How Are Mountains Formed?

Mountains are formed through various geological processes. One common way is through tectonic plate movement, where plates collide, causing the Earth's crust to fold and push upwards, forming mountain ranges. In the USA, the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains are examples of this process. Another way is through volcanic activity, where molten rock forces its way through the Earth's crust, creating volcanic mountains like Mount St. Helens. Erosion also plays a role, wearing down existing landforms to create mountains over millions of years. Understanding these processes helps us appreciate the dynamic forces that shape the Earth's surface.