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Name: n bolinger
Status: N/A
Age: N/A
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 1999
Question:
How can large mountains be formed when the plates are moving so slow?

Replies:
Mountains can form to any size. It all depends on how much momentum the two plates have relative to each other when they collide. Because of the high masses of the plates, the momentum (and hence the force) during the collision can be extremely high (note the more powerful earthquakes). The Himalayas are extremely high (some 29000 feet I believe) and are relatively new. This is why they are so jagged. The Blue Ridge mountains on the East Coast of North America are very old, and have been worn dorn over the millenia and are relatively smooth now. If this answer isn't clear enough, let me know, and I'll try to expand on it.

wildman jackson


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