Landform
A landform is a natural feature of Earth’s surface, such as a mountain, valley, plain, or dune, shaped by geological processes.
Weathering: The breakdown of rock at or near Earth’s surface by physical, chemical, or biological processes. It breaks exposed rock into material that can be moved into new landforms.
Geomorphology: The study of landforms, their origins, and the processes that shape them. It provides the scientific framework for explaining landform formation and change.
Geomorphological mapping: The identification and representation of landforms and surface processes on maps. It records landform types and their spatial relationships for analysis and planning.
Bathymetric feature: A natural feature of the seafloor, such as an ocean trench, ridge, or submarine canyon. It is the underwater counterpart to a landform on exposed land.
Erosion: The removal and transport of rock, soil, or sediment by water, wind, ice, or gravity. It carves valleys and reshapes slopes by carrying surface material away.
Topography: The arrangement and representation of the natural and artificial features of an area’s surface. Topography describes the elevations and shapes that distinguish one landform from another.
Digital elevation model: A digital representation of terrain elevations across a geographic area. Elevation data help classify landforms and model water flow across them.
Anthropogenic landform: A terrain feature created or substantially reshaped by human activity. It distinguishes natural surface forms from features such as mine spoil heaps and artificial embankments.
Tectonic uplift: The rise of Earth’s crust caused by tectonic forces or changes in the crust’s buoyancy. It raises crust into mountains and plateaus faster than erosion can lower them.
Relief (geography): The variation in elevation and slope across a portion of Earth’s surface. Relief captures the height differences that make terrain rugged or relatively level.