Alps

Alps, Europe's largest mountain system, 650 mi (1000 km) long and 30–180 mi (50–290 km) wide. Its fold mountains resulted from earth movements in the Tertiary period. The Western Alps run along the French-Italian border and include Mont Blanc, the highest Alpine peak at 15,771 ft (4,807 m). The Central Alps run northeast and east through Switzerland. The Eastern Alps extend through southern Germany, Austria, and northern Italy into Yugoslavia. Peaks are snowy and etched by ice action. The Alps are known for their many glaciers, glacially deepened valleys, and magnificent scenery.