Cukal

Cukal
Cukal massif from above, covered in snow.
Highest point
Elevation	1,721 m (5,646 ft)
Prominence	235 m (771 ft)
Isolation	2.3 km (1.4 mi)
Coordinates	42°08′16″N 19°44′18″E
Geography
Cukal
Country	Albania
Region	Northern Mountain Region
Municipality	Shkodër
Parent range	Cukal–Biga e Gimajve
Geology
Age of rock	Mesozoic, Paleogene
Mountain type	massif
Type of rock	limestone, flysch, shale

Cukal (def. 'Cukali') is a massif situated at the southernmost edge of the Albanian Alps. It is bordered by the river valleys of Kir in the northwest, Lesniqe in the northeast and Drin in the south.

Geology

Extending in the shape of a dome with a northeast–southwest orientation, the massif has a length of 24 km (15 mi) and a width of 8 km (5.0 mi) and is part of the Krastë-Cukal tectonic zone. Composed primarily of Mesozoic limestone, flysch, Paleogene and less of shale and effusive rocks, it has a wrinkled, blocky and scaly structure, highly fragmented by the powerful tectonic movements of the Pliocene-Quaternary.

The central section of the massif is marked by several prominent peaks, including Mbilqeth 1,734 m (5,689 ft), Cukal 1,721 m (5,646 ft), Vila 1,514 m (4,967 ft), and Maja e Bardhë 1,548 m (5,079 ft). Fusha e Lqethit, a pit-like formation rising at an elevation of 1,323 m (4,341 ft), lies between these peaks. The massif is deeply divided by numerous streams originating from its center and flowing into Kir and Drin, creating a harsh alpine environment.

Biodiversity

Cukal is predominantly covered by oak and beech forests, with the presence of maquis shrubland in the southwestern end. On its edges are located the inhabited settlements of Rranxë, Cukal, Shllak, Temaliarë and Duzhman.

Despite being part of the Albanian Alps, it differs from other peaks of this range due to a lower elevation, a relatively milder climate, and a lack of alpine pastures in the area.

See also

• List of mountains in Albania