The primary sector involves activities that:

produce goods directly from nature

Which of these belongs to the secondary sector?

Manufacturing cloth from cotton in a factory

How can you recognise a mountain?

A mountain is much higher than the surrounding land, with a broad base, steep slopes and a narrow summit.

Which are the two highest peaks of the Himalayas?

Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga are the two highest peaks of the Himalayan range.

Why are young mountains sharp and old mountains rounded?

Young mountains like the Himalayas are recently formed and have sharp peaks, while older ones like the Aravallis have been rounded by long erosion.

What is terrace farming and why is it used in mountains?

Terrace farming cuts steps into a slope so crops can be grown; it is used because mountain terrain is rugged with steep slopes.

Why are plateaus called ‘storehouses of minerals’?

Plateaus are rich in mineral deposits such as iron, coal, gold and diamond, so much of the world's mining takes place on them.

Which plateau is called the ‘Roof of the World’?

The Tibetan Plateau, with an average altitude of about 4,500 m, is called the ‘Roof of the World’.

Why are floodplains good for farming?

Rivers deposit fertile sediments on floodplains, making the soil ideal for growing crops of all kinds.

About how many people live in India's Ganga plain?

About 40 crore people — more than one-fourth of India's population — live in the Ganga plain.

Name two challenges of living in the mountains.

Landslides, avalanches, flash floods, cloudbursts, heavy snowfall and cold weather are challenges of mountain life.

CBSE · NCERT syllabus

CBSE Class 6 — Notes, Chapters & Practice Quizzes

Q: What are the three main types of landforms?

Mountains, plateaus and plains are the three main types of landforms.

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Chapter 3: Landforms and Life — Class 6 Social Science

Social Science · 14 chapters

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Chapter 3: Landforms and Life

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What are the three main types of landforms?

Summary

A landform is a physical feature on the Earth's surface, shaped over millions of years. Landforms are broadly divided into three types — mountains, plateaus and plains — each with its own climate, flora, fauna and ways of human life. Mountains are much higher than their surroundings, with a broad base, steep slopes and narrow summit; many form ranges such as the Himalayas, Alps and Andes. Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga are the highest Himalayan peaks. Young mountains like the Himalayas are tall and sharp; older ones like the Aravallis are rounded by erosion. Mountain life involves terrace farming, herding, tourism and pilgrimage, but also challenges like landslides, avalanches and flash floods. Plateaus rise above surrounding land with a flat top; examples include the Tibetan Plateau (‘Roof of the World’) and the Deccan Plateau. They are rich in minerals — ‘storehouses of minerals’ — and have spectacular waterfalls. Plains are flat or gently undulating, usually below 300 m; floodplains formed by rivers depositing sediments are very fertile, making agriculture the main occupation. About 40 crore people live in India's Ganga plain. Deserts, hot or cold, are a further landform. Humans have adapted to every landform, showing remarkable resilience.

Three types of landformsMountains, ranges and mountain lifePlateaus and their mineralsPlains and floodplainsDeserts and human adaptability

Key terms

Landform

A physical feature on the Earth's surface, formed over millions of years; the three main types are mountains, plateaus and plains.

Plateau

A landform that rises above the surrounding land and has a more or less flat top, often with steep sides.

Plain

An extensive flat or gently undulating landform, usually less than 300 m above sea level.

Terrace farming

Cultivation on hill slopes by cutting steps into the slope, common in mountainous regions.

Tributary

A river that flows into and joins a larger river, such as the Yamuna joining the Ganga.

Sediments

Particles of rock, sand and silt carried and deposited by rivers, making floodplains fertile.

Important questions

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A physical feature on the Earth's surface, formed over millions of years; the three main types are mountains, plateaus and plains.

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Practice quiz · Landforms and Life

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Landforms and Life

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