a long, linear zone in the Earths crust where the rocks have been intensely deformed by horizontal stresses and generally intruded by molten rock material. The topography can be high and rugged, or it can be worn down to a surface of low relief. How are mountains formed? Mountains are formed by slow but gigantic movements of the earth's crust (the outer layer of the Earth). The Earth's crust is made up of 6 huge slabs called plates, which fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. When two slabs of the earth's crust smash into each other the land can be pushed upwards, forming mountains. Many of the greatest mountain ranges of the world have formed because of enormous collisions between continents. The process of mountain building is called OROGENESIS. The factors that appear to be most important in this process are: Rock sequences, that mountain building involves the three-phase cycle made up: 1. Geosynclinal sedimentation and contemporaneous subsidence; 2. Compression and deformation. 3. Uplift and erosion. Structural deformation, this is deformed compression, in which the scale of deformation ranges from wrinkled grains or fossils in the rocks to folds tens of kilometers wide. Metamorphism, refers to changes in the mineral composition and texture of rocks subjected to high temperature and pressure within the earth. Igneous activity, this is the concentration of the Earths lighter material in the continental crust which takes place in two steps: 1. Begins at a spreading center where partial melting of periodite in the upper mantle generates a basaltic magma, which rises to form oceanic crust. 2. It involves a partial melting of the oceanic crust forming a silica- rich magma, which is then emplaced in the mountain belt as granitic intrusions and andesitic volcanic products. What are the General Classification of Mountains? 1. Geographically and chronologically, according to their arrangement. 2. Structurally, according to their geological stratification. KINDS OF MOUNTAINS 1. Folded mountains or complex mountains- which result from folding of sedimentary or lava beds or may result from variable resistance to erosion. In the dipping strata of the folds, weak beds are eroded first, leaving resistant beds as synclinal or monoclinal ridges. They are the largest and most complex mountain systems. 2. Volcanic mountains these result from the accumulation of lava and pyroclastics of volcanic events. Each of the peaks was formed by the gradual building up of its slopes. This occurred mainly by accumulation of volcanic fragments and lava from successive eruptions. Erosion volcanic mountains these are single mountains or a group of mountains that have been formed by the erosion of streams. Each forces raise rocks to high altitudes, therefore deepening the valleys and isolating their peaks. Individual mountain ranges are formed by one kind of diastrophic movement or volcanic activity. They may be extended ridges or a number of parallel ridges. 3. Fault-block mountains these are mountains that are formed by the displacement of a rock along a fault. 4. Upwarped mountains these are produced in association with a broad arching of the crust or in some instances because of vertical displacement along high angle faults. Young Mature Old
High elevation still elevation not very low elevation,
growing high, peaks lowering, approaching the stopped growing peneplane
Rugged irregular Rounded tops, covered Monad rocks stand out
skyline, good scenery, with vegetation snowcapped
Steep slope with base Uniform gentle slopes Region rather flat with talus with covered talus low, rolling hills
Young rushing Mature, slow-flowing Streams old, move
streams, often streams water gaps, slowly, have low banks torrential with deep valleys much wider ravines, narrow valleys
Avalanches common, Avalanches rare;
landslides and earthquakes unknown earthquake occur
life history of mountains:
PLATEAUS - an extensive upland region. It is also often referred to as tableland, since it is essentially flat topped and stands conspicously above an adjacent land area. Along its outer margin it gives way to hills or mountains The elevation of most plateaus of the world exceeds 2,000 ft. Height above the sea level. Origin of Plateaus Most plateau regions are the result of diastrophism, where the two broadest kinds of deformation processes are epligrogeny, which involves the relative rise and fall of broad segments of the crust with little or no folding.. Some are the result of volcanism. Economic Importance of Plateaus: 1. It can be dammed to impound the water in large reservoirs. The stored water can then be used for irrigation and for generation of electricity. 2. It reveal ore deposits like silver ,which of great advantage to tropical regions, cold and dry climate. 3. Crops can be grown in their upper parts where the temperature is lower . 4. It can be used as pasture lands. Life History of Plateaus: 1. Young plateaus have more rounded surfaces and gentler slopes, with soil covering and some talus. 2. Mature plateaus are generally called mountains, since they are rugged areas. Numerous streams have cut wide valleys through the broad surfaces of the original plateau. 3. Old-age plateaus are worn almost level, with mere remnants of the original plateau. In arid regions, they are steep walled with flat upper surfaces.