Expansive landforms with a flat or gently

undulating surface.

Generally do not rise more than 300 meters Landforms significantly higher than the
Characteristics
above sea level. surrounding landscape.

Lack significant hills or deep valleys. Characteristics Broad base

Primarily formed by the deposition of
sediments by rivers. Characterized by: Steep slopes
Formation
Floodplains: Formed by the accumulation of Narrow summit
sediment carried by rivers.
Tectonic plate collisions (e.g., Himalayas)
Highly fertile due to the deposition of
rich sediments.
Mountains Formation Formed through geological processes like: Volcanic activity (e.g., Mount Fuji)
**Fertility:**
Ideal for agriculture: Rice, wheat, maize, Erosion (e.g., Black Hills)
cotton, jute.
Steep, jagged peaks (e.g., Himalayas)
High population density due to fertile
land and ease of transportation. **Young Mountains:** Formed relatively recently.
**Population Density:**
Support large human settlements and Plains Continuously undergoing uplift and
civilizations. erosion.
Key Features
Types
Facilitates transportation and trade. Rounded, smoother peaks due to
**River Navigation:** prolonged erosion.
Rivers play a crucial role in connecting **Old Mountains:**
communities. Examples: Appalachian Mountains,
Aravalli Range.
Rivers hold immense cultural and
religious significance.
**Cultural Significance:**
Sources and confluences of rivers are Series of connected mountains extending
over long distances.
often sacred sites.

One of the most densely populated Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga

regions in the world. Himalayas (Asia):
**Gangetic Plain (India):** Formed by the collision of the Indian and
Supports a diverse range of agricultural Eurasian plates.
Mountain Ranges
activities.
Examples Mont Blanc
Vast grassland region. Alps (Europe):
Known for its glaciers and scenic beauty.
**Great Plains (North America):**
Historically important for agriculture and
livestock grazing. Examples: Mount Aconcagua (highest peak in South
America)
Andes (South America):
Longest mountain range in the world.
Dominant economic activity.
Rocky Mountains (North America)
Traditional rainfed agriculture. **Agriculture:**

Atlas Mountains (Africa)

Increasing reliance on irrigation (canals,
groundwater).
Life in the Plains Ural Mountains (Russia)
Groundwater depletion due to excessive
irrigation.
Limit arable land.
Soil erosion and degradation. **Challenges:**
**Steep Slopes:**
Environmental pollution. Increase the risk of landslides and erosion.

Cold temperatures, heavy snowfall,

strong winds.
Elevated landforms with a relatively flat or
gently undulating surface. **Harsh Climate:**
Can limit human settlement and
Rise abruptly from the surrounding landscape. Characteristics agricultural activities.

Often have steep sides. Landforms and Life Challenges Avalanches: Sudden falls of snow, ice, or

Vary in size and height. Class 6 rock.

Landslides: Sudden collapses of earth or

Uplift of large areas of the Earth's crust. **Natural Disasters:**
rock.

Volcanic activity (lava plateaus). Formed through various geological processes: Formation
Flash Floods: Rapid, localized flooding.
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Erosion of surrounding areas. Remote and difficult to access, hindering
**Accessibility:**
transportation and communication.
Largest and highest plateau in the world
("Roof of the World"). Scenic beauty, outdoor activities (hiking,
**Tibetan Plateau:**
skiing, mountaineering).
Average altitude of 4,500 meters. **Tourism:**
Plateaus Source of income for local communities.
Formed by volcanic activity millions of
years ago. Examples Life in Mountainous Regions Diverse ecosystems: Forests, grasslands,
**Deccan Plateau (India):**
meadows, alpine tundra.
Rich in basalt rock. **Biodiversity:**
Unique flora and fauna (e.g., snow
Known for its canyons and mesas. **Colorado Plateau (United States):**
Opportunities leopard, golden eagle).

Rich in mineral deposits (e.g., gold, Melting snow and glaciers provide
diamonds, coal). freshwater sources for rivers.
**Mineral Resources:**
**Water Resources:**
Mining is a significant economic activity. Hydropower generation.

Varies depending on the origin and Rich in mineral deposits (e.g., gold, silver,
composition. **Mineral Resources:**
copper).

Lava plateaus often have fertile black soil. **Soil Fertility:** Characteristics Sacred sites and pilgrimage destinations for
many cultures.
Some plateaus have rocky, less fertile soil. Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Source of inspiration for art, literature, and
Victoria Falls (Zambezi River) mythology.
Rivers flowing over the edges of plateaus
**Waterfalls:**
create spectacular waterfalls.
Niagara Falls
A unique system of classifying landscapes
in ancient Tamil literature.
Varies depending on soil fertility and water
availability. Specific deities

Farming is more challenging on rocky plateaus. **Agriculture:** Lifestyles

Recognized five distinct landscapes, each
associated with:
More productive on plateaus with fertile soil. Moods

A major economic activity due to the Emotions

abundance of minerals.
**Mining:** Life in Plateaus
Mountainous regions
Harsh climate (extreme temperatures, low **Kuriñji:**
rainfall) Hunting and gathering
**Challenges:**
Limited accessibility. Grasslands and forests
**Mullai:**
Cattle rearing
Tiṇais (Ancient Tamil Landscape
Classification) Fertile agricultural plains
**Marudam:**
Farming

Coastal regions
**Neydal:**
Fishing, seafaring

Arid, desert-like regions

**Pālai:**
Journeying, fighting

Reflects a deep understanding of the

relationship between landscapes and human
life.

Provides a nuanced perspective on how

different landscapes shape human societies
and cultures.