Types of Mountains UPSC Notes: Formation & Significance

Mountains are large landforms that rise significantly above their surrounding terrain, typically characterized by steep slopes, sharp or rounded ridges, and a notable elevation difference in comparison to nearby geography. They are formed through tectonic forces or volcanism, which push the earth’s crust upwards. Mountains can also be formed by erosion, which leaves a resistant mass standing alone as the softer surroundings are worn away. There are different types of mountains formed in India.

Mountains are large, natural elevations of the earth’s surface that rise abruptly and significantly above the surrounding landscape. Typically, a mountain is considered to be a peak with at least 300 meters (about 1,000 feet) of elevation, although this definition can vary based on local customs and geological interpretations.

Fold Mountain: Formation & Significance

Fold mountains are types of mountains that are some of the most common and significant mountain types on Earth, formed primarily through the process of orogeny, which involves the collision of tectonic plates.

Formation

Fold mountains are primarily formed through the process of orogeny, which involves the compression of the earth’s crust when tectonic plates collide. This compression forces the crust to fold upward into ridges and downward into troughs, creating complex mountain ranges. The Himalayas and the Alps are prominent examples of fold mountains formed from the collision of continental plates.

Significance

• Biodiversity: These mountains are biodiversity hotspots, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna, some of which are unique to these high-altitude environments.
• Water Resources: They are crucial water catchment areas, with glaciers and seasonal snow providing freshwater that feeds major river systems, supporting millions of people downstream.
• Climate Influence: They affect local and regional climates, influencing weather patterns through orographic lifting, which can lead to increased precipitation on the windward sides of the mountains.
• Cultural and Spiritual Importance: Many fold mountains have historical, cultural, and religious significance, serving as sites for pilgrimage and ancient human settlements.
• Economic Activities: Tourism, trekking, and skiing are popular economic activities in these regions, alongside traditional practices like agriculture and herding in some of the more accessible areas.

Fault-Block Mountains: Formation and Significance

Fault-block mountains, also known as block mountains, are the types of Mountains that are formed through the process of faulting, where stresses in the Earth’s crust cause large blocks of the crust to move up or down along faults. 

Formation

Fault-block mountains form when large areas of bedrock are broken up by faults into blocks. Tectonic forces then cause some blocks to drop down relative to others. This action creates two prominent features: a raised block (horst) and a lowered block (graben). The uplifted blocks form the mountains, while the dropped blocks create valleys or basins adjacent to these mountains. Examples include the Sierra Nevada in the USA and the Harz Mountains in Germany.

Significance

• Mineral Resources: Fault-block mountains are often associated with significant mineral deposits, making them valuable sites for mining activities.
• Tourism and Recreation: The unique landscapes of these mountains attract tourists for hiking, climbing, and skiing, promoting local economies.
• Biodiversity: These mountains support diverse ecosystems with unique flora and fauna, contributing to biodiversity.
• Water Resources: They play a crucial role in water catchment, as rainwater and snowmelt from mountains supply rivers and lakes.

Volcanic Mountains: Formation and Significance

Volcanic activity forms volcanic mountains. The activity involves the eruption of molten rock (magma) from deep within the earth’s crust. 

Formation

Volcanic mountains form from volcanic activity when magma from the Earth’s mantle makes its way to the surface. As the magma erupts through the crust, it accumulates around the vent, building up a mountain over time with successive eruptions. The magma that solidifies after eruption forms the mountain’s structure. Examples include Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount St. Helens in the USA.

Significance

• Geothermal Energy: Volcanic mountains are potential sources of geothermal energy, providing sustainable energy solutions.
• Fertile Soils: The areas surrounding volcanic mountains are often highly fertile, thanks to the mineral-rich volcanic ash, supporting robust agriculture.
• Biodiversity: These mountains support unique ecosystems with diverse species, many of which are endemic.
• Tourism and Recreation: Volcanic mountains attract millions of tourists for hiking, climbing, and observing geological wonders.
• Scientific Research: They offer valuable insights into Earth’s geologic activity and the planet’s history, making them key sites for scientific study and monitoring.

Dome Mountains: Formation and Significance

Dome mountains form not through tectonic collisions but by the uplifting of rock layers above hard, unyielding magma deep within the Earth.

Formation

Magma from deep within the Earth pushes up toward the surface but doesn’t erupt, forming dome mountains. Instead, the magma hardens underground and uplifts the overlying strata, creating a dome-like shape. Over time, erosion can expose the dome, giving these mountains their characteristic appearance.

Significance

• Natural Resources: They are often rich in minerals due to the presence of magmatic material, making them valuable for mining.
• Tourism: The unique and dramatic landscape of the Dome Mountains attracts tourists, contributing to local economies.
• Ecological Diversity: The variation in altitude and climate in the Dome Mountains supports diverse ecosystems, providing habitat for various species.
• Educational Value: Dome mountains serve as natural laboratories for studying geological processes and the effects of erosion.

Plateau: Formation & Significance

Erosion primarily forms plateau mountains, also known as mesas, table mountains, or buttes depending on their size.

Formation

Erosion typically forms plateau mountains, also known as table mountains or mesas. They start as large plateaus, and over time, erosion by water and wind sculpts these elevated areas into distinct mountains with flat tops surrounded by steep rock faces. This process isolates portions of the plateau into standalone mountains.

Significance

• Biodiversity: Often hosts unique ecosystems due to their isolation and distinct microclimates.
• Agriculture: Farmers may use the flat tops for farming, especially in regions where level land is scarce.
• Tourism: Attractive for their striking landscapes and vistas, making them popular for hiking and sightseeing.
• Cultural Importance: Some plateau mountains have historical or spiritual significance to local populations.

Residual Mountains: Formation and Significance

Residual mountains, also known as erosional mountains or relict mountains, form through erosion. Long-term erosion and weathering of an existing mountain range or plateau form them.

Formation

Residual mountains, also known as erosional mountains or relict mountains, form primarily due to the erosion of surrounding land.

Significance

• Biodiversity: These mountains can be ecological refuges for species, preserving unique flora and fauna that may be relics of broader ranges that existed in the past.
• Cultural History: Often rich in history and archaeological sites, as their challenging terrain provided natural fortification and isolation for ancient civilizations.
• Tourism and Recreation: Their unique and rugged landscapes attract tourists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts, contributing to the local economy.
• Education and Research: Serve as natural laboratories for studying geological processes, particularly erosion and sedimentation.

Different Mountain Ranges in India

India is home to a variety of mountain ranges that have played crucial roles in shaping its geography, climate, culture, and biodiversity. Each range has unique characteristics and significance. Here is an overview of the major mountain ranges in India:

Himalayas

• Location: Stretch across the northern border of India, from Jammu and Kashmir in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east.
• Features: The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world, featuring several peaks over 8,000 meters, including Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak on the border of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The range profoundly influences India’s climate, especially the monsoon patterns.
• Sub-ranges: Includes several sub-ranges such as the Karakoram, the Pir Panjal Range, the Dhauladhar, the Zanskar, and the Aravalli Range.

Aravalli Range

• Location: Extends from Gujarat through Rajasthan to Haryana.
• Features: One of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Aravallis are rich in mineral resources and have a significant impact on the climate of the region. They are not very high, with the highest peak being Guru Shikhar on Mount Abu.

Western Ghats

• Location: Run parallel to India’s western coast, from Gujarat to Kerala.
• Features: UNESCO has designated the Western Ghats as a World Heritage Site, recognizing their rich and unique biodiversity.
• 4o They are crucial for India’s monsoonal weather system, intercepting the rain-laden monsoon winds. The range includes high peaks like Anamudi and Doddabetta.

Eastern Ghats

• Location: Stretch from West Bengal through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu.
• Features: Unlike the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and have a more gentle slope with rolling hills. The highest point is Arma Konda in Andhra Pradesh. They are important for the rivers that flow through them and support a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Vindhya Range

• Location: Extends across central India, from Gujarat through Madhya Pradesh to Bihar.
• Features: The Vindhyas are rich in minerals and form a geographical divide between northern and southern India. They are historically significant as they mark the traditional boundary between North and South India.

Satpura Range

• Location: Runs parallel to the Vindhya Range, extending through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
• Features: Known for its rich biodiversity and forest cover, the Satpura Range includes some of the important wildlife sanctuaries in India like Kanha and Satpura National Parks.

Purvanchal Range

• Location: Extends to the east of the Himalayas, in Northeast India.
• Features: Includes the Patkai Hills, Naga Hills, Mizo Hills, and Garo-Khasi-Jaintia Hills. These ranges are crucial for their distinct tribal cultures and lush biodiversity.

Relevance for UPSC Aspirants

For UPSC aspirants, understanding the types of mountains—fold, block, and volcanic—is crucial for comprehending geographical formations and their implications on climate, biodiversity, and human activities. This knowledge aids in answering questions in geography and environment sections and helps in analyzing region-specific issues relevant to India and the world.

Types of Mountains UPSC Notes

1. Mountains are classified based on their formation into four main types: fold mountains, fault-block mountains, volcanic mountains, and residual mountains. 2. Fold mountains are formed by the compression and folding of the Earth’s crust, usually at convergent plate boundaries. Examples include the Himalayas and the Alps. 3. Fault-block mountains occur due to the movement of large crustal blocks when faults or cracks in the Earth’s crust force some materials up and others down. The Sierra Nevada mountain range in the United States is an example. 4. Volcanic mountains form from volcanic activity, where magma from beneath the Earth’s crust reaches the surface, solidifies, and accumulates over time. Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount St. Helens in the USA are notable examples. 5. Residual mountains, also known as relict mountains, are formed from the erosion of pre-existing structures. These mountains are often remnants of older mountain ranges. Examples include the Aravalli Range in India. 6. Mountains significantly influence climate and weather patterns. They act as barriers to atmospheric circulation, causing orographic rainfall on the windward side and creating rain shadows on the leeward side. 7. Mountains are crucial for biodiversity. They provide unique habitats for various flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to these regions. The isolation and varied climates at different altitudes support diverse ecosystems.

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