Both mountains and volcanoes have similar outward appearances, characterized by their high elevations and rugged terrain. However, their formation processes differ significantly.
Mountains are typically formed through tectonic processes, particularly by the collision and movement of tectonic plates, leading to folding, faulting, and uplift of the Earth's crust. This can result in mountain ranges like the Himalayas, which have been formed over millions of years through such geological activity.
In contrast, volcanoes are formed specifically by the movement of magma from beneath the Earth's crust to the surface, often associated with tectonic plate boundaries. When magma erupts, it can build up around a vent, leading to the creation of a volcanic structure.
While both can reach significant heights, some volcanoes can form steep peaks rapidly due to explosive eruptions, whereas mountains typically grow over longer periods through tectonic forces. In summary, the key difference lies in their formation: mountains arise from tectonic activity, while volcanoes are the result of magma movement and volcanic activity.