Alborz Mountains
Geography
The Alborz range, also spelled as Elburz, is a major mountain range in northern Iran. It stretches from the border of Azerbaijan along the western and entire southern coast of the Caspian Sea and finally runs northeast and merges into the Aladagh Mountains in the northern parts of Khorasan. This mountain range is the highest in Iran and includes the highest peak in the Middle East, Mount Damavand, which has an elevation of 5,610 meters.
Geology
The Alborz mountain range forms a barrier between the south Caspian and the Iranian plateau. It is a tectonic and orogenic belt that formed by collision between the Arabian and Eurasian plates in the Cenozoic era. The mountains are predominantly made up of volcanic rocks, with a smaller portion of sedimentary rock and layers of igneous intrusions.
Climate
The Alborz range divides the northern humid and Caspian climate from the arid and semi-arid climate of the Iranian plateau. The northern slopes receive heavy snowfall in winter, which feeds the numerous rivers that flow towards the Caspian Sea. The southern slopes are much drier, with sparse vegetation and limited agriculture.
Flora and Fauna
The Alborz Mountains are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The northern slopes are covered by dense forests of oak, maple, beech, and other deciduous trees. The southern slopes, due to their arid climate, are dominated by shrubs and xerophytic plants. The mountains are also home to a number of endemic and endangered species, including the Persian leopard, the Caspian red deer, and the Alborz red sheep.
Human Settlements and Economy
Despite the harsh conditions, the Alborz Mountains are home to numerous villages and small towns. The economy of these settlements is primarily based on agriculture, livestock rearing, and tourism. The mountains are also an important source of minerals and have several mines extracting coal, iron, lead, and zinc.
Cultural Significance
The Alborz Mountains have a significant place in Persian mythology and folklore. They are often mentioned in the ancient Persian epic, the Shahnameh, and are believed to be the home of legendary Persian heroes and mythical creatures.