The Himalayan mountain range and Tibetan plateau have formed as a result of the collision between the Indian Plate and Eurasian Plate which began between 40 and 50 million years ago and continues today.
Because both these continental landmasses have about the same rock density, one plate could not be subducted under the other. The pressure of the impinging plates could only be relieved by thrusting skyward, contorting the collision zone, and forming the jagged Himalayan peaks.
Phase 1 – 100 million years ago
Phase 2 – 71 million years ago
Orogenesis is the formation of mountains and orogeny is the process by which mountains are formed.
Suture zone is a linear belt of intense deformation, where distinct terranes or tectonic units with different plate tectonic, metamorphic, and paleogeographic histories join together.
Phase 3 – The Drass volcanic arc
Phase 4 – Greater Himalayas were raised
Phase 5 – Rise of lesser Himalayas
Phase 6 – Rise of the Shiwalik ranges
Tibetan Plateau
Not a part of Himalayas, but formed due to Himalayan Orogeny
Indus- Tsangpo Suture Zone
Main Central Thrust (MCT)
Main Boundary Fault (MBF)
Himalayan Frontal Fault (HFF)
1. What is the formation of the Himalayas? |
2. How were the Himalayas formed according to plate tectonics? |
3. What are the major geological processes involved in the formation of the Himalayas? |
4. How long did it take for the Himalayas to form? |
5. What are the key characteristics of the Himalayan mountain range? |
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