By The Earth’s surface is not uniform. It consists of diverse landforms created by internal and external processes. Internal forces like tectonic movements result in the upliftment or sinking of the land, while external forces such as wind, water, and ice erosion continuously reshape these landforms over time.
Mountains
- Mountains are naturally elevated landforms of the Earth’s surface with broad bases and distinct peaks.
- Mountains are significantly higher than the surrounding terrain.
- Their temperature decreases as the altitude increases.
- Some mountains are so high or tall that they remain covered with glaciers forming permanent rivers of ice.
Types of Mountains
- Fold Mountains: Fold Mountains are the mountains formed by the folding of the Earth’s crust due to tectonic movements. For example –
- The Himalayas in Asia,
- The Alps in Europe, and
- The Andes in South America.
- Block Mountains: Block Mountains are formed due to faulting in the Earth’s crust, which results in the upliftment of blocks (horsts) and the lowering of adjacent areas (graben). For example –
- The Rhine Valley and
- The Vosges Mountains in Europe.
- Volcanic Mountains: Volcanic mountains are created due to volcanic eruptions. For example –
- Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa and
- Mount Fujiyama in Japan.
Importance of Mountains
- Many rivers originate from mountain glaciers.
- Water reservoirs are built for power generation.
- River valleys and terraces support cultivation.
- Mountains are home to diverse flora and fauna.
- Activities like paragliding, skiing, and mountaineering attract tourists.
Plateaus
A plateau is an elevated flat land with at least one steep side. Its height can range from a few hundred to several thousand meters.
Examples of Plateaus
- The Deccan Plateau (India) is one of the oldest plateaus.
- The Tibetan Plateau is the highest plateau in the world (4,000–6,000 meters above sea level).
- East African Plateau (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) and Western Plateau (Australia).
Importance of Plateaus
- Major mining areas are found in plateaus (e.g., the Chhotanagpur Plateau in India has iron, coal, and manganese).
- Lava plateaus have fertile black soil for farming which is beneficial for agriculture.
- Rivers falling from plateaus create scenic waterfalls (e.g., Jog Falls in Karnataka, Hundru Falls in Jharkhand).
Plains
Plains are vast stretches of flat or gently rolling land, generally not exceeding 200 meters above sea level. They are primarily formed by river deposition, which brings fertile soil.
Examples of Major Plains
- Indo-Gangetic Plain (India) is formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
- Yangtze Plain (China).
- Plains in North America.
Importance of Plains
- Fertile soil supports large-scale farming which is beneficial for agriculture.
- Easy to construct houses, roads, and industries, and has good human settlements.
- Flat terrain allows the development of efficient transport networks.
Landforms and Human Interaction
Humans have adapted to various landforms differently:
- Mountains: It has a sparse population due to the harsh climate and difficult terrain.
- Plains: These are densely populated due to favorable living and farming conditions.
- Plateaus: These are mining and agriculture-based livelihoods.
Conclusion
The landforms of Earth have a significant influence on biodiversity and human life. Sustainable development depends on the appropriate use and preservation of these landforms. For the benefit of future generations, it is our responsibility to safeguard and conserve these natural resources.