How are Mountains Formed

Tap to Read ➤ Ningthoujam Sandhyarani

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Mountains are a type of landform, characterized by a higher elevation as compared to the surrounding areas.

They are higher than 600 meters, and taller and steeper than the hills. While most mountains are created due to the slow and gigantic movement of the earth's tectonic plates, some are formed as a result of erosion and volcanic activities.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The world's tallest mountains are located in Asia and the largest range of mountains is present in the Atlantic ocean. You will be surprised to know that some of the highest mountain peaks are located deep in the oceans.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. General Information About Mountains Mountains represent varying climatic conditions based on their height (elevation).

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Say for instance, in case of a tall mountain, the conditions at the base differ from the topmost area. When compared to the mountain base, the top portion is colder and may even be snow covered.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Also, there is less oxygen and less protection from the sun's rays. Accordingly, the flora and fauna inhabiting the different zones of the mountains vary. Forests present on the sides of mountains are called alpine forests.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. It is estimated that half of the world population depends on this landform for water. In fact, the major rivers of the world are fed by mountains. Many mountains have glacial lakes that are made due to melting of glaciers.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Nonetheless, not all mountains support vegetation and you will also come across completely barren mountains.

As for young mountains, you can identify them from the presence of a gorge. With this brief introduction, let's look further into how mountains are actually formed.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. A mountain is an elevated landform with a summit and sloping sides, composed of earth and rock materials.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Mountains form when tectonic plates collide or shift, causing vast land areas to uplift and create elevated landforms.

Depending upon the geological processes responsible for uplift of mountains and landform characteristics, there are 5 major types of mountains.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Types of Mountains and their Formation

• Fold Mountains • Fault-block Mountains • Dome Mountains • Volcanic Mountains • Plateau Mountains

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Fold mountains are the most common type of mountains. They are formed due to collision of two plates, causing folding of the earth's crust.

The fold that descends on both sides is called anticline, whereas, the fold that ascends from a common low point (on both sides) is called syncline.

Examples of fold mountains are the Himalayas in Asia, Rocky mountains in North America, and the Alps in Europe.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Dome mountains form as hot magma rises from the mantle, uplifting the overlying sedimentary layer of the Earth's crust.

In the process, the magma is not actually erupted, but it cools down and hardens, thereby forming the core of the mountain.

Dome mountains, named for their dome-like appearance, include examples like the Navajo Mountains in Utah and the Adirondack Mountains in New York.

Volcanic mountains are formed from volcanic eruptions when lava reaches the Earth's surface.

When this lava erupts and piles up on the surface of the earth, it cools and solidifies to form a volcanic mountain.

In many instances, the volcanic materials erupt to great heights due to pressure from under the earth's crust. Examples include Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount Etna in Europe.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Plateau mountains form through erosion by running water, carving existing plateaus over time, creating tall mountains.

Plateau mountains often occur near fold mountain ranges. An example is the Catskill Mountains in New York.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Besides these, there are also some mountains that are formed as a result of combined natural forces of the earth.

In nature, there is a continuous process of glaciation, soil erosion, mechanical weathering, and chemical weathering, which altogether play a major role in altering the shape and characteristics of mountains.