The natural wonders of the world, the Pyrenees

The Pyrenees, a natural wonder of the world

The Pyrenees is the largest mountain range in southwestern Europe. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Mediterranean coast in the east. , about 435 kilometers long. It averages 80 to 140 kilometers, with a width of only 19 kilometers at the east end and a maximum width of 160 kilometers in the middle. The altitude is mostly below 2000 meters.

The Pyrenees Mountains are the western extension of the main trunk of the Alps. According to the geographical environment, they can be divided into three natural areas: the Western, Central and Eastern Pyrenees. During the Quaternary glaciation period, glaciers developed extensively in the East-Central Pyrenees, and glacier valleys and glacier lakes were widely distributed. Modern glaciers are limited to cirques and hanging valleys at an altitude of nearly 3,000 meters. There are more northern slopes than southern slopes, with a total area of ??about 49 square kilometers.

Shanbei has a temperate maritime climate, and Shannan has a Mediterranean climate. There are obvious vertical changes in climate and vegetation. There are many forests in the mountains. Mineral deposits mainly include iron, manganese, bauxite, sulfur, mercury and lignite. There are many sulfur hot springs here and it is famous for its hot spring baths.

The mountainous area has gorgeous natural scenery and is an important tourist attraction. It is also a good venue for winter physical activities such as mountaineering and skiing. The annual Tour de France fully demonstrates the tourism resources here and boosts the tourism industry.