Intro (Micro Notes Format):
Fold mountains are formed by the collision of tectonic plates, mostly along continental margins, where compressional forces lead to crustal folding and uplift.
Reasons for Location along Continental Margins:
- Plate Boundaries: Convergent margins (oceanic-continental or continental-continental) are zones of compression.
- Examples:
- Himalayas (Eurasian & Indian plate),
- Andes (Nazca & South American plate),
- Rockies (Pacific & North American plate).
- Subduction Zones: Oceanic plate subducts beneath continental plate, causing folding of sediments and orogeny.
Association with Earthquakes and Volcanoes:
- Seismic Zones: Fold mountains lie along active plate boundaries, hence prone to frequent earthquakes (e.g., Himalayas, Andes).
- Volcanism: Subduction releases magma, leading to volcanic arcs (e.g., Pacific Ring of Fire).
- Ring of Fire: Home to both fold mountains and 75% of world’s volcanoes.
Conclusion:
Global fold mountain distribution coincides with active plate margins, making them hubs of earthquakes and volcanism due to tectonic processes.
