Mountains and Hills Science Game

This science game helps children practice the difference between mountains and hills. You might think of a mountain when you hear the term. There are many differences between hills and mountains. The major differences are in the shape, altitude, and geological formations. Continue reading to learn more about the differences in mountains and hills. Don't forget our quiz at the end!

There are differences between hills and mountains
A mountain is a terrain which rises above the surrounding area and attains a significant height. A mountain must be more than 2,000 feet above the sea level to be considered. Mount Everest is the highest mountain on the planet, while Denali in North America is the highest. Although both hills and mountains can be elevated, their elevation above sea level is the most important difference.
Hills are elevations higher than sea level. A hill is a mountain that rises 300m above the sea level. A good example is anything less than 2000 feet.
Geological formations
By successive collisions between continents and oceanic crust, mountain ranges were created. The continents became more complex and eventually broke down. They were then reassembled by mountain building and erosion. Supercontinents were formed when the continents collided again. This tectonic cycle was repeated numerous times over the geological history. These tectonic activities have resulted in the formation of vast mountain ranges all over the globe.
Shape
Their shape is determined by the geology of mountains and hills. Mountain formations are caused by erosion and faults that take away rock from a particular geographic formation. Hills are usually sloping with a rounded tip. Hills usually develop at the borders of mountains or near the boundaries of no longer active tectonic plates. Hills that have fallen in the past usually have a different form than nearby mountain ranges. Some hills are formed by erosion or deposition. Sometimes, man created hills by digging and putting soil at different places.
Altitude
Geographic societies used a simple definition of a mountain when they first tried to define it. A mountain was a geographical feature that rises more than 1,000 feet above the sea level. Today, it is difficult to agree on the exact height of any mountain. Geographic societies use more general criteria for classifying landscapes. The differences in elevation can be quite striking. The 2,000-foot definition is used more often in the United States.
Volcanism
Massive amounts of molten rocks are left behind by volcanoes that erupt in hills and mountains. It is lighter than the surrounding solid rock and often breaks through the crust. Massive explosions of molten rocks can take many forms, including dense clouds and lava flows. Larger lava pieces may return to the vent and be carried away by the wind to distant places. Some volcanoes are still active and create hills.
Forests
The landscape is incomplete without forests in the mountains and hills. They provide habitat for many animal and plant species. These forests provide shelter and food for many species of wildlife, as well as shelter and food for migratory birds. These ecosystems can be affected by climate change, so it is crucial to protect them. The forests on hills are vital ecosystems that support the fauna living there. They also help to reduce soil erosion and enrich the soil with the leaves they shed.