Question

Which type of movements have led to the formation of the major fold mountains in the world?

Answer 1

Fold mountains are formed due to folding which occurs when the horizontal movements within the earth’s crust move towards each other.

• The release of energy from within the earth’s crust causes movements in the earth’s mantle.
• Velocity and direction define the result of these movements on the earth’s surface.
• When the movements are slow and horizontal in nature they can lead to formation of mountains and other landforms.
• Slow horizontal movements that move towards each other create compression in the earth’s crust.
• This causes the rock layers to fold over each other and rise in height.
• With constant high pressure large scale complex folds are formed, uplifting the earth’s surface and forming fold mountains.

The Himalayas, the Aravalis, the Rockies, the Andes, the Alps are the major fold mountains of the world.