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Mountain ranges begin to form when Earth's tectonic plates collide.These massive plates float on Earth's mantle, moving very slowly over millions of years.Let's focus on what happens when two continental plates move toward each other.The plates move extremely slowly, only a few centimeters per year.When these plates meet, they push against each other with enormous force.Because both continental plates have the same density, neither can sink beneath the other.Let's examine this collision process step by step.As the pressure continues to build, the rock layers begin to bend and fold upward.This immense pressure sets the stage for the next phase of mountain formation.As continuous pressure is applied from both sides, the rock layers begin to bend and fold.Over millions of years, these layers gradually fold like a carpet being pushed from both ends.As the rocks are compressed, heat builds up deep within the layers.Under high pressure and temperature, the minerals within the rocks begin to transform.This combination of pressure and heat causes metamorphic changes throughout the rock layers, altering their mineral composition.This entire process of folding and metamorphism continues over millions of years, gradually building the mountain's internal structure.These transformed and folded rock layers become the foundation for the mountain's final shape.Once mountain ranges form, they begin to be shaped by various erosion processes.Rainfall is one of the primary erosion agents, gradually wearing away the mountain surface and creating channels and gullies.Strong winds continuously shape the mountains, wearing away exposed surfaces and creating distinctive formations.Snow and frost contribute to weathering through freeze-thaw cycles, breaking apart rocks and creating steep slopes.Over time, these processes create valleys between mountains and diverse landscapes.The continuous action of these forces gradually reshapes the mountains, creating the diverse landscapes we see today.