Why are some mountains jagged while others are rounded?
Quick Answer
Jagged peaks usually form in young mountains that have been carved by glaciers and frost. Rounded mountains are typically older, more eroded ranges that have been worn down over millions of years.
The Full Story
A mountain’s shape depends on both its age and the forces acting on it. Young mountains such as the Matterhorn or many peaks in the Alps often have sharp ridges because glacial ice has carved steep valleys and left narrow arêtes and horns. Over long periods, weathering and erosion smooth out the landscape, making older mountains like the Appalachians more rounded. Climate matters too: frequent freeze-thaw cycles can break rock into sharp edges. The result is that dramatic spires are usually younger and more actively sculpted than gentle summits.
Key Facts
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"Why do some peaks look like teeth and others like hills?"
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