Which term describes mountains formed from compressional stress when continents collide?

Which term describes mountains formed from compressional stress when continents collide?

• A. Fault-block mountains
• B. Dome mountains
• C. Folded mountains
• D. Volcanic mountains

Answer: (C)

When rocks are squeezed from both sides, they shorten and buckle rather than simply crack and slide. In a continental collision, two huge landmasses push together, thickening the crust. This horizontal compression causes layered rocks to fold into wave-like ridges, building up tall mountain ranges. Those formed by this kind of deformation are called folded mountains, or fold mountains. A classic example is the Himalayas, created by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. This differs from other mountain types. Fault-block mountains arise from crustal extension and blocks dropping along faults, producing jagged steps rather than smooth folds. Dome mountains come from upward bulging of the crust by magma or other forces, creating a rounded summit. Volcanic mountains form from magma erupting at the surface, building cones and lava layers, not from compressional folding.

When rocks are squeezed from both sides, they shorten and buckle rather than simply crack and slide. In a continental collision, two huge landmasses push together, thickening the crust. This horizontal compression causes layered rocks to fold into wave-like ridges, building up tall mountain ranges. Those formed by this kind of deformation are called folded mountains, or fold mountains. A classic example is the Himalayas, created by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

This differs from other mountain types. Fault-block mountains arise from crustal extension and blocks dropping along faults, producing jagged steps rather than smooth folds. Dome mountains come from upward bulging of the crust by magma or other forces, creating a rounded summit. Volcanic mountains form from magma erupting at the surface, building cones and lava layers, not from compressional folding.