Current agricultural practices of the Andean region of South America typically involve a synthesis of traditional Incan practices and modern techniques to deal with the unique terrain and climatic elements of the area. Many farmers still use Incan-style terraces and irrigation systems for cultivation.
What are humans doing to the Andes?
Population pressure and migration are deforestation drivers caused by the increasing need for new and greater areas for agricultural production and an increasing demand for food, water and energy by large populations in distant urban centers as well as in Amazonian communities.
What are Andes mountains rich in?
Minerals of the Andes: Emeralds, Gold, and Silver from the Sky. Andes are also the home to the greatest source of mineral wealth in the world today. 30 percent of the silver production and significant amounts of lead, zinc and gold.
Why do farmers cut terraces in the land?
Graduated terrace steps are commonly used to farm on hilly or mountainous terrain. Terraced fields decrease both erosion and surface runoff, and may be used to support growing crops that require irrigation, such as rice.
How cold is the Andes mountains?
In winter the temperatures usually averages about less than 52°F. In the summer it usually averages 68°F. These temperatures are mainly from biomes around and in the Andes Mountains. The precipitation of the Andes Mountain climate changes but not drastically between two places.
Is the Andes dangerous?
The dense settlement structures with sometimes millions of people are particularly vulnerable to natural hazards. The Andean region is at high risk of natural disasters and the effects of climate change. Earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, volcanic eruptions, forest fires or floods occur in a relatively confined area.
What is bad about the Andes Mountains?
The reduced air pressure and lack of oxygen found high in the Andes will cause those who are unaccustomed to such conditions to feel a variety of symptoms such as light-headedness, extreme fatigue and nausea, as well as headaches and shortness of breath.
How cold is the Andes Mountains?
Are the Andes higher than the Rockies?
The Andes are more epic than the Rockies. The Andes are higher and the Andes are longer. Basically the Andes is over 18 times bigger than the Alps. ALPS HIGHEST PEAK: Mont Blanc : 4000 meters or 13,000 feet.
Is terracing good or bad?
Terracing is one of the oldest means of saving soil and water. Existing literature and information shows that terraces can considerably reduce soil loss due to water erosion if they are well planned, correctly constructed and properly maintained. If not maintained, they can provoke land degradation.
How do people live in the Andes Mountains?
In some places because it is so cold the bricks absorb heat in the day and at night the heat is pushed out so that people can sleep warmly. People make houses on stilts to prevent floods. The more rich people live in Haciendas and the average people live in average houses.
Why do farmers make terraces in the Andes Mountains?
Farmers make terraces because the mountains are slanted so in order to grow crops they have to make the land flat. By making the land flat the farmers have more room to grow crops. Farmers use pack animals such as alpacas and llamas. These animals can carry a lot of load so that farmers can make vertical trade.
Which is the most populated area in the Andes?
The zone of coffee plantations at about 3,000 to 6,500 feet is the most densely populated area. Agriculture on the Andes is difficult, and crop yields are relatively poor. The water supply is inadequate, and a large part of the plateau region is dry or receives little and irregular seasonal rainfall.
What kind of crops do the Andes Mountains grow?
Andes Mountains. Farming. Farmers in the Andes mountains grow crops such as bananas and potatoes. Crops grown in the lower zones are grown in a lot of heat and crops in the higher zones are grown in a lot cooler climates. Farmers make terraces because the mountains are slanted so in order to grow crops they have to make the land flat.
