Over time, the tephra and molten material of repeated eruptions deposit fresh layers of rock and raise the local terrain to, in the case of the Andes chain, heights in excess of 20,000 feet above sea level. As South America continues to move west, the Nazca plate continues to subduct, and mountain building in the Andes continues. read more
Date: November 18, 2015 Source: University of Bristol Summary: The Andes were formed by tectonic activity whereby Earth is uplifted as one plate (oceanic crust) subducts under another plate (continental crust). read more
The Andes have been a mountain chain for much longer than previously thought, new research from the University of Bristol, UK suggests. The Andes were formed by tectonic activity whereby earth is uplifted as one plate (oceanic crust) subducts under another plate (continental crust). read more