Major Landforms of the Earth

- Mountains: Mountains are landforms that rise prominently above their surroundings. They are characterized by steep slopes and high peaks. Examples include the Himalayas, Andes, and Rockies.

- Plateaus: Plateaus are elevated flatlands that are higher than the surrounding areas. They are often formed by the uplift of the Earth's crust. Examples include the Deccan Plateau in India and the Colorado Plateau in the United States.

- Plains: Plains are large areas of flat or gently rolling land. They are ideal for agriculture and human settlement. Examples include the Great Plains in North America and the Indo-Gangetic Plain in South Asia.

- Deserts: Deserts are arid landforms with little to no vegetation. They can be hot or cold and cover about one-third of the Earth's surface. Examples include the Sahara Desert in Africa and the Gobi Desert in Asia.

- Valleys: Valleys are low-lying areas between mountains or hills. They are often formed by the erosion of rivers or glaciers. Examples include the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Nile Valley in Egypt.

- Islands: Islands are landforms that are completely surrounded by water. They can be formed by volcanic activity, erosion, or tectonic processes. Examples include Hawaii, Japan, and Madagascar.

These major landforms of the Earth play a crucial role in shaping the physical geography of our planet and influencing the distribution of ecosystems and human populations.