Explain the formation of fold mountains (3 marks)

Fold mountains form on convergent (or collision) plate boundaries. They push up layers of accumulated sediment in the sea into folds. Examples are the Himalayas and Andes. The layers of sediment are accumulated in depressions (called geosynclines) on the sea floor over millions of years. The heavy weight of the water causes the layers of deposited sediment to compact into sedimentary rockThen as two continental plates move together at a convergent (or collision) plate boundary, the rock layers are compressed and are forced upwards. The peaks are called anticlines, and troughs are known as synclines. 

KH
Answered by Katherine H. Geography tutor

17472 Views

See similar Geography GCSE tutors

Related Geography GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Suggest three reasons for the growth of settlements such as New Delhi.


Explain how longshore drift can transport sediment along a shoreline


What are the most common challenges in urban environments?


What is the difference between constructive and destructive waves?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning