Mäeahelike

Mäeahelike, also known as mountain ranges, are large natural landscapes characterized by a series of mountains connected over a significant geographical area. These geological formations are typically the result of tectonic plate movements, such as collisions or rifting, which cause the Earth's crust to buckle, fold, and uplift. The formation process can take millions of years, shaping the dramatic topography we observe today.

The Andes in South America, the Himalayas in Asia, and the Rockies in North America are prominent examples of major mäeahelike. These ranges often feature a central ridge or spine from which smaller peaks and valleys radiate. Their elevation, steepness, and overall structure depend on the specific geological forces and the type of rock involved.

Mäeahelike play a crucial role in regional and global climate patterns, acting as barriers that influence wind and precipitation. They are also vital sources of freshwater, with snowmelt and glaciers feeding rivers and supplying downstream ecosystems and human populations. Furthermore, these mountainous regions are often rich in biodiversity, hosting unique flora and fauna adapted to the harsh conditions, and are significant for mineral resources and human settlement, though often with challenges due to their terrain.