Editing Coquimbo Region (section)

==Geography and ecology==
{{See also|Transverse Valleys}}
The Coquimbo Region forms the narrowest part of Chile and is one of the most mountainous areas in the country, as the [[Andes]] range lies closer to the sea here than in other regions. The region is home to diverse marine and terrestrial species. [[Upwelling]] along the coast fosters high marine productivity, contributing to a rich ecosystem.<ref>R.N. Gibson, R.J.A. Atkinson and J.D.M. Gordon, 2007</ref>

In the southern mountainous areas, the [[endangered]] [[Chilean Wine Palm]] (''Jubaea chilensis'') can be found. Its habitat is under threat from human activities, such as population growth and [[deforestation]] for agriculture and urban expansion.<ref>C. Michael Hogan, 2008</ref>

The [[Elqui Valley (wine region)|Elqui Valley]], known for its clear skies, is home to numerous [[Observatory|astronomical observatories]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Frier Hansen |first=Henrik |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m3XSpeAmgUIC&q=Elqui+Valley+observatories&pg=PA26 |title=Viva Chile: Travels, Tips and Tales |publisher=AuthorHouse |year=2008 |isbn=978-1467020671 |pages=26}}</ref> Additionally, the [[Puclaro Dam]], a 640-meter-long structure, contains a reservoir that holds 4.63 million cubic meters of water for agricultural irrigation along the [[Elqui River]].