Understanding Mountains and Mountain Systems

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Questions and Answers

Which component of the hydrological cycle directly involves the movement of water from solid to gas without becoming liquid?

Infiltration

Evaporation

Transpiration

Sublimation (correct)

What is the primary source of water that contributes to the process of evaporation in the hydrological cycle?

Lakes

Oceans (correct)

Rivers

Groundwater

Which process is described as the movement of water through a plant and its subsequent evaporation from parts such as leaves?

Infiltration

Transpiration (correct)

Condensation

Run-off

What happens to water vapor when it rises and cools slightly in the hydrological cycle?

It condenses Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the rate of precipitation exceeds the rate at which water can infiltrate into the soil?

Run-off Signup and view all the answers

Which form of precipitation includes rain, snow, and hail and is associated with cloud formation?

Precipitation Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when water is absorbed by soil during rainfall?

Infiltration Signup and view all the answers

What keeps the total amount of water in the hydrological cycle constant, despite changes in distribution?

Continuous movement of water Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a mountain from a hill or mound?

Its summit must be more than a few hundred meters above the surrounding land. Signup and view all the answers

What is a group of mountains with similar shape and structure called?

Mountain range Signup and view all the answers

How are mountains primarily formed?

From the collision of tectonic plates. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes 'young' mountains?

They have sharp peaks and steep slopes. Signup and view all the answers

What type of mountains are often described as flat and have rolling hills?

Old mountains Signup and view all the answers

What classification includes mountains formed by tectonic activity?

Both B and C Signup and view all the answers

Which mountain system is known for the combination of ranges that includes the Eurasian-Melanesian belt?

Circum-Pacific belt Signup and view all the answers

What process can alter the form of mountains over millions of years?

Wearing away due to erosive forces. Signup and view all the answers

What role does vegetation play in the hydrological cycle?

It returns a portion of water to the atmosphere through transpiration. Signup and view all the answers

What process allows groundwater to exit the ground?

Groundwater discharge Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following primarily contributes to forming clouds in the hydrological cycle?

Ocean evaporation Signup and view all the answers

What happens to some of the precipitation as it falls to the ground?

Some part evaporates back to the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

How does groundwater become part of the hydrological cycle?

It percolates through soil and contributes to water bodies. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does porosity have on the infiltration rate of water?

Increased porosity increases the infiltration rate. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the first steps in the hydrological cycle?

Ocean evaporation Signup and view all the answers

What primarily drives the movement of water vapor into clouds during the hydrological cycle?

Solar radiation heat energy Signup and view all the answers

What type of mountains are formed when rock layers are squeezed together and pushed upward?

Folded Mountains Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mountains is an example of a volcanic mountain?

Mount Fuji Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of Fault-Block Mountains?

They are formed by the dropping of large crustal blocks. Signup and view all the answers

What is a syncline?

A fold of rock that bends downward to form a 'U'. Signup and view all the answers

Which mountain range is formed by the collision of tectonic plates?

Appalachian Mountains Signup and view all the answers

What term describes large, flat areas that are above sea level and slope gently over great distances?

Plains Signup and view all the answers

What type of geological feature is characterized by high elevation and flat terrain?

Plateaus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Fault-Block Mountains?

They typically have flat tops. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What are Mountains?

A landform with a high elevation.
To be considered a mountain, its summit needs to be more than a few hundred meters above the surrounding land.
Mt. Fuji in Japan, a prominent example, is a mountain.

Mountain Systems

Most mountains aren't solitary, they belong to a group of mountains called a mountain range.
A collection of mountain ranges constitutes a mountain system.
Mountain systems are often categorized into two belts: Eurasian-Melanesian and Circum-Pacific.
Mountain formation is linked to the collision of tectonic plates, causing folds and faults that eventually evolve into ranges.

How do Mountains Change?

Over millions of years, mountains transform and adopt diverse shapes.
These changes are driven by forces like tectonic plate movement, erosion, and weathering.
Mountains with steep slopes, sharp peaks, and narrow valleys are considered 'young' as they are formed from relatively new crust.
As time passes, peaks erode, slopes become less steep, and mountains are categorized as 'mature'. San Bernardino Mountains in California are a testament to mature mountain formation.
Mountains that experience prolonged erosion are deemed 'old', characterized by flat summits, rolling hills, and wide valleys. The Appalachian Mountains exemplify this stage.

Mountain Classification

Mountains are categorized based on their mode of formation.
The three primary types include:
- Volcanic: Created from lava, ash, and rock expelled during volcanic eruptions. Mount Fuji is an example.
- Folded: Resulting from the folding of rock layers, often at convergent boundaries where continents collide. The Himalayas exemplify this.
- Fault-Block: Formed when tension causes large blocks of Earth's crust to drop relative to others. Characterized by sharp, jagged peaks, The Sierra Nevada Mountains in California are a prominent example.

Plains

Extensive, flat areas located just above sea level.
They are created by the erosion of uneven land or by deposition of material in large bodies of water.
Two types: Coastal (located near coastlines) and Inland (located within continents).

Plateaus

Flat areas with higher elevations than plains.
Similar forces that create mountains also form plateaus.
Many plateaus feature canyons, steep-sided valleys carved by rivers.

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Description

This quiz explores the characteristics and classifications of mountains, including how they form and change over time. It delves into mountain systems and the geological processes that shape these majestic landforms. Test your knowledge about mountains and their significance in the Earth's landscape!