Landforms

Bay A part of a sea or lake that extends into the land. Examples: Bay of Bengal, Hudson Bay

Canyon A deep, narrow valley with steep sides; often has a stream flowing through it. Examples: Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon

Desert An area that receives less than 10 inches of rainfall annually. Examples: Sahara Desert, Gobi Desert

Glacier A huge, slow-moving mass of snow and ice Examples: Variegated Glacier, Piedmont Glacier

Island An area of land completely surrounded by water Examples: Hawaii, Jamaica

Isthmus A narrow strip of land that connects two larger areas of land Examples: Isthmus of Panama, Isthmus of La Dune

Mountain An area that rises steeply at least 2,000 feet above surrounding land. Examples: Mount Kilimanjaro Mt. Everest

Peninsula An area of land almost completely surrounded by water and connected to the mainland by an isthmus. Examples: Michigan, Florida, Italy

Plain A large area of flat or gently rolling land Examples: Great Plains, Serengeti Plains

Plateau A large, flat area that rises above the surrounding land; at least one side has a steep slope Examples: Lava Plateau, Deccan Plateau

River A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another such stream. Examples: Mississippi River, Nile River

Sea The expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth's surface and surrounds its landmasses. Examples: Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea

Valley A low area of land between hills or mountains, typically with a river or stream flowing through it. Examples: Death Valley, Great Rift Valley

Volcano An opening in the Earth’s surface through which molten rock, ashes, and gasses from the Earth’s interior escape Examples: Mount Vesuvius, Mount St. Helens

Waterfall A place where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops in the course of a stream or river. Examples: Niagara Falls, Yosemite Falls