Landscapes and Landforms

What is a Landscape? A landscape is a region on Earth’s surface in which various landforms, such as hills, valleys, and streams, are related by a common origin. A landscape is a region on Earth’s surface in which various landforms, such as hills, valleys, and streams, are related by a common origin. Landscapes are formed through the process of weathering, erosion and deposition. Landscapes are formed through the process of weathering, erosion and deposition.

What Determines the Topography of the Landscapes? The shape, or topography, and composition of the landscape are determined by the climate, local bedrock, geologic structures, and human activities. The shape, or topography, and composition of the landscape are determined by the climate, local bedrock, geologic structures, and human activities.

How Does Climate Influence Landscapes? Humid climates support the growth of plants and the development of mature soils. Humid climates support the growth of plants and the development of mature soils. Plant cover protects the soil from rapid runoff and erosion. Plant cover protects the soil from rapid runoff and erosion. Landscapes in moist climates are characteristic of rounded slopes and hills. Landscapes in moist climates are characteristic of rounded slopes and hills.

How Does Climate Influence Landscapes? Arid climates generally support little growth of plants and produce thin soils. Arid climates generally support little growth of plants and produce thin soils. While rain is infrequent in desert areas, it often comes down hard when it does rain. While rain is infrequent in desert areas, it often comes down hard when it does rain. Insufficient plant cover allows for rapid runoff and erosion of sediments. Insufficient plant cover allows for rapid runoff and erosion of sediments. Large areas of exposed bedrock and steep rock faces are the result. Large areas of exposed bedrock and steep rock faces are the result. Landscapes in arid climates are characteristic of steep slopes and sharp angles of rock material. Landscapes in arid climates are characteristic of steep slopes and sharp angles of rock material.

How Do Geologic Factors Influence the Landscape? Rocks that are durable resist weathering and erosion. Rocks that are durable resist weathering and erosion. Durable rocks form the higher relief landscapes, such as mountains, plateaus, and escarpments (cliffs). Durable rocks form the higher relief landscapes, such as mountains, plateaus, and escarpments (cliffs). The softer rocks weather and erode faster forming the lower relief landscapes of plains and lowlands. The softer rocks weather and erode faster forming the lower relief landscapes of plains and lowlands.

Mount Marcy, NY

Allegheny Plateau

St. Lawrence Lowlands (Plains)

How Landscape Affects Drainage Patterns Drainage patterns are determined by the way small streams or tributaries join to form larger streams. Drainage patterns are determined by the way small streams or tributaries join to form larger streams. If the bedrock is uniform or made of flat-lying layers, a branching drainage pattern forms, which is called dendritic. If the bedrock is uniform or made of flat-lying layers, a branching drainage pattern forms, which is called dendritic. If two very different rock types occur in the same area, the harder rocks will form the hills and ridges. If two very different rock types occur in the same area, the harder rocks will form the hills and ridges.

Radial Drainage Pattern