Where are the world's mountains?Mountains make up a quarter of the world's landscape. They are found on every continent and in three-quarters of all the world's countries.
1. Watch the Chapter 5 Opener video 'Majestic Mountains' and discus the starter questions with a partner. 2. Read Chapter 5.2 'Where are the world’s mountains?' Discuss figure 1+2 and Questions 1+2. |
How are mountains used by people?People have moved through and lived in mountain areas for centuries, but how do they use mountains?
1. In Chapter 5,3 'How do people use mountains?' read ‘Mountain people and cultures’ and ‘Skills to survive’. 2. Question - What type of work and recreation can people undertake in mountain regions? Present this information in a diagram/drawing. On this diagram, highlight how people can get their water supply? Draw a village or town nearby or on the mountain. |
What are the forces that form mountains? Mountains and mountain ranges have formed over billions of years from tectonic activity; that is, movement in the Earth's crust.
1. Read Chapter 5.4 'Continental Plates' and look at figure 1. Discuss how the tectonic plates are moving into each other, what happens when they collide? 2. Read 'Continental Drift' 1-3 headings. 3. Watch the YouTube clip on Mariana Trench 4. Complete the interactive activity INT-3109 and make notes about the difference between convergent, divergent and colliding plates.
5. Answer questions 2-5 from Chapter 5.4 |
How do different types of mountains form?The different movements and interactions of the tectonic plates result in many different mountain landforms. Mountains can be classified into two main types. 1. Read Chapter 5.5 'Fold Mountains' and copy down notes on what a fold mountain range is and examples of some in the world. 2. Read Chapter 5.5 'Fault-block mountains' and make notes on what a fault-block mountain range is and examples of them. 3. Watch the video of the formation of the Himalayas and complete question 10 from Chapter 5.5 |
Notes on mountain formationsFold Mountains
A fold mountain is formed when two tectonic plates collide, the crust is pushed up and folded over on top of each other creating a mountain range with varying mountain heights. Fault-block Mountains A fault-block mountain is formed when two tectonic plates collide but instead of folding on top of each other, a fault line cracks forming a high and low block of land. The two layers of earth are then at different heights creating a mountain range and valley at the bottom. Subducted Mountains A subducted mountain range occurs when an oceanic and a continental tectonic plates collide. As they are different densities, the thinner oceanic plate is subducted or forced underneath the continental plate. As the oceanic plate is forced down, the continental plate is forced over it forcing the land to rise higher and higher. Subduction can also occur when two oceanic plates collide, the denser plate is subducted. |
Notes on mountain formationsPlateau Mountains
Plateaus are high areas of land that are large and flat. They have been pushed above sea level by tectonic forces or have been formed by layers of lava. Over billions of years, streams & rivers cause erosion, leaving mountains standing between valleys. Dome Mountains Dome mountains are named after their shape, and are formed when molten magma in the Earth’s crust pushes its way towards the surface. The magma cools before it can erupt, and it then becomes very hard. The rock layers over the hardened magma are warped upwards to form the dome. To Do
Answer - If mountain ranges are created by tectonic plate activity and they rise higher and higher each year, why aren't all mountains touching the sky? - Explain why Australia is so low in altitude and flat compared to other countries in the world? Complete this fill in the blank handout |