MOUNTAIN

( MOUNTAIN)

A mountain is a landform that stretches above the surrounding land in a limited area, with a peak. A mountain is generally steeper than a hill, but there is no universally accepted standard definition for the height of a mountain or a hill although a mountain usually has an identifiable summit. Mountains cover 64% of Asia, 36% of North America, 25% of Europe, 22% of South America, 17% of Australia, and 3% of Africa. As a whole, 24% of the Earth's land mass is mountainous. 10% of people live in mountainous regions. Most of the world's rivers are fed from mountain sources, and more than half of humanity depends on mountains for water.[1][2]
The adjective montane is used to describe mountainous areas and things associated with them. Orology is its specialized field of studies, though the term is mostly replaced by "Mountain studies".

Geographic Information Science and Mountain Geomorphology Significant advances in geomatics and geomorphology are changing the way in which scientists study complex mountain environments. This book provides a critical treatment and evaluation of these recent developments. With the advent of advanced satellite sensors, high resolution satellite imagery and digital elevation, models now make possible quantitative analysis and modelling of the landscape. So it is becoming ever more important for geoscientists to integrate geomatics into their scientific investigation. This book is a "must" for any researcher actively working in geomatics, geomorphology and mountain systems. It will also be valuable to geologists and resource planners interested in the role of surface processes in complex orogens and resource assessment and sustainable development. From the reviews: "...edited by two active and well-respected researchers in the field of geomorphology, surveys a broad range of quantitative approaches to the analysis of mountain systems. This book provides a critical treatment and evaluation of recent developments. This well-written and wide-ranging material provides valuable insights into the use of specialized GIScience techniques across the broad spectrum of mountain geomorphic research.