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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Volcanic activity forms volcanic mountains. The activity involves the eruption of molten rock (magma) from deep within the earth’s crust.
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.
Dome mountains form not through tectonic collisions but by the uplifting of rock layers above hard, unyielding magma deep within the Earth.
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.
Erosion primarily forms plateau mountains, also known as mesas, table mountains, or buttes depending on their size.
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.
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.
Residual mountains, also known as erosional mountains or relict mountains, form primarily due to the erosion of surrounding land.
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:
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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