Bodies of Water and Landforms

Oceans Large bodies of SALT water the surround a continent. Large bodies of SALT water the surround a continent.

Seas Large bodies of SALT water that is often connected to an ocean. Large bodies of SALT water that is often connected to an ocean. May be partly or completely surrounded by land. May be partly or completely surrounded by land.

Rivers Large, flowing bodies of FRESH water that usually empty into a sea or ocean. Large, flowing bodies of FRESH water that usually empty into a sea or ocean.

Streams Small, flowing bodies of FRESH water that usually flow into rivers. Small, flowing bodies of FRESH water that usually flow into rivers.

Lakes and Ponds Areas of fresh water that are surrounded by land. Areas of fresh water that are surrounded by land. Lakes are larger than ponds. Lakes are larger than ponds. Lake Keowee pond

Glaciers Huge sheets of ice that cover land Huge sheets of ice that cover land They are found where temperatures are very cold. High mountains or poles of the Earth. They are found where temperatures are very cold. High mountains or poles of the Earth.

Volcanoes An opening in the Earth’s surface from which lava flows. An opening in the Earth’s surface from which lava flows. As lava hardens and builds up, a volcanic mountain forms. As lava hardens and builds up, a volcanic mountain forms.

Mountains A place on the Earth where the land is much higher than the land surrounding it. A place on the Earth where the land is much higher than the land surrounding it. Some are tall and rocky Some are tall and rocky Others are rounded and covered with trees. Others are rounded and covered with trees. A mountain with a flat top is called a plateau. A mountain with a flat top is called a plateau.

Valleys Lowland between higher areas like mountains. Lowland between higher areas like mountains. Sometimes, rivers wear away land and form valleys. Sometimes, rivers wear away land and form valleys.

Canyons A deep valley with very steep sides A deep valley with very steep sides Often carved from the Earth by a river. Often carved from the Earth by a river.

Caverns A large cave underground chamber A large cave underground chamber Also known as a cave Also known as a cave Formed underground when water wears away the rock. Formed underground when water wears away the rock.

Islands Area of land that is entirely surrounded by water Area of land that is entirely surrounded by water Sometimes located in lakes or near the seashore as barrier islands. Sometimes located in lakes or near the seashore as barrier islands.

Erosion Earth materials (rock, sand, soil) are washed away from their original location. Earth materials (rock, sand, soil) are washed away from their original location.

Erosion at Lake Hartwell

More examples of erosion