* Glacial Erosion: The most significant factor. During the Pleistocene ice ages, massive glaciers flowed down the Alps, carving out the Matterhorn's steep faces and sharp ridges. The glaciers acted like giant sandpaper, grinding away at the rock. The glaciers' movement also created the distinct "horn" shape by eroding the surrounding rock more quickly, leaving the Matterhorn standing as a high, isolated peak.
* Frost Wedging: Water seeps into cracks in the rock, freezes, expands, and wedges the rock apart. This process contributes to the formation of the Matterhorn's jagged edges and steep slopes.
* Gravity: Rockfalls and landslides have also played a role in shaping the Matterhorn, further contributing to its rugged appearance.
While the Matterhorn was initially formed by tectonic uplift, it's the subsequent glacial erosion that sculpted its iconic and instantly recognizable shape.
