Formation:
* Plate Tectonics: Mountains are primarily formed when tectonic plates collide. The immense pressure of the collision forces rock upwards, creating folds and thrust faults.
* Volcanoes: Volcanic mountains are created when magma rises from the Earth's mantle and erupts onto the surface, building up layers of lava and ash.
Height Changes:
* Erosion: Over long periods of time, wind, rain, ice, and other weather forces erode mountains, gradually wearing them down. This is the primary factor in reducing mountain height.
* Uplift: Sometimes, even after forming, mountains can experience further uplift from ongoing tectonic activity. This can lead to a gradual increase in height.
* Faulting: Faults in the Earth's crust can cause sudden shifts in elevation, potentially leading to a mountain becoming taller or shorter.
Key Points:
* Slow process: Mountain formation and change in height happen over millions of years.
* Erosion is the main force that reduces height.
* Tectonic activity is the main force that increases height.
So, while mountains don't "grow" like living things, they are constantly being shaped and reshaped by a combination of geological forces.
