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.
Extra questions & answers
LET'S EXPLORE
LET'S EXPLORE
LET'S EXPLORE
LET'S EXPLORE
LET'S EXPLORE
Questions, activities and projects
Try one from this chapter
What are the three main types of landforms?
Flashcards & interactive practice
Practice quiz · Landforms and Life
Score on this chapter, climb the leaderboard, and get an AI diagnosis of your mistakes.
Dual AI-verified questions Real exam pattern 1 free quiz every month, then ₹9 per quiz — or a monthly plan
#1
Landforms and Life
Start here
Social Science 10 Qs · ~10 min
Instant score, answer review and weak-topic diagnosis
Data & insights
Trending in Class 6 this weekThe chapters students are reading most right now
5
