Linear Mountain Chains

The existence of linear mountain chains on the Earth makes the Earth unique in the solar system. Although there is volcanism on Venus and Mars and on some of the larger moons, there is no evidence of linear mountain chains. Linear mountains suggest the movement of a plate boundary and the existence of active plate tectonics .

The process of mountain building involved with such chains involves a convergent boundary between two plates. One of the most dramatic ranges on the Earth is the Himalayan range. There is nothing comparable to it in the remainder of the solar system.
Plate Tectonics
 Index

References:
Ward and Brownlee
Ch 9
 
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Plate Boundaries

From studies of volcanism and the structures of mountain chains, maps have been made of the apparent plates associated with plate tectonics on the Earth.

This illustration is from the U.S. Geological Service, http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/slabs.html .
Plate Tectonics
 Index

References:
Ward and Brownlee
Ch 9
 
HyperPhysics*****Geophysics R Nave
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Mountain Building

Studies of the mountain ranges and the mapping of plate boundaries associated with plate tectonics give us a picture of the process of mountain building. A unique feature of the Earth in the solar system is the presence of linear mountain ranges caused by the convergent boundary of two tectonic plates.

An example of the building of a coastal mountain range by subduction of the Juan de Fuca plate near the west coast of the U.S. (Information and illustrations from USGS)

The collision of India into Asia 50 million years ago caused the Eurasian Plate to crumple up and override the Indian Plate. After the collision, the slow continuous convergence of the two plates over millions of years pushed up the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau to their present heights.
Convergent plate boundaries
 Index

References:
Ward and Brownlee
Ch 9
 
HyperPhysics*****Geophysics R Nave
 Go Back