Landforms
Learn
Look around you! The Earth is full of different shapes and features. Some places have tall mountains. Other places have flat plains. These shapes are called landforms.
What is a Landform?
A landform is a natural shape or feature on the Earth's surface. Mountains, hills, valleys, and plains are all landforms. They are made over millions of years by water, wind, and movements inside the Earth.
Why Do Landforms Matter?
Landforms affect where people live, how water flows, what plants grow, and even the weather! Understanding landforms helps us understand our world.
Types of Landforms
Mountains
A mountain is a very tall landform that rises high above the land around it. Mountains have steep sides and often have snow on top. The highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest!
Hills
A hill is like a small mountain. Hills are raised areas of land, but they are shorter and rounder than mountains. They are easier to climb!
Valleys
A valley is a low area of land between mountains or hills. Rivers often flow through valleys. Valleys are good places for farming because the soil is rich.
Plains
A plain is a large, flat area of land. Plains are good for growing crops and building cities. Many farms are located on plains.
Plateaus
A plateau is a flat area of land that is raised up high, like a table. It has steep sides and a flat top.
Islands
An island is land that is completely surrounded by water. Hawaii is made up of many islands!
Examples
Let's look at some famous landforms around the world.
Example 1: The Rocky Mountains
Type: Mountain range
Location: Western North America
Fun fact: The Rocky Mountains stretch for over 3,000 miles! They are home to bears, eagles, and mountain goats.
Example 2: The Great Plains
Type: Plain
Location: Central United States
Fun fact: The Great Plains are sometimes called "America's breadbasket" because so much wheat and corn is grown there.
Example 3: The Grand Canyon
Type: Valley (canyon)
Location: Arizona, USA
Fun fact: The Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. It is over one mile deep!
Example 4: The Colorado Plateau
Type: Plateau
Location: Southwestern United States
Fun fact: This high, flat area contains many famous parks including the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.
Example 5: The Hawaiian Islands
Type: Islands
Location: Pacific Ocean
Fun fact: The Hawaiian Islands were made by volcanoes erupting from the ocean floor. The Big Island is still growing from lava!
Practice
Answer these questions about landforms.
1. What landform is very tall with steep sides and sometimes has snow on top?
Show Answer
Mountain. Mountains are the tallest landforms and often have snow at their peaks.
2. What landform is a low area between mountains or hills?
Show Answer
Valley. Valleys are low areas, and rivers often flow through them.
3. What landform is large, flat, and good for farming?
Show Answer
Plain. Plains are flat areas where crops can easily be grown.
4. What landform is completely surrounded by water?
Show Answer
Island. An island has water on all sides.
5. How is a hill different from a mountain?
Show Answer
A hill is shorter and rounder than a mountain. Hills are easier to climb.
6. What is a plateau?
Show Answer
A plateau is a flat area of land that is raised up high, like a table with steep sides.
7. Where would you expect to find a river: on a mountain peak or in a valley?
Show Answer
In a valley. Water flows downhill, so rivers collect in the low areas between mountains and hills.
8. If you wanted to plant a big farm, would you choose a mountain or a plain? Why?
Show Answer
A plain. Plains are flat and have good soil for growing crops. Mountains are too steep and rocky.
9. How were the Hawaiian Islands formed?
Show Answer
The Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanoes. Lava erupted from the ocean floor and built up over time to create the islands.
10. Name three different types of landforms.
Show Answer
Possible answers: mountains, hills, valleys, plains, plateaus, islands, canyons, cliffs.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1: What is a landform?
Show Answer
A landform is a natural shape or feature on the Earth's surface, like a mountain, valley, or plain.
Question 2: Why are valleys good places for farming?
Show Answer
Valleys have rich soil because water and sediment wash down from the mountains. The flat ground also makes it easier to grow crops.
Question 3: What is the difference between a plateau and a plain?
Show Answer
Both are flat, but a plateau is raised up high with steep sides, while a plain is at a lower elevation.
Question 4: How can erosion and weathering create landforms?
Show Answer
Erosion and weathering wear away rock over time. Water can carve valleys and canyons. Wind can shape rocks. These processes slowly change the land over millions of years.
Next Steps
- Make a landform model: Use clay or playdough to create your own mountain, valley, and plain.
- Explore a map: Look at a map of your state or country. Can you find mountains, plains, and valleys?
- Keep learning: Continue exploring Earth science in the Tools & Measurement unit to learn how scientists study our planet.