A mountain is a large landform that stretches above the surrounding land in a limited area, usually in the form of a peak. A mountain is generally steeper than a hill. Mountains are formed through tectonic forces or volcanism. These forces can locally raise the surface of the earth. Mountains erode slowly through the action of rivers, weather conditions, and glaciers. A few mountains are isolated summits, but most occur in huge mountain ranges.
SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain
SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain
Save our mountains: Why mountain biodiversity matters
Mountains occupy nearly a quarter of the global land surface and are home to 12 percent of the world’s population. Just as mountains are diverse, their importance is also diverse. Mountains fulfil the freshwater needs of more than half of humanity as well as providing the natural resources needed to meet the daily needs of over a fifth of the world’s population. They also provide opportunities for recreation and spiritual renewal both for local people and those from far away. Mountains have ecological, socioeconomic, and aesthetic value—not just for the people living on them, but also for those living beyond. They are also of value to future generations and we have an ethical responsibility to conserve these values for our children. Mountains, due to their topographic and bio-cultural richness, also provide opportunities for climate change adaptation. Mountains act as refuges for plants and animals from environmental change and from competing species. They provide opportunities for species to move up and down and to adapt to climate change, which can play a vital role in a species’ survival. SOURCE: http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2011/05/12/oped/save-our-mountains-why-mountain-biodiversity-matters/221641.html |