On the block-geosynclinal concept of the mountain relief formation (with special reference to the central belt of Eurasia and adjacent regions)

Abstract

A concept is discussed which ascribes a leading role in mountain relief formation in many mountain countries of Eurasia to the processes of block upheaval and growth of large highlands and plateau (so called median masses); the processes produced at the same time compression in inter-block areas (geosynclinal troughs) and formation vast plicated mountain systems there. Examples from the African-Arabian plate and other regions confirm the concept.