The Earth’s surface is extremely diverse, no matter where you are in the world. It is composed of many different types of landforms and bodies of water, making each part of it unique. From small ponds to vast oceans, and tiny islands to enormous mountains, the land and water of our planet are truly fascinating to learn about. Landforms and bodies of water are natural features of the Earth’s surface that are formed over many years of erosion, weathering, and other earth forces.
Types of Landforms
Landforms vary in size and shape, as well as elevation levels. Mountains, plains, and plateaus are the main types of landforms, but there are many more.
Canyon - A deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it.
Cape - A point of land that extends out into the sea or a lake.
Delta - Wetland that forms as rivers empty their water and sediment into another body of water.
Desert - Dry land with few plants and little rainfall.
Glacier - A large body of ice moving slowly down a slope or valley or spreading outward on a land surface.
Island - An area of land surrounded by water and smaller than a continent
Isthmus A narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas.
Mountain - A large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level; a large steep hill.
Peninsula - A piece of land nearly surrounded by water or sticking out into the water.
Plain - A broad area of level or rolling treeless country.
Plateau - A broad, flat area of high land.
Hill - Rounded height of land lower than a mountain.
Swamp - An area of land that is permanently saturated or filled with water.
Valley - An area of lowland between ranges of hills or mountains.
Volcano - A vent in the earth's crust from which melted or hot rock and steam come out.
Types of Bodies of Water
Bodies of water are important for many reasons, including transportation of goods, travel, erosion, and vegetation.
Bay - A broad inlet of the sea where the land curves inward.
Gulf - A deep inlet of the sea almost surrounded by land, with a narrow mouth.
Lake - A large inland body of standing water.
Ocean - The whole body of saltwater that covers nearly three fourths of the surface of the earth.
Pond - A body of water that is usually smaller than a lake.
River - A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another such stream.
Sea - The expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth's surface and surrounds its landmasses.
Strait - A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two other large areas of water.
Stream - A small, narrow river.
Waterfall - A fall of water usually from a great height.
