How was the mountain formed? How has it changed over time?
The formation of the whole Alpine range started with the break-up of the Pangaea continent 200 million years ago into Laurasia (containing Europe) and Gondwana (containing Africa).
The formation of the Matterhorn mountain (and the rest of the Alps) began approximately 50 to 60 million years ago when the African and Eurasian tectonic plates collided. Experts suggest that the Matterhorn mountain began as a rounded hill, but got its distinct pyramidal shape as a result of natural erosion since it was made. Some scientists say that the mountain is starting to suffer from global warming. There have been many fallen rocks from the mountain and 4478m up to the summit there have been melting water that is showing exposed cracks and crevices. |