How are mountains different form hills?

A mountain is generally steeper than a hill. Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted standard definition for the height of a mountain or a hill although a mountain usually has an iidentifiable summit. In the United Kingdom, a mountain must be over 600 meters or 300 meters if it's an abrupt difference in the local topography. However, some hills can be called mountains and some mountains can be called hills--it's just a matter of the original name given to the relief.

These terms aren't strictly defined. Mountains are usually higher than hills, but nothing stops local people from calling any large hill a mountain.

Michigan's Porcupine Mountains, for example, are considered a joke by many people for their highest peak is less than 2,000 feet high.

Check this article for more information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain

Mountains and hills are both landforms that rise above the surrounding terrain, but there are several key differences between them. To understand these differences, we need to consider their characteristics, formation, and size.

1. Characteristics: Mountains are typically taller, steeper, and more rugged than hills. They often have pointed or jagged peaks, deep valleys, and rocky slopes. In contrast, hills are generally smaller, gentler, and have a more rounded or sloping appearance. They usually have softer slopes, smoother surfaces, and are less rugged compared to mountains.

2. Formation: Mountains are formed by a variety of geological processes, including tectonic activities such as plate collisions or volcanic eruptions. These processes generate immense forces that uplift the Earth's crust, resulting in the formation of tall, large-scale mountain ranges like the Himalayas or the Andes. On the other hand, hills are typically formed by erosional processes, such as weathering and the action of water or glaciers. These processes gradually shape the landscape over time, resulting in smaller, less prominent landforms.

3. Size: The size of mountains and hills is another distinguishing factor. While there is no strict definition or numerical threshold, mountains are generally considered to be taller and larger in size. They often surpass a certain elevation or prominence, such as having peaks reaching above a certain height (e.g., 2,000 feet or 600 meters). Hills, on the other hand, are smaller landforms that usually do not reach such significant heights and are of lesser prominence compared to mountains.

In summary, the primary differences between mountains and hills lie in their characteristics, formation processes, and size. Mountains are taller, steeper, and more rugged, formed by tectonic activities, and tend to be larger in size. Hills, on the other hand, are smaller, gentler, and have a more rounded appearance, formed through erosional processes such as weathering.