Definition
There
is no universally accepted definition of a mountain. Elevation, volume,
relief, steepness, spacing and continuity have been used as criteria
for defining a mountain. In the Oxford English Dictionary a mountain is
defined as "a natural elevation of the earth surface rising more or less
abruptly from the surrounding level and attaining an altitude which,
relatively to the adjacent elevation, is impressive or notable."Whether a
landform is called a mountain may depend on usage among the local
people. The highest point in San Francisco, California, is called Mount
Davidson, notwithstanding its height of 300 m (980 ft), which makes it
ten feet short of the minimum for a mountain by American
designations.[citation needed] Similarly, Mount Scott outside Lawton,
Oklahoma is only 251 m (823 ft) from its base to its highest point.
Definitions of "mountain" include Height over base of at least 2,500 m
(8,202 ft);
Height over base of 1,500 m (4,921 ft).–2,500 m (8,202 ft). with a
slope greater than 2 degrees
Height over base of 1,000 m (3,281 ft).–1,500 m (4,921 ft). with a
slope greater than 5 degrees
Local (radius 7,000 m (22,966 ft). elevation greater than 300 m (984
ft)., or 300 m (984 ft)–1,000 m (3,281 ft). if local (radius 7,000 m
(22,966 ft). elevation is greater than 300 m (984 ft).
By this definition,[which?] mountains cover 64% of Asia, 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 and 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.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain
