Which type of mountains are formed by blocks of rock uplifted from normal faults?

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

Fault-block mountains are formed through the uplift of blocks of rock due to normal faults. In this geological process, the Earth's crust is subjected to tension, which causes the crust to break and create faults. As the blocks of rock on either side of the fault move, some are uplifted while others may sink, creating steep, rugged terrain characteristic of fault-block mountains.

Normal faults are specifically those where the rock above the fault plane moves downward relative to the rock below, which is an essential factor in the formation of these mountains. This tectonic activity leads to the formation of distinct ridges and valleys.

In contrast, dome mountains are formed by the uplift of a large area of the crust, often due to magma pushing upwards but not erupting onto the surface. Upwarped mountains involve a similar uplifting process but differ in their specific formation mechanisms compared to fault-block mountains. Volcanic mountains, on the other hand, are formed specifically from volcanic activity, where magma erupts and solidifies, building up the mountain.

Therefore, fault-block mountains' formation aligns precisely with the mechanisms of uplift associated with normal faults, making this the correct choice.

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