Consider the following information:

Region Name of the mountain range Type of mountain

1. Central Asia Vosges Fold mountain

2. Europe Alps Block mountain

3. North America Appalachians Fold mountain

4. South America Andes Fold mountain

In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

Question

Consider the following information:

Region	Name of the mountain range	Type of mountain
1.	Central Asia	Vosges	Fold mountain
2.	Europe	Alps	Block mountain
3.	North America	Appalachians	Fold mountain
4.	South America	Andes	Fold mountain

In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two Quick Verdict: Row 1 is incorrect because the Vosges are block mountains located in Europe (France), not Central Asia. Row 2 is incorrect because the Alps in Europe are young fold mountains, not block mountains. Thematic Discussion: Classification of Mountains Mountains are generally classified by their mode of formation because most of the existing mountains were formed largely due to the tectonic forces coming from deep within the earth, while others were formed by the agents of denudation. The two most commonly tested types in the exam are Fold Mountains and Block Mountains: Fold Mountains: These are formed when the Earth's tectonic plates collide, causing the crust to compress, crumble, and fold upwards. They are the most common type of mountain and include the highest peaks in the world. Key examples from the question include the Andes (South America; young fold mountains) and the Appalachians (North America; old, heavily eroded fold mountains). The Alps are also young fold mountains located in Europe, formed by the collision of the African and Eurasian plates. Block Mountains: Also known as fault-block mountains, these are created when massive tectonic forces pull the Earth's crust apart (tension). This causes massive blocks of rock to crack (fault) and either slide downwards or be pushed upwards. The uplifted blocks form the mountains (horsts), and the lowered blocks form valleys (grabens). A classic example is the Vosges mountains; however, they are located in Europe (France), not Central Asia. (Reference: G.C. Leong's Certificate Physical and Human Geography, Chapter 2, The Earth's Crust) (Reference: Physical Geography by Savindra Singh, Chapter 11, Mountain Building)