Tectonic uplift is a process that occurs when the Earth’s tectonic plates collide or press against each other, causing a section of the Earth’s crust to rise.
Tectonic uplift happens when the Earth “breaks” along large fractures known as faults. Faults are deep cracks in the Earth’s crust, created by the movement of tectonic plates. Through these faults, pieces of the Earth’s surface can either rise higher or sink lower, depending on the forces exerted upon them. Over time, such movements cause an area to elevate, leading to the formation of mountains.
Initially, an area may be at sea level, but over the course of millions of years, the continuous pressure and forces generated by the movement of the plates push the rocks upward. This movement, though slow by human standards, is powerful enough to form mountain ranges and peaks. As a result, a region that was once flat or submerged can gradually transform into an impressive high mountain, just as happened with Mount Helmos.