We explain what a mountain is, how they are formed and the parts that make it up. Also, its climate, vegetation and the highest mountains.
What is a mountain?
Mountain is called a natural elevation of the ground a product of tectonic forces (orogenesis), which generally rise to more than 700 meters in height with respect to its base. These topographic elevations are usually grouped into mountain ranges or mountain ranges, which can be short or long for kilometers in distance.
Mountains have attracted the attention of human beings since ancient times, usually culturally associated with elevation, closeness to God (heaven) or as a metaphor for sustained efforts to obtain greater or better perspectives.
In fact, mountaineering is a sporting activity associated with great physical demands and enormous importance in our consideration with respect to the known percentage of the planet.
There are many ways to classify mountains. For example, according to their height they can be classified into (from lowest to highest): hills, medium mountains and high mountains. Similarly, they can be classified according to their origin as: volcanic, folded (product of a tectonic fault) or folded-fractured.
And finally, mountain groups can be classified according to how they are grouped: is talked about mountain ranges if joined longitudinally and solid if they do it in a more compact or circular way.
Mountains cover a significant portion of the earth's surface: 53% of the Asian continent, 25% of the European continent, 17% of the Australian continent and 3% of the African continent, for a total of 24%. It is estimated that 10% of the world's human population lives in mountains and all the water in the rivers is necessarily formed at the top of their peaks.
See also: Relief
Mountain formation
Orogenesis is called the formation of mountains, which then are modified by external factors such as erosion or tectonic movements.
Mountains have their origin in deformations of the Earth's crust, usually in the meeting places of two tectonic plates that, by exerting force against each other, cause a folding of the lithosphere, which sends one vein downwards and another upwards. , forming an elevation of different magnitude.
In certain cases, this shock process causes a layer to submerge into the subsoil and be subjected to melting due to high temperatures, forming magma that can subsequently emerge to the surface forming volcanoes.
parts of the mountain
Mountains are usually made up of the following parts:
- Foot or base. The lowest part of the formation, usually at ground level.
- Summit, peak or cusp. The upper and last part, where the mountain ends, reaching its highest possible height.
- Hillside or skirt. The inclined portion of the mountain that connects the bottom to the top.
- Valley. The portion of slope that is between two summits (two mountains) constituting a small depression or sinkhole.
mountain climate
Mountain climates usually depend on two factors: the latitude and the elevation of the mountain. At higher altitudes, there is always a lower temperature and lower atmospheric pressure, at a usual rate of 5 °C for each kilometer of height gained.
The same happens with precipitation, which is more frequent at higher altitudes, so it is possible to find wetter areas at the top than in the plain, especially where the great rivers have their source. If the ascent continues, the humidity and water turn into snow and eventually ice.
mountain vegetation
Mountain vegetation depends greatly on the climate and location of the mountain. However, it usually occurs in a staggered manner, by steps, as one ascends the slope. Thus, on the lower floors, near the foot, there is an abundance of vegetation from the surrounding plains, or mountain forests, with tall, leafy trees.
But as you ascend the most cold-resistant species predominate which take advantage of moisture reserves and abundant rainfall. Above the tree zone, the lack of oxygen is felt and the vegetation loses size, becoming grassland again, with small bushes and grasses. The peaks therefore tend to be more arid, especially those covered in ice and snow.
The five highest mountains
The five highest mountains in the world are:
- Mount Everest. At 8,846 meters high, it is the highest mountain in the entire world, located on the crest of the Himalayas.
- K2 Mountains. One of the most difficult mountains to climb in the world, with 8,611 meters above sea level. It is located between China and Pakistan.
- Kachenjunga. Located between India and Nepal, it is 8,598 meters high. Its name translates as “The five treasures among the snows.”
- Aconcagua. At 6,962 meters high, this mountain located in the Argentine Andes, in the province of Mendoza, is the highest peak in America.
- Nevado Ojos del Salado. It is a stratovolcano that is part of the Andes Mountains, on the border between Chile and Argentina. It is the highest volcano in the world, 6891.3 meters high.
