New Delhi: Mountains are important to our daily lives. There are many mountains around the world, and it is hard to know exactly how many there are. This is because it is difficult to measure their heights and decide if two peaks belong to the same mountain.
There are at least 109 mountains in the world that are taller than 7,200 metres (23,622 ft) above sea level. Most of these mountains are located in central or southern Asia. There are approximately 14 mountains that rise over 8,000 metres (26,247 ft) above sea level. These are known as the “Eight-thousanders” or the “14 peaks.” All 14 of these mountains are found in the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain ranges.
In this article, let us look at the different types of mountains in the world.
Exploring Different Types of Mountains: A Detailed Overview
Mountains can be classified in different ways. Some common types of mountains are:
Dome mountains
Block mountains
Volcanic mountains
Residual mountains
Fold mountains
Coastal mountains
Dome Mountains
Dome mountains have a rounded, dome-like shape. They can be small hills or large mountain ranges. Over time, erosion wears away the outer layers of the dome. This erosion reveals the hard igneous or metamorphic rocks at the centre.
Block Mountains
Block mountains, also called fault-block mountains, are created when rock blocks move along fault lines. They have steep, rugged cliffs and relatively flat, raised areas. These mountains form due to tectonic forces and faulting. Block mountains shape the Earth’s surface and can be found all around the world.
Volcanic Mountains
Volcanic mountains, also called stratovolcanoes or composite volcanoes, are large landforms created by volcanic activity. They are impressive structures formed through the movement of lava and ash.
Residual Mountains
Residual mountains, also called erosional mountains, are landforms created by erosion. They are what remains of larger mountain ranges that have been worn down.
Fold Mountains
Fold mountains are large landforms created by the process of folding. This happens when rocks experience compressional forces. These mountains are usually long and consist of parallel folds. You can find fold mountains in many areas around the world. They form due to tectonic plate movement and the collision of continental plates.
Coastal Mountains
The Coast Mountains are a major mountain range along the west coast of North America. The Coast Mountains are also the northern part of the American Cordillera, a series of mountain ranges that extend from Antarctica to North America, South America, and Central America. The Coast Mountains are about 1,000 miles long and 190 miles wide. They sit within the Pacific Ring of Fire, where many volcanoes are located. This area has some of the highest peaks in British Columbia.
This article explores the diverse world of mountains, classifying them into distinct types based on their formation: dome, block, volcanic, residual, fold, and coastal mountains. Each type is examined, highlighting its unique characteristics and geological processes. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
