Mountain

Mountain

A mountain is a large landform that stretches above the surrounding land in a limited area usually in the form of a peak. A mountain is generally steeper than a hill. Mountains are formed through tectonic forces or volcanism. These forces can locally raise the surface of the earth by over 10,000 feet (3,000 m). Mountains erode slowly through the action of rivers, weather conditions, and glaciers. A few mountains are isolated summits, but most occur in huge mountain ranges.

Read more about Mountain.

Famous quotes containing the word mountain:

    A mountain chain determines many things for the statesman and philosopher. The improvements of civilization rather creep along its sides than cross its summit. How often is it a barrier to prejudice and fanaticism!
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    The broken ridge of the hills
    was the line of a lover’s shoulder,
    his arm-turn, the path to the hills,
    the sudden leap and swift thunder
    of mountain boulders, his laugh.
    Hilda Doolittle (1886–1961)

    I thought of Chatterton, the marvellous boy,
    The sleepless soul that perished in his pride;
    Of him who walked in glory and in joy
    Following his plough, along the mountain side:
    By our own spirits are we deified:
    We poets in our youth begin in gladness;
    But thereof come in the end despondency and madness.
    William Wordsworth (1770–1850)