What are fold mountains?
Q: What are fold mountains?
A: Fold mountains are mountains formed mainly by the effects of folding on layers in the upper part of the Earth's crust.
Q: Why is the term "fold mountains" rather out of date?
A: The term "fold mountains" is rather out of date because it was used before plate tectonics became well understood.
Q: What are mountain belts?
A: Mountain belts are mountain ranges that were previously called fold mountains.
Q: How are mountain belts formed?
A: Mountain belts are not caused by the folding of the earth's crust. The main mechanism causing a thickening of the crust at these sites of continent-continent collision along the boundary is thrust faulting.
Q: How are fold mountains formed?
A: Fold mountains are formed when two tectonic plates move together and are usually formed from sedimentary rocks which accumulated along the margins of continents.
Q: What happens to the accumulated layers of rocks when the plates and continents riding on them collide?
A: When plates and the continents riding on them collide, the accumulated layers of rock may crumple and fold like a tablecloth that is pushed across a table, particularly if there is a mechanically weak basal layer such as salt.
Q: What is the main cause of fold mountains?
A: The main cause of fold mountains is the movement of two tectonic plates towards each other at a convergent plate boundary.
