Earth's Landforms Flashcards
landform
a physical feature on the Earth’s surface.
Landforms are caused by forces such as wind, water, ice and gravity.
weathering
the breaking down and wearing away of rocks by wind, water and ice.
The constant pounding of waves can weather the rocks along the coast.
erosion
The movement of sediment by wind, water, ice or gravity.
Erosion by water can change the shape of a river as rocks and sediment are moved from the sides.
deposition
a process in which wind, water or ice drop sediment in a new place.
Deposition is responsible for the formation of sand dunes. The sand is dropped and piled up in small hills along the coast.
sediment
small particles of rock, sand, soil or shells deposited by wind, water, or ice.
valley
a low-lying area with high sides between mountains most often caused by moving water or glaciers.
A V-shaped valley is usually caused by rivers.
A U-shaped valley is usually caused by glaciers.
canyon
a valley with very steep sides formed by running water.
A canyon, like the Grand Canyon, is created over many thousands of years.
delta / river delta
soil that is deposited at the mouth of the river (where the river meets the ocean) usually in the shape of a triangle.
The Mississippi River delta is continuously expanding.
dune / sand dune
a hill of sand created by the wind.
There are many sand dunes at the beach.
butte
a landform carved by wind in dry areas with a flat top and steep sides, usually found in isolation (alone).
Some people may refer to buttes as “table tops” because of their steep sides and flat tops.
arch
large rock landforms in which wind or water have carved out the middle leaving it in the shape of an arch.
Arches can be found near the ocean or in the desert.
