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The Himalayas were formed by .

A) Convergence of two tectonic plates, each carrying oceanic crust
B) Convergence of an oceanic plate with a continental plate, followed by continent-continent collision
C) At a divergent plate boundary where oceanic crust is separating from continental crust
D) None of the above

User Ronyis
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Final answer:

The Himalayas were primarily formed by the collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, a process of continent-continent convergence. The immense tectonic pressure led to the uplift and creation of the highest mountain ranges in the world, with a consistent rise in elevation over time.

Step-by-step explanation:

Formation of the Himalayas

The Himalayas were formed by option B) the convergence of an oceanic plate with a continental plate, followed by continent-continent collision. This geologic process began when the Indian Plate (carrying continental crust) collided with the Eurasian Plate (also carrying continental crust). The immense pressure from this tectonic activity caused the Earth's crust to buckle and fold, creating the majestic Himalayan mountain range.

Over millions of years, this continent-continent convergence uplifted the land to create the highest mountain ranges in the world, with ongoing tectonic action causing the mountains to rise steadily over time. Evidence of these tectonic events can also be seen in the formation of other mountain ranges around the world, such as the Alps, due to similar plate collisions.

The concept of isostasy helps explain how the Earth's lithosphere responds to the added weight from such collisions, leading to the bending and creation of foreland basins, such as the Persian Gulf alongside the Zagros Mountains due to the collision between the Asian and Arabian plates.

User Caleb Faruki
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