mountain chains
Continents' rocky backbones
Mountain chains are series of connected mountain ranges, typically formed by the same geological forces and running in the same general direction.
The term emphasizes continuity across vast distances: The Andes form one of the longest mountain chains on Earth.
Mountain chain and mountain range overlap considerably, though chain often implies greater length or multiple linked ranges.
- sierrasJagged mountain ranges
- passesGoes beyond or through
- Great DivideMajor watershed boundary
- peaksHighest points attained
- rangeExtent of variation
cordilleras · massifs · ridges · summits · continental divide · orogeny · elevations · altitudes · high altitude · hills · highlands · uplands · plate tectonics · K2 · glacial valleys · alpine tundra · tree line · cirques
- mountain rangesAlps, Andes, Himalayas, Rockies, Pyrenees
- mountain boundariesridges, ridge lines, watersheds, peaks, summits
mountain chainsocean trenches
Deepest seafloor depressions
valleys · lowlands · depressions · basins · rift valleys
mountain, mountains, mountainous, mountaineer, mountaineering, mount, mounts, mounted, mounting