The Alps

Question 1

How are these mountains formed (4)

Answer 1

Sediment is washed off the land and collected in a large ocean basin (a geosyncline) between two continental plates.
The two plates are moving together due to convection currents in the mantle.
The sediments in the geosyncline are squeezed together, causing them to buckle and twist into anticlines (up-folds) and synclines (down-folds).
The sea drains away leaving these fold mountains.

Question 2

How are the Alps used? (4) and reasons.

Answer 2

Settlements (usually on flat valley floors or the warmer south facing slopes).
Farming (South facing slopes - land is flatter, soils are more fertile, sheltered from coldest winds).
Hydroelectric power (dams easy to build, high rainfall, melting snow).
Tourism (beautiful scenery, climbing, walking, reliable snow for winter activities, hang gliding)

Question 3

Disadvantages of living and working in the Alps. (3)

Answer 3

Building is difficult due to high altitude and steep slopes.
Little flat land for farming and the growing season is short.
The climate is cold, wet, windy and snowy.

Question 4

What type of mountains are the Alps?

Answer 4

Fold mountains