The Formation of Mountains

Mountains as we know them were formed by a wide range of processes. This vivid introduction explains the course of orogeny (mountain formation) and the resulting structures, the cycles of plate tectonics and the evolution of landforms. It also presents surprising findings from the latest research. Popular travel destinations are described in detail – ideal when preparing for a trip – while a wealth of photos and graphics illustrate the text. Why are mountains as tall as they are? How does high-pressure rock come to the surface? Is there feedback between tectonics and the climate? How can mountains form without continental collision, far away from any plate boundaries? And how do we know all this? These and many other questions will be answered.

1. The structure of mountains.- 2. The cycle of rocks.- 3. Moving plates.- 4. Mountains over subducting plates: subduction zones.- 5.  Lateral shifts with complications.- 6. The roof of the world: High mountains in Asia.- 7. Great rifts and hot spots.- 8. The Alps and their siblings.