Block mountain

Block Mountain

A block mountain or a fault-block mountain is a type of mountain that is primarily formed through the geological processes of faulting and folding. These mountains are characterized by their large, block-like structure, which is a result of the movement and displacement of the Earth's crust along fault lines.

Formation

Block mountains are formed through a process known as faulting. Faulting occurs when the Earth's crust, or lithosphere, experiences significant stress and strain, causing it to crack and fracture. These fractures, or faults, can result in the displacement of large blocks of the Earth's crust. When these blocks are uplifted, they form block mountains.

The formation of block mountains can be further categorized into two types: normal faulting and reverse faulting. In normal faulting, the block of crust above the fault plane, known as the hanging wall, moves downwards relative to the block below the fault, or the footwall. This results in the formation of a type of block mountain known as a horst. In reverse faulting, the hanging wall moves upwards relative to the footwall, forming a type of block mountain known as a graben.

Examples

Some of the most well-known examples of block mountains include the Sierra Nevada in the United States, the Harz in Germany, and the Vosges in France. These mountains are characterized by their steep, rugged slopes and high peaks, which are a result of the faulting process.

See also

• Mountain formation
• Plate tectonics
• Fault (geology)