CHAPTER-2

LANDFORMS

I. Distinguish between the following .

a. Exogenous and Endogenous processes

Exogenous processes Endogenous processes

1.These processes take 1.These processes take

place above the surface of place below the surface of
the Earth. the Earth.
2. It is an external process. 2.It is an internal process.
3.Examples include 3.Examples include folding,
weathering, erosion, faulting and volcanic
transportation and activities.
deposition.

Mountains Plateau

1. Narrow landmasses that 1.An extensive flat -topped

rise steeply to a few highland with steep sides
thousand metres above sea that rises abruptly from the
level while forming peaks surrounding area is known
are called mountains. as plateau.
2. They form peaks. 2.They are table -shaped.
3. For example, Mt Everest 3. For example, Deccan
plateau.
c. Old fold and Young fold Mountains

Old fold Mountains Young fold Mountains

1. They were formed several 1. They are formed a few

hundred million years ago. million years ago.
2. They have a gentle slope 2. They have a steep slope
and low rounded peaks . and tall peaks.
3. For example, the 3.For example , the
Aravallis. Himalayas.

d. Fold and block mountains

Fold Mountains Block Mountains

1. They are formed by 1. They are formed by

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creasing or buckling of the tensional forces pulling
Earth's crust due to forces blocks away from each
of compression. other.
2. This process generally 2. Cracks or faults may
happens due to collision of commonly occur due to
two plates. tensional forces.
3. Most fold mountains 3. They are located on
occur at the margins of the faults.
plates.

e. Tibetan Plateau and Deccan plateau

Tibetan Plateau Deccan plateau

1. The Tibetan Plateau is The Deccan Plateau is a

an Intermontane volcanic or lava plateau.
plateau.
2. It is located in Central 2. It is located in India.
Asia.

II. Explain how the following are formed .

a. Fold Mountains : They are formed by creasing or buckling of the
Earth's crust due to forces of compression. This process generally
happens due to collision of two plates.

b. Block mountains and rift valley : Movement of the Earth's crust may
cause cracks or faults to occur resulting in the crust breaking into
blocks. Cracks or faults may commonly occur due to tensional force.
Crustal blocks collapse due to this force, leaving two raised block
mountains. Extremely steep sided block mountains create rift valleys
that have flat floors.

c. Volcanic mountain : They are made up of molten materials known as

magma, along with ash and small rock particles called cinders. These
materials erupt from the Earth's interior through an opening.

d. Lava plateau: Sometimes magma may come out from long narrow
fissures or cracks on the ground instead of a single vent. In such eruptions
the magma spreads over large area and solidifies as lava sheets. The lava
sheets pile up and form a lava plateau.

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e. Dissected plateau: When a plateau is traversed by several rivers, deep
valleys are cut on the surface by the action of running water. Extensive
erosion along these valleys results in the cutting up of the plateau into
smaller raised sections, giving its surface an irregular appearance.

III. Give one reason to explain each of the following .

a. Plateaus are also referred to as 'tablelands':
Ans. Plateaus are also referred to as tablelands because they are flat-
topped highlands with steep sides that rise abruptly from the
surrounding areas. Their broad and flat summit has earned them the
name tablelands.
b. Old fold mountains have low, rounded peaks :
Ans. Old fold mountains have low-rounded peaks because they have
been worn down by agents of denudation such as river and glaciers
over a long period of time.
c. Most fold mountains occur at margins of plates: Most fold
mountains occur at margins of plates because the process of formation
of fold mountain generally happens when two plates collide or move
towards each other. The collision causes the edges of the plates to be
raised or uplifted to form a mountain.
IV. Answer the following questions.
1. State the reasons why mountains are important to us.
ANS. Mountains play a very important role in our lives.
a) Glaciers moving down the mountain slopes melt at low altitude and
forms streams that turns into rivers providing water for irrigation,
generation of electricity and navigation. They also bring silt to the
fertile plains.
b) Mountains often block moist winds coming from the seas and forces
them to shed moisture, causing rain. Mountains also modify the
temperature of a place by blocking cold or warm winds.
c) Mountains are areas of dense vegetation which are home to many
animals. Forests are rich reserves of timber and other resources.
d) Terraces are made on mountain slopes to cultivate crops such as rice
and fruits. Crops such as tea and coffee grow well on slopes.
e) Mountains serve as ideal grounds for pasture on which sheep and cattle
can graze. Sheep provide us with wool while cattle give us milk, butter and
cheese.
f) Mountains are ideal tourist spots as they are extremely picturesque.
2. How are plateaus beneficial for us?
Ans. Plateaus are beneficial for us in the following ways.

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a) Plateaus, especially the ancient ones, are very rich in mineral deposits.
Many mining fields have developed in the Brazilian Plateau, Plateaus of east
Africa and Chota Nagpur Plateau of India.
b) Agriculture can be practiced in the lava plateaus as they are made up of
fertile black soil.
c) Rivers such as the Congo and Colorado that descend from the edges of
the plateaus create waterfalls. Water falling from the height is ideal for
hydroelectric power generation.
d) Some of the plateaus render natural beauty to the landscape and have
become attractive tourist spots.
3. How are alluvial plains formed?
Ans. Alluvial plains are formed by the deposits of sand, silt and clay
(alluvium) by the river.
4. Explain the major differences in the way of life of the people of
the mountains and plains.
Ans:
Life in the Life in the plains
mountains
Population Mountains are rocky Plains are flat, which
density and steep: hence, makes it easy to build
fewer people choose houses and roads. Thus,
to live in its difficult plains are usually densely
terrain. populated.
Shelter and Most of the houses Most of the houses are
clothing are made of wood made of clay and bricks.
and have slanting Wollen are usually worn
roofs. Since only during winter in the
mountains and hills plains. Light cotton
are cooler, people clothing is preferred for
wear wollen clothing the rest of the year. Areas
during many that receive heavy rainfall
months in a year. have houses with slanting
roofs, while areas that
receive moderate to less
rainfall have flat roofs
Cultivation Cultivation is Plains are fertile and easy
difficult on rugged to cultivate. Hence , many
slopes. Some crops types of crops are grown
such as tea and here.
coffee may be grown

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 on gentle slopes.
Cereals and
vegetables can be
grown through
terraced farming
Transport Transport network is It is easy to establish a
not well developed in dense network of roads
the mountains due and railways on flat, level
to the steep and land. The rivers here are
rugged terrain. Fast navigable too.
flowing rivers with
numerous waterfalls
do not encourage
water transport.
Roadways are the
most common
means of transport.
Industries It is difficult to Large scale
establish large industrialization is
factories on uneven possible as the land
terrain. Procurement surface is even and
of raw materials and transport network is well
distribution of developed.
finished products
are also difficult.
Occupation Agriculture, Agriculture industry and
handicraft trade are important
production and occupations.
tourism are common
occupation.

V. On an outline map of the world, mark and label the following.

a. The Atlas Mountains.
b. The Himalayas.
c. The plateau of Tibet
d. The Indo - Gangetic plains
e. An archipelago in the Indian Ocean

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