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The movement of Tectonic Plates forms mountains by two different mechanisms.

In the case of Colliding Plates, we have mountain ranges built up such as the Himalayas, and even the Appalachian Mountains in the USA. The Himalayas are the result of the Indian Plate colliding with the Asian Plate. The Appalachians are the result of collisions between Africa and the N American Plate.

Similar compressive forces can form 'Basin and Range' systems of parallel mountain ranges. Where I live in the S Island of New Zealand, there are at least half a dozen of parallel ranges.

In other conditions, these forces may create Block mountains, with significant fault systems.

In the case of Subducting Plates, where one plate is thrust below another one, the upper block will be elevated, and the subducting one will merge into the earth's interior. As the subducting plate submerges, it will become hotter, and eventually its material will melt, and when this melt makes the way to the surface, volcanoes will be formed. The conspicuous example of this is in S America, where the uplift creates the elevated plains, and behind that, the Andesite volcanoes.

Of course, in addition to simple frontal collision, there may be significant sideways shear movements as well.

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11y ago

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