Mountains, Plateaus, and Plains
Delhi Police & SSC Exams Preparation
1. Introduction
The Earth's surface is not flat — it is made up of different landforms such as mountains, plateaus, and plains. These landforms are formed due to internal (endogenic) and external (exogenic) forces acting on the Earth's crust.
Key Concepts:
- Mountains: Natural elevations with steep slopes
- Plateaus: Elevated flat-topped areas
- Plains: Large stretches of flat land
- Forces: Internal and external geological processes
Significance:
Understanding Earth's surface features and their formation processes
Exam Trick: "MPP = Major Physical Parts" — Mountains, Plateaus, Plains
2. Mountains – The Earth's Giants
Characteristics:
- Definition: Natural elevations with steep slopes and great heights
- Features: Peaks, ridges, and valleys
- Height: More than 900 meters above sea level
- Formation: Plate tectonics and geological forces
Importance:
Source of rivers, rich in forests and minerals, influence climate patterns
3. Types of Mountains
| Type | Formation Process | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fold Mountains | Formed by folding of crust due to plate collision | Himalayas, Alps, Andes |
| Block Mountains | Formed by faulting — blocks uplifted or lowered | Vindhyas, Satpura, Black Forest |
| Volcanic Mountains | Formed by accumulation of volcanic material | Mt. Fuji, Mt. Kilimanjaro |
| Residual Mountains | Formed by erosion of highlands | Aravallis, Nilgiris |
Exam Trick: "F-B-V-R → Fold, Block, Volcanic, Residual"
4. Importance of Mountains
Positive Effects:
- Source of rivers (Ganga, Yamuna)
- Rich in forests and minerals
- Tourist attractions (Manali, Shimla)
- Influence climate — cause rainfall
Challenges:
- Difficult transport & agriculture
- Risk of landslides and earthquakes
- Limited habitation areas
- Harsh living conditions
5. Plateaus – The Tablelands
Characteristics:
- Definition: Elevated flat-topped area rising sharply above surrounding land
- Height: Between 300 and 600 meters
- Surface: Flat-topped with steep sides
- Formation: Uplift, volcanic activity, or erosion
Significance:
Rich in minerals, ideal for dams and hydroelectric power, suitable for grazing
Exam Trick: "Plate on table = Flat top land"
6. Types of Plateaus
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Intermontane Plateau | Between mountain ranges | Tibetan Plateau |
| Continental Plateau | Formed on continents | Deccan Plateau |
| Volcanic Plateau | Formed by lava flow | Columbia Plateau (USA) |
| Dissected Plateau | Eroded by rivers | Chotanagpur Plateau |
7. Importance of Plateaus
Advantages:
- Rich in minerals — coal, iron, bauxite
- Ideal for dams and hydroelectric power
- Plateau soil suitable for grazing and horticulture
- Mineral resource extraction
Disadvantages:
- Limited agriculture potential
- Sparse population due to dry conditions
- Water scarcity issues
- Transportation challenges
Exam Trick: "Plateau = Power + Minerals"
8. Plains – The Level Lands
Characteristics:
- Definition: Large stretches of flat or gently sloping land
- Location: Usually found along river valleys
- Height: Less than 200 meters above sea level
- Formation: Deposition of sediments by rivers, wind, or glaciers
Features:
Fertile soil, dense population, ideal for agriculture and transport
Exam Trick: "Plain = Flat = Farm"
9. Types of Plains
| Type | Formation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Plains | Formed by uplift or subsidence | Great Plains (USA) |
| Depositional Plains | Formed by river/lava deposition | Indo-Gangetic Plain |
| Erosional Plains | Formed by erosion of uplands | Peninsular Plains |
10. Importance of Plains
Advantages:
- Fertile soil → agriculture hub
- Dense population and cities
- Ideal for industries and transport
- Economic development centers
Disadvantages:
- Prone to floods
- Overpopulation pressure
- Environmental degradation
- Resource depletion
Exam Trick: "Plain = People + Production"
11. Comparison Table – Mountains vs Plateaus vs Plains
| Feature | Mountains | Plateaus | Plains |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | Very high | Moderate | Low |
| Surface | Rugged | Flat-topped | Level |
| Formation | Folding, Faulting | Uplift or lava | Deposition |
| Example (India) | Himalayas | Deccan Plateau | Indo-Gangetic Plains |
| Use | Tourism, Forest | Minerals, Dams | Farming, Cities |
Exam Trick: "M – Mighty, P – Powerful, P – Productive"
12. India's Major Landforms
Mountains:
- Himalayas
- Aravallis
- Western Ghats
Plateaus:
- Deccan Plateau
- Chotanagpur Plateau
- Malwa Plateau
Plains:
- Indo-Gangetic Plains
- Coastal Plains
- Brahmaputra Plains
PYQs (Delhi Police, SSC & State Exams)
Which of the following is a fold mountain?
Options: (a) Himalayas (b) Aravallis (c) Satpura (d) Vindhyas
Category: Mountain Types
Show Answer
Himalayas
Which of the following plateaus is known as the "Roof of the World"?
Options: (a) Deccan Plateau (b) Chotanagpur Plateau (c) Tibetan Plateau (d) Colorado Plateau
Category: Plateaus
Show Answer
Tibetan Plateau
The Indo-Gangetic plain is formed by —
Options: (a) Wind deposition (b) River deposition (c) Glacial erosion (d) Volcanic activity
Category: Plain Formation
Show Answer
River deposition
Which of the following is an example of a block mountain?
Options: (a) Alps (b) Vindhyas (c) Himalayas (d) Andes
Category: Mountain Types
Show Answer
Vindhyas
Which plateau is rich in coal and iron?
Options: (a) Deccan Plateau (b) Chotanagpur Plateau (c) Tibetan Plateau (d) Malwa Plateau
Category: Mineral Resources
Show Answer
Chotanagpur Plateau
Final Exam Tips
Mountains = Height → Himalayas
Plateaus = Minerals → Deccan
Plains = Population → Ganga Basin
"MPP = Major Landforms of Earth"
Tibetan Plateau = Highest Plateau
Remember Sequence: Mountains → Plateaus → Plains =
Height → Power → Population
Master Geography for Delhi Police Exam!
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