Theory question 206
Earth Movements and Vulcanicity(a) Name three types of mountains and give a good example of each
(b) Describe the process of formation of any type of mountains
(c) In what four ways are mountains of great importance to man?
Show the model answer
(a) Fold mountains – Himalayas, Alps, Atlas; block (horst) mountains – Vosges, Black Forest, Ruwenzori; volcanic mountains – Kilimanjaro, Cameroon Mountain, Fuji; residual mountains – Highlands of Scotland, Jos Plateau
(b) Fold mountains: sediments accumulate in a geosyncline; compressional (lateral) forces from moving plates squeeze the layers; rocks buckle into upfolds (anticlines) and downfolds (synclines); further pressure gives overfolds, recumbent folds and nappes; the folded belt is uplifted
(c) Cause relief rainfall; source of rivers for water and HEP; minerals; tourism and recreation; cool climate for settlement and crops (tea) and grazing; forests and timber; natural defence and boundaries
Explain the forces at work, step by step.