Mountains are some of the most amazing natural features on Earth. They rise high into the sky and can take millions of years to form! But how are mountains formed? Let’s explain it in a simple and fun way for KS2 students.
What Is a Mountain?
A mountain is a large landform that rises high above the land around it. Mountains are usually at least 600 metres tall and often form part of mountain ranges, like the Himalayas or the Rockies.
How Are Mountains Formed?
Mountains are formed by movements in the Earth’s crust. The Earth’s crust is made up of giant pieces called tectonic plates. These plates slowly move over time. When they push into each other or pull apart, they cause the land to rise up and create mountains!
4 Main Ways Mountains Are Formed
1. Fold Mountains
- Formed when two plates push into each other
- The land crumples and folds upwards
- Like when you push the ends of a piece of paper together and it bends
Examples:
- The Himalayas (Asia)
- The Alps (Europe)
2. Fault-Block Mountains
- Formed when the Earth’s crust breaks or cracks (called faults)
- Some blocks of land are pushed up, others move down
Examples:
- The Sierra Nevada (USA)
3. Volcanic Mountains
- Formed when magma (hot melted rock) comes out of the ground
- It builds up into a mountain when the lava cools and hardens
Examples:
- Mount Fuji (Japan)
- Mount Etna (Italy)
4. Dome Mountains
- Formed when magma pushes up under the Earth’s crust but doesn’t erupt
- The land bulges to make a rounded mountain
Example:
- Black Hills (USA)
Do Mountains Stay the Same Forever?
No! Mountains are always changing slowly. Wind, rain, ice, and rivers can wear them down over time. This is called erosion.
Fun Facts About Mountains
- The tallest mountain in the world is Mount Everest (8,848 metres)
- Some mountains are under the sea!
- The UK’s tallest mountain is Ben Nevis in Scotland (1,345 metres)
Summary
| Mountain Type | How It Forms | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fold Mountain | Plates push together and fold | Himalayas |
| Fault-Block Mountain | Land cracks and blocks move up/down | Sierra Nevada |
| Volcanic Mountain | Lava builds up after a volcano erupts | Mount Fuji |
| Dome Mountain | Magma pushes up but doesn’t erupt | Black Hills |
Conclusion
Mountains are formed by huge movements in the Earth’s crust. Depending on how the land moves, we get different types of mountains—fold, fault-block, volcanic, and dome. They may take millions of years to form, but they are powerful and beautiful parts of our world.
Keep exploring, and who knows—you might climb one someday!
Also Check:
• How Are Villi Adapted for Exchanging Substances?
• How Are Anchovies Typically Preserved?
• How Are Wicker Coffins Sealed?
Share this content:
