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.