Mountains

Mountains are large landforms that rise above the surrounding landscape. They are typically formed through tectonic forces or volcanic activity.

Formation of Mountains

Mountains can be formed by different processes:

Tectonic Forces: When tectonic plates collide, they can push the Earth's crust upwards, creating mountain ranges. This process is known as orogeny.
Volcanic Activity: Volcanic mountains are formed when molten rock, ash, and gases erupt onto the Earth's surface, building up to form a mountain.

Types of Mountains

There are several types of mountains:

Fold Mountains: These are formed by the folding of the Earth's crust due to tectonic forces.
Block Mountains: These are created when large areas of land are displaced vertically along faults.
Volcanic Mountains: These are formed by the accumulation of volcanic materials such as lava, ash, and rocks.

Mountain Ecosystems

Mountains are home to diverse ecosystems and unique species adapted to the harsh mountain environment. These ecosystems are often sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation.

Human Interaction with Mountains

Mountains have provided humans with important resources such as water, minerals, and timber. They also attract tourists for recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about mountains:

Mountains are large landforms that rise above the surrounding landscape.
They can be formed through tectonic forces or volcanic activity.
There are different types of mountains, including fold mountains, block mountains, and volcanic mountains.
Mountains support diverse ecosystems and provide important resources for humans.