Earthquakes don't directly form mountains. Instead, they are a consequence of the process that builds mountains: plate tectonics. Here's how it works:

1. Plate Tectonics: The Earth's outer layer is made up of giant, moving plates called tectonic plates. These plates are constantly bumping into each other, pulling away from each other, or sliding past each other.

2. Convergent Boundaries: When two plates collide (converge), one plate can be forced under the other in a process called subduction. This process creates enormous pressure and heat.

3. Mountain Building (Orogeny): The intense pressure and heat from subduction can cause the rocks on the overriding plate to buckle, fold, and uplift, creating mountains. This process of mountain building is called orogeny.

4. Earthquakes: The movement of tectonic plates along these convergent boundaries is often jerky and uneven, resulting in earthquakes. Earthquakes are the release of built-up pressure along these faults.

So, in summary:

* Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

* Mountains are formed by the collision of tectonic plates.

* Earthquakes are a side effect of the mountain-building process, not the cause.

Think of it like this: Imagine you push a block of clay against another block. The pressure will cause the clay to buckle and fold. The movement and pressure release might cause a "mini-earthquake" in the clay.