Mountains on Earth often have sharp peaks and edges to them, while mountains on the Moon look smooth and kind of dull in comparison. What gives the Earth's mountains their dramatically sharp shapes?
A) rocks falling from space hit the mountains and shape them
B) water and ice flow over the Earth's mountains and erode them
C) the Earth's magnetic field is responsible for all the shapes on the surface
D) earthquakes in the mountain regions break big mountains into smaller ones
E) this is an unsolved problem in science
Section 8.3: Earth's Atmosphere

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Water and ice flowing over the Earth's mountains erode them over time, causing the sharp peaks and edges. The Moon does not have flowing water or ice, so its mountains are smoother.

Mountains on Earth Often Have Sharp Peaks and Edges to Them