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.

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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.

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