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According to the plate tectonic theory, which process is most likely to be occurring at the site of mountain building in the interior of a continent (e.g., the Himalayan Mountains) ?
  • a)
    seafloor spreading
  • b)
    rising hot mantle plumes
  • c)
    continental plate- continental plate collision
  • d)
    continental plate- oceanic plate convergence
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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According to the plate tectonic theory, which process is most likely t...
Plate Tectonic Theory and Mountain Building

The plate tectonic theory explains the movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates, which are large rigid pieces of the Earth's crust that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere. These plates interact with each other in various ways, leading to the formation of various geological features, including mountain ranges.

Mountain Building in the Interior of a Continent

Mountain building in the interior of a continent, such as the Himalayan Mountains, is primarily the result of the collision between two continental plates. This process is known as continental plate-continental plate collision.

Explanation

When two continental plates converge, they are relatively buoyant and do not subduct beneath each other like oceanic plates. Instead, they collide and buckle, leading to the formation of large mountain ranges. The collision occurs due to the continuous movement of the tectonic plates driven by the convective currents in the asthenosphere.

The collision between two continental plates is a slow and gradual process that can take millions of years. As the plates collide, the crust becomes compressed and deformed, resulting in the uplift and folding of the rocks. The immense compressive forces cause the crust to buckle and fold, leading to the formation of vast mountain ranges.

In the case of the Himalayan Mountains, the collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate has been ongoing for millions of years. The Indian Plate, which was once a separate landmass, began to move towards the Eurasian Plate. As the two plates collided, the crust crumpled and folded, resulting in the formation of the towering Himalayan Mountains.

This collision has also led to the growth of the Tibetan Plateau, which is often referred to as the "roof of the world." The collision between the two plates has caused the crust to thicken and uplift, creating a high-elevation plateau.

Conclusion

In summary, mountain building in the interior of a continent, such as the Himalayan Mountains, is primarily caused by the collision between two continental plates. This process involves the gradual compression and deformation of the crust, leading to the uplift and folding of rocks, ultimately resulting in the formation of large mountain ranges.
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According to the plate tectonic theory, which process is most likely to be occurring at the site of mountain building in the interior of a continent (e.g., the Himalayan Mountains) ?a)seafloor spreadingb)rising hot mantle plumesc)continental plate- continental plate collisiond)continental plate- oceanic plate convergenceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for IIT JAM 2025 is part of IIT JAM preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the IIT JAM exam syllabus. Information about According to the plate tectonic theory, which process is most likely to be occurring at the site of mountain building in the interior of a continent (e.g., the Himalayan Mountains) ?a)seafloor spreadingb)rising hot mantle plumesc)continental plate- continental plate collisiond)continental plate- oceanic plate convergenceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for IIT JAM 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for According to the plate tectonic theory, which process is most likely to be occurring at the site of mountain building in the interior of a continent (e.g., the Himalayan Mountains) ?a)seafloor spreadingb)rising hot mantle plumesc)continental plate- continental plate collisiond)continental plate- oceanic plate convergenceCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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