NCERT Class 6 Geography Chapter 6 – Major Landforms of the Earth (Notes)

Chapter 6 – Major landforms of the Earth

These NCERT Class 6 Geography Chapter 6 notes explain different landforms of the Earth and their importance for human life and geography.

1. Meaning of landforms

Landforms are natural features found on the surface of the Earth.
They are created by forces acting inside and outside the Earth.
Internal forces shape land by movements within the Earth.
External forces shape land by acting on the Earth’s surface.
Natural forces continuously change the Earth’s surface.
Like clay, the Earth’s surface is shaped by natural processes.

2. Major landforms of the Earth

The Earth has three major landforms.
These landforms differ in height, shape, and formation.
The three landforms are mountains, plateaus, and plains.
Each landform has unique characteristics.
Different landforms support different human activities.

3. Mountains

Mountains are very high land areas.
They have steep slopes and narrow peaks.
Fold mountains are formed by folding of the Earth’s crust.
The Himalayas are an example of fold mountains.
Block mountains are formed due to faults in the Earth’s crust.
The Vindhya Range and Satpura Range are block mountains.

4. Volcanic mountains

Volcanic mountains are formed by lava coming out of volcanoes.
Lava cools and solidifies to form mountains.
These mountains are formed by volcanic activity.
Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa is a volcanic mountain.
Volcanic mountains are found in different parts of the world.

5. Importance of mountains

Mountains are a major source of rivers.
They are rich in forests and minerals.
Mountains act as natural barriers.
They block cold winds in some regions.
Mountains attract tourists.
Many hill stations are located in mountains.

6. Plateaus

Plateaus are elevated areas with a flat top.
They are often called tablelands.
Plateaus rise sharply from the surrounding areas.
The Deccan Plateau is located in India.
The Tibetan Plateau is the highest plateau in the world.

7. Importance of plateaus

Plateaus are rich in minerals.
Lava plateaus are very fertile.
Plateaus support agriculture.
They also support industries.
The Deccan Plateau is rich in iron ore.
Many mining activities take place on plateaus.

8. Plains

Plains are large areas of flat or gently sloping land.
They are mainly formed by deposition of sediments.
Rivers deposit fertile soil in plains.
The Indo-Gangetic Plains are located in India.
The Nile Plains are found in Egypt.

9. Importance of plains

Plains are very fertile.
They are densely populated.
Plains are suitable for farming.
Transport and communication are easier in plains.
Most large cities are located in plains.
Plains support human settlement.

10. Role of internal forces

Internal forces act from inside the Earth.
They cause earthquakes.
They lead to volcanic eruptions.
They are responsible for mountain building.
Internal forces create major changes on the Earth’s surface.

11. Role of external forces

External forces act on the Earth’s surface.
They cause weathering of rocks.
They lead to erosion and deposition.
Rivers, wind, glaciers, and sea waves are agents.
External forces slowly change landforms over time.

12. Important keywords

Landform means a natural feature of the Earth.
Mountain is a high land area.
Plateau is an elevated flat land.
Plain is a low flat land.
Erosion means wearing away of land.
Deposition means laying down of sediments.

13. Why this chapter is important

This chapter explains the formation of the Earth’s surface.
It builds the base of physical geography.
It helps in understanding Indian geography.
It explains natural features affecting human life.
It is frequently asked in school exams.
It is important for BPSC / State PCS foundation.

Understanding landforms helps in learning Indian geography and physical processes shaping the Earth.

Continue reading Class 6 Geography Chapter 7 – Our Country: India for India’s physical and political features.

FAQs

Q1. What are the major landforms?
Mountains, plateaus, and plains.

Q2. Which landform is best for farming?
Plains.