Fold Mountains of the World: UPSC Mind Map

Key Concepts in this Mind Map

• Fold Mountains of the World
• - Definition & Formation
• - Formed by compressional forces
• - Due to collision of tectonic plates
• - Folding of Earth's crust (sedimentary rocks)
• - Characteristics
• - High peaks and deep valleys
• - Often found at convergent plate boundaries
• - Associated with earthquakes and volcanism
• - Presence of anticlines and synclines
• - Major Young Fold Mountains (Still Rising)
• - Himalayas: Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, China) - Highest, Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra source
• - Andes: South America (Venezuela to Chile) - Longest continental range
• - Rockies: North America (Canada, USA) - Parallel ranges
• - Alps: Europe (France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria) - Central Europe
• - Atlas: Northwest Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia) - Sahara's northern edge
• - Major Old Fold Mountains (Eroded Over Time)
• - Urals: Russia (Europe-Asia border) - Rich in minerals
• - Appalachians: Eastern North America (USA, Canada) - Gently rounded peaks
• - Great Dividing Range: Eastern Australia - Significant for climate & rivers
• - Caledonian & Hercynian: Europe (e.g., Scottish Highlands, Black Forest)
• - Significance (UPSC)
• - Climate: Barrier to winds, source of precipitation
• - Resources: Minerals, forests, hydroelectric power (from rivers)