Overview
This lecture introduces mountains, focusing on their main characteristics, types, and significance in geography.
Introduction to Mountains
- Mountains are large natural elevations of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level.
- Mountains cover about one-fifth of the world's land surface.
Types of Mountains
- Fold Mountains form when two tectonic plates collide and the earth's crust folds, like the Himalayas.
- Fault-block Mountains occur when faults or cracks in the earth's crust force some materials up and others down, like the Sierra Nevada.
- Volcanic Mountains are formed from volcanic activity when magma rises and solidifies, such as Mount Fuji.
- Dome Mountains arise when molten rock pushes the earth's surface upward but doesn't erupt.
- Plateau Mountains are formed by erosion of an uplifted plateau.
Importance of Mountains
- Mountains influence climate and weather patterns by blocking air masses and causing rain shadows.
- Many major rivers start in mountains due to snow melt and precipitation.
- Mountains supply resources like forests, minerals, and fresh water.
- They provide habitats for diverse plant and animal species.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Mountain — A large natural elevation on the earth's surface.
- Fold Mountain — Mountain formed by the folding of the earth's crust.
- Fault-block Mountain — Mountain formed by movement along faults.
- Volcanic Mountain — Mountain formed by volcanic activity.
- Dome Mountain — Mountain formed by upwarping from molten rock below the surface.
- Plateau Mountain — Mountain formed from eroded plateaus.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review types of mountains and examples for each.
- Prepare to identify mountain types on a map for next class.