The Andes Case study

The andes

Background

The Andes is a range of young fold mountains formed around 65 million years ago. It is the longest range of fold mountains in the the world, extending the length of South America. The Andes are a result of a head on collision between two tectonic plates; the Nazca Plate and the South America plate. 

South American countries; Venezuala, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. 

How are the mountains used for: 

Farming

Farmers grow a variety of crops on the steep slopes of the Andes (E.g Farmers in Bolivia grow potatoes. The use of terraces creates areas of flat land on the slopes, enabling inhabitants to overcome the steep relief and erosion. Additionally, terracing ensures the soil has enough moisture for crops to grow. Some cash crops are produced in the Andes, for example, soy beans, rice and cotton. Most of the crops are crown in the lower valleys. 

Hydroelectric Power

The steep relief and narrow valleys that limit farming are an advantage for hydroelectric power. They can be more easily dammed than wider valleys and the relief encourages the rapid flow of water used to generate electricity. Additionally, the melting snow in spring increases the supply of water. For example, in 2009, the El Plantanal HEP plant began to generate electricity using a Dam across the Canete River. The project cost $200 million. 

Mining

The Andes has a range of important minerals and the Andean countries rank in the top 10 for tin (Peru and Bolivia), nickel (Columbia), silver (Peru and Chile) and gold (Peru). More than half of Peru's exports are from mining. For example, The Yanacochla gold mine is the largest gold mine in the world - It is an open pit and the gold bearing rock is loosened by daily dynamite blasts. This brings jobs to nearby towns - E.g Cajamarca. 

Tourism

The Andes is home to many natural attractions such as mountain peaks, volcanoes, glaciers and lakes. Many tourist attractions show how people settled in these inhospitable places - E.g Machu Picchu - This site is of interest as it shows how people lived in such a harsh environment. Machu Picchu is the remains of a settlement built by the Inca's. A popular tourist activity is following The Inca Trail, a set of three routes that meet at Machu Picchu. These destinations are popular to tourists as they combine different cultures and history, as well as stunning scenery. 

How have the local people adapted to: 

Limited communications

The local people have adapted to limited communication by using llamas as pack animals to reach inaccessible areas. They are able to carry 25% of their body weight, meaning they can carry materials for irrigation and buildings. The mining industry often relied on them as a form of transport. Today, mostly male llamas are used for transport. The females are used for meat and milk, and their wool is used for clothes and rugs. 

There are plans to build a tunnel linking Chile and Argentina under the Andes.

Steep relief

Throughout the ages the local people have used a system of terraces to overcome steep relief. A terrace is an area of cultivation whose slopes are levelled or raised and stabilized  by a small wall made of stones. Terracing helps retain water in an area that receives little. Additionally, they limit the downward movement of soil in areas where the soil is thin, meaning there is consistently good soil at every level. Terraces also maintain soil humidity and reduce the risk of frosts. 

Poor Soils

The local people have dealt with the problem of poor soils by implementing an irrigation system. This means the land is artificially watered, combating the issue of water shortages. The use of terraces also helps poor soil as it helps retain water in an area that receives little additionally. Where soil is thin, the terraces prevent soil moving down. 

Key terms

Subsistence: Farming to provide food and other resource's for the farmers own family. 

Terraces: Steps cut into hillsides to provide flat land

Irrigation: artificial watering of the land 

Hydroelectric power: The use of flowing water to turn turbines to generate electricity