 80 to 150 miles (130 to 240 km). They cover approximately 85,000 square miles (220,000 km 2).
The Alps are part of a larger mountain system formed during relatively recent geologic time. Some principal parts of this system, aside from the Alps proper, are the Apennines of the Italian peninsula; the Pyrenees, between France and Spain; and the Dinaric Alps, which rise behind Croatia's Dalmatian coast.
Alpine resorts, with their magnificent scenery and their facilities for mountain climbing, skiing, and other sports, are popular vacation spots. Tourists flock to such places as St. Moritz, Lucerne, and Interlaken, in Switzerland; Kitzbühel and Arlberg, Austria; and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
The Alps are the largest mountain system in Europe.Geographic Divisions
Many geographers divide the Alps into three main topographic sections: the Western, Central, and Eastern Alps.
The Western Alps consist of a high, narrow chain with many branches. Ranges here include the Maritime, Cottian, and Graian Alps.
The Central Alps have the highest average elevations in the system. Ranges here include the Bernese, Pennine, Lepontine, and Rhaetian Alps. Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, is here.
The Eastern Alps are generally lower and broader than the Western Alps. At the widest point, they are 150 miles (240 km) from north to south and have numerous ranges, separated mainly by tributaries of the Danube. The ranges include the Bavarian, Tyrolean, and Carnic Alps, the Hohe and Niedere Tauern, the Dolomites, and the Julian Alps.
Glaciers, Lakes, and Rivers
During the last great Ice Age, the Alps were covered by massive mountain glaciers, remnants of which are found at high elevations. In the Bernese Alps is the Aletsch Glacier, with an area of 66 square miles (171 km 2). Another large glacier is the Mer de Glace (“Sea of Ice”) on the northern slope of Mont Blanc.
The Ice Age glaciers scooped out broad valleys. In some of these glacial depressions, large, deep lakes were formed. Among those on the northern edge of the Alps are Lakes Geneva, Lucerne, and Constance. On the southern side are Lakes Maggiore, Lugano, Como, and Garda.
Three of the largest rivers of Europe—the Rhine, Rhône, and Po—originate in the Alps. Major southern tributaries of the Danube originate here as well. There are also hundreds of small, swift streams, some with spectacular waterfalls.
Passes and Tunnels
Most Alpine passes higher than 6,000 feet (1,800 m) above sea level are blocked by ice and snow in winter. Rail and highway tunnels have been built under the principal passes, allowing continuous traffic the year round. An exception is the Brenner Pass, which at 4,508 feet (1,374 m) is low enough to be kept open all year.
Alpine tunnels were limited to rail traffic until 1964, when the Great St. Bernard auto tunnel was opened. The St. Gotthard Tunnel, opened in 1980, is the world's longest road tunnel; the Simplon, consisting of tubes opened in 1905 and 1922, is one of the world's longest rail tunnels.
Climate
As in any mountain region, the higher the elevation, the colder the climate. Climate depends also on whether an area is shaded or is open to sunlight. Usually, slopes facing south have milder winters than do those facing north. Rain and snow are heavy nearly everywhere; snow falls on the high peaks most of the year.
Avalanches—masses of snow, mixed with earth and loose rock—frequently slide down mountain slopes into the valleys and villages below. A distinctive wind of the Alps is the föhn or foehn, a dry, warm, southerly wind that quickens the melting of snow in spring.
Plants and Animals
The lower mountainsides are covered with forests of oak, chestnut, and beech. Above these is a belt of evergreens, including spruce and fir. From 5,000 to 6,000 feet (1,500-1,800 m), the forests thin out, and are replaced by meadows and high pastures. Here grow such Alpine flowers as edelweiss and primrose. Above the snow line, at 8,000 to 10,000 feet (2,400-3,000 m), are only snow, ice, and bare rock. The term “Alpine” is used to describe roughly similar climate and vegetation in high mountainous areas in many parts of the world.
The chamois (an antelope) and the ibex (a wild goat) are native to the Alps, but are rare. Hunting is regulated strictly.
Agriculture and Industry
Population is generally sparse in the mountains, where cattle raising and dairying are chief occupations. Cultivation of crops is limited largely to valleys, foothills, and mild southern slopes, where wine grapes, fruits, grains, and hay are grown. The making of cheese and handicraft articles is traditional.
Rapidly flowing Alpine streams have been harnessed to provide hydroelectric power used for industrial purposes in Alpine valleys. The French Alps are a center of aluminum refining. Other industrial activities include the production of heavy machinery, small precision items, and chemicals. In many areas the tourist business provides the single largest source of income.