Geography Vocabulary

Mountain A large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level; a large steep hill. Synonyms: Bluff, peak, or ridge.

Peninsula A piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water. Synonyms: cape, neck, or point.

Plateau An area of fairly level high ground. Synonyms: Mesa, highland, or table.

Plain A large area of flat land with few trees. Synonyms: Tableland, open country, or prairie.

Valley A low area of land between hills or mountains, typically with a river or stream flowing through it. Synonyms: Gorge, basin, or lowland.

Volcano A mountain or hill, typically conical, having a crater or vent through which lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gas are or have been erupted from the earth's crust. Synonyms: peak, precipice, or cliff.

Island A piece of land surrounded by water. Synonyms: Isle, reef, and atole.

Isthmus A narrow strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger areas of land. Synonyms: Strait

Cordillera A system or group of parallel mountain ranges together with the intervening plateaus and other features, esp. in the Andes or the Rockies. Synonyms: Chain, ridge, or belt.