What is a mountain? The meaning and definition of a word

The surface of the earth is not homogeneous. Already the schoolchildren know that there are plains and hills. Let's try to figure out what a mountain is, what a wonderful natural phenomenon.

Interpretation of the word

Encyclopedias and dictionaries give their definition of the term. The mountain is considered such a relief formation, which rises more than two hundred meters. It has clearly pronounced steep slopes. As a rule, the mountains are not called a separate peak, but an extensive area of the terrain. Its relief should be severely cut and raised to a considerable height. It is determined relative to sea level.

Types of elevations

The natural elevations, depending on the size, are called hills and mountains. The last in height is much larger. In addition to solitary peaks, there are entire mountain ranges. The most famous are the Alps, the Andes, the Himalayas. Stony formations rise abruptly, their peaks are lost in the clouds. There are high and low mountains. Those of them that do not differ in height have rounded peaks. Their slopes are shallow, overgrown with forest. At their foot, flowers grow. The peaks of the highest peaks are pointed, they are covered by glaciers. Their slopes are precipitous, steep. Here you will not find vegetation. If you look at the map, you will see that the mountains on it are marked with a brown color. And the higher their height, the darker they appear on the diagram. Here in brief about what mountains are.

The definition of this concept allows us to distinguish certain features. Stone heights are not only distinguished by the height and shape of the peaks. The oldest of them are destroyed, and new ones are formed. There are mountains of volcanic origin. Extinct and dormant volcanoes are found in seismic regions - in Russia on Kamchatka, in Italy and other regions. For example, we know Vesuvius, located not far from Naples. From its eruption in the first century of our era, two cities were killed: Pompeii and Herculaneum. It is still considered an active volcano. There are mountains not only on the surface of the earth. There are uplands that hide the seas. To such include stony formations that rise above the bed of the ocean to a height of more than one thousand meters.

The structure of the mountain

Stony formations have their own distinctive characteristics. There is a foot, a summit, a mountainside. What is meant by the latter concept, we will consider in more detail. In total, two types of slope are distinguished: steep and steep. Moving on it upwards, it is necessary to overcome deep abysses, rocks and rough mountain rivers. Water flows turn into a serious obstacle after heavy rains. They race along the rocks with a roar and noise. Also, mountains can prepare other unpleasant surprises for athletes and travelers. There is a risk of avalanches or mudflows.

The mountains are amazing with their contrasts. At the foot of them the forests rise, then the alpine meadows are located , flowers grow. The higher the stony slopes, the colder the air and the less the atmosphere. At the very top can lie snow and glaciers. Slides between mountain ranges are called passes. They allow you to move from one valley to another.

By origin, the mountains can be volcanic and non-volcanic. If we consider what a mountain is from a scientific point of view, then it can be noted that these rock formations have a folded structure. It can have a shape, a curved wave convex upwards - anticlinal, or bent down. In the latter case, it is called a syncline.

The highest peaks

Acquainted with the characteristics of the mountains, we describe the most famous of them. The first is worthy of mentioning Jomolungma, or Everest, located in the Himalayas. For a long time the peak remained unconquered. Its height above sea level is 8848 meters.

The most famous mountains of the world can be found not only in Europe, but also in Africa. On the hot continent, Mount Kilimanjaro is known. Its name translates as "sparkling". And this is quite understandable explanation. The volcano has colossal dimensions (height is 5899 meters), and its top is covered by a snow-white cap. The peak of the mountain, sinking in the clouds, is visible for many miles. It is surrounded by savannas of Kenya and Tanzania. Its dimensions amaze. It is ninety-seven kilometers long and sixty-four kilometers wide. As a result, it even creates its own climate. This is typical for many of the largest peaks.

The slopes of Kilimanjaro are watered by rains that come with moist winds that blow from the Indian Ocean. Therefore, their lower parts are suitable for farming, here they cultivate coffee and corn. The mountain is formed by three volcanoes: Shira, Mavenzi and the largest - Kibo.

In Russia, one of the highest peaks of the Altai Mountains is Belukha. Its height is 4509 meters. Its name is explained by the abundance of snow, which covers not only its peak, but also the slopes. In fact, the top of the mountain is not alone. They are two, in shape they resemble pyramids. Between them formed a fall with a height of four thousand meters. He is called the Belukha Saddle. The mountain is in a seismically active zone. Quite often micro-earthquakes here.

Travelers and conquerors of the mountains

Inaccessible peaks always attracted courageous people. After all, this is an opportunity not only to test our physical capabilities for strength, but also to temper our own character, to test the loyalty of a friendly shoulder and to feel an incredible triumph, standing on a conquered summit. Not for nothing about the mountains and mountaineers sang bards Yu Vizbor and V. Vysotsky. Only professional athletes and courageous daredevil lovers know what a mountain is, how beautiful it looks from it.

Sacred peaks in Orthodoxy

The Bible refers to several mountains that are revered as sacred. First of all, this is Ararat, to which Noah's ark came. The book of the Old Testament tells how the prophet Moses ascended to the summit of Mount Sinai, where he received the tables with the covenant of God. In the Christian world, we know what Mount Athos, which is in Greece. This is the place where the Orthodox monastery is located. The ridge of the Halkidiki peninsula has a peak that rises to two thousand twenty-two meters.