Question

Classify mountains on the basis of their origin. Give an example of each.

Answer 1

Mountains can be divided into four types on the basis of their origin:

(1) Fold mountains: When the land gets uplifted because of the compressional forces acting on it, a fold mountain is formned. The Himalayas (India) and the Rockies (USA) are examples of fold mountains.

(2) Block mountains: Sometimes, as a result of the compressional forces, horizontal layers of rocks break down into several blocks; this leads to the formation of block mountains and rift valleys. Examples include the Rhine River Valley enclosed by the Vosges and the Black Forest in Germany.

(3) Residual mountains: Old block or fold mountains undergo degradation. Due to this degradation, the mountains get eroded. These eroded mountains are called erosional or residual mountains. Examples include the Aravallis (India) and Sierra Nevada (Spain).

(4) Volcanic mountains: These mountains are formed as a result of the cooling down of lava and other materials that come out of a volcano during volcanic eruptions. Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) is an example of a volcanic mountain.