which would have a smoother shape, a young mountain chain or an old mountain chain? why?

Answer 1

Older, more erosion and less break off on cliffs etc.

Answer 2

Your question isn't specific enough, I think. It all depends on how the limit of "young" you intend to impose on a young mountain chain ... and likewise, how "old" an old one is.

At the very beginning, a mountain range is nothing more than a slight bump in the surrounding surface. At this point, it's going to be smoother than anything that comes afterward.

As pressure builds beneath the surface, the peak climbs higher and becomes more ragged and sharp in definition. If the peak is the result of relative movement, the sudden break will also produce a sharp and ragged edge.

Even as it's growing, though, the forces of erosion are already at work. Wind and water (in its various forms) hammer incessantly at the sharp edges, smoothing them into gentler shapes.

With enough time, even the tallest mountain will be reduced to it's starting condition ... the small smooth hump.

So pick a point on your timeline - that's where you'll be able to define which of the two has a smoother shape.

Answer 3

For sure the old mountain chain has a smoother shape because of the different erosions (wind,water,ice,rocksliding).

Answer 4

Without reading any responses before me,

The older mountains would be smoother than the newer ones.
When the rock, or lava builds the mountain, it is jagged and rough.
Over time, (eons) the rough will be worn down due to wind, water, sand, and other scrubbing elements.

Take for instance the buttes out in the south west.
High, fairly smooth, and flat on top.

Answer 5

An older mountain will have a smoother shape because it has undergone more erosion than an newer mountain.

Answer 6

Old one because it's more "used".

Answer 7

old