Global Mountain Types

Global Mountain Types

Fold Mountains

• Formed when two tectonic plates collide, causing the Earth's crust to fold and buckle
• Can be thousands of meters thick and hundreds of kilometers wide
• Example: Himalayan mountain range, Rocky Mountains
• Characteristics:
  • Folded rocks
  • Thrust faults
  • Uplifted and eroded terrain
  • Often have a central core of ancient rocks surrounded by younger rocks
• Formation processes:
  • Continental collision
  • Oceanic-continental convergence
  • Continental rifting

Volcanic Mountains

• Formed by volcanic activity, such as eruptions and lava flows
• Can be highly variable in shape and size
• Example: Hawaiian Islands, Mount St. Helens
• Characteristics:
  • Volcanic rocks, such as basalt and andesite
  • Volcanic cones, calderas, and lava flows
  • Often have a distinctive conical shape
• Formation processes:
  • Magma rising to the surface
  • Eruption of lava and ash
  • Accumulation of volcanic rocks and deposits

Explore the different types of mountains, including fold mountains and volcanic mountains, and learn about their characteristics and formation processes.