The formation of the Himalayas is a result of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This process is known as plate tectonics, where the Earth's crust is made up of several plates that move and interact with each other. The collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates began around 50 million years ago and is still ongoing today.

Subduction of the Indian Plate

The Indian plate was once a separate landmass that was located south of the equator. As it moved northwards, it began to collide with the Eurasian plate. The denser Indian plate started to subduct or dive beneath the Eurasian plate.

Continental Collision

As the Indian plate continued to move northwards, it collided with the Eurasian plate, forming the Himalayan mountain range. The two plates are still colliding today, which is why the Himalayas are still growing.

The Himalayas continue to grow at a rate of around 5mm per year. This growth is due to the continued collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, which is causing the crust to thicken and rise.

Fold Mountains

The Himalayas are classified as fold mountains. This is because the rocks in the mountain range have been folded and twisted by the forces of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.

The Himalayas are home to some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, which stands at 8,848m. The mountain range is also home to several major rivers, including the Ganges, the Indus, and the Brahmaputra.

In conclusion, the Himalayas were formed through the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This process started around 50 million years ago and is still ongoing today. The collision caused the Indian plate to subduct beneath the Eurasian plate, leading to the formation of the Himalayan mountain range. The Himalayas continue to grow today, and they are classified as fold mountains due to the way that the rocks have been folded and twisted by the forces of the collision.