The scientific study of mountains is called orology. However, it's important to note that orology is a relatively broad term and often overlaps with other geological disciplines.

Here's a breakdown of how orology intersects with other fields:

* Geomorphology: This branch of geology focuses on the study of landforms, including mountains. It investigates their origin, evolution, and how they are shaped by various processes like erosion, weathering, and tectonic activity.

* Tectonics: Understanding how mountains form is deeply intertwined with tectonic plates and their movements. Orology explores the geological processes that lead to mountain building, like the collision of tectonic plates (e.g., the Himalayas).

* Glaciology: Mountains are often home to glaciers, and understanding their formation, movement, and impact on mountain landscapes is essential for orology.

* Climatology: Mountain climates are distinct from surrounding lowlands, and orology investigates how elevation, topography, and atmospheric circulation influence weather patterns and climate.

* Ecology: Mountains support unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Orology explores the distribution and adaptation of plant and animal life to the harsh environments found in mountainous regions.

Therefore, while "orology" provides a general term for the study of mountains, the specific aspects of mountain research often fall under various subdisciplines of geology, earth sciences, and related fields.