How does plate movement create mountains? Unit two lesson two
Plate movement creates mountains through a process called tectonic uplift. This happens due to the interaction of two types of tectonic plates: convergent boundaries and transform boundaries.
Convergent boundaries occur when two plates collide. There are three main types of convergent boundaries: oceanic-oceanic, oceanic-continental, and continental-continental. When oceanic and continental plates collide, the denser oceanic plate is forced underneath the less dense continental plate in a process called subduction. This subduction causes the oceanic plate to sink into the mantle, creating a deep oceanic trench. Along the subduction zone, as the oceanic plate sinks deeper into the mantle, it generates intense heat and pressure. This generates magma, which rises to the surface and forms volcanic arcs, such as the Andes Mountains in South America or the Cascades in North America. The accumulation of volcanic materials over time leads to the formation of mountain ranges.
When two continental plates collide, neither plate is dense enough to be forced underneath the other. Instead, the plates crumple and fold, forming massive mountain ranges. The collision compresses the rocks, causing them to buckle and uplift, creating folds and faults that eventually become mountains. Examples of such mountain ranges include the Himalayas in Asia or the Alps in Europe.
Transform boundaries occur when two plates slide past each other horizontally. The movement along these boundaries can be very intense, creating tremendous amounts of pressure and friction. As the plates grind against each other, they can become locked, causing stress to build up. When the stress is released, it produces earthquakes and can also cause the rocks to break and uplift, forming mountains.
To get more information on this topic, you can refer to Unit Two, Lesson Two of your study material or consult reputable geology textbooks or online resources on plate tectonics and mountain formation.