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Information on Mountains
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.

Local definitions

Some authorities define a mountain as a peak with a topographic prominence over a defined
value: for example, according to the Britannica Student Encyclopedia, the term "generally
[3]
refers to rises over 2,000 feet (610 metres)". The Encyclopædia Britannica, on the other
hand, does not prescribe any height, merely stating that "the term has no standardized

[4]
geological meaning".

United Kingdom

In England and Wales the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has defined
"mountain" (as a mass noun) as all land over 600 metres, for the purposes of right to roam
[5]
legislation. This is a close metric equivalent of 2,000 feet (610 meters). The Land Reform
(Scotland) Act 2003 does not appear to draw this distinction, and in Scotland the term
"mountain" is more subjective, often being used for hills exceeding 3,000 feet (914.4 m)
listed as Munros. In the United Kingdom the term "hill" is commonly used for all hills and
mountains, regardless of height.

(God's Amazing Landscapes) 10