Photo AI
Fold Mountains With the aid of a diagram(s), describe and explain how Fold Mountains are formed. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2017
Question C
Fold Mountains With the aid of a diagram(s), describe and explain how Fold Mountains are formed.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Fold Mountains With the aid of a diagram(s), describe and explain how Fold Mountains are formed. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2017
Step 1
Describe the formation of Fold Mountains using a diagram
Answer
Fold mountains are primarily formed at convergent plate boundaries where two tectonic plates collide. The immense pressure from this collision causes the Earth's crust to buckle and fold.
To illustrate this, a diagram can be drawn showing two tectonic plates pushing towards each other. The diagram should indicate the resultant folds in the crust, such as anticlines (upward folds) and synclines (downward folds). These structures create the rugged landscape typical of fold mountains.
Step 2
Explain the process of folding
Answer
Folding occurs due to compressional forces at plate boundaries. As the plates converge, the stresses exerted by the tectonic movements cause rocks to deform plastically rather than breaking. This results in the formation of various types of folds:
- Anticlines: These are upward arches in the rock layers.
- Synclines: These are downward troughs created as the rocks bend downward.
Over millions of years, as these processes continue, significant elevation occurs, leading to the formation of mountains. Examples of fold mountains include the Himalayas, which were formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
Step 3