Fold mountains

Zagros Mountains, seen from space.

Fold mountains are formed by the effects of folding on layers within the upper part of the Earth's crust. Before the development of the theory of plate tectonics and before the internal architecture of thrust belts became well understood, the term was used to describe most mountain belts, e.g. the Himalayas. The term is still fairly common in the literature of physical geography but has otherwise fallen out of use.

Formation

Fold mountains form in areas of thrust tectonics, such as where two tectonic plates move towards each other at convergent plate boundary. When plates and the continents riding on them collide, the accumulated layers of rock may crumple and fold like a tablecloth that is pushed across a table, particularly if there is a mechanically weak layer such as salt. The mountains such formed are usually greater in length instead of breadth.[1]

Examples

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Ulmer, S. (11 August 2011). "Fold mountains slip on soft areas". ETH Life. ETH Zürich. Retrieved 21 February 2012.
  2. ^ Kankam-Yeboah, K.; Dapaah-Siakwan, S.; Nishigaki, M.; Komatsu, M. (2003). "The Hydrogeological Setting of Ghana and the Potential for Underground Dams" (PDF). Journal of the Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology. Okayama University. 8 (1): 39–52.

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