answersLogoWhite

0

First: geologists look at the general shape of the mountain: Sharper peaked mountains are generally younger than rounded ones because erosion has had less time to wear them down (ie the Rockies are younger than the Appalachians).

Second: geologists look at what type of rock is exposed. Not only does this tell us something about when the formation began, it also gives us something to base our erosion estimation off of. Sandstone erodes faster than granite, so you could have a rounded mountain peak made of sandstone that was the same age as a sharp granite peak.

Third: geologists will consult with paleontologists and archaeologists to try to determine the age of the mountain based off of remains that may be present on the mountain. (If, for instance, we find fossil sea-shells, we know that the mountain formation has to fall within certain ranges).

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Earth Science

What are people who study mountains called?

Geologists. They study solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which they change.


Why some rock formation that are commonly called mountains are not really considered to be mountains by geologist?

Geologists classify mountains based on their formation process, height, and steepness of slopes. Some features called mountains may not meet the specific criteria set by geologists, such as being formed by tectonic processes like folding and faulting. Therefore, they may be referred to as hills or other landforms instead.


How old do geologists think the earth is?

Geologists estimate that the Earth is approximately 4.54 billion years old based on radiometric dating of rocks and meteorites. This age is determined by analyzing the decay of radioactive elements in these materials.


What kind of scientists study mountains?

Geologists study the formation, structure, and processes of mountains, while climatologists study the impact of mountains on weather patterns and climate. Additionally, ecologists study the unique ecosystems supported by mountains, known as montane ecosystems.


How do scientists tell the approimate age of mountains?

Scientists can determine the approximate age of mountains by studying the rock layers within them. By analyzing the composition, structure, and fossil evidence in the rocks, as well as using techniques like radiometric dating, scientists can estimate the age of the mountain and when it was formed. Additionally, studying the erosion patterns and surrounding geological features can provide clues about the age of a mountain.

Related Questions

Geologists used it to discover the age of fossil?

Geologists use a method called radiometric dating to determine the age of fossils. This technique measures the decay of radioactive isotopes in the fossil to calculate its age. By analyzing the ratio of parent isotopes to daughter isotopes present, geologists can estimate the age of the fossil.


What are people who study mountains called?

Geologists. They study solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which they change.


How do geologists use fossils to determine rocks age what are this fossils called?

Geologists use fossils to determine the age of rocks through a process called biostratigraphy. They identify the specific group of fossils present in the rock layer, known as index fossils, that have a known age range. By comparing the index fossils to a geological time scale, geologists can estimate the age of the rock layer.


How geologists believe central America was formed?

climate and mountains


What aspect of mountain building did geologists have trouble explaining?

Geologists have trouble explaining how fold and fault-block mountains came into being.


What do geologists infer from the rounded eroded shapes of the Appalachian mountains?

bubble gum


Why some rock formations that are commonly called mountains are not really considered to be mountains by geologists.?

explain why some rock formations that are commonly called mountains are not really considered to be mountains by gealogist


How old is MT Everest?

The Himilayas are relatively young geographically speaking. Geologists estimate Everest's age to be 50-60 million years old.


Why are index useful to geologists?

they tell the absoute age of rcoks which they occur


What can geologists measure the number of to calculate the age of the specimen?

Geologists can measure the abundance of certain radioactive isotopes, such as carbon-14 or uranium-lead, in a specimen to calculate its age. By comparing the ratio of parent isotopes to daughter isotopes in a sample, geologists can determine the age of rocks, fossils, or other geological specimens. This process is known as radiometric dating.


Why some rock formation that are commonly called mountains are not really considered to be mountains by geologist?

Geologists classify mountains based on their formation process, height, and steepness of slopes. Some features called mountains may not meet the specific criteria set by geologists, such as being formed by tectonic processes like folding and faulting. Therefore, they may be referred to as hills or other landforms instead.


What type of sciences study tectonic plates?

Several things are studied by Earth scientists who specialize in tectonics. Plate boundaries, plate tectonics, boundaries, continental drift, mountains, and volcanoes are all studied.