Types of Mountains

Different types of Mountains

A Mountain is a large, raised part of

the Earth's surface. Mountains can be

classified as different types according

to what they look like and how they

were formed. The different types of

Mountain are Fold, Volcanic, Fault-

block, Dome and Plateau.

Fold

Fold Mountains are formed when Tectonic plates Collide with each other. As the Tectonic plates meet, one plate is pushed down while the other is pushed up and compressed. Fold Mountains have upward folds called anticlines and downwards folds called synclines. The Rocky Mountains in North America are examples of fold Mountains.

Volcanic

Volcanic mountains are

formed when lava,

ash and gases erupt

through the earths crust.

The lava cools and forms

a mountain. As the volcano

continues to erupt, more

lava is deposited and the

mountain grows. Volcanic

mountains are often symetrical.

Mount Fuji in Asia is an example

of a volcanic moutain.

Fault-Block

Fault-Block mountains are formed by plate

boundaries where tectonic plates meet. On one side of the boundary, the earth is forced up, creating a mountain. On the other side, the land collapses and moves downwards, creating a valley. Fault-Block mountains have steep sides with valleys between them. The Sierra Nevada mountain range in North America is a example of a Fault-Block mountain.