1. Exploring the Earth’s Surface Landforms
Based on Study Guide
Pages 34-38

2. Basic Vocab Topography - the shape of the land
Elevation – height above sea level
Relief – difference in elevation between highest and lowest point
Landforms – feature of topography formed by the processes that shape Earth’s surface

3. Landforms There are three landforms mentioned in the book: Plains
Mountains
Plateaus
We will also talk about:
Valleys

4. Plains- Landforms made of nearly flat or gently rolling land with low relief

5. Mountains- landform with high elevation and high relief

6. Mountain range- a group of mountains that are closely related in shape, structure and age.

7. Examples of mountain ranges include:
The Bitterroot Mountains in Idaho and Montana.

8. Mountain ranges that form larger units are called mountain systems.
An example of a mountain system is the Rocky Mountains

9. A chain of mountain systems is called a mountain belt.
The American Cordillera is a series of steep mountain ranges that rim the western edge of North and South America

10. The progression goes like this:
Mountains
Mountain Range
Mountain System
Mountain Belt

12. Plateaus- a landform that has high elevation and a more or less level surface.

14. A valley is a low area of land between hills or mountains, typically with a river or stream flowing through it.

15. A landform region is a large area where the topography is made up of one type of landform.
Example:
Coastal plain-