mountain

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings

higher than a hill (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent

"a batch of letters"

"a deal of trouble"

"a lot of money"

"he made a mint on the stock market"

"see the rest of the winners in our huge passel of photos"

"it must have cost plenty"

"a slew of journalists"

"a wad of money"

in Alaska has one of the largest visible base-to-summit elevation differences anywhere]]otheruses A mountain is a landform that extends above the surrounding terrain in a limited area. A mountain is generally much higher and steeper than a hill, but there is considerable overlap, and usage often depends on local custom. Some authorities define a mountain as a peak with a topographic prominence over an arbitrary value: for example, the ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' requires a prominence of 2,000 feet (610 m).24% of the Earth's land mass is mountainous; 10% of the world's 6 billion people live in mountainous regions. All the world's major rivers are fed from mountain sources, and more than half of humanity depends on mountains for water animana.org.The adjective montane is used to describe mountainous areas and the things associated with them.

Heights - Heights of mountains are generally given as heights above mean sea level. The Himalayas average 5km above sea level, whilst the Andes average 4km. Most other mountain ranges average 2-2.5km. The highest mountain on Earth is Mount EverestEverest, 8850 m, set in the world's most significant mountain range, the Himalaya. Other definitions of height are possible. The peak that is farthest from the centre of the Earth is Mount ChimborazoChimborazo in Ecuador. At 6,272 m above sea level it is not even the tallest peak in the Andes, but because the Earth bulges at the equator and Chimborazo is very close to the equator, it is 2,150 m further away from the Earth's centre than Everest. The peak that rises farthest from its base is Mauna Kea on Hawaii, whose peak is over 9,000 m above its base on the floor of the Pacific Ocean.The tallest known mountain in the solar system is Olympus Mons, located on Mars (planet)Mars.

Characteristics - The altitude of mountains means that the tops exist in higher cold layers of the atmosphere. They are consequently often subject to glaciation and erosion through frost action. This produces the classic mountain peak shape. Some mountains have glacial lakes, created by melting glaciers; for example, there are an estimated 3000 in Bhutan.Sufficiently tall mountains have very different climatic conditions at the top than at the base, and will thus have different life zones at different altitudes on their slopes. The plants and animals of a zone are somewhat isolated when the zones above and below are inhospitable, and many unique species occur on mountainsides as a result. Extreme cases are known as sky islands. Cloud forests are forests on mountain sides which attract moisture from the air, creating a unique ecosystem.Mountains are not generally favored for human habitation; the weather is harsher, less food is available, and there is little level ground suitable for farming. At very high altitudes, there is less oxygen in the air, and less protection against solar radiation (UV). Acute mountain sickness (caused by hypoxia - a lack of oxygen in the blood) affects over half of lowlanders who spend more than a few hours above 3500 metres. Despite some biological adaptation by peoples who have lived on mountains for hundreds or thousands of years, babies' average birthweight is reduced by 100 grams for every 1000-metre gain in altitude.Most mountains of the world have been left in their natural state, and are today primarily used for recreation. Some mountains are very difficult to climb, and offer spectacular views. Some people therefore enjoy the sport of mountaineering. Mountains are also the site for the sport of downhill skiing. People engaging in these activities often stay at mountain resorts built for the purpose.

Geology - mountain range with Mount Everest.]]A mountain is usually produced by the movement of plate tectonicslithospheric plates, either orogenyorogenic movement or epeirogenic movement. The compressional forces, isostatic uplift and intrusion of igneous rockigneous matter forces surface rock upwards, creating a landform higher than the surrounding features. The height of the feature makes it either a hill or, if higher and steeper, a mountain. The absolute heights of features termed mountains and hills vary greatly according to an area's topography. The major mountains tend to occur in long linear arcs, indicating tectonic plate boundaries and activity. Mountain creation tends to occur in discrete periods, each referred to as an orogeny. The orogeny may last millions of years, and the uplifted region is being eroded away, producing valley-and-peak topography, even while the uplift is taking place. Two types of mountain are formed depending on how the rock reacts to the tectonic forces – block mountains or fold mountains.The compressional forces in continental collisions may cause the compressed region to thicken, so the upper surface is forced upwards. In order to balance the weight, much of the compressed rock is forced ''downwards'', producing deep "mountain roots". Mountains therefore form downwards as well as upwards (see isostasy). However, in some continental collisions part of one continent may simply ''override'' part of the other, crumpling in the process.Some isolated mountains were produced by volcanoes, including many apparently small islands that reach a great height above the ocean floor.Block mountains are created when large areas are widely broken up by faults creating large vertical displacements. The uplifted blocks are block mountains or ''horsts''. The intervening dropped blocks are termed ''graben'': these can be small or form extensive rift valley systems. This form of landscape can be seen in East Africa, the Vosges, the Basin and Range province of Western North America and the Rhine valley.Where rock does not fault it folds, either symmetrically or asymmetrically. The upfolds are ''anticlines'' and the downfolds are ''synclines''; in asymmetric folding there may also be recumbent and overturned folds. The Jura mountains are an example of folding. Over time, erosion can bring about an inversion of relief: the soft upthrust rock is worn away so the anticlines are actually lower than the tougher, more compressed rock of the synclines.

See also -

List of mountains

List of highest mountains

Latin names of mountains

Mountain range and list of mountain ranges

List of mountains on Venus

List of mountains on the Moon

Gallery of mountains

Peak

External links -

ga.com.pl - Pics from the Tatra Mountains - Poland

[http://bivouac.com Canadian Mountain Encyclopedia - an exhaustive index of North American peaks, including thousands of unnamed ones. Includes the United States and Mexico as well as Canada.Wiktionary !Category:LandformsCategory:Mou ntainsCategory:MountaineeringC ategory:Geomorphologyast:Monte bg:Планинаbn:পর্� ��তca:Muntanyacy:Mynyddda:Bj ergde:Berges:Montañaeo:Montof r:Montagnega:Sliabhko:산id:Gu nungit:Montagnahe:הרla:Monsm s:Gunungnah:Tepetlnl:Bergnds:B argja:山no:Fjellformasjonnn:F jellpl:Góra? !(geografia)pt:Montanharu:Го� �ыsimple:Mountainsv:Berguk:Г ораzh:山峰

www.mototours-bg.com
Discover Bulgaria on 2 wheels, Moto tourism in Bulgaria, Rent a bike in Bulgaria.
http://www.mototours-bg.com/

Tibet Overland
route guide for independent travel in tibet including cycling
http://www.tibetoverland.com/

EyesOnSky.com
EyesOnSky.com = AirLeman.ch Parapente, webcam lac leman, Paragliding, lake of Geneva webcam free, photos d'oiseaux, bird, vogel
http://www.eyesonsky.com

California Foothill and Mountain Ranches for sale
Brokers who specialize in selling mountain and foothill properties in Oakhurst, Coarsegold, Mariposa, Yosemite, Sierras and throughout California.
http://www.rexinet.com/

Kalymnnos climbing & sea
Climbing klettern arrampicata and trekking on the island of Kalymnos by mountain guides school Alpinguide
http://www.kalymnosclimbing.eu

sea mountain inn nude resort and spa hotel
sea mountain inn is the premier celebrity luxury nude resort and spa-ranked top ten in the usa by msn-FHM maxim and playboy this incredible upscale nude spa and resort hotel welcomes you
http://www.nudespa.com/

Free Nature Pictures
A site featuring hundreds of high resolution nature pictures distributed under a Common Content License.
http://www.freenaturepictures.com/

Hostel Internacional Malargüe. ECOHOSTEL
In front of an exceptional panoramic view of the Andes mountains.Hostel in North of Patagonia, south of Mendoza Province, Argentina, Southamerica. 75km from Las Leñas ski center. Four beds dorms with private bathrooms. Homemade breakfast. Kitchen facilities for guests. TV, video, DVD and many ecotourism activities like hiking, trekking, mountain biking, flyfishing, birdwatching, and much more! 5km outside the small city of Malargüe, situated in a rural environment. Organic farm. Friendly atmosphere. Offers a lot of activities to enjoy nature, to practice adventure sports or it is simply your place to relax. We meet the regulations of International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) to do with customer reception and service, safety, hygiene and privacy which are guaranteed by this organization. There is no age limit to be our guest!
http://www.hostelmalargue.net/

Carpati.org - Portal despre Muntii Carpati, harti, ture montane.Fotografii, Cantece Online, Ghid Montan, Vremea la munte, Salvamont.
Portal despre Muntii Carpati, harti, ture montane.Fotografii, Cantece Online, Ghid Montan, Vremea la munte, Salvamont.
http://www.carpati.org/

Willbike personal web page
Pictures and travel logs, links
http://www.willbike.com/

Smiling Albino Adventures
Smiling Albino (http://www.smilingalbino.com) is an energetic travel company offering big adventures (http://www.smilingalbino.com/adventures/) in Thailand. SA adventures attract professionals, 35-55. Original, active itineraries feature a broad range of activities, modes of transportation and venues. As an innovator of Thai outreach programs, SA fuses community service with adventure travel (http://www.smilingalbino.com/community/). This approach benefits local economies while provides a complete, interactive experience for guests.
http://www.smilingalbino.com/

Page Lambert
River Writing Journeys for Women, Author, Speaker, Mountain Retreats
http://www.pagelambert.com/

New Level Snowboarding
High end and high-tech Race, Speed and AllMountain Snowboards, created by Pro Rider, World Champion and WorldCup Winner Sigi Grabner from Austria. Two categories: Perfect soul riding boards for freecarving and freeriding and powerful ultimate race boards for winners. All SG boards are perfectly handcrafted in Austria. SG Snowboards - The long ones for the Strong ones!
http://www.sgsnowboards.com/

Mountain Mojo
Mountain biking in the Pacific Northwest.
http://www.mountainmojo.com/

Storm Mountain News
Storm Mountain News providing news and Community Information for the Storm Mountain, Drake, Glen Haven and surrounding rural Larimer County of Northern Colorado
http://www.stormmountain.net/

GPS services for tourism and outdoor
GPS maps and satellite images for PC, PDA and smarthphone GPS
http://www.vivilibero.it/

Pemberton Valley Lodge
85 unit all suite hotel boasting beautiful mountain views. Always free parking and year round Heated Outdoor Hot Tub and Pool.
http://www.pembertonvalleylodge.com/

Nepal Experienced Adventure Treks (P) LTD
trekking, rafting, kayking, paragliding, sightseeing, rock climbing,expedition, air ticketing, bhutan tour, tibet tour, nepal adventure, adventure activities in nepal, everest panorama trek, everest flight, annapurna trek, everest trek, mustang trek, lang tang trek, kanchengunga trek, makalu trek, dhaulagiri trek, mountain biking, nepal hitory, political news,
http://www.neatadventure.com/

Take a horseback adventure into the high country of the Canadian Rockies!
Anchor D Outfitting offers a horseback getaway for just about everyone, from guided half-day and all-day rides out of the ranch and into the high ridges of Kananaskis Country, to multi-day adventure and hunting trips into the Alberta Rockies. Guests of Anchor D enjoy breathtaking scenery and delicious food and ride top quality horses matched to suit each rider's ability. We also have a beautiful and authentic two-bedroom log cabin at the ranch, nestled in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The cabin has a full kitchen, TV/VCE, loft and a magnificent view. Join us for the adventure of a lifetime!
http://www.anchord.com/

Alpinguide Italy
Mountain guides Trentino at Lake Garda are offering rock climbing canyoning trekking via ferrata and alpine courses
http://www.alpinguide.eu

DNM SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY
We are the professional suspension manufacturer. We make the suspension for MTB, dirt bikes and ATV's.
http://www.dnmsuspension.com/

Out To Grass Mountain Board Centre
Mountain Boarding is an exhilirating extreme sport that is enjoyed by people from all walks of life, young and old, male and female. Want to have a go? Its easy with our Hire and Ride session including all the pads, board and instruction. £7 for Adults, £6 for children for one hour. Looking for a new hobby? Mountain Boarding is the fastest growing extreme sport in the UK and at Out To Grass we can get you started. All the equipment is available to hire with a discount for Members and if you want to buy your own kit we can also advise you on what is the right board for you. On holiday in Herefordshire or Worcestershire and looking something a bit different that the whole family can do? Anyone, from the age of eight upwards, can learn to mountain board and its a great activity for parents to do with their children and show them they are still young at heart. Exciting birthday parties for groups of between eight and sixteen children. Have a two hour session including board hire, pads and instruction by an ATBA qualified instructor, all for only £9 per person. School and Youth Group Activity Days are often held at OTG with as many as fifty children in one day learning to ride safely and confidently. Improve your skills on the technically challenging boarder X track and multi-line multi-hit Slopestyle park. Out To Grass holds mountain board events every year. Spectators are very welcome and there will be camping available on site. Mountain bikers and BMX-ers are also welcome at Out To Grass.
http://www.outtograss.com/

Travel Photo Album
Travel Photo Album of England, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, USA, Hawaii, Oregon, Crimea, Mexico
http://photoalb.us/

Between Alps and Provence
Hikes and treks with a Mountain Leader from the sunny Alps of France to upper Provence
http://www.la-dryade.com/english.htm

Southern Muse
Art, history and southern humor from the mountains of North Georgia, as presented by the artist, D.K. Pritchett.
http://www.southernmuse.com/

Carolina Mountains Outdoor Center
While visiting beautiful Western North Carolina, take a scenic river trip with Carolina Mountains Outdoor Center. The Tuckaseegee River offers quiet areas of leisurely floating mixed with fun and exhilarating rapids. This river is rated as Class I and II whitewater (III at high water), and is the perfect choice for beginner and intermediate paddler. Please visit website for more information. We do rafting right!
http://www.cmoc-rafting.com/

Extreme Safari
Extreme Sports and Adventure Holidays in East Africa
http://www.extreme-safari.com/

Pete & Ed Books
Books, maps & DVDs on outdoor activities such as bicycling, canoeing, climbing, hiking and skiing.
http://www.peteandedbooks.com/

Balkan Estate ltd - Real Estate - Homes in Bulgaria
Balkan Estate is a Bulgarian Real Estate Agency, offering immovable property for sale all around Bulgaria, but mainly in the region of the Central Balkan Mountain and on the Black Sea coast. We are a company that provides holiday properties in mountain and sea areas, residential properties in towns and villages, plots of lands, commercial properties for small family business as well as for big investments. Our wish is not only to make it easier for you by choosing a real estate in Bulgaria to buy, but also to attend to your complete stay in our country. We provide a transport from the airport to the in advance reserved for you hotel, a view of the real estate, attended by an interpreter, and legal and financial consultations, relevant to the buying of immovable property in Bulgaria. During your stay in Bulgaria we organize for you tourist attractions as well as visits to some beauty spots. We offer you our help by managing your real estate in Bulgaria, carrying out repairs, guarding and planting it, furnishing according to individual projects and all the services, concerning your security and the security of your property in Bulgaria. Call or e-mail us and let us know how Balkan Estate can be Your Realty Company!
http://www.homes-bg.com/

Hotel and Inn at Coyote Mountain
Ecllodge located thirty seven miles from the Internalional airport in San Jose with broad mountain and Pacific ocean views and a spring like climate. Culinary programs offered throughout the year.
http://www.cerrocoyote.com/

Wild Spain
Information on Nature and Outdoor Travel in Spain
http://www.wild-spain.com/

Holiday Accommodation in the Hautes Alpes (Ecrins National Park)
Holiday accommodation in the Hautes Alpes combined with local knowledge to allow you to make the most of your valuable holiday time.
http://www.alpsun.com/

The Hikers Network
A South African Hiking group based in the Western Cape whose main aim is to educate, inform and introduce the community to the many facets of hiking and all related activity.
http://www.hikersnetwork.com/

TRIOBA Adventure Race
The TRIOBA Adventure Racing Series. TRIOBA 24-Hour, TRIOBA Sprints, and NW Adventures Clinics.
http://www.trioba.com

owner /designer
i designe and manufacture beautiful and diferent patio furniture and outdoore living. we costum made evry item and delivery between 4-5 weeks
http://www.blackmountaindesigns.com/

Flow Zone
Mountain Bike Website with lots of pictures and movies, daily news and reviews. All for Free!
http://www.flowzone.ch/

Mountain bike trails and cycling adventures in the northeast - Bikekinetix.com
Mountain bike trails that provide off-road scenic, wilderness, historical or romantic cycling adventures for both the experienced rider or beginner. Included are bicycle rides recommended for the whole family.
http://www.bikekinetix.com/

Pine River Paddlesport Center
Located in Northern Michigan, the Paddlesport Center of the Universe, PRPC is a family owned canoe, kayak, and raft rental. PRPC’s Clean and Quiet Campground is a great base camp from which to enjoy the many rivers, trails, dunes, & lakes in the Manistee National Forest and Pere Marquette State Forest. Michigan's premiere paddlesport streams are a stone’s throw away, and there are a dozen popular hiking and biking trails in the area. Home of the Up-North Adventure Store, The Wow-Wall, our 32’ auto-belay Rock Climbing Wall, Mountain Bike rentals, Camping Cabins & Riverside Vacation Rental on site.
http://www.thepineriver.com/

Bootlace Walking Holidays
Explore the Alpujarra, Sierra Nevada, Andalucia, Spain. Spectacular mountain walks, small friendly groups. Follow the ancient trade routes of the Moors. Great company, great vegetarian food, and the great outdoors!
http://www.bootlace.com/

lajoiedevivre.com
Stunning Manor House, which ofers very large on-suite deluxe B&B with eveing meals on request. The Joy of Life is at your front door here with so much outdoor fun to be had with your hosts Robert and Liz Norton
http://www.lajoiedevie.com/

Mountain High Lodge
Rustic charm with elegant accents and genuine hospitality await you at Mountain High Lodge. Located on Main Street, within easy walking distance of quaint shops and fine dining. We offer a variety of room types from our spacious double rooms to our king and deluxe rooms.
http://www.mountainhighinn.com/

Swope's Mountain Photography
Fun, high energy portrait, wedding and event photographers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
http://www.swopephoto.com/

Aero BUNGY Maxi-TRAMPOLINE.com BUNGEE TRAMPOLINE manufacturer 4in1 elastic Salto trampoline funball shootair, CLIMBING WALLS
BUNGY Maxi-TRAMPOLINE.com Bungee trampoline manufacturer, SALTO ELASTIC 4in1 mobile trailer, Worldwide Developer for attractions parks CLIMBING wall, Funball Shootair, space bikes, rodeo mechanic bull, sports games simulator
http://www.maxi-trampoline.com/

La Boscaglia walking tours
Association of professional guides, who organize walking treks (tours with a backpack), through wild and untouched regions throughout Europe in Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Crete, Cape Verde, Abruzzo, Calabria, Corsica, Spain, Dolomiti, etc. In this website are our walking philosophy (slow pace, natural cooking, healing with herbs, etc.), our detailed tours program, a market of second-hand equipments, archives about walking as a therapy, links with websites of a special value, and information about subscribing to the fortnightly newsletter CamminareInforma.
http://www.boscaglia.it/

CAMPINGS RCN FRANCE
Le Groupe RCN est présent dans 5 des plus belles régions de France: la Vendée, le Périgord, l'Ardèche, la Côte d'Azur et la Haute Provence.
http://www.rcn-campings.fr/

Golf courses in Andalusia, Spain
All useful information for golfers, all golf courses in Andalusia, Spain.
http://www.golf-costa.com

scouts
scouts for boys and girls age from 6 to 16 yr old
http://www.13thkildare.com/

Vacation Ownership!
This site is for the two premier resorts located in the Mt. Washington Valley in New Hampshire. These are the Eastern Slope Inn and Attitash Mountain Village. Here you will find discounted rates as well as other promotions including an opportunity for CASH with no financial obligation!
http://www.nhvacation-ownership.com/

Beautiful Smith Mountain Lake Virginia
Your total information resource for waterfront homes and land ~ Lake access homes and land condominiums, townhomes and gated and golf communities.
http://www.smlhomes.com/

Mountain Pursuit Challenge
The official website of the MPC Team, providing information on the Moutain Pursuit Challenges - a series of backpacking weeknds run by Scouting Ireland around the island for Ireland for scouts aged 14 to 16 years old.
http://www.mpcteam.com/

Visted Planet - on-line travel images database
Visited Planet is a digital image database containing over 6000 photos from over 20 countries. Sections include agriculture, food, wildlife, people, landscapes, children, sport, architecture and hiking. Freelance writing and photography also available.
http://www.visitedplanet.com/

Biglost ranch
Rocky mountain paradise experience
http://www.biglostranch.com/

PlanetPagosa
Community Website for Pagosa Springs CO
http://www.planetpagosa.com/

www.mtb-cecina.it
Associazione Sportiva MTB Club Cecina (LI)
http://www.mtb-cecina.it/

BC Mountain Homes
BC Mountain Homes offers affordable, inspired home designs that can be crafted to suit personal needs and the opportunities and challenges of any site.
http://www.bcmountainhomes.com/

Beautiful Mountain Cabin in North GA
Sleeps up to 14. Great views of TN, NC and GA Lots of activities in the area
http://www.georgiamountainproperties.com/

hotel - bed and breakfast - accomodations
nice and reasonable vacation-flats and appartement, with balcony or terrace, explore the city Schneeberg and its historic old center as well as the charming landscape around
http://www.fewo-bochmann/

The Pendeli Hotel, Platres, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
We are the family run Pendeli Hotel, set in the beautiful mountain resort of Platres, offering traditional Cypriot hospitality in combination with modern facilities. All guest-rooms are comfortably furnished and equipped with central heating (winter), ceiling fan, fitted carpet, bathroom, television, telephone, hair dryer, clock radio and private balcony, most overlooking the valley and the surrounding countryside. Stay with us and enjoy this beautiful location, surrounded by lush pine forests, picturesque villages and the sunshine of Cyprus.
http://pendelihotel.com.cy/

Tabor Mountain Ski Resort & Bike Park
Northern BC's only lift accessed mountain bike park! Trails for all ages and abilities.
http://www.tabormountain.com/

Mountain Harvest Festival
Colorado Festivals Color Weekend in Colorado Music Events in Paonia Paonia, Colorado Agriculture Festivals
http://www.mountainharvestfestival.com/

Blue Mountain
Includes holidays of several religions, humor and a variety of special interest images. Flash, Java and animated selections available.
http://www.bluemountain.com/

Rocky Mountain Institute
Based on work by Amory and Hunter Lovins, this organization has a nonadversarial, transideological approach to helping businesses, communities, governments and individuals create more wealth in a life-sustaining manner, primarily by gains in efficiency.
http://www.rmi.org/

The Mountain Zone
A source for mountain related activity. Stories, cybercasts, multimedia, photos and coverage of mountain sports.
http://www.mountainzone.com/

Rocky Mountain News
Daily paper with local and world news, sports, classifieds, and entertainment servicing the greater Denver area.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/

Appalachian Mountain Club
America's oldest conservation and recreation organization. Lists club activities, bulletin boards, chapter news, lodging options, membership information, publications, trading post, employment openings, and volunteer requests.
http://www.outdoors.org/