Damavand, Iran
Geological Survey of Iran photo (fair use policy)
Damavand is the highest peak on the Iranian Plateau at 5600 meters elevation. It makes up part of the spectacular backdrop of the capital city Tehran.
The great set of ranges that stretches from Spain on the west through the Alps, the Balkan mountains, the Anatolian plateau of Turkey, the Caucasus and Iranian ranges, the Karakorum of Afghanistan, the Himalaya, to the Annamese Cordillera of Vietnam are all one entity. All of these mountains were raised as a result of Africa and India colliding with Eurasia and closing the ancient Tethyan Sea. Damavand marks the center of this mountain belt.
