Mountain is a way of relief which is characterized by high altitude. There are a few ways to define what a mountain is and to classify it. Based on the most accepted classifications in the scientific community, it was agreed to state that there are no mountains in Brazil.
mountain ranges
When the mountains are in an extensive set, they are called mountain ranges or mountain ranges. These are spectacular landscapes that attract many climbers.
See some of the main mountain ranges on the planet:
walk - in South America
Himalayas – in Asia
mountainsrocky - in North America
Alps - In Europe
Mountains vary in altitude, origin, age and appearance. Here we will classify the mountains according to their age and origin.
young mountains
The mountains of deep valleys, sharp peaks and high altitudes have recent geological origin. They form mountain ranges that stretch for hundreds of kilometers. Examples of this type of mountain are the Andes, Himalayas and Alps.
The Andes Mountains, in South America, are formed by young mountains, which were formed by the collision of tectonic plates
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The young mountains – recent folds – result from the collision of tectonic plates occurred in the last 25 million years. They are the result of failures, folding and volcanism, and most of them, nowadays, continue to be uplifted at the same time that they are submitted to the action of the exogenous relief agents.
ancient mountains
Also known as ancient massifs, the oldest mountains are made up of magmatic and metamorphic rocks and have already gone through an intense process of weathering and erosion. Examples of this type of mountain are the Scandinavian Alps, the Appalachian Mountains and the Ural Mountains.
Unlike young mountains, ancient massifs have rounded tops and recessed areas because of the wear and tear they were subjected to over millions and millions of years.
Great Mountains of the Planet – location and altitude
mounteverest – Asia – 8,848 m
Aconcagua – South America – 6,960 m
Kilimanjaro – Africa – 5,892 m
Elbrus, Europe – 5,642 m
McKinley – North America – 6,194 m
Massive Vinson – Antarctica – 4,892 m
Pyramid Carstensz – Oceania – 4,884 m
By Amarolina Ribeiro
Graduated in Geography
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
RIBEIRO, Amarolina. "What is a mountain?"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/o-que-e/geografia/o-que-e-montanha.htm. Accessed on July 27, 2021.
