Which of the following statements with regard to the Andes Mountain system is/are correct? 1. Mount Aconcagua, standing at over 6,900 meters, represents the highest peak in the Andes as well as the Western Hemisphere. 2. The Uspallata Pass serves as a historic mountain pass providing a transportation corridor across the Andes between Argentina and Chile. 3. The Andes are classified as ancient block mountains formed during the Precambrian era without active volcanism. Select the answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Notes:

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Mount Aconcagua (6,961 m), located in Argentina near the Chilean border, is the highest peak in the Americas and the highest peak outside of Asia.
Statement 2 is correct: The Uspallata Pass (also known as the Bermejo Pass) connects Mendoza in Argentina with Santiago/Valparaíso in Chile, serving as a primary trans-Andean route.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Andes are young fold mountains formed by the subduction of the oceanic Nazca Plate beneath the continental South American Plate. Consequently, the range features extensive active volcanism along the Pacific Ring of Fire.