The Andes Mountains are split into 3 regions. The Northern part is next to the equator so it is warmer and has rainforests near the base. The Southern region is closer to Antarctica so it is extremely cold, as well as it is less populated. The mid part has a variety of climate since it neither close to the equator or the south pole. I am specifying with the northern alpine biome of the Andes. With the average annual precipitation at 30 centimeters, this dry, cold biome is famous for it’s harsh winters with lowest temperatures at 16 degrees Fahrenheit. The elevation has a lot to do with the cold weather, for every 1,000 meters of elevation you gain, you lose 5.5 degrees celsius in temperature. During the short summers in the Andes, temperatures average out to be about 68 degrees fahrenheit. This biome is home to hundreds of horrific survival stories because of it’s harsh conditions. Luckily, we will be traveling during the spring time.

One of the main currents affecting the galapagos waters is the humboldt currents. This is a cold, salty current going in the north western direction flowing along the south american coast.
These waters are most persistent in the months between July- November. An el nino happens every seven years which the Humbolt current reverses and decreases nutrients as well as brings floods and other natural obstacles that can lead to population decreases if we are not careful.
Some other prominent cold currents during that time are the Peru ocean Current, Peru Coastal countercurrent, and the Cormwell countercurrent. During the rainy season of January through
April the waters are warmer, however the temperatures rarely reach above 80 degrees fahrenheit.
We will embark on our adventure in the winter months of this interesting biome.