Does Earth's Stability Depend on Mountains?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the role of mountains in Earth's stability, particularly in relation to plate tectonics. Participants explore whether mountains serve a specific purpose or if their existence is merely a byproduct of geological processes. The conversation highlights the philosophical nature of such inquiries, comparing mountains to the moon, which stabilizes Earth's axial tilt. Ultimately, the consensus leans towards mountains being a result of plate tectonics rather than having an inherent purpose.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of plate tectonics and its mechanisms
  • Knowledge of Earth's axial tilt and its implications
  • Familiarity with geological formations and their significance
  • Basic concepts of philosophical inquiry regarding nature
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  • Research the impact of plate tectonics on Earth's geological features
  • Explore the relationship between the moon and Earth's axial stability
  • Investigate the philosophical implications of purpose in natural phenomena
  • Examine case studies of mountain ranges and their geological history
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Geologists, philosophers, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in the interplay between geological processes and Earth's stability.

Mainul_Islam
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Do the mountains have any purpose of Earth's functioning, such as keeping the Earth stable in any sort of way?

I'm open to hear any facts (from sources), theories, and explanations.
 
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Welcome, Mainul Islam.

I think the question is more philosophical, on the edge of metaphysical. Is there anything in nature with a purpose? Has the moon a purpose. Let's say that the moon is a very convenient thing to have, keeping the Earth spin axis rather stable. But is that a purpose or a happy coincidence?

Mountains are the result of plate tectonics which in turn is very convenient as well, otherwise the world would have had a a perfect geode form with no elevation difference anywhere with some 3000 meters of ocean depth covering everything, execpt perhaps an odd hot spot volcano. But does plate tectonics have a purpose?
 
this thread will only bring speculation.
 

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