MOUNT ACONCAGUA

News: India’s Defence Minister flagged off a joint mountaineering expedition to Mount Aconcagua in Argentina.

Location & Physiography

• Western Argentina, near the border with Chile
• Aconcagua = Fold mountain, nonvolcanic.
• Mountain System: Part of the Principal Cordillera of the Andes
• The Principal Cordillera forms the natural boundary between Argentina and central Chile

Height & Global Significance

• Highest mountain in South America
• Tallest mountain outside Asia
• One of the Seven Summits (the highest peak on each continent)
• Popular target for international expeditions and military mountaineering training

Climate & Environment

• Extremely cold, dry, and windy conditions
• Lies in a rain shadow region → arid environment
• Glaciers present, but not tropical like the Himalayas.