* Tectonic Plates: The Earth's outer layer (the lithosphere) is made up of large pieces called tectonic plates. These plates are constantly moving, very slowly, due to heat and convection currents in the Earth's mantle.
* Convergent Boundaries: When two tectonic plates collide, it's called a convergent boundary. There are different types of convergent boundaries, but the one that forms mountains is when two continental plates collide.
* Mountain Building: As the plates collide, the immense pressure causes the land to buckle, fold, and uplift, forming massive mountain ranges.
Examples:
* The Himalayas are a prime example. They were formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
* The Alps in Europe were formed by the collision of the African and Eurasian plates.
Let me know if you have any more questions about mountains or tectonic plates!
