The term mountain is used to refer to the geological formations that rise above the earth as a result of the action of different agents, that is, mountains are great natural elevations that the land presents.
The highest and most distinguished by their peaks
One of the most characteristic and distinctive elements of the mountains is the peak shape they have on their cusps or higher areas, however, it varies in each case depending on the age of the mountain, as well as the erosive process to which was exposed. Mountains always have a higher altitude and volume than mountains, hills or hills, which are just other elevated geological forms of smaller size.
Usually, the height has been established as one of the most important and determining characteristics when it comes to indicating whether or not an elevated geological formation is a mountain. In this sense, tradition supposes that those that have more than 2,500 meters of distance between their peak and their base can then be considered mountains.
Formation of the mountains
Mountains are considered to be formed from the movement of the different tectonic plates on the planet. This movement causes the internal material of the Earth to compress and be forced out of the Earth's crust, thus forming land masses of higher altitude and elevation than in the rest of the surface. It is for this same reason that the planet's mountain ranges are located in areas of significant tectonic movement.
Mountains can have different climatic conditions throughout their space. By having height, they can reach different layers of the atmosphere in which the temperature drops, thus becoming more sensitive to glaciations, as well as to the lack of oxygen. These conditions, added to its rugged geography, make the mountains one of the most appropriate spaces for extreme athletes.
Ideal terrain for mountaineering
Mountaineering or also called mountaineering is one of the most popular sports practiced at these elevations. It began to be practiced in the late eighteenth century and basically consists of climbing a mountain for sporting purposes, the prize of which is, of course, to reach its summit without problems.
Whoever practices this sport is called a mountaineer and in order to perform it, the individual must have specialized equipment to withstand the cold climate of the mountains, ranging from clothing to other elements that help keep him active during the journey. . It is also super important to have a detailed knowledge of how to carry out the practice. Normally it is done in a group being the ideal since if a mountaineer suffers a problem they can be assisted by a partner.
However, many times despite the expertise that is displayed there are cases of mountaineers who get lost in the ascent to the mountains unleashing desperate searches.
Its beautiful landscapes
Nor can we ignore the scenic beauty that these formations represent in the land in which they are located, being for example the attraction of thousands of tourists who like to appreciate in situ and as close as possible the beautiful landscape that the mountains bring to a place. .
Among the most important mountains on the planet we must mention Everest (in Nepal), Kilimanjaro (in Tanzania), Aconcagua (Argentina), Sugar Loaf (in Brazil), the Finsteraarhorn (Switzerland), the Appalachians (in North America) , among many others.
Colloquial use
On the other hand, and as a consequence of the original reference to the term, this word, like so many others, is attributed a specific use in colloquial language. In this case, it is usually used to talk about the large amount of something that one has or owns or also to express that problem that does not seem to have a simple solution. "I have a mountain of tests to correct this weekend"; "This health problem is like climbing a mountain."
