Mountain Ranges Of The World Questions Medium
The formation process of the Himalayas is a result of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Around 50 million years ago, the Indian plate, which was once a separate landmass, started moving northwards towards the Eurasian plate. As the Indian plate continued to push against the Eurasian plate, the two plates began to collide.
During the collision, the Indian plate was forced beneath the Eurasian plate in a process known as subduction. This subduction caused the Indian plate to be pushed deep into the Earth's mantle, where it started to melt and form magma. The magma then rose towards the surface, leading to the formation of volcanic activity in the region.
As the Indian plate continued to push against the Eurasian plate, the immense pressure and heat caused the rocks to fold and buckle, resulting in the formation of large mountain ranges. This process is known as orogeny, which refers to the formation of mountains through tectonic forces.
Over millions of years, the continued collision and upliftment of the Indian plate led to the gradual formation of the Himalayas. The Himalayas are characterized by their towering peaks, deep valleys, and vast glaciers. Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, is located in the Himalayas.
The formation of the Himalayas is an ongoing process, as the Indian plate is still pushing against the Eurasian plate. This ongoing collision continues to uplift the Himalayas, causing them to grow at a rate of approximately 5 millimeters per year.