All the processes that form mountain ranges are known as
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The processes that form mountain ranges are known as orogeny. Orogeny involves a combination of tectonic movements, such as folding, faulting, and volcanic activity, that lead to the formation of mountains. These processes can occur due to the collision of tectonic plates, where one plate subducts beneath another, or due to the upwelling of mantel material causing the crust to uplift. Over long periods of time, these processes can result in the formation of large mountain ranges.
The processes that form mountain ranges are known as orogenesis. Orogenesis refers to the series of geological processes that collectively raise the Earth's crust and form mountains. These processes can be categorized into two main types:
1. Convergent Boundaries: This occurs when two tectonic plates collide. There are three main types of convergent boundaries:
a. Oceanic-Oceanic Convergence: When two oceanic plates collide, one of them usually subducts beneath the other, forming a deep ocean trench and triggering volcanic activity which can eventually lead to the formation of mountain ranges, such as the Andes in South America.
b. Oceanic-Continental Convergence: When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate typically subducts beneath the continental plate. This creates a subduction zone, where mountains can form due to the compression and uplift of the continental crust. The Cascade Range in western North America is an example of this type of mountain formation.
c. Continental-Continental Convergence: When two continental plates collide, neither is dense enough to subduct beneath the other. Instead, both plates crumple, fold, and uplift, creating large mountain ranges. The Himalayas in Asia, formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, are an example of continental-continental convergence.
2. Divergent Boundaries: This occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other, usually resulting in the formation of new crust and a rift valley. However, in some cases, volcanic activity and uplift along the divergent boundary can lead to the creation of mountains. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an example of a divergent boundary where volcanic activity has formed underwater mountain ranges.
In addition to these two main types of processes, there are also processes like faulting and folding that can contribute to the formation of mountain ranges. Faulting occurs when tectonic forces cause rocks to break and shift along a fault line, creating uplift and the formation of mountains. Folding happens when rocks are subjected to compressive forces, causing them to bend and buckle, resulting in the formation of folded mountain ranges.
Overall, the formation of mountain ranges involves a combination of these processes, which are driven by the movements and interactions of tectonic plates over millions of years.