Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

Type of Mountain Ranges Formed at Convergent Plate Boundaries — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Grades

Standards

MS-ESS2-3
RI.6.1
RI.7.4
RI.8.2

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This passage explains how Earth's tallest mountain ranges form at convergent plate boundaries. It details two main formation processes: (1) Fold mountains like the Himalayas and Alps created by continental plate collisions that crumple rock layers upward, and (2) Volcanic mountains like the Andes formed when oceanic plates subduct beneath continental plates, creating magma. The text highlights ongoing growth of ranges like the Himalayas and famous peaks (Everest, Fuji). Aligns with NGSS MS-ESS2-2 (Earth's systems) and CCSS RI.6.5 (text structure). The passage helps students visualize tectonic processes through real-world examples while emphasizing the immense timescales involved in mountain building. Key vocabulary includes subduction, fold mountains, and continental crust.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Himalayas" by NASA / Wikimedia Commons.

Type of Mountain Ranges Formed at Convergent Plate Boundaries

Mountains form in different ways, but some of the tallest and most dramatic ranges are created at convergent plate boundaries. These are places where two of Earth’s tectonic plates push against each other. The collision forces rock layers upward, forming massive mountain chains over millions of years.

Fold Mountains: The Most Common Type

When two continental plates collide, neither plate can sink because continental crust is too light. Instead, the land crumples and folds upward, like pushing two rugs together on a floor. This creates tall, wide mountain ranges with many folded rock layers called "fold mountains." The Himalayas formed this way when the Indian Plate crashed into the Eurasian Plate. Mount Everest and other tall peaks continue to grow as this collision continues today. The Alps in Europe are another example of fold mountains.

Volcanic Mountains: When Oceanic Plates Sink

When an oceanic plate meets a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate sinks beneath the lighter continental plate in a process called subduction. As it descends, the oceanic plate melts. This creates magma that rises up through the continental plate, forming "volcanic mountains." The Andes in South America formed this way, creating a chain of active volcanoes. Mount St. Helens and Mount Fuji are famous examples of volcanic mountains.

Complex Ranges: Mixed Features

Some mountain ranges, like the Alps, have both folded and volcanic features. This happens when multiple types of plate movements occur over time.

Convergent boundaries create Earth’s most impressive mountains through folding, volcanic activity, or both. These towering landforms remind us of the powerful forces shaping our planet.

At which type of plate boundary do mountains form according to the passage?

Divergent boundariesConvergent boundariesTransform boundariesPassive boundaries

Why can't continental plates sink when they collide?

They are too thickThey move too quicklyContinental crust is too lightThey are protected by the mantle

Which mountain range is given as an example of fold mountains?

The AndesMount St. HelensThe HimalayasMount Fuji

According to the passage, what happens during subduction?

Continental plates fold upwardA denser oceanic plate sinks beneath a lighter plateTwo plates slide past each otherMountains erode over time

What is the main purpose of this passage?

To explain how volcanoes eruptTo describe different types of mountains formed at convergent boundariesTo compare continental and oceanic platesTo explain why Mount Everest is the tallest mountain

Which statement best summarizes the key concept about complex ranges?

They only form in EuropeThey are taller than other mountain typesThey have both folded and volcanic featuresThey never have active volcanoes

In the context of the passage, what does "convergent" mean?

Moving away from each otherMoving toward each otherMoving side by sideNot moving at all

The word "subduction" in the passage refers to:

A process where one plate sinks beneath anotherThe crumpling of continental platesThe formation of magma chambersThe erosion of mountain peaks