Which plate boundary and movement commonly create non-volcanic mountains? Explain how non-volcanic mountains are created by plate tectonics.
Non-volcanic mountains are typically created at convergent plate boundaries through a process known as folding. This occurs when two tectonic plates collide and exert immense pressure on the rocks between them. Let's break down how non-volcanic mountains are formed by plate tectonics:
1. Identify the plate boundary: Look for a convergent plate boundary where two plates are moving towards each other. This type of boundary is responsible for the creation of non-volcanic mountains.
2. Understand the types of movement: Convergent plate boundaries can have one of three types of movement: oceanic-continental convergence, oceanic-oceanic convergence, or continental-continental convergence. Each type produces different types of non-volcanic mountains.
3. Oceanic-continental convergence: When an oceanic plate converges with a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate sinks beneath the less dense continental plate in a process called subduction. As the subducting oceanic plate gets pushed deeper into the Earth's mantle, it generates intense heat and pressure, causing the overlying continental crust to fold and buckle, forming non-volcanic mountains. The collision of the two plates can also result in thrust faulting, where rocks are pushed up and over each other, further contributing to mountain formation.
4. Oceanic-oceanic convergence: When two oceanic plates converge, a similar process to oceanic-continental convergence occurs. One of the plates typically subducts beneath the other, causing folding and faulting in the overlying plate. This process leads to the formation of non-volcanic mountains, often characterized by steep and rugged peaks.
5. Continental-continental convergence: When two continental plates collide, neither plate subducts due to their similar densities. Instead, the two continents get compressed and crumpled, resulting in the formation of immense mountain ranges. Examples of non-volcanic mountains formed through continental-continental convergence include the Himalayas and the Appalachian Mountains.
In summary, non-volcanic mountains are created primarily at convergent plate boundaries through the processes of subduction, folding, and faulting. The specific type of plate movement determines the characteristics and formation of these mountains.