The Alps (French: Alpes; German: Alpen; Italian: Alpi; Romansh: Alps; Slovene: Alpe) is the name for one of the great mountain range systems of Europe, stretching from Austria and Slovenia in the east, through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany to France in the west. The word "Alps" was taken via French from Latin Alpes (meaning "the Alps"), which may be influenced by the Latin words albus (white) or altus (high) or more likely a Latin rendering of a Celtic or Ligurian original.
The highest mountain in the Alps is Mont Blanc, at 4,808 metres (15,774 ft), on the Italian-French border. All the main peaks of the Alps can be found in the list of mountains of the Alps and list of Alpine peaks by prominence.
The Alps are generally divided into the Western Alps and the Eastern Alps. The division is along the line between Lake Constance and Lake Como, following the Rhine. The Western Alps are higher, but their central chain is shorter and curved; they are located in Italy, France and Switzerland. The Eastern Alps (main ridge system elongated and broad) belong to Austria, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovenia and Switzerland.
The Alps are a classic example of what happens when a temperate area at lower altitude gives way to higher elevation terrain. Elevations around the world which have cold climates similar to those found in polar areas have been called alpine. A rise from sea level into the upper regions of the atmosphere causes the temperature to decrease. The effect of mountain chains on prevailing winds is to carry warm air belonging to the lower region into an upper zone, where it expands in volume at the cost of a proportionate loss of heat, often accompanied by the precipitation of moisture in the form of snow or rain.
LucyCheung, Duncan George, alfvet, skytree&kuan™, and 754 other people added this photo to their favorites.
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barracuda1953 26 months ago | reply
Stupefacente.
Davide Cassenti 26 months ago | reply
Wow... so beautiful!
Guy Gorek 25 months ago | reply
This is just a perfect picture! :-)
mike.421 24 months ago | reply
Great scenery. Where was this photo taken? I would love to know
Marco S. Photography 24 months ago | reply
beautiful
KevinVerkindt 24 months ago | reply
WOW, love it!
foundatsea 21 months ago | reply
this is so so so great.
{ kind of turquoise 21 months ago | reply
marvelous!
☆grafix9☆ 20 months ago | reply
wow!!! amazing!!
this is beautiful shot Katarina ^^
lewisfilms 19 months ago | reply
incredible light and shadow!
e l l i o t t i n w o n d e r l a n d 18 months ago | reply
This photo is a good sample in the flickr. It is awarded the flickr Award!
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Sven Seitan 18 months ago | reply
C'est magnifique !
LuPalace 18 months ago | reply
Your Photo Wins a Heart
From Heart Awards Group
VinothChandar 16 months ago | reply
beauty!
Thanasis kolotouros 15 months ago | reply
Beautiful
me-graphy 14 months ago | reply
this is so amazing :)
louisa_catlover 12 months ago | reply
stunning!
N+C Photo 7 months ago | reply
This quality photograph embodies the spirit of travel and adventure!
Adventure + Photography Post 1 Comment 3
Sam ♑ 2 months ago | reply
Your photo is invited to 14 Karat Gold !
Sam ♑ 2 months ago | reply
Please add your great Photo to the Group !
Landscape Photographs - Post 1, Award 1