Which mountains were formed by the collision of India and Asia?

Prepare for the GACE Middle Grades Science Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The Himalayas are the mountain range formed by the collision between the Indian tectonic plate and the Eurasian tectonic plate. This collision began around 50 million years ago and is still ongoing, causing the Himalayas to rise continually. The immense pressure from the meeting of these two tectonic plates folds and uplifts the Earth's crust, leading to the formation of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest.

The process of plate tectonics is crucial in understanding the formation of the Himalayas, as it showcases how geological forces can shape the Earth's surface over millions of years. In contrast, the other mountain ranges listed are the result of different geological processes: the Andes were formed primarily by the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate, the Rocky Mountains were formed through various geological forces including continental collision and faulting, and the Alps were shaped by the collision of the African and Eurasian plates. Each range thus represents distinct geological histories and processes.

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