Keyword Analysis & Research: mountain

Most geologists classify a mountain as a landform that rises at least 1,000 feet (300 meters) or more above its surrounding area. A mountain range is a series or chain of mountains that are close together. How Are Mountains Formed?

A mountain is a landform that rises prominently above its surroundings, generally exhibiting steep slopes, a relatively confined summit area, and considerable local relief. Mountains generally are understood to be larger than hills, but the term has no standardized geological meaning. Very rarely do mountains occur individually.

Wind and rain pummel the domes, sculpting peaks and valleys. Examples include the Black Hills of South Dakota and the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Plateau mountains are similar to dome mountains, but form as colliding tectonic plates push up the land without folding or faulting. They are then shaped by weathering and erosion.

When measured from its underwater base, Mauna Kea becomes the world’s tallest mountain, with a height of more than 9,966m, which is about 1,118m higher than Mount Everest, which reaches an elevation of 8,848m. Mauna Kea makes the island of Hawaii the world’s second-highest island and the highest island in North America.