What geologic feature is formed when rock layers are squeezed and pushed upward?

Folded mountains are formed when rock layers encounter significant pressure from tectonic forces that cause them to be squeezed and pushed upward. This process occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where two tectonic plates collide, leading to the deformation of the Earth's crust. As the layers of rock are compressed, they buckle and fold, resulting in the distinctive peaks and valleys that characterize mountain ranges.

The formation of folded mountains is a dynamic process that reflects the ongoing activity of the Earth's geology. Over millions of years, continuous pressure from tectonic movement leads to the creation of complex structures, often seen in mountain ranges like the Himalayas or the Rocky Mountains.

Other geological features, such as plateaus, fault lines, and valleys, are formed through different processes. Plateaus are typically elevated flat areas created by volcanic activity or the uplift of flat-lying rock layers, while fault lines result from the movement of the Earth's plates along fractures. Valleys, on the other hand, are usually formed by erosion and the wear of rocks by water or glacial activity and do not involve the compression of rock layers. Thus, the process that leads to folded mountains is uniquely tied to the compressive forces acting on rock layers.