Mountain formation primarily leads to physical weathering, particularly through a process called tectonic uplift. As tectonic plates collide, they push the Earth’s crust upward, forming mountains. This powerful movement fractures the rock, creating stress points that lead to cracking and other forms of disintegration.
In addition to physical weathering, chemical weathering plays a role due to the exposure of these newly formed mountains to elements like rain and temperature fluctuations. For example, as water seeps into cracks, it can cause the minerals within the rock to alter chemically, further breaking down the material. This combination of physical and chemical processes continues over time, reshaping the landscape.