WHI Physical Geography

physical geography

the study of natural features and processes of our planet

climate

conditions of the atmosphere at a particular location over a long period of time

plateau

Raised, flat-surfaced areas bounded on one or more sides by cliffs or steep slopes

island

Any land area surrounded entirely by water

archipelago

a chain or collection of islands

delta

plain composed of sediment deposited at the mouth of a river often shaped like a triangle

sea

a part of the ocean (salt water) that is partly or completely surrounded by land

valley

a long depression of Earth’s surface usually between ranges of hills or mountains

plain

any relatively level area of the Earth’s surface exhibiting gentle slopes

peninsula

body of land surrounded by water on three sides

mountain

landform that rises prominently above its surroundings

lake

large body of slowly moving or standing water surrounded by land

desert

large, extremely dry area of land with little vegetation

isthmus

narrow strip of land with water on both sides that connects two large pieces of land