2. Movement of the Tectonic Plates Earthquakes, Volcanoes & Landslides INTERNAL Slow and steady changes Erosion of mountains & highlands due to rain, wind & rivers EXTERNAL

3. MountainPlateau Plain

4.  FOLD MOUNTAINS: formed by the upliftment & folding of land masses due to lateral compression caused by internal forces.  BLOCK MOUNTAINS: formed by the faults on the Earth’s surface caused by the divergent movement of tectonic plates.  VOLCANIC MOUNTAINS: A conical structure formed as a result of magma escaping to the surface of the Earth through an opening called the Vent.

5.  They influence the climate of the land.  Rivers originate from mountain glaciers.  Fresh water lakes & springs found in mountains act as reservoirs of water.  They are rich in flora & fauna.  Mountains & their picturesque valleys encourage tourism.

6. Intermontane Surrounded completely or partially by mountains. E.g. Plateau of Tibet Continental Vast area of tableland that rise abruptly from coast or surrounding plains. E.g. Plateaus of Africa Lava Plateaus: formed when lava flows out of fissures & spreads thickly over an extensive area. E.g. Deccan Plateau

7.  Lava plateaus are very fertile for cultivation of crops as they are largely composed of black soil.  Most plateaus have rich deposits of minerals.  Many rivers flowing along plateau falls from a great height when they flow across the escarpments forming waterfalls.

8.  A low lying, vast flat land is called a Plain.  Generally at 200 m above sea level.  They consist of alluvial soil.  They are densely populated.

9.  Usually water is abundant.  Land being flat & fertile enables cultivation of crops.  Possible to build an excellent network of roads & railways.