Opens in a new tab

Uplift

Uplift refers to the vertical elevation of the Earth’s surface due to tectonic forces, such as those caused by plate collisions, volcanic activity, or the rebound following the melting of ice sheets. Uplift is significant in geology for understanding mountain building, landscape evolution, and the interaction between tectonics and erosion. 

Reference: Molnar, P., & England, P. (1990). “Late Cenozoic Uplift of Mountain Ranges and Global Climate Change: Chicken or Egg?” Nature, 346(6279), 29-34. 

← Back to the Glossary

join.me

Geology made clear, in your inbox.

Get clear, visual explainers on rocks, minerals, deep time, and the most fascinating parts of Earth science from Geoscopy.