tern edge of the South American Plate. The tectonic processes that created the Andes continue to this present day.
             Processes Shaping the Mountain Environment
             Tectonic processes are forces that create the mountains. However, there are other processes that shape mountains such as, the Andes. Over a period of time, bare rock is broken down. This is due to the constant attack of weathering with the influence of water and heat. Weathering is commonly known as the non-active agent of erosion because the material remains in the same place. Weathering includes both physical and chemical weathering. Erosion and deposition however, are known as the active agents of erosion, as the material is removed form its original position. The three agents of erosion include, water, wind and ice.
             The majority of erosion in mountain areas has been caused by glaciers. Glaciers are large, permanent non-seasonal masses of ice that are formed on land and moves under the force of gravity. Glaciers alter land by erosion as well. They may erode in two ways, plucking and abrasion. The rock material transported by these processes may be deposited as either lateral (side) moraine, medial (middle) moraine or Terminal (end) mo
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