Question

Discuss the similarities and differences between the way the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian mountain formed.

Answer 1

¹     The Rocky Mountains are west of the Mississippi River. The Appalachian Mountains are east of the river. The Rockies are "new" mountains. The Appalachians are "old" mountains. These are just two of the differences between the two mountain ranges. There are many more.

²     Some geologists think the Appalachian Mountains are the oldest mountains in the world. The Appalachians may have been as tall as the Rocky Mountains at one time. Probably rain, wind, and snow wore the mountains down to their present height.

³     The Appalachians, like the Rockies, are partly in eastern Canada. They go south through many states for about 1,200 miles. The southern end of the Appalachian range is in central Alabama.