Exercise Solutions Available
Step-by-step answers for all textbook questions in this chapter
What are Landforms?
The natural shapes on the surface of the Earth are called landforms. The three major landforms are:
1. Mountains 2. Plateaus 3. Plains
Mountains
A mountain is a natural elevation much higher than the area around it. Mountains have peaks and steep slopes, and many have a row of peaks called a mountain range.
Types of Mountains
| Type | How formed | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fold mountains | Layers of the crust are squeezed and folded upwards by pressure | Himalayas, Alps, Andes, Rockies |
| Block mountains | Large blocks of rock are pushed up (or dropped down) along cracks | Vindhyas, Black Forest |
| Volcanic mountains | Formed by volcanic eruptions that pile up lava and ash | Mount Kilimanjaro, Fujiyama |
Young and Old Mountains
- Young mountains (e.g. the Himalayas) are high, pointed and rugged.
- Old mountains (e.g. the Urals) are low, rounded and smooth, worn down by erosion over millions of years.
Many rivers start in the mountains, where glaciers (rivers of ice) melt to form streams.
Plateaus
A plateau is a flat-topped highland that stands clearly higher than the surrounding land. Its top is fairly level, but its sides may be steep.
| Plateau | Where |
|---|---|
| Deccan Plateau | India |
| Tibetan Plateau | Asia (the highest plateau) |
| East African Plateau | Africa |
Plains
A plain is a large area of flat or gently rolling land with very low relief. Most plains are formed by rivers depositing alluvium (fine fertile soil) over a long time.
| Plain | Formed by |
|---|---|
| Indo-Gangetic Plain (India) | The Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers |
| Prairies | North America |
| Steppes | Asia |
Glaciers
A glacier is a permanent "river of ice" found in high mountains. It moves very slowly down the valley, cuts deep U-shaped valleys, and is the source of many rivers.
People and Landforms
- Plains are the most popular for living — flat, fertile soil, rivers for water and transport, easy to build on.
- Mountains are harder to farm and travel in, but they are rich in forests, water and minerals, and are great for tourism.
- Plateaus are rich in minerals (e.g. the Chotanagpur plateau in India).
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Landform | A natural shape on the Earth's surface |
| Mountain | A high natural elevation with peaks and steep slopes |
| Mountain range | A row of mountains |
| Plateau | A flat-topped highland higher than its surroundings |
| Plain | A flat or gently rolling area of low relief |
| Glacier | A slow-moving river of ice in the mountains |
| Alluvium | Fine, fertile soil deposited by rivers |
| Erosion | The wearing away of rock and soil over time |
Exam Tips
- The three major landforms — mountains, plateaus, plains — is a standard 1-mark question.
- Know the three mountain types and one example each: fold (Himalayas), block (Vindhyas), volcanic (Kilimanjaro).
- Young vs old mountains: high/pointed vs low/rounded — a favourite "difference" question.
- Glaciers are rivers of ice (not water) — a common trick question.
- Rivers form plains by depositing alluvium; people live in plains because they are flat, fertile and easy to settle.