Fold mountains

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  • Created by: rachel
  • Created on: 27-05-13 11:12

Formation of fold mountains

1. When tectonic plates collide the sedimentary rocks that have built up between them are folded and forced upwards to form mountains. Fold mountains are found at destructive plate margins

3. You get fold mountains where a continental plate and an oceanic plate collide  (The Andies, South America) OR where two continental plates collide (Himalayas, Asia)

5. Fold mountain areas have lots of very high, rocky mountains with steep slopes, often with snow and glaciers in the highest parts and lakes and valleys between the mountains

(http://geography-site.co.uk/pages/physical/earth/images/contcont.gif)

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Human uses for fold mountains

FARMING

1. Higher mountain slopes aren't great for growing crops so they are used to graze animals

2. Lower slopes are used to grow crops

3. Steep slopes are sometimes terraced to makes growing crops easier

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3503369285_a4459c4e49.jpg)

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Human uses for fold mountains

MINING

1. Fold mountains are a major source of metal ores

2. The steep slopes make access difficult so zig-zag roads have been carved out on the sides

(http://u-handbag.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c574653ef011572410faa970b-500wi)

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Human uses for fold mountains

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

1. Steep sided mountains and high lakes make fold mountains ideal for generating hydro-electric power

(http://www.coolgeography.co.uk/GCSE/AQA/Restless%20Earth/Andes/yuncan.jpg)

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Human uses for fold mountains

FORESTRY

1. Fold mountain ranges are a good environment to grow some types of tree (conifers)

2. They are grown on the steep valley slopes and are used for things like fuel, building materials and to make things like paper and furniture


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Human uses for fold mountains

TOURISM

1. Fold mountains have spectacular scenery, which attracts tourists

2. In winter people visit to do sports like skiing, snowboarding and ice climbing

3. In summer, walkers come to enjoy the scenery

4. Tunnels have been drilled through some fold mountains to make straight, fast roads. This improves communications for tourists and people who live in the area as it's quicker to get to places


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