Australia Geography Practice Test

The formation of fold mountains is primarily caused by tectonic plates colliding. When two tectonic plates converge, the immense pressure generated at the boundaries can lead to the thickening and folding of the Earth's crust. This process, known as orogeny, creates the characteristic rugged peaks and valleys associated with fold mountains. The collision causes sections of the crust to be pushed upwards, forming towering mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, where the Indian Plate meets the Eurasian Plate.

Other factors such as crust subsidence due to weight or the role of sediment from rivers do contribute to geological changes, but they are not responsible for the specific formation of fold mountains. Similarly, while melting glaciers can alter landscapes through erosion, they do not create mountains through folding or tectonic activity. The defining characteristic of fold mountains is their origin from the collision and interaction of tectonic plates.