Orogeny
Orogeny is the process of mountain formation, primarily through tectonic forces. It occurs when tectonic plates collide, causing the Earth's crust to fold, fault, and uplift. This process can create various mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas and the Rocky Mountains, over millions of years.
The term "orogeny" comes from the Greek words for "mountain" and "to produce." It involves several geological processes, including subduction, where one plate moves under another, and continental collision, where two landmasses push against each other. These processes shape the Earth's landscape and influence ecosystems and climate.