How do mountains form?

Volcanic mountains are formed when a tectonic plate is pushed beneath another (or above a mid-ocean ridge or hotspot) where magma is forced to the surface. When the magma reaches the surface, it often builds a volcanic mountain, such as s shield volcano or a stratovolcano. read more

Movements of tectonic plates create volcanoes along the plate boundaries, which erupt and form mountains. A volcanic arc system is a series of volcanoes that form near a subduction zone where the crust of a sinking oceanic plate melts and drags water down with the subducting crust. read more

The most simple is a hole in the Earth's surface, allowing lava to pour out. If this occurs for long periods of time, it builds up to form a mountain. Think here of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Hood or Mt. St. Helens. These mountains often stand apart from each other, but note they form a long line. read more