Landforms
Earth's Surface Features and Formation
What are Landforms?
Landforms are natural features of Earth's surface, shaped by various geological processes over millions of years. They result from the constant interaction between internal forces (tectonic activity, volcanism) and external forces (erosion, weathering, deposition).
Major Landform Types
Mountains
Large landforms that rise prominently above surrounding terrain, typically with steep slopes and significant elevation.
Formation: Tectonic plate collision, volcanic activity, or erosion of surrounding areas
Examples: Himalayas, Andes, Rocky Mountains, Alps
Valleys
Low areas between hills or mountains, often with a river or stream running through them.
Formation: River erosion, glacial movement, or tectonic activity
Examples: Grand Canyon, Yosemite Valley, Rhine Valley
Plateaus
Elevated flat areas that rise sharply above surrounding land on at least one side.
Formation: Volcanic activity, uplift from tectonic forces, or erosion
Examples: Colorado Plateau, Deccan Plateau, Tibetan Plateau
Plains
Broad, flat or gently rolling areas, usually at low elevation.
Formation: Sediment deposition from rivers, lakes, or oceans
Examples: Great Plains, Indo-Gangetic Plain, Amazon Basin
Deserts
Arid regions receiving minimal precipitation, characterized by unique erosional features.
Formation: Climate patterns creating dry conditions, combined with wind and water erosion
Examples: Sahara Desert, Gobi Desert, Atacama Desert
Geological Processes
Plate Tectonics
Movement of Earth's lithospheric plates creates mountains, valleys, and oceanic trenches through collision, separation, or sliding past each other.
Erosion
Removal and transport of rock and soil by water, wind, ice, or gravity, gradually wearing down landforms over time.
Weathering
Breaking down of rocks and minerals through physical, chemical, or biological processes without movement of material.
Deposition
Laying down of sediment carried by wind, water, or ice, creating features like deltas, dunes, and moraines.
Volcanism
Eruption of molten rock, ash, and gases from Earth's interior, creating volcanic mountains, plateaus, and islands.
Glaciation
Movement of ice masses carving U-shaped valleys, creating moraines, and shaping mountain peaks through erosion.