The Swiss Alps are a mountain range that arose after Pangea, the supercontinent, split up during the Tertiary period. When the African tectonic plate collided with the European tectonic plate, a slew of rocks were forced upwards, forming the Alps. Mt. Blanc, at 4,810 meters, is the highest summit in the mountain range. Monte Rosa, at 4,634 meters, is the second highest peak in the area.