orogenesis
/ˌɔrəˈdʒɛnəsɪs/
noun
- The process of mountain formation, especially by the folding and faulting of the Earth's crust.
- The Himalayas were created by the orogenesis that began when the Indian plate collided with Asia.
- Geologists study orogenesis to understand how mountain ranges like the Andes were formed.
- Orogenesis can take millions of years and involves intense pressure and heat deep underground.