Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

Which geological process is referred to as orogeny?

1. The formation of oceanic trenches

2. The process of mountain building due to tectonic plate movement

3. The erosion of landforms by glaciers

4. The development of river valleys through sediment deposition

The correct answer is: The process of mountain building due to tectonic plate movement

Orogeny is specifically defined as the process of mountain building that occurs as a result of tectonic plate movements. This typically involves the convergence of tectonic plates, which can lead to the folding, faulting, and uplift of the Earth's crust, resulting in the formation of mountain ranges. Common examples of orogenic events include the formation of the Himalayas, which resulted from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. The other choices refer to different geological processes: the formation of oceanic trenches involves tectonic activity but leads to deep oceanic features rather than mountains; glacial erosion shapes the land by removing material but does not build mountains; and the development of river valleys through sediment deposition pertains to fluvial processes, not mountain formation. This distinction highlights the unique and specific nature of orogeny within the broader spectrum of geological processes.