The Andes Mountain belt stretches along the entire west coast of the continent of South America. Active volcanoes are common throughout the mountain belt, and earthquakes frequently shake the rugged western coast of the continent. Some sections of the Andes show spectacularly folded rock layers. The highest mountain in the Andes is Cerro Aconcagua; its peak is 6960 meters (about 4 miles) above sea level.

  !   Examine the topographic map of South America. Use the drawing tool at left to outline the Andes Mountains. When you finish outlining them, click Continue to measure their length and width, then answer the questions below.