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What are the Major Mountain Ranges in Mexico?

Answer – The 3 main mountain ranges in Mexico are Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental, and Sierra Madre del Sur.

Explanation: 

The mountain system of Mexico is collectively called Sierra Madre. The 3 major mountain ranges it is composed of—Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental, and Sierra Madre del Sur—all enclose the Mexican Plateau.

NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Occidental range lines the west coast of the country. It is volcanic and extends across 700 mi (1,100 km). The peaks in this range have altitudes greater than 6,000 ft (1,800 m) with some taller than 10000 ft (3,000 m).

The Oriental range flanks the east of the country, running parallel to the Gulf of Mexico. The summits here are taller than 7,000 ft (2,100 m) with some having altitudes greater than 10,000 ft. The highest peak in Mexico, Pico de Orizaba, occurs in the Oriental range; it has an elevation of 18492 ft (5636 m).

The del Sur range lies to the south of the Mexican plateau, extending from Orizaba to the Pacific coast and terminating at the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Most peaks in this region are over 6,500 ft (2,000 m) with only a few crossing 10,000 ft.


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