Landforms and Life NCERT Solutions | Social Studies (SST) Class 6 PDF Download

Questions, Activities and Projects

Q1: In what type of landform is your town/village/city located? Which features mentioned in this chapter do you see around you?
Ans: The type of landform your town/village/city is located in can vary. For example, it could be in a plain, mountainous, or plateau region. Specific features would depend on the local geography, such as rivers, hills, or flat agricultural land.

Q2: Let us go back to our initial trip from Chhota Nagpur to Prayagraj and Almora. Describe the three landforms you came across on the way.
Ans: On the trip from Chhota Nagpur to Prayagraj and Almora, the three major landforms encountered are:

• Chhota Nagpur: A plateau known for its mineral resources.
• Prayagraj: Located in the plains, specifically the fertile Ganga plain.
• Almora: A mountainous region, part of the Himalayas.

Q3: List a few famous pilgrimage spots in India along with the landforms in which they are found.
Ans:

• Varanasi: Located in the plains along the Ganga river.
• Amarnath: Located in the mountainous region of the Himalayas.
• Tirupati: Located in the Eastern Ghats, a hilly region.
• Vaishno Devi: Located in the Trikuta Mountains in the Himalayas.

Q4: State whether true or false —

→ The Himalayas are young mountains with rounded tops.
Ans: False 

→ Plateaus usually rise sharply at least on one side.
Ans: True.

→ Mountains and hills belong to the same type of landform.
Ans: True. 

→ Mountains, plateaus and rivers in India have the same types of flora and fauna.
Ans: False. 

→ Ganga is a tributary to the Yamuna.
Ans: False. 

→ Deserts have unique flora and fauna.
Ans: True.

→ Melting snow feeds rivers.
Ans:  True.

→ Sediments from rivers deposited in the plains make the land fertile.
Ans: True.

→ All deserts are hot.
Ans:  False

Q5: Match words in pairs:

Ans:

The Big Questions

Q1: What are the major types of landforms and their significance to life and culture?
Ans: The major types of landforms are mountains, plateaus, and plains.

• Mountains: These landforms are significant as they influence climate and weather patterns, provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna, and offer resources such as fresh water from melting snow. Mountains hold cultural significance in many regions, often considered sacred and are popular for tourism and recreational activities.
• Plateaus: Plateaus are known as storehouses of minerals and have varied climates and environments. They are important for mining activities and can support agriculture if the soil is fertile, particularly in volcanic regions with rich black soil. Plateaus also house spectacular waterfalls, adding to their scenic and economic value.
• Plains: Plains are vital for agriculture due to their fertile soils, which result from sediment deposits by rivers. They support large populations and are centers of human civilization, offering suitable conditions for farming, settlement, and transportation.

Q2: What are the challenges and opportunities of life associated with each landform?
Ans:
Mountains:

• Challenges: Harsh climates, difficulty in transportation, limited agricultural land, risk of natural disasters like avalanches and landslides.
• Opportunities: Tourism, winter sports, mountaineering, cultural significance, water sources from glaciers and rivers.

Plateaus:

• Challenges: Less fertile soil compared to plains, rocky terrain, harsh climates in some regions.
• Opportunities: Rich mineral deposits leading to mining activities, scenic waterfalls attracting tourism, unique flora and fauna.

Plains:

• Challenges: Risk of flooding, high population density leading to pollution and resource depletion, dependency on rainfall or irrigation for agriculture.
• Opportunities: Fertile land for agriculture, suitable for large human settlements, easy transportation and trade routes, diverse economic activities like farming and fishing.

Let's Explore

Page 42

Q1: As a class activity, form groups of four or five students and observe the school's surroundings. What kind of landscape do you see? Will the landscape change a few kilometres away? Or within some 50 kilometres? Compare with other groups.
Ans: Observing the School's Surroundings: Group Observations 
Type of Landscape: Our school is located in an urban area. We see buildings, roads, parks, and some trees around the school. There are no natural water bodies or significant hills in the immediate vicinity. 
Landscape Changes Nearby: A few kilometres away, the landscape changes to more residential areas with fewer commercial buildings and more green spaces. There are small parks and some larger trees in these areas. 
Landscape Changes within 50 Kilometres: Within 50 kilometres, the landscape varies significantly. As we move out of the city, we encounter suburban areas with more houses, gardens, and larger parks. Further out, we reach rural areas with fields, farms, and small forests. There are also some small hills and a river in the rural areas.
Comparison with Other Groups: Other groups observed similar urban landscapes around the school, but one group noted a nearby industrial area with factories and warehouses. Predictions about landscape changes were consistent across groups, with all expecting greener spaces and less urbanization as we move away from the school. One group mentioned a large lake about 30 kilometres away that we didn't consider. 
Class Discussion:

• The landscape around our school is predominantly urban, characterized by buildings and roads. 
• Moving a few kilometres away, we see more residential areas with green spaces, indicating a transition from commercial to residential zones. 
• Within 50 kilometres, the landscape becomes rural, with farms, fields, small forests and a river, showing a significant change from urban to rural settings. 
• Factors influencing these changes include urban planning, natural geography and human activities. Urban areas are densely built, while suburban and rural areas have more open spaces and natural features.

Q2: In the same groups, discuss a journey that any of you has made through a region of India. List the different landscapes seen on the way. Compare with other groups.
Ans: Journey Description: One of our group members, Priya, recently travelled from Delhi to Manali by road. Here are the Landscapes she observed. 
Delhi 
Urban Landscape: Tall buildings, busy roads, crowded markets, parks, and historical monuments. 
Haryana 
Suburban and Rural Landscape: As we moved out of Delhi, we saw more residential areas with houses and gardens. Further along, there were agricultural fields, farms, and small villages. The landscape was flat with occasional small hills. 
Punjab 
Rural Landscape: Vast fields of wheat and rice, dotted with small villages. There were also many canals and water bodies used for irrigation. The landscape remained mostly flat. 
Himachal Pradesh 
Mountainous Landscape: As we approached the foothills of the Himalayas, the landscape changed dramatically. The flat plains gave way to rolling hills and then steep mountains. The roads became winding, and we saw dense forests with pine and deodar trees. There were also numerous rivers and streams flowing down the mountains.
Manali 
Alpine Landscape: Manali, located in the higher altitudes, had snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, and orchards of apple trees. The town itself had a mix of traditional wooden houses and modern buildings. The air was crisp and fresh, with breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains. 
Comparison and Discussion:

• Delhi to Haryana: The transition from an urban to a suburban and then rural landscape was smooth, with increasing greenery and decreasing population density. 
• Haryana to Punjab: The rural landscape of Punjab was similar to Haryana but more extensive and intensive in terms of agriculture. 
• Punjab to Himachal Pradesh: The most significant change was entering the mountainous region. The flat plains transformed into steep, forested mountains, marking a clear shift in the landscape. 
• Himachal Pradesh to Manali: The journey through the mountains showcased various terrains, from dense forests to alpine meadows and snow-covered peaks, highlighting the diversity within the mountainous landscape. 

Conclusion: The journey from Delhi to Manali offered a diverse range of landscapes, from urban sprawl to rural fields and finally to the majestic mountains. This variety showcases the rich geographical diversity of India and how the landscape changes dramatically over relatively short distances.

Page 49

Q: These images (Fig. 3.6 on page 50) depict a few challenges that people living in the mountains may face. Discuss them in groups in the class and write one paragraph on each. Also discuss why, despite many such challenges, people still choose to live in the mountains.

Ans: Challenges of Living in the Mountains:

• Avalanches: Avalanches are sudden slides of snow, ice, and rocks down the mountain. They can be deadly, destroying homes and blocking areas. People living in these areas must always stay alert and ready for emergencies, which is stressful and risky.
• Landslides: Landslides happen when rocks, soil, or debris move down a slope. They can be caused by heavy rain, earthquakes, or human activity. Landslides can damage homes, roads, and farms, making travel and farming difficult. People take precautions by building walls and avoiding construction on unstable ground.
• Heavy Snowfall: Large amounts of snow can cut off communities, making it hard to travel and get basic services. Snow can also damage buildings and power lines. People adapt by clearing snow, building strong homes, and using snow for water.
• Flash Floods: Flash floods occur quickly, often from heavy rain or melting snow. They can wash away homes and animals. To reduce this risk, people build barriers and set up early warning systems. Communities must be prepared and strong to face flash floods.
• Uncontrolled Tourism: Tourism brings money but can harm the environment and strain local resources. Overcrowding, pollution, and damage to nature are common problems. Communities must balance the money they make with protecting their land and way of life.

Despite these challenges, people still live in the mountains for several reasons. The natural beauty and calm atmosphere provide a good quality of life, with fresh air and amazing views. Mountain life also offers strong community ties, cultural traditions, and jobs in tourism, farming, and crafts. Additionally, the mountains provide a peaceful escape from busy city life, allowing people to live independently. Mountain communities are strong and find ways to succeed in tough but rewarding conditions.

Page 53

Q: Use the colour code in Fig. 3.8 to add a landform to each name. For instance, 'Tibetan plateau', 'Rocky range', 'Nile plain'. (You do not have to remember the names in this map.)
Ans: Adding Landforms to Each Name, using the colour code in the figure:

• Tibetan Plateau (Brown): The Tibetan plateau, shown in brown, is the world’s largest and highest plateau.
• Rocky Range (Orange): The Rocky mountain range, marked in orange, runs along the western part of North America.
• Nile Plain (Green): The Nile river plain, depicted in green, lies along the Nile River in northeastern Africa.

Additional Examples from the Map:

• Amazon Plain (Green): The Amazon river plain in South America, highlighted in green.
• Andes Range (Orange): The Andes mountain range in South America, marked in orange.
• East African Plateau (Brown): The East African plateau, shown in brown, located in eastern Africa.
• Mississippi Plain (Green): The Mississippi river plain, marked in green, located in the central United States.
• Atlas Range (Orange): The Atlas mountain range in North Africa, highlighted in orange.
• Patagonian Plateau (Brown): The Patagonian plateau in southern South America, shown in brown.
• Himalaya Range (Orange): The Himalayan mountain range in Asia, marked in orange.
• Yangtze Plain (Green): The Yangtze river plain in China, highlighted in green.
• Indus Plain (Green): The Indus river plain in South Asia, marked in green.
• Ural Range (Orange): The Ural mountain range in Russia, shown in orange.
• Ganga & Brahmaputra Plain (Green): The Ganga and Brahmaputra river plains in India and Bangladesh, highlighted in green.
• Mongolian Plateau (Brown): The Mongolian plateau in East Asia, marked in brown.
• Alaska Range (Orange): The Alaska mountain range in North America, highlighted in orange.

Page 54

Q: The picture in Fig. 3.9 has been taken from a satellite. It captures a portion of north India from a high altitude. Observe and discuss the image as a class activity. 
→ Which colour is the Ganga plain? 
→ What does the white expanse represent? 
→  What does the brown expanse at the bottom left of the image represent?
Ans: → The Ganga plain is represented by the green expanse in the image. This area is fertile and densely vegetated, which is why it appears green.
→ The white expanse at the top of the image represents the snow-covered Himalayan mountains. The high altitude and cold temperatures keep these regions permanently covered with snow. 
→ The brown expanse at the bottom left of the image represents the arid and semi-arid regions, likely the Thar Desert and surrounding dry areas. These areas have less vegetation and more exposed soil and rock, which gives them a brownish appearance.

Page 55

Q1: Can you give examples of river sources or confluences from your region that are regarded sacred by any community?
Ans: Yes, one example is the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers at Prayagraj (Allahabad), known as the Triveni Sangam. It is considered a very sacred place in Hinduism. Another example is the source of the Yamuna River at Yamunotri in Uttarakhand, which is also a revered pilgrimage site.

Q2: Visit a nearby river and observe all activities there, whether economic or cultural. Note them down and discuss with your classmates.
Ans: During my visit to the Yamuna River in Delhi, I noticed various activities:

• Economic Activities: People were involved in fishing, boating, and selling flowers and offerings. Additionally, washermen were washing clothes by the riverbank.
• Cultural Activities: I observed people performing rituals, such as offering prayers, floating diyas (lamps), and immersing idols during festivals. The riverbanks were also used for morning yoga and meditation by local communities.

These observations reflect how the Yamuna River plays a vital role in supporting both economic activities and cultural practices, underscoring its significance in daily life.

Q3: Name some popular tourist destinations in India and identify the category of landform they are associated with.
Ans: Here is a list of some popular tourist destinations in India with their geographical features:

• Agra (Taj Mahal): Located in the northern plains of India along the Yamuna River.
• Jaipur (Amber Fort): Situated in the Aravalli mountain range, known for its low hills and rocky terrain.
• Goa (Beaches): Located in the coastal plains along the Arabian Sea.
• Shimla (Hill Station): Situated in the Himalayan mountain range, famous for its hilly and mountainous terrain.
• Kerala (Backwaters): Located in the coastal plains, with a network of canals and lagoons along the Arabian Sea.
• Rajasthan (Thar Desert): A desert region characterized by arid and semi-arid landforms.
• Leh-Ladakh: Located in the high-altitude mountainous region of the Himalayas.

Think About It

Page 43

Q: What is snow? Unless you live in a Himalayan region (such as Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh), you may never have seen snow! In the rest of India, most precipitation is in the form of rain and hail. But at higher altitudes, if it is cold enough, snow will fall, covering the landscape in a soft and beautiful white blanket. Snow and hailstones are nothing but precipitation of water in a solid state.
Ans: Snow is a type of precipitation where water vapor in the air turns directly into ice crystals without becoming liquid first. These ice crystals come together to form snowflakes, which fall to the ground when the temperature is cold enough. Snow is common in high-altitude areas like the Himalayas, including regions such as Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
In most parts of India, precipitation usually occurs as rain or hail due to warmer temperatures. However, in colder, higher-altitude areas, the temperature is low enough for snow to form. Snow covers the landscape in white, creating a beautiful and peaceful scene. Both snow and hail are solid forms of water, showing how different types of precipitation occur based on temperature and altitude.