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Why are the Appalachian Mountains smaller than the Rocky Mountains?

A. The Rocky Mountains were formed under greater pressure.
B. The Rocky Mountains are older.
C. The Rocky Mountains are younger.
D. The Appalachian Mountains were formed further from the shore.

Answer :

Final answer:

The Appalachian Mountains are smaller due to greater pressure, older age, and being further from the shore.


Explanation:

The Appalachian Mountains are smaller than the Rocky Mountains due to a combination of factors. Firstly, the Rocky Mountains were formed under greater pressure than the Appalachian Mountains. This greater pressure resulted in the uplift and folding of the Earth's crust, leading to the formation of taller and more rugged mountains.

Secondly, the Rocky mountains are older than the Appalachian Mountains. The Rocky Mountains were formed around 80 million years ago during the Laramide orogeny, while the Appalachian Mountains formed around 300-400 million years ago during the Alleghenian orogeny.

Lastly, the Appalachian Mountains were formed further from the shore. The Appalachian Mountains formed when the North American continent collided with other continents, resulting in the compression and uplift of the crust. This collision occurred further inland compared to the formation of the Rocky Mountains.


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