1. Exploring Earth’s Surface
Chapter 1 Section 1
Page 6-10

2. Objective: Compare and contrast main landforms based on
elevation & relief.
Topography: Shape of the land.
The topography of an area is determined by the area’s
elevation, relief, and landforms.
Elevation: The height above sea level on a point of Earth’s
surface.
Relief: The difference in elevation between the highest &
lowest parts of an area is its relief.
Landform: A feature of topography formed by the processes
that shape Earth’s surface. (ex. Hill, valley, mountain,)

3. Types of Landforms:
*Plain: Flat or gently rolling land with low relief. The broad
interior plain of North America is called the Great Plains.
*Mountain: Landform with high elevation and high relief.
*Mountain Range: A group of Mountains that are closely
related in shape, structure and age.
*Plateau: Landform with high elevation and a level surface.
Landform Region: A large area of land where the topography
is made up mainly of one type of landform.