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Where Are Major Landforms and How Do They Affect Life?

Where Are Major Landforms and How Do They Affect Life?

Landforms are natural features on the Earth’s surface. These include mountains, plateaus, plains, valleys, rivers, deserts, and coasts. Different regions of the world have different landforms, and they play a big role in climate, farming, population, travel, and even where cities are built.

Types of Major Landforms

  • Mountains – High, steep land rising above surrounding areas
  • Plains – Large, flat lands ideal for farming and cities
  • Plateaus – Elevated flatlands, often rich in minerals
  • Deserts – Dry, sandy or rocky areas with little rainfall
  • Rivers and Valleys – Flowing water in low land that supports life
  • Coasts – Land along the sea, often used for ports and trade

Where Major Landforms Are Found

Continent Examples of Major Landforms
Asia Himalayas, Ganges River, Deccan Plateau, Thar Desert, Mekong Delta
Africa Sahara Desert, Nile River Valley, Ethiopian Highlands, Great Rift
North America Rocky Mountains, Mississippi River, Great Plains, Grand Canyon
South America Andes Mountains, Amazon River Basin, Brazilian Highlands
Europe Alps Mountains, Danube River, Northern European Plain, Iberian Plateau
Australia Great Dividing Range, Western Plateau, Outback Desert, Murray River
Antarctica Transantarctic Mountains, polar ice sheets, valleys under ice

How Landforms Affect Life

Climate

  • Mountains block clouds and create rain shadows
  • Coastal areas have milder weather
  • Deserts have extreme temperatures

Farming

  • Plains like the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Midwest USA are good for farming
  • River valleys have water and fertile soil

Human Settlements

  • Cities often grow near rivers, plains, and coasts
  • Fewer people live in mountains or deserts

Transport and Trade

  • Rivers are used for boats and shipping
  • Mountains may block travel but attract tourists
  • Coasts are centres for trade and ports

Famous Landforms and Their Impacts

Landform Location How It Affects Life
Himalayas India, Nepal Protect from cold winds, attract tourists
Nile River Egypt Supports farming in a desert region
Amazon Basin Brazil and neighbouring countries Rich biodiversity, hard to build roads
Great Plains USA, Canada Ideal for farming and livestock
Alps Europe Tourism, skiing, natural borders
Gobi Desert China, Mongolia Dry, harsh life, sparse population
Ganges River India, Bangladesh Water for farming, spiritual value
Andes Mountains South America Mining, difficult transport, earthquakes

Summary

Major landforms are found all over the world and include mountains, plains, rivers, deserts, and coasts. They shape the climate, farming, travel, and where people live. From the Himalayas to the Nile Valley, these natural features affect our daily lives, industries, and even cultures.

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