Fold Mountains - Chapter 4

Formation of fold mountains

They are found on plate boundaries where two plates have collided. As the 2 plates collide, the heavier oceanic plate sinks into the mantle below. The lighter continental plate is forced upwards, with the layers of rock in the crust becoming folded.

The long ridges, known as anticlines, are the mountains.

The downfolds (valleys) in between the ridges are known as the synclines.

Distribution and periods of Fold Mountains

Three major periods of fold mountain formation : Caledonian,  Armorican and  Alpine period

Caledonian folding : Occurred 400M years ago. In Ireland, the Dublin-Wicklow Mountains were formed during this period. Mountains formed during this period have been weathered down over time

Armorican folding : Occurred 250M years ago. Many Munster fold mountains were formed during this period e.g MacGillycuddy’s Reeks in Kerry and Galtee mountains in Tipp. These mountain ranges were once as high as the Alps but have been weathered down over tim

Alpine folding : Started 35M years ago and is still taking place today. Youngest and highest fold mountains in the world. They are so high because they have not yet been worned down by wehathering. e.g Rockies in North America, Himalayas in  Asia,  Alps in Europe

The Alps

A long row of mountains that stretches across seven European countries. They formed 35M years ago during the Alpine folding period, Where the African and Eurasian plates collided

Social Impacts of Life in the Alps

Recreational Activities : Skiing an take place all year round in some areas. The mountains provide a great way for people to enjoy the outdoors by hiking, snowboarding, walking and skiing

Farming: Dairy farmers are very busy during the summer months milking cows and making cheese. Hay is also made to prepare for the cold winter months. During winter, farming is very difficult

Economic Impacts

Tourism : Mnay people visits the Alps to snowboard or ski during the winter, or hike or climb in summer. Visitor will stay in hotels, spend money in restaurants and buy local produce. The income generaed by tourism can provide a better standardof living for the locals

Hydroelectric power : The water from the melted snow is used to generate hydroelectric power (where moving water is used to create electricity). Water is a sustainable energy resource as it can beused over and over again and does not negatively impact on the local enviroment. IT is good for both the economoy and the enviroment