Types of Landforms| Class 11 Geography Notes

Class 11 Geography Types of Landform Notes: In Class 11 Geography, we learn about different kinds of landforms that shape the Earth. These landforms are created by natural forces over a long time. Some main types are mountains, plateaus, plains, valleys, and deserts. They’re important for understanding geography and the world around us. Learning about these landforms helps us understand the Earth’s diverse geography.

The Types of Landform notes cover all the necessary topics that are extremely important for the examination 2024. It can save you time and will positively affect your results.

In this article, you’ll find detailed information about different types of landforms, including their characteristics, unique features, and how they are formed over time.

Types of Landforms| Class 11 Geography Notes

What is a Landform?

A landform is a defined area on the Earth’s surface, ranging from small to medium in size. Landscapes, on the other hand, are made up of interconnected landforms. Each landform has its unique physical dimensions, composition, and shape, influenced by specific geomorphic forces.

Geomorphic processes and agents operate slowly, leading to gradual changes in landforms over time. However, once a landform is formed, it can continue to evolve, changing in size, shape, and characteristics due to ongoing geomorphic processes and agents, either at a slow or rapid pace.

Types of Landform

The Earth’s surface is not uniform; it varies from rough to smooth, showcasing an endless diversity of landforms.

These landforms are the result of two processes:

• Internal Process: This process causes the Earth’s surface to rise and sink.
• External Process: It involves the continuous wearing down and rebuilding of the land surface. This process includes erosion, which is the wearing away of the Earth’s surface, and deposition, which is the rebuilding of a lowered surface caused by erosion. These processes are carried out by running water, ice, and wind.

Landforms can be categorized based on their slope and height into the following groups:

1. Mountains
2. Plains
3. Plateaus

Mountains

A mountain is a raised section of the Earth’s crust with steep sides and significant exposure of bedrock. It surpasses hills in size and typically rises at least 300 meters (1000 feet) above the surrounding land. Mountains usually have a smaller summit area and are often part of larger mountain ranges, although some stand alone as isolated peaks.

There are three main types of mountains:

1. Fold Mountains: These form when tectonic plates collide, causing rocks to bend and fold, resulting in rugged cliffs, hills, and peaks. Examples include the Himalayas and the Alps.
2. Block Mountains: These mountains arise when a central block between two normal faults moves upwards. The raised block, known as a horst, has steep side elevations. Examples include the Rhine Valley and the Vosges in Europe.
3. Volcanic Mountains: Volcanic activity leads to the creation of these mountains when magma from inside the Earth erupts onto the surface, cooling to form volcanic peaks. Examples include Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mount Fujiyama in Japan.

How the Mountains are useful?

• They provide water source, with many rivers originating from mountain glaciers.
• Reservoirs are built in mountainous areas to harness water for human use, including irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
• Mountainous regions host diverse flora and fauna, providing resources such as fuel, fodder, gum, and raisins.
• Mountains attract tourists seeking tranquility and scenic beauty.

Plains

In geography, a plain refers to a flat stretch of land with minimal changes in elevation and typically lacks significant vegetation such as trees. Plains can be found along valleys, at the base of mountains, along coastlines, and as plateaus or uplands.

Key characteristics of plains include:

1. Limited Elevation: Plains are generally not more than 200 meters above sea level.
2. Fertility: Plains are often highly fertile, making them densely populated areas.
3. Geographic Locations: The largest plains, formed by rivers, are found in regions like Asia and North America. In Asia, examples include the plains formed by the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Yangtze rivers.

How the Plains are useful?

Human Habitation: Plains are highly suitable for human settlement due to their flat terrain, making construction of buildings and transportation networks easier.

Agriculture: Plains are ideal for agriculture due to their fertile soil, making them important for food production.

Population Centers: Many densely populated regions, such as the Indo-Gangetic plains in India, are located on plains due to their favorable conditions for habitation and agriculture

Plateaus

In geology and physical geography, a plateau, also known as a high plain or tableland, refers to an elevated area of flat terrain that rises sharply above the surrounding landscape on at least one side. Plateaus often feature flat-topped tablelands with deep hills on one or more sides.

Key features of plateaus include:

• Elevated Flat Land: Plateaus are characterized by their flat terrain standing above the surrounding area.
• Flat-Topped Tablelands: Many plateaus have flat, table-like summits.

Examples: Examples of plateaus include the Deccan Plateau in India, the Western Plateau of Australia, the East African Plateau (including Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda), and the Tibetan Plateau (the world’s highest plateau).

How Plateaus are useful?

Mineral Deposits: Plateaus are often rich in mineral deposits, making them important for mining activities. For example, the African Plateau is known for its gold and diamond reserves, while the Chhotanagpur Plateau in India is a significant source of iron, coal, and manganese.

Related Links

1. CBSE Class 9 Geography Revision Notes
2. Geography NCERT Notes and Study Material
3. CBSE Class 10 Geography Notes
4. Notes Chapter 1: Geography as a Discipline

FAQs on Class 11 Geography Types of Landform

What are landforms?

Landforms are various natural features that make up the Earth’s surface, such as mountains, plains, plateaus, valleys, and more.

What causes landforms to form?

Landforms are shaped by geological processes like erosion, deposition, tectonic activity, and weathering over millions of years.

How are landforms classified?

Landforms are classified based on their physical characteristics, formation processes, and geographical locations.

What are some examples of major landforms?

Major landforms include mountains like the Himalayas, plateaus like the Deccan Plateau, plains like the Indo-Gangetic Plain, valleys like the Grand Canyon, and more.

How do landforms impact human activities?

Landforms greatly influence human activities such as settlement patterns, agriculture, transportation routes, and resource extraction.