Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134074254
ISBN 13: 978-0-13407-425-2

Chapter 14 - Section 14.4 - Collisional Mountain Belts - Concept Checks - Page 432: 2

Answer

During the formation of the Himalayas, the continental crust of Asia was deformed more than India proper due to the tectonic forces at play during the collision. When the Indian Plate collided with the Eurasian Plate, it was moving northward at a relatively high speed. The collision resulted in significant compressional forces, causing the crust of both plates to fold and uplift. However, the Indian Plate was relatively lighter and less dense compared to the Eurasian Plate. As a result, the Indian Plate was more prone to being squeezed and deformed, leading to greater folding and uplift of the Asian continental crust over India proper. This tectonic process created the massive uplift of the Himalayas in the Asian continent.

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