What type of plate boundary forms snowy mountains? J. convergent K. divergent L. transform M. transition
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: J. Convergent
Explanation
Snowy mountains are most commonly formed at convergent plate boundaries, where two tectonic plates move toward each other. At these boundaries, one of two main processes typically occurs: continental-continental collision or oceanic-continental subduction. Both processes can result in the uplift of land and the formation of mountains, but it is especially the continental-continental collisions that produce high, snow-capped mountain ranges like the Himalayas.
When two continental plates collide, neither plate is easily subducted due to their similar densities and buoyant nature. Instead, the crust is forced upward, creating large mountain ranges. This immense pressure and compression causes the Earth’s crust to crumple and fold, building up mountain peaks over millions of years. The Himalayas, for example, were formed and continue to rise due to the ongoing collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate—a classic example of a convergent boundary.
The high elevation of these mountains causes temperatures to drop, resulting in snow accumulation, especially at the peaks. The colder climate at such high altitudes allows snow to persist year-round, which is why many mountains formed at convergent boundaries are snowy.
In contrast:
- K. Divergent boundaries (where plates move apart) often form mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys, not high snowy mountains.
- L. Transform boundaries (where plates slide past each other) result in fault lines like the San Andreas Fault and don’t typically create mountains.
- M. Transition is not a standard geological term used for plate boundaries.
In summary, convergent boundaries are responsible for the formation of many of Earth’s tallest, snow-covered mountain ranges due to the immense forces that push the crust upwards during plate collisions.
