That area of the earth surface which is 600 meters or more higher than its surrounding area and extends to thousand kilometers in length is called mountain.
Special Characteristics of Mountain :
- Mountains are broad at the bottom and become narrow at top.
- The summit of the mountain has a steep gradient.
- The mountainous areas are cooler their the nearby areas as temperature falls with height.
- The water-laden air cause heavy rainfall after colliding with the mountains. The wind ward side gets ample amount of rainfall while the leeward side gets very little rainfall : This area is also called rainshadow area.
- Animal rearing is the main occupation of these areas. Agriculture is relatively lower than the plains.
- A lot of tribes live in the mountains. Gaddi, Bakarwal and Bhotiyas live in the Himalayas.
- Mountains provide shelter to various animals.