AlluviumFine soil, sand, and mud deposited by rivers during floods. Creates very fertile farmland.BedrockThe solid rock layer beneath soil and loose material. It's the 'foundation' of the landscape.BiodiversityThe variety of plant and animal life in an area. More biodiversity means a healthier ecosystem.ClimateThe average weather conditions in an area over many years — temperature, rainfall, and wind.Continental PlateA huge piece of Earth's crust carrying a continent. India sits on the Indian Plate.Coral PolypA tiny sea animal (smaller than your fingernail) that builds a limestone skeleton. Millions create coral reefs.CrustThe thin, solid outer layer of Earth — like the skin of an apple. Only 5-70 km thick.DepositionWhen rivers, wind, or glaciers drop the sediment they were carrying. Builds up new landforms.EcosystemA community of living things (plants, animals) and their environment, all depending on each other.ErosionThe wearing away of rock and soil by water, wind, ice, or gravity. One of the main forces shaping land.Fault LineA crack in Earth's crust where tectonic plates meet. Earthquakes happen along fault lines.FertileSoil that is rich in nutrients and good for growing crops. River floodplains are very fertile.HabitatThe natural home of an animal, plant, or other living thing.LavaHot, melted rock that flows out of a volcano. Underground, it's called magma.LimestoneA type of rock made from remains of ancient sea creatures. Caves often form in limestone.MagmaHot, melted rock deep inside the Earth. When it reaches the surface, it's called lava.MangroveTrees and shrubs growing in salty coastal water. Their roots protect coasts from erosion and storms.MonsoonA seasonal wind bringing heavy rainfall. India's monsoon (June-September) brings most of the year's rain.PermafrostGround that stays frozen for two or more years. Found in very cold regions or high mountains.Plate TectonicsThe theory that Earth's crust is made of giant plates that slowly move, causing earthquakes and mountains.Ramsar SiteA wetland of international importance, protected under the Ramsar Convention. India has 75 Ramsar sites.SedimentTiny pieces of rock, sand, mud, or organic matter carried by water, wind, or ice.Tectonic PlateOne of the large pieces of Earth's crust that float on the hot mantle below.TributaryA smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river.VolcanicRelated to volcanoes — volcanic rock, volcanic eruption, volcanic island.WatershedThe boundary between two drainage basins. Rain on one side flows to one river, on the other to a different river.WeatheringThe breaking down of rock by weather — rain, frost, heat, and plants. Different from erosion (which involves movement). 