Atlas
an extensive mountain system in north Africa, starting near Cape Nun, on the Atlantic Ocean, traversing Morocco, Algiers and Tunis, and terminating on the coast of the Mediterranean; divided generally into two parallel ranges, running W. to E., the Greater Atlas lying toward the Sahara, and the Lesser Atlas toward the Mediterranean.
The principal chain is about 1,500 miles long, and the principal peaks rise above or approach the line of perpetual congelation. The highest elevations are almost 15,000 feet, many other peaks averaging 11,000 feet. Silver, antimony, lead, copper, iron, etc., are among the minerals. The vegetation is chiefly European in character, except on the low grounds and next the desert.
ATMOSPHERE