Consider the characteristics of major global mountain systems: Statement I: The Andes mountain range is the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching along the western coast of South America. Statement II: The Alps are a young fold mountain system located in North America, formed by the subduction of the Pacific plate beneath the continental craton. Which of the following is correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statement I is correct because the Andes form the world's longest continental mountain chain, generated by the subduction of the Nazca plate beneath the South American plate. Statement II is incorrect because the Alps are situated in south-central Europe, formed by the collision of the African and Eurasian plates, not in North America. North America's principal cordillera is the Rocky Mountains.