Why do some mountains have sharp jagged peaks while others are rounded?
Quick Answer
Young, rapidly uplifted mountains can stay sharp if erosion has not worn them down yet. Older mountains are usually rounded by millions of years of weathering and erosion.
The Full Story
Mountain shape reflects a balance between tectonic uplift and erosion. When uplift is rapid, as in the Himalayas, peaks can remain steep and jagged because rock is being pushed upward faster than it is worn away. Over long periods, rain, wind, frost, rivers, and glaciers round off the landscape. That is why very old mountain ranges, such as the Appalachian Mountains, are much lower and smoother than younger ranges. Mountain appearance is a clue to geological age and erosion history.
Key Facts
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