Caucasus Mountains

From Freepedia

This article is about the terrestrial mountain range. There is also a mountain range on the Moon called the Montes Caucasus.

The Caucasus Mountains is a mountain range between the Black and Caspian seas in the Caucasus region, usually considered the southeastern limit of Europe. It formed ca. 28.5–23.8 million years ago.

The Greater Caucasus range extends from the Caucasian Natural Reserve in the vicinity of Sochi on the northeastern shore of the Black Sea, generally trending east-southeast and reaching nearly to Baku on the Caspian.

The Lesser Caucasus runs parallel to the greater range, at a distance averaging about 100 km (60 mi) south. The borders of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan run through the range, although its crest does not usually define the border. Meskhet Range is a part of the Lesser Caucasus system.

The Greater and Lesser Caucasus ranges are connected by the Likh Range, which separates the Kolkhida Lowland from the Kura Depression (Kura Lowland).

The Talysh Mountains are in the South-East.

Lesser Caucasus and Armenian Highland constitute the Transcaucasian Highland.

The highest peak in the Caucasus range, higher than any other peak in Europe, is Mount Elbrus, which towers to a height of 18,506 feet (5,642 meters) above sea level.