Landforms

A.2.1] Mountains

Definition

Mountains are elevated landforms that rise prominently above the surrounding area, typically with steep slopes and a peak.

Types of Mountains

Formation Processes

• Tectonic Activity: Folding, faulting, and compression
• Volcanic Activity: Eruption and accumulation of lava and ash
• Erosion and Uplift: Differential erosion of softer rocks

Key Facts (SSC, RRB)

• Fold mountains are the most common type.
• The Himalayas are the highest and youngest fold mountains.
• Volcanic mountains are often found near tectonic plate boundaries.

A.2.2] Plateaus

Definition

Plateaus are flat-topped elevated landforms with steep slopes on at least one side.

Types of Plateaus

Formation Processes

• Volcanic Activity: Lava flows solidify to form flat surfaces
• Erosion: Removal of surrounding material leaves elevated flat areas
• Tectonic Uplift: Crustal movement raises the land

Key Facts (SSC, RRB)

• The Deccan Plateau is a volcanic plateau formed during the Cretaceous period.
• The Tibetan Plateau is the highest and largest plateau in the world.
• Residual plateaus are often found in arid regions.

A.2.3] Plains

Definition

Plains are large, flat or gently undulating areas of land, typically lower in elevation.

Types of Plains

Formation Processes

• River Deposition: Sediments carried by rivers settle to form alluvial plains
• Marine Deposition: Sediments from the sea form coastal plains
• Erosion and Weathering: Gradual leveling of landforms

Key Facts (SS. C, RRB)

• The Indo-Gangetic Plain is the largest alluvial plain in the world.
• Alluvial plains are highly fertile and important for agriculture.
• Coastal plains are often associated with deltas and estuaries.

A.2.4] Glaciated Landforms

Definition

Glaciated landforms are features created by the movement and deposition of glaciers.

Types of Glaciated Landforms

Formation Processes

• Glacial Erosion: Abrasion and plucking of rock
• Glacial Deposition: Sediment left behind as glaciers retreat

Key Facts (SSC, RRB)

• U-shaped valleys are a hallmark of glacial activity.
• The Alps and the Himalayas have significant glacial landforms.
• Moraines are important indicators of past glacial activity.

A.2.5] Volcanic Landforms

Definition

Volcanic landforms are features created by volcanic activity, including eruptions, lava flows, and ash deposits.

Types of Volcanic Landforms

Formation Processes

• Lava Eruptions: Magma extrusion and solidification
• Ash and Tephra Deposition: Accumulation of volcanic debris
• Volcanic Collapse: Formation of calderas

Key Facts (SSC, RRB)

• The Deccan Plateau is a volcanic plateau formed during the Cretaceous period.
• Composite volcanoes are also known as stratovolcanoes.
• Calderas are often associated with explosive eruptions.

A.2.6] Desert Landforms

Definition

Desert landforms are features created by wind erosion and deposition in arid regions.

Types of Desert Landforms

Formation Processes

• Wind Erosion: Abrasion and deflation of loose sediments
• Wind Deposition: Accumulation of sand and dust

Key Facts (SSC, RRB)

• Barchan dunes are the most common type of dune in deserts.
• Yardangs are often found in arid regions with strong winds.
• Inselbergs are remnants of ancient mountains.

A.2.7] Riverine Landforms

Definition

Riverine landforms are features created by the action of rivers, including erosion, transportation, and deposition.

Types of Riverine Landforms

Formation Processes

• Erosion: Cutting through rock and soil
• Transportation: Movement of sediments by water
• Deposition: Accumulation of sediments in low-energy areas

Key Facts (SSC, RRB)

• Meanders are common in mature rivers.
• Deltas are highly fertile and support agriculture.
• Flood plains are important for agriculture and human settlement.