North America

North America’s terrain is dominated by massive cordilleras running parallel to its western coast. The Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Range define the continent’s rugged spine, while the Alaska Range contains Denali (6,190 m) — North America’s highest peak.

The continent hosts over 70,000 named peaks exceeding 1,000 meters and thousands of volcanic and glacial summits. The Appalachian Mountains in the east, among the world’s oldest, date back 480 million years, contrasting sharply with the young, still-rising Rockies.

The Sierra Madre ranges in Mexico connect to Central America’s volcanic arc, forming part of the circum-Pacific Ring of Fire. Mount Saint Helens, Mount Rainier, and Popocatépetl are active volcanoes that remind us of the continent’s restless geology. North America’s mountains influence everything from weather systems and water cycles to biodiversity — providing habitats ranging from Arctic tundra to subtropical rainforests.