Mountains produced by tensional stress, like the Teton Range in Wyoming, are called?
a)folded mountains
b)fault-block mountains
c)canyons
d)plateaus
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The correct answer is b) fault-block mountains.
Fault-block mountains are formed when tensional stress in the Earth's crust creates normal faults, causing large blocks of the crust to uplift while others drop down. This uplift of blocks creates mountain ranges with steep, rugged slopes.
To arrive at this answer, you can use several methods. One is to recall previous knowledge of mountain formation. Another method is to research the Teton Range in Wyoming and identify its formation process. However, if you are unsure, you can use the process of elimination by understanding the characteristics of each option.
a) Folded mountains are created by compressional stress, not tensional stress. They occur when rock layers are folded and uplifted due to the collision of tectonic plates.
b) Fault-block mountains are formed by tensional stress that creates normal faults, as explained earlier. This type of mountain range has fault-created blocks that uplift while others drop down.
c) Canyons are narrow, steep-sided valleys usually formed by erosion, not by tensional stress.
d) Plateaus are flat, elevated areas of land that are either uplifted due to tectonic forces or formed by volcanic activity. They are not directly related to tensional stress and do not exhibit the characteristics of fault-block mountains.
By understanding these definitions and using the process of elimination, you can determine that the correct answer is b) fault-block mountains.