Editing Geography of Albania (section)

== Physiographic regions ==
The country is divided into four [[physiographic]] regions, the [[Northern Mountain Range (Albania)|Northern Mountain Range]], [[Central Mountain Range (Albania)|Central Mountain Range]], [[Southern Mountain Range (Albania)|Southern Mountain Range]] and [[Western Lowlands]] with two subdivisions corresponding roughly to the [[Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast|Albanian Adriatic]] and [[Albanian Ionian Sea Coast|Ionian Sea Coast]].<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Universiteti Shtetëror i Tiranës|title=Buletini i i Universitetit Shteteror te Tiranes|year=1964|page=110|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d0UoAQAAIAAJ}}</ref>

=== Western Lowlands ===
{{main|Western Lowlands}}

[[File:Myzeqe.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Myzeqe]] plain, seen from the ancient city of [[Apollonia (Illyria)|Apollonia]]]]

Except for its sea coast in the west, the [[Western Lowlands|western lowlands]] are ringed by a great arc-shaped line of mountains spreading in the north, east and south. The predominantly flat and regular landscape is [[Geomorphology|morphologically]] characterized by the sea and rivers, in terms of [[topography]] and [[soil]], and also in its [[climate]] and [[biodiversity]]. The region experiences mild and short winters, with low rainfalls, and long hot and dry summers.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} It is mostly dominated by the extensive [[Myzeqe]] plain, a large [[alluvial plain]] traversed by three main rivers, the [[Shkumbin]], [[Seman (river)|Seman]] and [[Vjosë]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Remote Sensing for Environmental Data in Albania: A Strategy for Integrated Management |date=6 December 2012 |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media, 2012 |isbn=9789401143578 |edition=Manfred F. Buchroithner |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_7avBQAAQBAJ&q=coastal+plain+albania&pg=PT214 }}<br>- {{cite book |author1=Tom Streissguth |title=Albania in Pictures |date=July 2010 |publisher=Twenty-First Century Books, 2010 |isbn=9780761363781 |page=9 }}</ref>

The [[Albanian Adriatic Sea Coast]] stretches from the mouth of the river [[Buna (Adriatic Sea)|Buna]] near the [[Lake of Shkodër]] in the north, across the [[Gulf of Drin]], to the [[Bay of Vlorë]] in the south.<ref name="Springer"/> The two [[List of cities in Albania|largest]] coastal cities [[Durrës]] and [[Vlorë]] are located in the northern and the southern part of the region, respectively. The total length of the [[coast]]line is approximately {{convert|274|km}}, mostly of which are taken up by [[Sand beach|sandy beach]]es, [[wetland]]s and [[Alluvial plain|alluvial]] [[Deposition (geology)|deposit]]s, occurred by [[quaternary]] sediments of the main rivers of the country.

[[File:Ksamill-1.jpg|thumb|right|The waters of [[Ksamil Islands|Ksamil]] in the extreme south of the [[Albanian Ionian Sea Coast]]]]

The coastline is lined with different [[habitat]]s and [[ecosystem]]s, providing optimal conditions for a rich biodiversity. Of particular importance is the presence of numerous lagoons and [[pond]]s, representing one of the wealthiest scenery of the country, in terms of [[biology]]. Likely, the lagoons of [[Karavasta Lagoon|Karavasta]] and [[Narta Lagoon|Narta]], in the immediate proximity to the sea, are among the most important ones in the [[Mediterranean Sea]].

While the Adriatic coast is relatively low, the Ionian coast is, with few exceptions, rugged and mountainous. The [[Albanian Ionian Sea Coast]] stretches from the [[Karaburun Peninsula (Albania)|Peninsula of Karaburun]] in the north, through the [[Albanian Riviera]], to the [[Straits of Corfu]] in the south.<ref name="Springer"/> The [[List of cities in Albania|largest]] coastal city [[Sarandë]] is located in the southern part of the region, while smaller villages include [[Borsh]], [[Dhermi]], [[Himara]], [[Qeparo]], [[Piqeras]], and [[Lukovë]].<ref name="Br">{{cite book|last=Gloyer|first=Gillian |title=The Bradt Travel Guide Albania|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K_trOWbGcbkC&q=Albanian+Riviera&pg=PA26|year=2008|publisher=Bradt Publications UK|isbn=978-1-84162-246-0|page=199}}</ref> The total length of the [[coast]]line is approximately {{convert|172|km}}.

The most characteristic features of the coastline are the [[Ceraunian Mountains]], which extend nearly {{convert|100|km}} along the [[Albanian Riviera]] roughly in a southeast–northwest direction. The region is particular [[Soil fertility|fertile]] and known for its [[citrus]] fruits and [[viticulture]], that has a long and special tradition in the region. The coastline is abundant in [[Dolomite (mineral)|dolomite]] from the [[triassic]] period, the [[carbonate rock]]s follows with [[limestone]] from the [[jurassic]] period and [[bituminous]] [[schist]]s, [[cretaceous]] [[porcelain]] and [[phosphate]] limestone.<ref name="geological view">{{cite web |title=Some Considerations on Seawater-Freshwater Relationship in Albanian Coastal Area |url=http://www.igme.es/igme/publica/tiac-02/ALBANIA-I.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702011137/http://www.igme.es/igme/publica/tiac-02/ALBANIA-I.pdf |archive-date=2018-07-02 |url-status=live |website=igme.es |location=Tirana |pages=1–12 }}</ref><ref name="Springer"/> 
{{Clear}}

=== Northern Mountain Range ===
{{main|Northern Mountain Range, Albania}}

[[File:Theth_and_Theth_National_Park,_Albania_2017.jpg|thumb|right|The valley of [[Shala (river)|Shala]], seen from the village of [[Theth]]]]

The [[Northern Mountain Range, Albania|northern mountain range]] is the most mountainous region in the country and its physical geography and shape is distinguished by the convergence of two distinct geological regions, the [[Albanian Alps]] and Mirdita Highlands.<ref>{{cite web |title=Geophysical Outlook On Structure Of The Albanides |url=http://itc.upt.al/~nfra/papers/geosciences/Albanides.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916202538/http://itc.upt.al/~nfra/papers/geosciences/Albanides.pdf |archive-date=2018-09-16 |url-status=live |website=itc.upt.al |location=Tirana |pages=1–46 }}<br>- {{cite web|title=Albanian Alps Geotopes|url=http://lib.icimod.org/record/14264/files/5517.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923051144/http://lib.icimod.org/record/14264/files/5517.pdf |archive-date=2017-09-23 |url-status=live|website=lib.icimod.org|page=1|quote=The Alps have a width of 60 km and a length of 64 km and occupy an area of about 2020 km2 .}}</ref> A dominant feature of the region's landscape is the presence of several [[u-shaped valley]]s, such as the [[Valbonë Valley National Park|Valley of Valbonë]], formed by the process of [[glaciation]].

The Albanian Alps are the southernmost extension of the [[Dinaric Alps]] and simultaneously the highest and most imposing mountains of the country.  Despite the fact that the [[Quaternary glaciation|ice ages]] had relatively little geological influence on the alps, the southernmost glaciers of [[Europe]] were recently discovered on the alps.<ref>{{cite web|title=Feasibility Study on Establishing A Transboundary Protected Area Prokletije / Bjeshkët E Nemuna Mountains|url=http://condesan.org/mtnforum/sites/default/files/publication/files/prokletije_25-10-2010.pdf|website=condesan.org|page=4|quote=The number of glacial ponds in this area is rare for the European mainland and can only be compared to the Alps.|access-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906040102/http://condesan.org/mtnforum/sites/default/files/publication/files/prokletije_25-10-2010.pdf|archive-date=6 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Albanian Alps are home to many important rivers of [[Western Balkans]]. The main [[drainage basin]]s of the Alps are those of the [[Drin (river)|Drin]] and [[Danube river|Danube]] Rivers.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Winterberg |first=Sascha |last2=Willett |first2=Sean D. |date=March 2019 |title=Greater Alpine river network evolution, interpretations based on novel drainage analysis |url=https://sjg.springeropen.com/articles/10.1007/s00015-018-0332-5 |journal=[[Swiss Journal of Geosciences]] |language=en |volume=112 |issue=1 |pages=3–22 |doi=10.1007/s00015-018-0332-5 |issn=1661-8734 |pmc=7081830 |pmid=32214983}}</ref> Rivers on the Alps fall roughly into two categories, those that flow into the [[Lim (river)|Lim]] and those that enter the [[White Drin]] and meet the [[Black Drin]] downstream at the Drin confluence. However, Drin dominates, draining most of the Alps with its tributaries and when measured from the source of the White Drin to the mouth of the Drin near [[Lezhë]]. But not all of the Drin flows near or parallel to the Alps. One Drin tributary is the [[Valbonë (river)|Valbona]] River, which drains into the [[Adriatic Sea]], and its eastern tributary the [[Gashi River]]. 
{{Clear}}

=== Central Mountain Range ===
{{main|Central Mountain Range, Albania}}
[[File:Mali_Bardhe.jpg|thumb|right|A typical landscape within the [[Korab-Koritnik Nature Park|Mali i Bardhë]]]]

The terrain of the [[Central Mountain Range, Albania|central mountain range]] is predominantly mountainous and extremely fragmented carved into its present shape by the [[glacier]]s of the last [[Last Glacial Maximum|ice age]]. The region is dominated by three [[mountain range]]s, each running from north-northeast to south-southwest, roughly parallel to the eastern border of Albania.

The [[Korab|Korab Mountains]] are certainly the most striking feature of the physical geography of the region. They hold the highest mountain of the country, the [[Mount Korab]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The King of the Mountains|url=http://www.dmwcorg.tk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/The_King_of_the_Mountains.pdf|website=dmwcorg.tk|page=24|quote=At 2764 meters Korab peak is one of only two summits in Europe which are the highest point for more than one country.|access-date=8 July 2017|archive-date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402204601/http://www.dmwcorg.tk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/The_King_of_the_Mountains.pdf|url-status=dead}}<br>- {{cite web|title=The King of the Mountains|url=http://www.dmwcorg.tk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/The_King_of_the_Mountains.pdf|website=dmwcorg.tk|page=24|quote=Korab is a very rugged mountain massif that consists mainly of shale and limestone of the Palaeozoic era with bloc structures.|access-date=8 July 2017|archive-date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402204601/http://www.dmwcorg.tk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/The_King_of_the_Mountains.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The mountains extends over 40 kilometres and covers an area of 560 square kilometres.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sharr/Šar Planina – Korab – Dešat/Deshat |url=http://www.envsec.org/publications/Feasibility%20study%20on%20establishing%20a%20transboundary%20protected%20area.%20Sharr-Sar%20Planina-Korab-Desat-Deshat.pdf |website=envsec.org |pages=1–132 |access-date=7 September 2017 |archive-date=7 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907220440/http://www.envsec.org/publications/Feasibility%20study%20on%20establishing%20a%20transboundary%20protected%20area.%20Sharr-Sar%20Planina-Korab-Desat-Deshat.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Between the valleys of [[Shkumbin]] and [[Devoll (river)|Devoll]] rise the mountains that constitute to the [[Valamara|Valamara Mountains]], while farther north stretches the connected mountain massifs of [[Shebenik]] and [[Jablanica (mountain range)|Jabllanicë]].<ref name="geology">{{cite journal |author1=Slavčo Hristovski, Borislav Guéorguiev, Trajče Mitev, Gjorge Ivanov, Martina Trajkovska |title=Ground beetles (Carabidae, Coleoptera) of Jablanica Mt.(North Macedonia) and Shebenik Mt. (Albania) |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/216512490 |journal=Билт. Истраж. друш. студ. биол. год. |volume=4 |pages=49–65 |year=2010}}</ref>

The vast majority of the region's [[natural lake]]s are located in the southern half of the region and most of them are the product of a long contiguous history. The [[Lake of Ohrid]] lie adjacent to the border shared with [[North Macedonia]]. It is one of the oldest continuously existing lakes in the world with a unique biodiversity. Further south, well hidden among high mountains, extend the [[Prespa Lake|Lake of Prespa]] that is linked by a small channel with a sluice that separates the two lakes.

{{wide image|Prespa_and_Prespa_National_Park_Albania_2017.jpg|800px|The [[Prespa Lake|Lake of Prespa]] part of the [[Prespa National Park (Albania)|Prespa National Park]] and [[Ohrid-Prespa Transboundary Biosphere Reserve]] positioned in the southeastern edge of Albania.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[UNESCO]] |title=Ohrid-Prespa- Biosphere Reserve |url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/europe-north-america/albaniathe-former-yugoslav-republic-of-macedonia/ohrid-prespa/ }}</ref>|center}}

=== Southern Mountain Range ===
{{main|Southern Mountain Range, Albania}}
[[File:Albanian_Riviera_from_Llogara_Pass_2015-09-22.jpg|thumb|right|A view of the [[Albanian Riviera]], from the [[Llogara National Park]]]]
The [[Ceraunian Mountains]], a coastal [[mountain range]] in southwestern Albania, stretches about {{convert|100|km}} besides the Ionian Sea from [[Sarandë]] in south-east-northwest direction along the [[Albanian Riviera]] to [[Orikum]]. The relief is varied, with many mountain passes, canyons, gorges, hills and other landforms. The mountains are characterized by housing [[Pinus nigra|Black pine]]s, [[Bulgarian fir]]s, [[Bosnian pine]]s and [[Fraxinus|Ash tree]]s. The mountain chain is home to many large [[mammal]]s, including [[brown bear]]s, [[grey wolves]], [[lynx]], [[golden eagle]]s and others. The highest point on the chain is [[Maja e Çikës]], that rises to an elevation of {{convert|2045|m}} above the Adriatic. From the peak, there is a view of the Albanian Riviera, the northern Ionian Islands as well as the Italian coast of [[Apulia]] and [[Otranto]]. The section has wide and long beaches, with a number of bays and headlands.

Stretching until the [[Llogara Pass]] at {{convert|1027|m}}, the mountain chain gets separated into the Ceraunians in the west and the Akroceraunians (or ''Reza e Kanalit'') in the east within the Karaburun Peninsula.<ref name="peaks">{{cite web|title=Management Plan Llogora-Rreza e Kanalit-Dukat -Orikum-TragjasRadhime-Karaburun Complex Site|url=http://vinc.s.free.fr/IMG/karaburuni_llogara_MPenglish.pdf|website=vinc.s.free.fr|page=23|language=sq}}</ref> The villages of [[Palasë]], [[Dhërmi]], [[Vuno]], [[Himarë (town)|Himarë]], [[Qeparo]], [[Borsh]], [[Pilur]], [[Kudhës]] and [[Iljas|Ilias]] are located on the Ceraunian range. The Llogara National Park covers an area of {{convert|10100|m²}}.
[[File:Grama_Bay._Albania_2017-08_14.jpg|thumb|right|A scenic view of [[Bays of Albania|Gjiri i Gramës]]]]

The [[Karaburun Peninsula, Albania|Karaburun Peninsula]] is situated at the eastern side of [[Strait of Otranto]], where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. Its area is {{convert|62|km²}}, having a length of {{convert|16|km}}, and a width of only {{convert|5|km}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Llogora-Rreza e Kanalit-Dukat -Orikum-TragjasRadhime-Karaburun Complex Site|url=http://vinc.s.free.fr/IMG/karaburuni_llogara_MPenglish.pdf|website=vinc.s.free.fr|page=24|quote=The Karaburun Peninsula covers a surface of 62 km2;   It is 16 km long and 3–5 km wide}}</ref> The Mesokanali is the narrow channel, that separates the peninsula from the [[Sazan Island]]. [[Geologically]], it is made up of [[Carbonic acid|carbonic]] [[limestone]], dating back to the [[Mesozoic]] period, while in the northwestern it is composed of [[terrigenous sediment]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Llogora-Rreza e Kanalit-Dukat -Orikum-TragjasRadhime-Karaburun Complex Site|url=http://vinc.s.free.fr/IMG/karaburuni_llogara_MPenglish.pdf|website=vinc.s.free.fr|page=24|quote=From the geological point of view it is made up of carbonic limestone of Kretac era, while in the northwestern part of it, Bay of Shën Jani, it is composed of terigenic deposits.}}</ref> Furthermore, these formations have been continuously under the effect of [[Karst]] and are exploited as marble. The relief of the peninsula comprises a number of hills with an average altitude of about {{convert|800|m}} above the Adriatic. The highest summits are Maja e
Ilqës {{convert|733|m}}, Maja e Flamurit {{convert|826|m}} and Maja Çadëri {{convert|839|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Llogora-Rreza e Kanalit-Dukat -Orikum-TragjasRadhime-Karaburun Complex Site|url=http://vinc.s.free.fr/IMG/karaburuni_llogara_MPenglish.pdf|website=vinc.s.free.fr|quote=The relief comprises a number of hills. The average altitude from the sea levels 800 m with a number of peaks. The highest peaks are the so-called Maja e Ilqes (733 m), Maja e Flamurit (826 m) and Çadëri (839 m).}}</ref>

The coastal landscape is characterized by a rough relief, that dips vertically into the Ionian Sea, it features several solitary peaks, large canyons, bays, caves and gulfs. Examples of typical landforms include [[Gjipe Canyon]], Gjiri i Arushës, Gjiri i Dafinës, [[List of bays of Albania|Gjiri i Gramës]] and so on. The geological evolution has formed also capes such as Haxhi Aliu, Galloveci and Kepi i Gjuhëzës, and other of 20 caves along the entire shoreline. The climate is Mediterranean, having hot summers and generally warm to cool, dry winters. Due to its climatic, hydrological and geological conditions, the area is characterized by its unique flora and fauna. Most of the territory consists of forests and is relatively well preserved, it includes many types of trees, such as [[Quercus ilex|Mediterranean oak]], [[Fraxinus ornus|Manna ash]], [[Quercus coccifera|Kermes oak]], and [[Acer campestre|Field maple]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Llogora-Rreza e Kanalit-Dukat -Orikum-TragjasRadhime-Karaburun Complex Site|url=http://vinc.s.free.fr/IMG/karaburuni_llogara_MPenglish.pdf|website=vinc.s.free.fr|page=43|quote=The most important trees in this type of forest are Quercus ilex, Fraxinus ornus, Quercus coccifera, Acer campestre, which form dense tree layer (cover 80 – 90 % in very well developed stands, height 8–10 m ).}}</ref>