How does the plate tectonic theory explain mountain belt information?
Answer Plate tectonics explains mountain building by providing a mechanism by which the plates can move around on the face of the earth. The different plate margins, subductive, spreading and transverse all can cause mountains to form. The subductive margin in where one margin overrides another. This form of boundary is what is forming the Himalayas. A similar boundary formed the Appalachians. The compressive forces of this type of boundary causes the plate to wrinkle like a floor rug forming folds. The transverse boundary is where the plates move past one another, the friction and collision of the plates can cause mountains to form like in the Pacific Northwest. Spreading plate margins can cause volcanos to form like in Iceland and these are another form of mountain building. Erosion and climate are not mountain building, but rather they sculpt the mountains after they are built. They actually are important in the destruction of mountains.
