Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Cenozoic era (approximately 66 million years ago to present day), the formation of mountains and climate were closely linked. The Cenozoic saw the emergence of the modern climate system, with a gradual cooling trend that culminated in the onset of the ice ages around 2.6 million years ago.
One major factor contributing to the Cenozoic cooling trend was the formation of mountains, particularly the uplift of the Himalayas and the Andes. The Himalayas began to form around 50 million years ago as the Indian subcontinent collided with Asia, while the Andes began to rise around 30 million years ago due to the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate. These mountain ranges had a number of impacts on global climate:
Increased weathering: As mountains rose, they exposed large areas of rock to the elements. This led to increased weathering, which in turn led to the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through a process known as chemical weathering. This helped to reduce the greenhouse effect and cool the planet.
Albedo effect: Mountains have a high albedo, meaning they reflect a lot of sunlight back into space. This has a cooling effect on the planet.
Ocean currents: Mountain ranges can affect ocean currents by altering the direction and strength of prevailing winds. This can in turn impact the distribution of heat around the planet.
Atmospheric circulation: Mountains can also impact atmospheric circulation, creating areas of high and low pressure that affect global weather patterns.
Overall, the formation of mountains during the Cenozoic had a significant impact on global climate, contributing to the gradual cooling trend that led to the onset of the ice ages.