Geography Explored: Types of Landforms and Their Development

by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023

Geography Explored: Types Of Landforms And Development

Geography is the study of physical features of the surface of the earth and the processes which shape them and is also referred to as the study of countries and their various characteristics. It includes topography, climate, soils and vegetation, and the political and economic history of the country, its people and its resources. Geography also examines the culture and lifestyles of people, and the ways in which the environment shapes those lifestyles. In other words, geography is the study of the physical, human and cultural development of the earth.

This article will explore the different types of landforms and the processes which shape them to form the earth’s current landscape.

What are landforms?

Landforms are bodies of land on the earth’s surface and are formed by the processes of natural environment which involve environmental forces such as the wind, the sea, the rain and other weather conditions. Landforms can include mountains, valleys, plateaus, plains, hills, and ridges. These landforms have distinct characteristics and are recognised at a regional level.

Types of Landforms

The landforms on earth are classified into the following groups:

1. Mountains

Mountains are elevated landforms that stand above the surrounding land and usually have steep slopes. They are generally considered the most impressive type of landforms and are recognised all over the world. Prominent mountain ranges include the Himalayan Mountains, the Alps, the Rocky Mountains and the Andes. Mountains can be formed from either volcanic activity or by tectonic plates colliding and thus forming large mountains.

2. Hills

Hills are smaller landforms that are rounded in shape and are generally lower than mountains. Hills are formed through erosion, tectonic processes and weathering and can be found all around the world. Examples of famous hill ranges include the Appalachian Mountains, the Scottish Highlands and the Kansas Hills.

3. Plains

Plains are large, flat areas of land and are usually created by long periods of erosion. Plains are found across the world and are a great source of agricultural land. Examples of plains include the Prairies of Canada, the Great Plains of the United States, and the grasslands of Central Africa.

4. Valleys

Valleys are long, narrow depressions which are usually created by the erosion of a river. Famous valleys include the Grand Canyon in the Unites States, the Blyde River Canyon in South Africa, and the Wadi Rum in Jordan.

5. Plateaus

Plateaus are large areas of land which are elevated above the surrounding plains and are often formed by volcanic activity. Examples of plateaus include the Colorado Plateau, the Tibetan Plateau and the Bolivian Altiplano.

Development of Landforms

The development and shape of landforms are largely due to two key processes – erosion and deposition. This sees the physical movement of material as rivers, glaciers and oceans move sediment around, which leads to the formation of landforms.

Erosion

Erosion is the process of slowly wearing away landforms due to the action of wind and water. Water erosion typically involves two main factors – rainwater and rivers. Rain will run off the land and can erode the soil if it is unpaved and unprotected. Rivers can erode the land by carrying rocks and sediment downstream, leading to the formation of valleys. Wind erosion is also an important factor in certain parts of the world, such as in deserts, where sand is blown and can create new landforms.

Deposition

Deposition is the process of building landforms through the deposition of sediment. This typically occurs when sediment is carried by rivers and is then deposited in a new location. This process can lead to the formation of new landforms, such as deltas and beaches.

Conclusion

The landscape of the earth is constantly changing due to the constant processes of erosion and deposition. This article has explored the different types of landforms and the processes which lead to their formation.