The earth is composed of several plates. In the past there was only one huge land mass or the Pangea. This Pangea broke up and drifted apart from one another. The Gondwana land was the southern part of this Pangea. Due to conventional current, this Gondwana land was further broken down and split into several parts. One part of this Gondwana, the Indo-Australian plate started drifting towards the North. As a result it collided with the Eurasian plate in the North. This collision caused the sedimentary deposition of the Tethys to get folded forming the Himalayas.

The Formation of the Himalayas

The Himalayas, one of the most majestic mountain ranges in the world, were formed as a result of tectonic plate movements. This geological process took place over millions of years, resulting in the creation of this massive mountain system. Let's delve into the details of how the Himalayas were formed.

1. Continental Drift:
Around 250 million years ago, the Earth's landmasses were part of a supercontinent called Pangaea. Over time, Pangaea began to break apart, leading to the formation of separate continents. The Indian subcontinent was originally located near the southern hemisphere.

2. Collision of Tectonic Plates:
Approximately 45 to 50 million years ago, the Indian subcontinent started moving northwards due to the movement of tectonic plates. The Indian Plate, carrying the subcontinent, collided with the Eurasian Plate, which was stationary.

3. Subduction Zone:
The collision resulted in the formation of a subduction zone where the Indian Plate was forced beneath the Eurasian Plate. This process is known as subduction. As the Indian Plate continued to push northwards, it started to crumple and fold due to the immense pressure.

4. Uplift and Folding:
As the Indian Plate continued to push against the Eurasian Plate, the rocks between the two plates began to buckle and fold. This folding of rocks led to the uplift of the Earth's surface, giving rise to the Himalayan mountain range.

5. Faulting and Earthquakes:
The immense pressure and movement of the tectonic plates also caused the formation of faults in the Earth's crust. These faults are responsible for frequent earthquakes in the region. The Indian Plate is still pushing northwards, causing the Himalayas to rise by a few millimeters each year.

6. Glaciation:
Over time, as the Himalayas continued to rise, glaciers formed on the peaks and slopes of the mountains. Glacial erosion played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of the Himalayas, carving out deep valleys and creating high peaks.

7. Ongoing Geological Processes:
The formation of the Himalayas is an ongoing geological process. The Indian Plate continues to move northwards, resulting in the growth of the mountain range. The collision between the Indian and Eurasian Plates is still occurring, and the Himalayas are expected to rise even further in the future.

In conclusion, the Himalayas were formed through the collision of tectonic plates, specifically the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. This collision led to the uplift and folding of rocks, resulting in the creation of the majestic Himalayan mountain range. The ongoing geological processes in the region continue to shape and transform these mountains.