Which is more mountainous eastern or western north America explain why?

Western North America is generally considered to be more mountainous than Eastern North America. This is largely due to the presence of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada range, which are two of the largest mountain ranges in the world. The Rocky Mountains stretch from Alaska to New Mexico, while the Sierra Nevada range runs along the Pacific Coast of California. Other notable mountain ranges in Western North America include the Cascade Range, the Olympic Mountains, and the Alaska Range.

In contrast, Eastern North America is characterized by lower elevations and more rolling terrain. The Appalachian Mountains, which are the oldest mountain range in North America, are located in the eastern part of the continent. However, the Appalachians are generally not as high as the Rocky Mountains or the Sierra Nevada range. The highest peak in the Appalachians is Mount Mitchell, which is located in North Carolina and has an elevation of 6,684 feet (2,037 meters).

There are a number of factors that contribute to the difference in elevation between Eastern and Western North America. One factor is the age of the mountain ranges. The Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada range are both relatively young, having formed during the Cenozoic era. The Appalachians, on the other hand, are much older, having formed during the Paleozoic era. This means that the Appalachians have had more time to erode and be worn down by wind, rain, and other natural forces.

Another factor contributing to the difference in elevation between Eastern and Western North America is the presence of tectonic plates. Western North America is located on the boundary between the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate. The collision of these two plates has caused the Earth's crust to buckle and fold, creating the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada range. In contrast, Eastern North America is located on the North American Plate, which is relatively stable and has not experienced the same level of tectonic activity.

In summary, Western North America is generally more mountainous than Eastern North America due to the presence of younger mountain ranges and the collision of tectonic plates.