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{{short description|Route through a mountain range or over a ridge}} |
{{short description|Route through a mountain range or over a ridge}} |
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{{about||the mine|Mountain Pass mine|the town|Mountain Pass, California}} |
{{about||the mine|Mountain Pass mine|the town|Mountain Pass, California}} |
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{{AFI}} |
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[[File:Sani Pass heading into Lesotho.jpg|thumb|[[Sani Pass]] in [[Mokhotlong]], [[Lesotho]]]] |
[[File:Sani Pass heading into Lesotho.jpg|thumb|[[Sani Pass]] in [[Mokhotlong]], [[Lesotho]]]] |
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[[File:Bwlch Maesgwm contour map.png|thumb|A mountain pass as it appears on a contour map: Bwlch Maesgwm in [[Snowdonia]], north [[Wales]], United Kingdom.<ref>{{coord|53|4|52.8|N|4|7|57|W}}, height contours from [[SRTM]] data.</ref>]] |
[[File:Bwlch Maesgwm contour map.png|thumb|A mountain pass as it appears on a contour map: Bwlch Maesgwm in [[Snowdonia]], north [[Wales]], United Kingdom.<ref>{{coord|53|4|52.8|N|4|7|57|W}}, height contours from [[SRTM]] data.</ref>]] |
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A '''mountain pass''' is a navigable route through a [[mountain range]] or over a [[ridge]]. Since many of the world's mountain ranges have presented formidable barriers to travel, passes have played a key role in trade, war, and both [[Human migration|human]] and [[animal migration]] throughout history. At lower elevations it may be called a '''hill pass'''. |
A '''mountain pass''' is a navigable route through a [[mountain range]] or over a [[ridge]]. Since many of the world's mountain ranges have presented formidable barriers to travel, passes have played a key role in trade, war, and both [[Human migration|human]] and [[animal migration]] throughout history. At lower elevations it may be called a '''hill pass'''. |
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==Overview== |
== Overview == |
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[[File:Saddleroute3.JPG|thumb|Idealised mountain pass represented as the green line; the [[saddle point]] is in red.]] |
[[File:Saddleroute3.JPG|thumb|Idealised mountain pass represented as the green line; the [[saddle point]] is in red.]] |
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Mountain passes make use of a [[gap (landform)|gap]], [[saddle (landform)|saddle]], [[col]] or [[notch (landform)|notch]]. A topographic saddle is analogous to the mathematical concept of a [[saddle surface]], with a [[saddle point]] marking the highest point between two valleys and the lowest point along a ridge. |
Mountain passes make use of a [[gap (landform)|gap]], [[saddle (landform)|saddle]], [[col]] or [[notch (landform)|notch]]. A topographic saddle is analogous to the mathematical concept of a [[saddle surface]], with a [[saddle point]] marking the highest point between two valleys and the lowest point along a ridge.{{sfn|Eberhart|2004|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=wo9wGKk9MVsC&pg=PT236 232]}}{{sfn|Bishop|Shroder|2004|pages=[https://books.google.com/books?id=6TGu7-mwSNYC&pg=PA86 86–87]}} On a [[topographic map]], passes are characterized by [[contour lines]] with an hourglass shape, which indicates a low spot between two higher points.{{sfn|Harvey|Simer|1999|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=BHKUvFAzliYC&pg=PA185 185]}} In the high mountains, a difference of {{convert|2000|meters}} between the summit and the mountain is defined as a mountain pass.{{sfn|Bishop|Shroder|2004|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=6TGu7-mwSNYC&pg=PA103 103]}} |
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Passes are often found just above the [[Source (river or stream)|source of a river]], constituting a [[drainage divide]]. A pass may be very short, consisting of steep slopes to the top of the pass, or |
Passes are often found just above the [[Source (river or stream)|source of a river]], constituting a [[drainage divide]]. A pass may be very short, consisting of steep slopes to the top of the pass, or maybe a valley many kilometres long, whose highest point might only be identifiable by [[surveying]]. |
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Roads have long been built through passes, as well as railways more recently. Some high and rugged passes may have tunnels bored underneath a nearby mountainside (like the [[Eisenhower Tunnel]] bypassing [[Loveland Pass]] in the Rockies) to allow faster traffic flow throughout the year. |
Roads have long been built through passes, as well as railways more recently. Some high and rugged passes may have tunnels bored underneath a nearby mountainside (like the [[Eisenhower Tunnel]] bypassing [[Loveland Pass]] in the Rockies) to allow faster traffic flow throughout the year. |
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The top of a pass is frequently the only flat ground in the area, and is a high vantage point. In some cases this makes it a preferred site for buildings. If a national border follows a mountain range, a pass over the mountains is typically on the border, and there may be a [[border control]] or [[customs]] station, and possibly a military post as well. For instance [[Argentina]] and [[Chile]] share the world's third-longest international border, {{convert|5300|km|mi}} long. The border runs north–south along the [[Andes]] mountains, with a total of 42 mountain passes.<ref name=pasos/><ref name=pasos_chile/> On a road over a pass, it is customary to have a small roadside sign giving the name of the pass and its [[elevation]] [[above mean sea level]]. |
The top of a pass is frequently the only flat ground in the area, and is a high vantage point. In some cases this makes it a preferred site for buildings. If a national border follows a mountain range, a pass over the mountains is typically on the border, and there may be a [[border control]] or [[customs]] station, and possibly a military post as well. For instance [[Argentina]] and [[Chile]] share the world's third-longest international border, {{convert|5300|km|mi}} long. The border runs north–south along the [[Andes]] mountains, with a total of 42 mountain passes.<ref name="pasos" /><ref name="pasos_chile" /> On a road over a pass, it is customary to have a small roadside sign giving the name of the pass and its [[elevation]] [[above mean sea level]]. |
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As well as offering relatively easy travel between valleys, passes also provide a route between two mountain tops with a minimum of descent. As a result, it is common for tracks to meet at a pass; this often makes them convenient routes even when travelling between a summit and the valley floor. Passes traditionally were places for trade routes, communications, cultural exchange, military expeditions etc. A typical example is the [[Brenner pass]] in the [[Alps]]. |
As well as offering relatively easy travel between valleys, passes also provide a route between two mountain tops with a minimum of descent. As a result, it is common for tracks to meet at a pass; this often makes them convenient routes even when travelling between a summit and the valley floor. Passes traditionally were places for trade routes, communications, cultural exchange, military expeditions etc. A typical example is the [[Brenner pass]] in the [[Alps]]. |
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Some mountain passes above the [[tree line]] have problems with [[snow drift]] in the winter. This might be alleviated by building the road a few meters above the ground, which will make snow blow off the road. |
Some mountain passes above the [[tree line]] have problems with [[snow drift]] in the winter. This might be alleviated by building the road a few meters above the ground, which will make snow blow off the road. |
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==Synonyms== |
== Synonyms == |
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[[File:The col (6073968059).jpg|thumb|Col between Kensgriff and Yarlsidine in the [[Howgill Fells]], England]] |
[[File:The col (6073968059).jpg|thumb|Col between Kensgriff and Yarlsidine in the [[Howgill Fells]], England]] |
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There are many words for ''pass'' in the English-speaking world. In the United States, ''pass'' is very common in the [[Western United States|West]], the word ''gap'' is common in the southern [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachians]], ''notch'' in parts of [[New England]], and ''saddle'' in northern [[Idaho]].<ref>[http://itouchmap.com/?f=gap&s=ID&a1=&start=255 Map showing "saddle" names in Idaho]</ref> The term [[col]], derived from Old French, is also used, particularly in Europe. |
There are many words for ''pass'' in the English-speaking world. In the United States, ''pass'' is very common in the [[Western United States|West]], the word ''gap'' is common in the southern [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachians]], ''notch'' in parts of [[New England]], and ''saddle'' in northern [[Idaho]].<ref>[http://itouchmap.com/?f=gap&s=ID&a1=&start=255 Map showing "saddle" names in Idaho]</ref> The term [[col]], derived from Old French, is also used, particularly in Europe. |
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Scotland has the [[Scottish Gaelic language|Gaelic]] term ''bealach'' (anglicised "balloch"), while Wales has the similar ''bwlch'' (both being [[Insular Celtic languages|British Celtic]] languages). In the [[Lake District]] of north-west England, the term ''hause'' is often used, although the term ''pass'' is also common—one distinction is that a pass can refer to a route, as well as the highest part thereof, while a hause is simply that highest part, often flattened somewhat into a high-level plateau. |
Scotland has the [[Scottish Gaelic language|Gaelic]] term ''bealach'' (anglicised "balloch"), while Wales has the similar ''bwlch'' (both being [[Insular Celtic languages|British Celtic]] languages).<ref name="Nicolson 1945 p. 28">{{cite book |last=Nicolson |first=A. |title=Modern Gaelic: A Basic Grammar |publisher=A. Maclaren |year=1945 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oWViAAAAMAAJ |access-date=18 January 2021 |page=28 |quote=Bealach (mountain-pass)}}</ref><ref name="The Geology of Snowdonia – A Collection of Historical Articles on the Physical Features of the Peaks of Snowdonia 2013 p. 45">{{cite book |title=The Geology of Snowdonia – A Collection of Historical Articles on the Physical Features of the Peaks of Snowdonia |publisher=[[Read Books Limited]] |location=City |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-4733-9043-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ITR-CgAAQBAJ&pg=PT45 |access-date=18 January 2021 |page=45 |quote=The word Bwlch is used in Welsh not only to signify a pass or easy route over a ridge, usually a depression between higher ground on either side, but also ...}}</ref> In the [[Lake District]] of north-west England, the term ''hause'' is often used, although the term ''pass'' is also common—one distinction is that a pass can refer to a route, as well as the highest part thereof, while a hause is simply that highest part, often flattened somewhat into a high-level plateau. |
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In Japan they are known as [[Tōge|''Tōge'']], which means "pass" in Japanese. The word can also refer to narrow, winding roads that can be found in and around mountains and geographically similar areas. |
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There are thousands of named passes around the world, some of which are well-known, such as the [[Great St. Bernard Pass]] at {{convert|2473|m|ft}} in the [[Alps]], the [[Chang La]] at {{convert|5360|m|ft}}, and the [[Khardung La]] at {{convert|5359|m|ft}} in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], India. The roads at [[Mana Pass]] at {{convert|5610|m|ft}} and [[Marsimik La]] at {{convert|5582|m|ft}}, on and near the China–India border respectively, appear to be world's two highest motorable passes. [[Khunjerab Pass]] between [[Pakistan]] and China at {{Convert|4693|m|ft}} is also a high-altitude motorable mountain pass. One of the famous but non-motorable mountain passes is [[Thorong La]] at {{convert|5416|m|ft}} in [[Annapurna Conservation Area]], Nepal. |
There are thousands of named passes around the world, some of which are well-known, such as the [[Great St. Bernard Pass]] at {{convert|2473|m|ft}} in the [[Alps]], the [[Chang La]] at {{convert|5360|m|ft}}, and the [[Khardung La]] at {{convert|5359|m|ft}} in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], India. The roads at [[Mana Pass]] at {{convert|5610|m|ft}} and [[Marsimik La]] at {{convert|5582|m|ft}}, on and near the China–India border respectively, appear to be world's two highest motorable passes. [[Khunjerab Pass]] between [[Pakistan]] and China at {{Convert|4693|m|ft}} is also a high-altitude motorable mountain pass. One of the famous but non-motorable mountain passes is [[Thorong La]] at {{convert|5416|m|ft}} in [[Annapurna Conservation Area]], Nepal. |
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==Gallery== |
== Gallery == |
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<gallery mode="packed"> |
<gallery mode="packed"> |
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Stilfser Joch Ost.jpg|[[Stelvio Pass]] in the [[Alps]] ([[Italy]]) |
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Agua negra argentina.JPG|[[Agua Negra Pass]] (Argentina/Chile). |
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Bealach na Ba Pano.jpg|The Bealach na Bà linking [[Applecross Peninsula|Applecross]] in the Scottish North-west Highlands. |
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Dead Woman's Pass from above.jpg|Dead Woman's Pass on the [[Inca Trail]] to Machu Picchu in [[Peru]] |
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Ornak a14.jpg|Pass in [[Tatras]] (Ornak, Poland). |
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Zadielska tiesnava.jpg|{{ill|Zádielska tiesňava|sk}} Pass in [[Slovak Karst]] ([[Slovakia]]). |
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Way to Thorong La.JPG|Trail from Manang to Mustang via [[Thorong La]] pass |
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CrawfordNotchCenter.jpg|Crawford Notch in [[New Hampshire]], U.S. |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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==See also== |
== See also == |
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{{portal|Geography}} |
{{portal|Mountains|Geography}} |
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{{div col}} |
{{div col}} |
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* {{annotated link|Bealach na Bà}} - Mountain pass in North-west Scotland |
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* {{annotated link|Col}} |
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* {{annotated link|Defile (geography)|Defile}} |
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* {{annotated link|List of mountain passes}} |
* {{annotated link|List of mountain passes}} |
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* {{annotated link|Saddle point}} |
* {{annotated link|Saddle point}} |
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* {{annotated link|Tōge|''Tōge''}}, passes in Japan |
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* {{annotated link|Water gap}} |
* {{annotated link|Water gap}} |
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* {{annotated link|Wind gap}} |
* {{annotated link|Wind gap}} |
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{{div col end}} |
{{div col end}} |
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==References== |
== References == |
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===Notes=== |
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{{reflist|refs= |
{{reflist|refs= |
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<ref name="pasos">{{cite web |url=http://www.gendarmeria.gov.ar/pasos.html |title=Principales Pasos Nacionales e Internacionales – Estado de los Pasos Fronterizos |publisher=[[Gendarmería Nacional Argentina]] |language=es |access-date=4 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328092538/http://www.gendarmeria.gov.ar/pasos.html |archive-date=28 March 2010}}</ref> |
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<ref name=pasos> |
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<ref name="pasos_chile">{{cite web |url=http://www.gendarmeria.gov.ar/pasos/chile.htm |title=Pasos – Chile |publisher=Gendarmería Nacional Argentina |language=es |access-date=4 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718053512/http://www.gendarmeria.gov.ar/pasos/chile.htm |archive-date=2007-07-18}}</ref> |
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{{cite web | url=http://www.gendarmeria.gov.ar/pasos.html |
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| title=Principales Pasos Nacionales e Internacionales – Estado de los Pasos Fronterizos |
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| publisher=Gendarmería Nacional Argentina |language=es|access-date=4 March 2010 |
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| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328092538/http://www.gendarmeria.gov.ar/pasos.html |
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| archive-date=28 March 2010}}</ref> |
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<ref name=pasos_chile> |
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{{cite web | url=http://www.gendarmeria.gov.ar/pasos/chile.htm | title=Pasos - Chile |
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| publisher=Gendarmería Nacional Argentina | language=es | access-date=4 March 2010 |
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| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718053512/http://www.gendarmeria.gov.ar/pasos/chile.htm |
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| archive-date=2007-07-18}}</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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== |
===Bibliography=== |
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*{{cite book |last1=Bishop |first1=Michael P. |last2=Shroder |first2=John F. |title=Geographic Information Science and Mountain Geomorphology |year=2004 |location=Berlin New York |publisher=[[Springer Publishing]] |isbn=978-3-540-42640-0 |id=ISBN 354042640X |pages=86–87 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6TGu7-mwSNYC&pg=PA86 |access-date=6 November 2010}} |
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*{{cite book |last=Eberhart |first=Mark E. |title=Why Things Break: Understanding the World by the Way it Comes Apart |year=2004 |publisher=[[Random House]], [[Harmony Books]] |location=New York |isbn=978-1-4000-4883-0 |page=232 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wo9wGKk9MVsC&pg=PT236 |access-date=6 November 2010}} |
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*{{cite book |last1=Harvey |first1=Mark William Thornton |last2=Simer |first2=Peter |title=The National Outdoor Leadership School Wilderness Guide: The Classic Handbook |year=1999 |location=New York|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |isbn=978-0-684-85909-5 |page=185 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BHKUvFAzliYC&pg=PA185 |access-date=6 November 2010}} |
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*{{cite book |title=The Geology of Snowdonia – A Collection of Historical Articles on the Physical Features of the Peaks of Snowdonia |publisher=[[Read Books Limited]] |location=City |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-4733-9043-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ITR-CgAAQBAJ&pg=PT45 |access-date=18 January 2021 |page=45 |quote=The word Bwlch is used in Welsh not only to signify a pass or easy route over a ridge, usually a depression between higher ground on either side, but also ...}} |
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== External links == |
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* {{commonscat-inline|Mountain passes}} |
* {{commonscat-inline|Mountain passes}} |
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[[Category:Oronyms]] |
[[Category:Oronyms]] |
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[[Category:Slope landforms]] |
[[Category:Slope landforms]] |
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[[Category:Walking]] |
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[[Category:Adventure travel]] |
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[[Category:Tourist activities]] |
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[[Category:Geography]] |