LANDFORMS Definitions & Pictures

Landform Dictionary Activity Using the provided worksheet and terms, you are going to create your very own landforms dictionary. Think of this as “note taking” exercise, with an added perk – learn about the environment around you… Hint: Focus on key points, not sentences Write down examples when possible

A group or chain of many islands Archipelago A group or chain of many islands Examples: Islands around Japan Hawaiian Islands

A bay is part of a body of salt water And reaches into the land . Examples: Hudson Bay San Francisco Bay

The Gulf of Mexico The Persian Gulf A gulf is part of a sea or ocean that reaches into land, and is larger than a bay. Examples: The Gulf of Mexico The Persian Gulf

A harbour is a sheltered area of water where ships can anchor safely.

Cape cape A cape is a point of land extending into a body of water.

Isthmus isthmus An isthmus is a narrow strip of land with water on both sides connecting two larger areas of land.

Peninsula peninsula An area of land that is nearly surrounded by water on three sides is known as a peninsula.

Desert A desert has 4 main characteristics 1. Super-dry air 2. Little rain - less than 10 inches a year 3. High daytime temperatures 4. Lots of wind Example: The Sahara Desert

Plain A plain has 2 main characteristics 1. Broad, flat, or gently rolling areas 2. Low in elevation Example: Dakota plains

Island An island has 2 main characteristics 1. Area of land 2. Surrounded by water Example: The Hawaiian Islands, Vancouver Island

The Himalayan Mountains A landform w. high elevation (minimum 500 metres) and a pointed or rounded top. Example: The Himalayan Mountains

Lake A lake is a body of water surrounded by land. Example: Lake Superior

Swamp A swamp is an area of land that is damp all the time And is low and wet . It supports grass and trees. Example: The Florida Everglades

Lagoon A lagoon is a shallow body of water, especially one separated from a sea by sandbars or coral reefs.

Oasis An oasis is a fertile place in the desert where there is water and some vegetation.

River A river is the largest stream of water that flows through land and into a lake, ocean or other body of water. Example: The Mississippi River

Mouth mouth A mouth is a part of a river where its body flows into another body of water.

Tributary tributary river A stream or river that flows into another stream or river is known as a tributary.

Delta A triangular deposit of sand and soil that collects at the mouth of some rivers is a delta. Example: Fraser River Delta

Channel A channel is a narrow deep waterway connecting two water bodies, or the deepest part of a river or waterway. Often located between an island and the mainland. Example: English Channel

Canal A waterway dug across land through which ships can pass is a canal. Example: Suez Canal Panama Canal

Strait A strait is a relatively narrow passageway connecting two bodies of water. Example: Georgia Strait, BC.

between hills or mountains. Slocan Valley Death Valley Vaseux Lake A valley is low land between hills or mountains. Examples: Slocan Valley Death Valley Okanagan Valley

Volcano A volcano is a cone shaped mountain Formed by rock or ash thrown from the inside of the earth It may have an opening or depression at top Example: Mt. St. Helen’s in Washington

A waterfall is a place where running water makes a sheer drop;  Usually over a cliff. Example: Niagara Falls Angel Falls

A hill is a raised part of the earth's surface with sloping sides Less than 500 metres.

And is made of rock or soil. Cliff A cliff is a high and steep slope And is made of rock or soil.

A canyon is a narrow valley With steep sides Created by erosion. Example: Grand Canyon

Glacier A glacier is a huge mass of ice that moves slowly down, or up a mountain.

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