The alps have a complex geology but the general structure is the same as for other mountain ranges formed by continental collision subdivisions edit the alps are often divided into eastern central and western alps even though the boundaries between these subdivisions are rather arbitrary. The alps form a part of a tertiary orogenic belt of mountain chains along the southern margin of the continents asia and europe called the alpide belt this belt of mountain chains was formed . Curious about how the alps were formed they rose up due to the collision of the african and european tectonic plates but the present day landscape is the result of millions of years of glacial activity and erosion here is a short guide to the geology of the alps from the big bang to the present. The alps with their outstanding outcrop conditions represent a superb natural laboratory for many geological processes and have played a crucial role in the history of geology this book gives an up to date and holistic overview of the key aspects of alpine geology. The alps with their outstanding outcrop conditions represent a superb natural laboratory for many geological processes and have played a crucial role in the history of geology this book gives an up to date and holistic overview of the key aspects of alpine geology