Why does the earth have mountains (asked by a 7yo)?

Answer 1

Geologists believe that most mountains are formed by movements in the earth’s crust. The plate tectonics model has helped explain many of these processes. This model describes the crust of the earth as made up of a number of vast plates that move about at the rate of a few centimeters a year leading to the collision and separation of continents and the subsequent development of mountain belts.

Movements that result in collisions between plates tend to raise the crust by faulting, folding, or arching up layers of rock. Movements that result in separation, or rifting, of plates cause some blocks of crust to sink, leaving other blocks to tower above them. Volcanic eruptions also raise mountains, and much of the world’s volcanic activity is concentrated along the active margins of crustal plates. Finally, some ranges of low mountains are created by nontectonic processes, chief among these being the sculpturing effects of erosion, which wears away softer rock and leaves the harder rock.

Answer 2

In the earth crust there are several tectonic plates. Due to movement or disturbance in that the crust rises. Earthquakes, Tsunami etc are e.g. of this. The land beneath rises resulting into mountains. The Himalayan Mountain range is the best instance. It rose out of earthquake.

Answer 3

Because the Earth (land under our feet) is slowly MOVING in different directions- all the time, & in those places where the land is coming together- it piles up, and then we have mountains (& in those places where the land spreads apart- THOSE fill up with water, & become Oceans, or valleys- or what have you...). That's an over simplified explaination, -but that should "work"- for a 7 year old. :)

Answer 4

That's like nothing. Gotta be a proud Aussie because we have Jessica Watson who circumnavigated the entire world alone and without any stops. WOW, Americans Suck BAD.

Answer 5

because of the moving of plate in the earth. when it comes in contact it piles up into a mountain. plate moves 1cm per year