Answer:
Arc-continent mountain formation involves the collision of a tectonic plate carrying a volcanic arc (typically an oceanic plate) with a continental plate. The process of arc-continent mountain formation generally involves several steps:
Subduction: The first step in arc-continent mountain formation is the subduction of the oceanic plate beneath the continental plate. As the oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, it begins to melt, forming a magma chamber beneath the volcanic arc.
Volcanic activity: As magma rises to the surface, it erupts as volcanoes along the volcanic arc. Over time, these volcanoes can build up into a chain of islands or a larger landmass.
Accretion: As the volcanic arc collides with the continental plate, the sediment and rocks that have accumulated on the oceanic plate get scraped off and added onto the leading edge of the continent. This process is known as accretion.
Compression: As the two plates continue to collide, the sediment and rocks that have been added onto the leading edge of the continent begin to compress and deform, creating folds and faults in the rock.
Uplift: The final step in arc-continent mountain formation is uplift. The compressed and deformed rocks begin to rise up, creating a mountain range.
Overall, the process of arc-continent mountain formation is complex and can take millions of years to complete. The resulting mountain range is often characterized by a combination of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, as well as a variety of fault systems and other geological features.
Step-by-step explanation: