A geological term meaning
mountain building
The process of creation of a mountain belt by tectonic activity, generally by the collision of continental plates or microplates.
Characterized by regional metamorphism, igneous activity and vertical movements, combined with compression forces and volcanism.
Perhaps the biggest example of orogenesis would be the Himalayan mountain range: this range was formed during the collision of the subcontinent of India with Eurasia. The seafloor between the two land masses was squeezed upwards, forming the current mountain range.
Also known as orogeny or tectogenesis.