MAPPING : MAJOR LANDFORMS OF THE WORLD-2

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

MAPPING : MAJOR LANDFORMS OF THE WORLD-2

1. Taurus Mountains

The Taurus Mountains stretch across southern Turkey along the Mediterranean coast. They form a natural barrier between the Mediterranean coastal plains and the Anatolian Plateau. The range consists mainly of limestone rocks, resulting in numerous caves, sinkholes, and karst landforms. The Taurus Mountains receive significant winter snowfall, feeding rivers such as the Tigris and Euphrates. Rich forests of pine, cedar, and fir cover many slopes, supporting diverse wildlife. The mountains have historically protected Anatolia from invasions and continue to play an important role in agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, tourism, and biodiversity conservation.

2. Central Siberian Plateau

The Central Siberian Plateau lies between the Yenisei and Lena Rivers in Russia. It is one of the world's largest plateau regions, covering vast areas of central Siberia. The plateau consists mainly of ancient volcanic rocks and contains extensive deposits of coal, nickel, diamonds, gold, and other valuable minerals. Dense taiga forests dominate the landscape, while rivers flowing across the plateau provide hydroelectric potential. The harsh continental climate results in long, extremely cold winters and short summers. Despite its remote location, the Central Siberian Plateau is economically important because of its abundant natural resources and mining industries.

3. Tibetan Plateau

The Tibetan Plateau, known as the "Roof of the World," is the highest and largest plateau on Earth, with an average elevation exceeding 4,500 metres. It spans China, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, it is the source of major Asian rivers, including the Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Yangtze, Yellow, Mekong, and Salween. The plateau strongly influences the Asian monsoon and global atmospheric circulation. Rich in glaciers, grasslands, and unique wildlife, it is ecologically important despite its harsh climate and sparse population.

4. Anatolian Plateau

The Anatolian Plateau occupies much of central Turkey and lies between the Pontic Mountains in the north and the Taurus Mountains in the south. It is a high plateau characterized by semi-arid climate, volcanic landscapes, fertile basins, and salt lakes. Agriculture, especially wheat cultivation and livestock farming, is common in the region. The plateau contains several extinct volcanoes, including Mount Erciyes. Historically, Anatolia has been a crossroads of civilizations, linking Europe and Asia. Today, it supports major cities, transportation networks, and economic activities while remaining one of Turkey's most important geographical regions.

5. South America (Continent)