Exercise Solutions Available
Step-by-step answers for all textbook questions in this chapter
Major Landforms of the Earth: NCERT Exercise Solutions
Welcome to the complete NCERT exercise solutions for Class 6 Social Science Geography Chapter 6 — Major Landforms of the Earth. This chapter introduces you to the three broad categories of landforms found on the Earth's surface: mountains, plateaus, and plains. Understanding these landforms helps you appreciate why people choose to live in certain areas, how rivers and glaciers shape the land, and why different regions look so different from each other.
Every question from the NCERT textbook is answered below in a detailed, exam-oriented manner. Use the quick-recap table and MCQ section to revise faster before your exams.
How to Use This Page
1. Read the Key Concepts table first for a fast refresher of important terms. 2. Go through the Intext Questions to understand the thinking behind each concept. 3. Study the Chapter-End Exercise Solutions for full, exam-ready answers. 4. Practise the MCQs to test your recall and spot weak areas. 5. Review the Common Mistakes and Exam Checklist before your test to avoid losing marks.
Key Concepts (Quick Recap)
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Mountain | A natural elevation of the Earth's surface rising high above the surrounding land, usually with steep slopes and a pointed or rounded summit. |
| Fold Mountain | A mountain formed by the folding of the Earth's crust due to compressive forces; examples include the Himalayas and the Alps. |
| Block Mountain | A mountain formed when a block of land is pushed up between two cracks (faults) in the Earth's crust; examples include the Vosges and the Black Forest. |
| Volcanic Mountain | A mountain formed by the accumulation of lava and other volcanic material ejected from a vent in the Earth's crust; examples include Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Fuji. |
| Plateau | An elevated flat-topped landform that rises above the surrounding area; also called a tableland. |
| Plain | A large area of flat or gently rolling land, usually at a low elevation, often formed by river deposits. |
| Glacier | A slowly moving mass of ice formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow on mountains or near the poles. |
| Valley | A low area of land between hills or mountains, often carved out by rivers or glaciers over millions of years. |
| Peak / Summit | The highest point of a mountain. |
| Range | A series of mountains connected to each other in a line; e.g., the Himalayan Range. |
| Ring of Fire | A zone around the Pacific Ocean where many active volcanoes are found, encircling the ocean basin. |
| River Valley | A valley carved by the flowing water of a river; these are usually V-shaped and very fertile. |
Intext Questions
Q: Why do you think so few people live on high mountains?
People live in smaller numbers on high mountains because the climate is extremely cold and harsh, the slopes are steep making farming and construction difficult, oxygen levels decrease at higher altitudes causing breathing problems, and transportation networks are hard to build. Only a few communities like the Sherpas in the Himalayas have adapted to these tough conditions over centuries.
Q: What do you think a plateau looks like?
A plateau looks like a flat-topped hill or table rising above the surrounding lowlands. That is why it is also called a tableland. Its top is relatively flat or gently rolling, while its sides (called escarpments) are often steep. The Deccan Plateau in India, for example, is a vast, elevated flat region bordered by mountain ranges on its edges — the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.
Q: Why are plains the most suitable areas for human settlement?
Plains are the most suitable areas for human settlement because: (a) the flat land makes it easy to build houses, roads, and railways; (b) the soil is fertile due to river deposits (alluvium), supporting agriculture; (c) rivers flowing through plains provide a reliable source of water for drinking and irrigation; and (d) transportation and communication are much easier on flat terrain. That is why the world's most densely populated regions — such as the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains, the Nile Valley, and the North European Plain — are all plains.
Q: How do landforms affect the way people live?
Landforms directly influence human life in several ways. Mountains offer forest resources, medicinal herbs, and tourist attractions, but make farming and transport difficult. Plateaus are rich in minerals (the Chota Nagpur Plateau has iron and coal), supporting mining and industry. Plains are ideal for agriculture, transport, and building cities. Thus, the type of landform in a region largely determines what economic activities people pursue and how densely populated the area is.
Q: What role do glaciers play in shaping landforms?
Glaciers are powerful agents of erosion and deposition. As they move slowly downhill under their own weight, they carve out deep U-shaped valleys, grind rock surfaces, and transport enormous amounts of debris. When glaciers melt, they deposit this debris, forming features like moraines and drumlins. Glacial action is responsible for many dramatic mountain landscapes, including fjords, cirques, and hanging valleys.
Chapter-End Exercise Questions
Q1. What are the three main types of landforms?
The three main types of landforms are:
1. Mountains — Natural elevations of the Earth's surface that rise high above the surrounding land. They have steep slopes and a peak or summit at the top. Examples: the Himalayas, the Andes, the Alps.
2. Plateaus — Elevated flat-topped areas that rise above the surrounding land. They are also called tablelands because of their flat top. Examples: the Tibetan Plateau, the Deccan Plateau.
3. Plains — Large stretches of flat or gently rolling land, usually at low elevations. Plains are generally formed by river deposits and are very fertile. Examples: the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Great Plains of the USA.
These three landforms cover the Earth's surface and each type supports different kinds of human activity, vegetation, and climate.
Q2. What is the difference between a mountain and a plateau?
| Feature | Mountain | Plateau |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Has a peak or summit; steep slopes | Flat top; steep sides (escarpments) |
| Height | Generally very high above sea level | Elevated but lower than most mountains |
| Top | Narrow, pointed, or rounded peak | Broad and flat like a table |
| Formation | Formed by folding, faulting, or volcanic activity | Formed by upliftment or lava flows |
| Example | Mount Everest, Himalayas | Deccan Plateau, Tibetan Plateau |
| Human use | Tourism, forestry, limited agriculture | Mining, moderate agriculture |
In short, a mountain rises to a peak, while a plateau is an elevated flat area. Mountains are higher, and plateaus have flat tops.
Q3. Why are plains densely populated?
Plains are densely populated for the following reasons:
1. Fertile soil: Rivers flowing through plains deposit alluvium (fine silt and clay) making the soil extremely fertile and ideal for agriculture. 2. Easy to build on: Flat terrain makes it easy to construct houses, roads, railways, and airports. 3. Water availability: Rivers and streams in plains provide abundant water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use. 4. Favourable climate: Plains generally have moderate climates suitable for human habitation and crop cultivation. 5. Easy transportation: The flat land allows for the development of road and rail networks, making movement of people and goods convenient. 6. Agricultural productivity: The combination of fertile soil and water enables multiple crops per year, supporting large populations.
This is why major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Dhaka are located on plains.
Q4. What are the different types of mountains? Explain each type.
There are three types of mountains:
1. Fold Mountains Fold mountains are formed when two tectonic plates collide and compress the Earth's crust, causing rock layers to fold upwards. The folded layers create peaks and valleys. Examples:
- The Himalayas in Asia (formed by the collision of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate)
- The Alps in Europe
- The Andes in South America
- The Rockies in North America
2. Block Mountains Block mountains are formed when cracks or faults develop in the Earth's crust and the land between two faults is pushed up, or the land on either side sinks down. The raised block becomes a mountain with steep sides and a relatively flat top. Examples:
- The Vosges in France
- The Black Forest in Germany
- The Satpura Range in India
3. Volcanic Mountains Volcanic mountains are formed when molten rock (magma), ash, and gases escape from the Earth's interior through cracks or vents. The erupted material accumulates around the vent and builds up into a mountain over time. Examples:
- Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (Africa)
- Mount Fuji in Japan
- Mount Vesuvius in Italy
- Mount St. Helens in the USA
Q5. Name some important mountain ranges of the world.
Some important mountain ranges of the world are:
| Mountain Range | Continent | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Himalayas | Asia | Fold | Tallest mountain range; contains Mt. Everest |
| The Andes | South America | Fold | Longest mountain range in the world |
| The Rockies | North America | Fold | Extend over 4,800 km from Canada to New Mexico |
| The Alps | Europe | Fold | Famous for scenic beauty and winter sports |
| The Urals | Europe-Asia | Fold | Traditional boundary between Europe and Asia |
| The Appalachian | North America | Fold | One of the oldest mountain ranges |
| The Great Dividing Range | Australia | Fold | Longest mountain range in Australia |
In India, the major mountain ranges are the Himalayas (northern border), the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats (flanking the Deccan Plateau), and the Aravalli Range (one of the oldest fold mountains).
Q6. What are plateaus? Give examples.
A plateau is an elevated flat-topped landform that rises above the surrounding area. Its top is relatively flat or gently undulating, while its sides are often steep. Plateaus are also called tablelands because of their table-like appearance.
Types of plateaus:
1. Intermontane plateau — A plateau surrounded by mountains on all sides. Example: The Tibetan Plateau (the highest plateau in the world, also called the "Roof of the World"). 2. Piedmont plateau — A plateau situated at the foot of a mountain range. Example: The Patagonian Plateau in South America. 3. Continental plateau — A plateau that is not surrounded by mountains but stands as an extensive flat elevated region. Example: The Deccan Plateau of India.
Other important plateaus:
- East African Plateau — Rich in wildlife and mineral resources
- Western Plateau of Australia — Covers most of the Australian continent
- Tibetan Plateau — Highest and largest plateau; located between the Himalayas and the Kunlun Range
- Deccan Plateau — Formed by ancient lava flows; rich in black soil suitable for cotton cultivation
- Chota Nagpur Plateau (India) — Rich in iron, coal, and other minerals
Q7. How are plains formed?
Plains are formed mainly by the following processes:
1. River deposition (Alluvial plains): Most plains are formed by rivers. Over millions of years, rivers carry sediments (silt, sand, clay) from mountains and highlands and deposit them in lower areas. These deposited materials gradually build up into flat, fertile plains. The Indo-Gangetic Plain was formed this way by the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra rivers and their tributaries.
2. Glacial deposition: Glaciers also deposit sediments when they melt, forming plains. The Great Plains of North America were partly shaped by glacial deposits.
3. Wind deposition: In some arid and semi-arid regions, wind deposits fine particles (loess) to form plains. The Loess Plateau in China is an example.
4. Lava flows: Some plains are formed by ancient lava flows that spread over large areas and cooled into flat surfaces. The Deccan Trap region of India was formed by volcanic lava flows.
5. Coastal plains: These are formed by the deposition of sediments along coastlines by rivers and ocean currents. The Eastern Coastal Plain and Western Coastal Plain of India are examples.
Among these, alluvial plains formed by river deposition are the most fertile and most densely populated.
Q8. Fill in the blanks.
1. The Himalayas are an example of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ mountains. (Fold) 2. A \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is a flat-topped elevated landform. (Plateau) 3. The Tibetan Plateau is also called the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (Roof of the World) 4. Plains formed by river deposits are called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ plains. (Alluvial) 5. Mount Kilimanjaro is an example of a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ mountain. (Volcanic) 6. The zone around the Pacific Ocean with many active volcanoes is called the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (Ring of Fire) 7. Glaciers carve out \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_-shaped valleys. (U) 8. The Andes is the longest \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ range in the world. (Mountain)
Q9. True or False.
Q10. Match the Column.
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. Fold Mountain | (c) Himalayas |
| 2. Block Mountain | (e) Vosges |
| 3. Volcanic Mountain | (a) Kilimanjaro |
| 4. Intermontane Plateau | (f) Tibetan Plateau |
| 5. Piedmont Plateau | (b) Patagonian Plateau |
| 6. Continental Plateau | (d) Deccan Plateau |
Correct matches:
- 1 → (c) Himalayas — The Himalayas were formed by the folding of the Earth's crust.
- 2 → (e) Vosges — The Vosges mountains in France are block mountains formed by faulting.
- 3 → (a) Kilimanjaro — Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa is a volcanic mountain.
- 4 → (f) Tibetan Plateau — The Tibetan Plateau is surrounded by the Himalayas and other ranges.
- 5 → (b) Patagonian Plateau — The Patagonian Plateau lies at the foot of the Andes.
- 6 → (d) Deccan Plateau — The Deccan Plateau is a vast continental plateau of India.
MCQ Practice
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusing fold mountains with block mountains. Fold mountains are formed by the compression and folding of rock layers (e.g., Himalayas), while block mountains are formed by faulting — the land between two faults is pushed up (e.g., Vosges). Do not mix up their formation processes.
2. Calling plateaus "mountains with flat tops." While a plateau does have a flat top, it is classified as a separate landform, not a type of mountain. Always refer to it as a distinct category.
3. Saying "all plains are formed by rivers." While most plains are alluvial (formed by river deposits), some plains are formed by glacial deposition, wind deposition, or lava flows. Be specific about the formation process.
4. Confusing the Ring of Fire with the Atlantic Ocean. The Ring of Fire surrounds the Pacific Ocean, not the Atlantic. This is a frequently tested fact.
5. Writing "glaciers move fast." Glaciers move extremely slowly — only a few centimetres to metres per day. They are powerful but slow agents of erosion.
6. Forgetting to give examples. In exam answers, always support your explanation with at least one example. Writing "Fold mountains are formed by folding" without naming the Himalayas or the Alps will cost you marks.
Exam Checklist
Before your exam, make sure you can answer "Yes" to each of these:
- [ ] Can I name and explain the three major landforms (mountains, plateaus, plains)?
- [ ] Can I define and give examples of the three types of mountains (fold, block, volcanic)?
- [ ] Can I explain the difference between a mountain and a plateau with a comparison?
- [ ] Can I list at least four important mountain ranges and their continents?
- [ ] Can I name three types of plateaus with examples (intermontane, piedmont, continental)?
- [ ] Can I explain how plains are formed (especially alluvial plains)?
- [ ] Can I explain why plains are densely populated with at least four reasons?
- [ ] Do I know what the Ring of Fire is and where it is located?
- [ ] Can I distinguish between U-shaped (glacial) and V-shaped (river) valleys?
- [ ] Can I fill in blanks and answer True/False questions on all key terms from this chapter?
This completes the NCERT exercise solutions for Class 6 Social Science Geography Chapter 6 — Major Landforms of the Earth. Revise the key concepts table and the MCQs regularly for best results in your exams. For more chapter-wise solutions, explore the rest of the KalviGavani Class 6 Social Science resources.