- The relief and geography of Quito
- Volcanic activity in Quito
- Effect on the economy of relief
- tourism
- References
The relief of Quito is formed by numerous hills and mountain ranges that surround a valley, where the main urban settlements of its metropolitan area are located.
Quito is the capital of Ecuador and is located on a terrain with irregular geography, so despite being in a valley, there are moors, plains and other landscapes that give rise to various types of climates.
This variable relief and geography give Quito a great variety of ecosystems, so it can be wooded, temperate and semi-warm areas.
However, by general definition, Quito's climate is classified as cold subtropical, due to the abundant presence of jungle (given its location close to the Amazon) and its low temperatures.
The relief and geography of Quito
Despite being a capital, the average height of Quito is close to 3,000 meters above sea level (2,850), with many areas reaching 3,100 and 3,400 meters high.
The average temperature of the city is 15 degrees Celsius, having 2 predominant seasons; summer and winter. In winter the presence of hail and heavy rains during March and April is not unusual.
Ecuador is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, so Quito does not escape the volcanic presence and its occasional activities.
The valley where Quito is located is located on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, which is 4,800 meters high and whose last eruption occurred in 2002.
Volcanic activity in Quito
4 volcanoes are less than 60 kilometers from the metropolitan valley of Quito; the Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Antisana. The last three have not presented significant volcanic activity in a long time, however, several studies indicate that the Cotopaxi volcano is on the verge of the beginning of a considerable eruptive period, which creates a real danger for the city.
The emission of pyroclastic material capable of covering the city with ashes, mud flows, rocks at high temperatures and earthquakes, are some of the risks that Quito faces in the event of a possible eruption of the Pichincha or Cotopaxi (the most likely to enter into activity).
Effect on the economy of relief
Popular activities in South America such as agriculture and livestock are not economic pillars of Quito, due to the accident relief it has.
Mining, a relevant activity in Ecuador, is not one of the most important in Quito, which sees trade and services as some of its main economic sustenance.
tourism
The presence of mountains creates a land that is not suitable for cultivation and animal husbandry. However, many of Quito's natural landscapes attract many visitors each year for their great beauty, making tourism one of the main activities in the area.
References
- Geography of Quito and Ecuador (nd). Retrieved on December 19, 2017, from Quito Adventure.
- The volcanoes, those dangerous neighbors of Quito, Ecuador (April 30, 2014). Retrieved on December 19, 2017, SOTT
- Ecuador: relief (November 1, 2007). Retrieved on December 19, 2017, from La Guía 2000.
- Christian Andrade (November 23, 2017). Relief - Geomorphology of Quito. Retrieved on December 19, 2017, from Without fears ec.
- Relief of Quito (November 21, 2017). Retrieved on December 19, 2017, from Foros Ecuador.
- Volcanic activity (nd). Retrieved on December 19, 2017, from Quito Listo.