11.2 Exploring Mountain Formation and Impact

Which type of plate boundary is primarily responsible for the formation of mountain ranges like the Himalayas?

• Transform boundary

• Divergent boundary

• Convergent boundary

• Subduction zone

Answer explanation

The Himalayas were formed primarily by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates at a convergent boundary, where two plates push against each other, leading to the uplift of mountain ranges.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Identify the type of mountain formed by the upwarping of Earth's crust.

• Fold mountains

• Fault-block mountains

• Dome mountains

• Volcanic mountains

Answer explanation

Dome mountains are formed by the upwarping of Earth's crust, creating a rounded, uplifted structure. This distinguishes them from fold mountains, fault-block mountains, and volcanic mountains, which have different formation processes.

Explain how the process of orogenesis contributes to mountain building.

• It involves the erosion of mountains over time.

• It is the process of mountain formation through tectonic forces.

• It describes the weathering of rocks in mountainous regions.

• It refers to the volcanic activity that creates mountains.

Answer explanation

Orogenesis is the process of mountain formation through tectonic forces, such as the collision of tectonic plates, which leads to the uplift and creation of mountain ranges.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Which of the following best describes a horst in geological terms?

• A raised block of the Earth's crust bordered by faults.

• A sunken block of the Earth's crust bordered by faults.

• A type of fold in sedimentary rock layers.

• A volcanic mountain formed by lava flow.

Answer explanation

A horst is defined as a raised block of the Earth's crust that is bordered by faults. This distinguishes it from a graben, which is a sunken block. Therefore, the correct choice is 'A raised block of the Earth's crust bordered by faults.'

What is a graben, and how does it form?

• A type of mountain formed by volcanic activity.

• A sunken block of the Earth's crust bordered by parallel faults.

• A raised block of the Earth's crust bordered by faults.

• A fold in sedimentary rock layers.

Answer explanation

A graben is a sunken block of the Earth's crust that forms when tectonic forces pull apart the crust, creating parallel faults. This results in the land between the faults sinking down.

Which of the following is an example of a fold mountain?

• The Andes

• The Sierra Nevada

• The Black Hills

• The Hawaiian Islands

Answer explanation

The Andes are a prime example of fold mountains, formed by the collision of tectonic plates. In contrast, the Sierra Nevada and Black Hills are not classified as fold mountains, and the Hawaiian Islands are volcanic in origin.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

How does mountain building impact biodiversity in a region?

• It decreases biodiversity by creating harsh environments.

• It increases biodiversity by creating diverse habitats.

• It has no impact on biodiversity.

• It only affects plant biodiversity, not animal biodiversity.

Answer explanation

Mountain building increases biodiversity by creating diverse habitats. The varied elevations and climates lead to different ecosystems, allowing a wider range of species to thrive compared to more uniform landscapes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is the primary difference between an anticline and a syncline?

• Anticlines are formed by volcanic activity, while synclines are not.

• Anticlines are upward-arching folds, while synclines are downward-arching folds.

• Anticlines are found in oceanic crust, while synclines are found in continental crust.

• Anticlines are older than synclines.

Answer explanation

The primary difference is that anticlines are upward-arching folds of rock layers, while synclines are downward-arching folds. This distinction is key in understanding geological structures.

Describe the role of plate tectonics in the geological time scale.

• Plate tectonics has no role in the geological time scale.

• Plate tectonics helps to date rocks and fossils.

• Plate tectonics influences the distribution of continents and oceans over time.

• Plate tectonics is responsible for the extinction of dinosaurs.

Answer explanation

Plate tectonics plays a crucial role in shaping the Earth's surface by influencing the movement of continents and oceans over geological time, which affects climate, habitats, and the distribution of life.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Which process is primarily responsible for the formation of fault-block mountains?

• Erosion

• Volcanic activity

• Tensional forces

• Compressional forces

Answer explanation

Fault-block mountains are primarily formed by tensional forces, which pull the Earth's crust apart, causing blocks of crust to drop or rise. This process creates the characteristic steep slopes of fault-block mountains.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5