Locate on a map - Mountains of the world
Geography Resource Description
When exploring the diverse and majestic mountains of the world, one would find a variety of renowned peaks scattered across different continents. Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, is located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The Alps, a vast mountain range, stretch across eight countries in Europe, including France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. The iconic Matterhorn, known for its distinctive pyramid shape, is situated in the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Table Mountain, famous for its flat top, overlooks Cape Town in South Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, stands in Tanzania, while the picturesque Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, is found on Honshu Island.
Mountains are formed through various geological processes, primarily through the movement and collision of tectonic plates. Earthquakes occur when these plates grind against each other, releasing energy that causes the ground to shake. Tsunamis are typically the result of underwater earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions, causing large, powerful waves to surge onto land. Volcanoes, on the other hand, are formed when magma from within the Earth's mantle makes its way to the surface, erupting as lava, ash, and gases. In the UK, the best-known mountains include Ben Nevis in Scotland, Snowdon in Wales, and Scafell Pike in England, all of which are part of the National Three Peaks Challenge. Globally, besides the mountains mentioned earlier, other well-known peaks include the Rocky Mountains in North America, the Andes in South America, and the Great Dividing Range in Australia.