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Which natural force most likely shaped this landform?

User Konyak
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Final answer:

The most likely natural force that shaped a landform such as a mountain range is erosion by water and ice, with ice being an especially effective sculptor of rock.

Step-by-step explanation:

The natural force most likely responsible for shaping a landform such as a mountain range is erosion by water and ice. Although mountain ranges are initially formed by the upthrusting of the Earth's crust due to tectonic activities, the distinct features such as sharp peaks and serrated edges are the result of erosional processes.

Ice, in particular, plays a significant role as a sculptor of rock, carving out the rugged landscape over time. On the other hand, tectonic and volcanic forces also contribute to the formation of geologic structures, including mountain ranges and valleys, as they compress and fold the crust.

In the case of other planetary bodies without the presence of moving ice or running water, such as the Moon or Mercury, mountains tend to remain smooth due to the lack of these erosive forces. This illustrates the importance of erosional processes like water and ice in shaping the Earth's distinctive and dynamic landscapes.

User Kannan Ekanath
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