This theory can explain the formation of mountains, earthquakes, volcanic activity and with these processes, the formation of minerals. Scientists have been able to calculate the age of the planet by using a combination of techniques including the dating of meteorites made of the same material as that found in our earth. Scientists estimate the age to be around 4.5 billion years old. Knowing this, one can only imagine the length of time required to form the mountain ranges found on the earth today. Some ranges have been exposed to the forces of nature for a longer period of time and the effects of erosion are apparent.
Some mountain ranges are relatively young.
The forces involved in forming mountains are also responsible for the appearance of minerals in the ranges. Our earth is made up of various elements. The elements that are found on their own in nature are called native elements . Other elements have combined chemically with other elements forming compounds known as minerals. These solid minerals make up the structures called rocks.