Geographic Features

Water Related Rivers A natural watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing toward another water source Lakes A body of water surrounded by land (usually freshwater)

Tributaries Gulfs A stream or river which flows into main stem (or parent) river An arm of a sea or ocean partly enclosed by land and larger than a bay

Bays Oceans An area of water mostly surrounded by land. A LARGE body of salt water that covers most of the Earth’s surface

Land Related Mountains A large, high elevation of land with steep sides that is larger than a hill Hills A natural elevation of land that is lower than a mountain and often round

Plateaus Plains A broad, flat area of land having few or no trees A high flatland

Islands Peninsulas A body of land that is smaller than a continent and completely surrounded by water A piece of land that is mostly surrounded by water, but still connected to a mainland

Geographic Features are Related to: Patterns of trade Locations of cities and towns Westward (frontier) movement Agriculture and fishing industry