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Mountains
Mountains are large landforms that rise prominently above their surroundings, typically having steep, sloping sides and sharp or rounded ridges, culminating in a high point called a peak or summit. Most geologists classify a mountain as a landform that rises at least 1,000 feet (300 meters) or more above its surrounding area. A mountain range is a series or chain of mountains that are close together, often formed through related geological processes.
Types of mountain:
1. Fold Mountains: Fold mountains are formed by the folding of Earth’s crust due to tectonic forces. When two continental plates collide, the rocks in the Earth’s crust are pushed together and buckle, forming mountains. Examples include the Himalayas in Asia, The Alps in Europe, The Urals in Russia, The Rocky Mountains in North America and, The Andes in South America, The Appalachian Mountains in North America
2. Fault-Block Mountains: These mountains form when large blocks of the Earth’s crust are tilted, lifted, or dropped between large faults. This can occur due to tensional forces pulling the crust apart. An example is the Vosges in Europe, Sierra Nevada in California and Nevada, and the Harz Mountains in Germany
3. Volcanic Mountains: Volcanic mountains are formed by volcanic activity, where magma from beneath the Earth’s crust reaches the surface and solidifies. Mount St. Helens in North America,Mount Fuji in Japan, Mount Kea and Mount Loa in Hawaii, Pico Teide in the Canary Islands and Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines.
4. Dome Mountains: These mountains form when magma pushes the Earth’s crust upwards but does not erupt onto the surface. This creates a dome-like shape. An example is the Black Hills in North America, located in South Dakota.
5.Residual Mountains: Residual mountains or erosional mountains are the result of the erosion and weathering of existing rock formations. These mountains are distinct in shape and feature, based on the erosional processes. Example: The Scottish Highlands, Scandanavian Mountains, and the landmass of the Balkan Peninsula.
6. Plateau Mountains: These mountains are similar to dome mountains, but form as colliding tectonic plates push up the land without folding or faulting. They are then shaped by weathering and erosion.
