MOUNTAINS

MOUNTAINS, 1) isolated peaks, masses, ranges, ridges (usually higher than 200 m above the sea level) of different origin; 2) same as mountain countries, mountain systems, vast areas of land, characterized by greatly dissected relief. They are divided: by the time of formation — Baikal, Caledonian, Hercynian, Mesozoic and Alpine; by origin — tectonic, volcanic, erosive; by structural feature (geosynclines or platforms) — geosynclinal, epigosynclinal, epiplatformic or rejuvenated; by tectonic structure — folded, folded block, block; by height — low (500—1,000 m), medium (1,000— 2,000 m), high (2,000—5,000 m) and the highest (above 5,000 m). The relief of M. was formed as a result of complex deformations of the earth’s crust caused by tectonic movements, and denudation. The main forms of M. relief are: mountain chains, ridges, spurs, crests, inter mountain falls, depressions, etc. M. are characterized by the altitudinal zonation of landscapes. 

The mountains in the RB are mostly of tectonic origin; by structure they can be folded and folded block; by height — low and medium. The highest mountain peak is Yamantau. Forested domed peaks are most common. Some mountain peaks are shaped as ledge rocks in the form of steep rocks (Karatash Mountain), eluvial fragments of rocks (Bolshoy Iremel Mountain, Yamantau Mountain) and pointed peaks (Arvyakryaz Mountain). Mountains can be: residual Balkantau; shikhany: Kushtau, Tratau, Shakhtau, Yuraktau. Yangantau (504 m) is known for its thermo abnormal phenomena.