Analyze the tectonic genesis of major collisional mountain belts: Assertion (A): The Alpine-Himalayan mountain system consists of young fold mountains formed through the convergence of major continental landmasses and the closure of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Reason (R): The northward drift and collision of the African and Indian plates with the Eurasian plate caused intensive crustal shortening, nappe formation, and thrust faulting. Which of the following is correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Alpine-Himalayan belt represents a continuous zone of young fold mountains created by the closure of the Tethys Ocean and subsequent continent-continent collisions involving Africa, India, and Eurasia. These convergent tectonic interactions generated profound crustal deformation, thickening, folding, and low-angle thrust faulting known as nappe structures. This ongoing tectonic convergence accounts for high seismic activity across southern Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. Isostatic adjustments continue to shape these mountain crests.