The Himalayan mountain range was created as a result of the Indian subcontinent colliding with the Eurasian plate. Describe the geodynamic processes that led to this collision and the subsequent creation of the Himalayas.
Plate tectonic boundaries are classified into three main types: three types of margins: divergent, convergent, and transform which are defined by certain tectonic activities and landforms. In a sense, the opposite of convergent boundaries happens when two tectonic plates are pulled apart. This movemRead more
Plate tectonic boundaries are classified into three main types: three types of margins: divergent, convergent, and transform which are defined by certain tectonic activities and landforms.
In a sense, the opposite of convergent boundaries happens when two tectonic plates are pulled apart. This movement leads to the creation or formation of a new crust because magma is formed from below the surface of the earth. The most famous one is mid Atlantic ridge oceanic lithosphere here, the separation of two plates takes place and a new oceanic crust is formed. On land, Transform boundaries can result in what is known as rift valleys such as the East African rift valley.
Other types of boundaries are the convergent boundaries which are boundaries that involve plates moving towards each other so that one plate is forced to subduct under the other. Which often causes numerous geological manifestations such as earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Here, the oceanic and continental plates collide and as a result, construct linear volcanic mountains, such as the Andes whereas, the oceanic and oceanic plates construct the volcanic islands, for example, the Marianas Island. This type of convergence that is continental-continental can produce vast folded mountain chains such as the Himalayas.
A transform boundary is one at which plates move horizontally in a past each other manner. The movement of the plates is restricted such that they cannot slide past each other easily and this leads to earthquakes. A familiar example is the San Andreas Fault in California through which the Pacific Plate moves northwest concerning the North American Plate.
Every type of boundary participates in the activities of the lithosphere, and these kinds of activities influence the alteration of the Earth’s surface constantly.
See less
Northward movement of the Indian subcontinent towards the Eurasian plate eventually caused a massive collision and the creation of the Himalayan range. This cataclysmic event was orchestrated by the following geodynamic processes:This cataclysmic event was orchestrated by the following geodynamic prRead more
Northward movement of the Indian subcontinent towards the Eurasian plate eventually caused a massive collision and the creation of the Himalayan range. This cataclysmic event was orchestrated by the following geodynamic processes:This cataclysmic event was orchestrated by the following geodynamic processes:
1. Continental convergence: The shear movement observed in the Indian plate toward the Eurasian plate meant there was going to be a compression zone.
2. Crustal thickening: When the plates came into contact, the crust rises and becomes thicker creating an extensive orogenic belt.
3. Faulting and folding: To worsen the effects of the forces that caused uplift, there was faults which led to folds that shaped the Himalayan range.
4. Uplift and metamorphism: This underthrusting made the rocks in the region to uplift and metamorphose quickly due to movements on the Indian plate which subducts beneath the Eurasian plate.
5. Denudation and erosion: Weathering and erosion contributed to the rock break down thus revealing the towering giants of the himalayas.
This titanic story has been playing out on a scale of tens of millions of year constructing one of the most grandiose mountain chains possible on this planet. Himalayas is one of the best examples of the geodynamic forces that are still active and creating miracles on this earth.
See less