Awesome. Majestic. Cool. These words and many more have been used to describe the natural wonder of mountains.
For thousands of years, they have inspired stories and poetry, paintings and music, religious devotion, amazing athletic feats, and silent appreciation.
Mountains cover nearly a quarter of Earth’s land surface. Some people call them home, and others take long trips to climb or just look at them. Many plants and animals live in mountainous areas. Mountains affect weather and climate, provide water, and are mined for silver, gold, copper, and other metals.
