1. Chapter 11.3b
Mountain Formation

2. Mountain Building at Divergent Boundaries
Mountains can form at divergent boundaries on the ocean floor. These are fault-block type of mountains.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an example.

3. Non-Boundary Mountains
Volcanic mountains – like the Hawaiian Islands form from a hot spot. Many fault- block mountains happen in areas that are stretching, these areas may become a plate if it breaks apart.

4. Continental Accretion
Accretion is when crustal fragments collide with a continental plate and they become stuck together. This will form mountains.

5. Terranes
Terrane is any crustal fragment that has geologic history different from the adjoining terranes.

6. Mountains from Accretion
If a large fragment collides with continental crust it may form mountain ranges. These are not large mountain ranges.

7. Principle of Isostasy
There can be vertical movement of plates. The idea of a floating crust is called isostasy.
Isostatic adjustment is when a new level of gravitational equilibrium is established.
We will talk about this in class.