Geography Terms: Landforms, Water Bodies, and Locations

Absolute Location

Exact location of a place on the Earth described by global coordinates.

Mountain

A natural elevation of the earth's surface rising more or less abruptly to a peak.

Volcano

A vent in the earth's crust where lava, steam, and ashes escape.

Plateau

A relatively flat surface considerably raised above surrounding land.

Valley

Lower area of land between hills or mountains, especially one following the course of a stream.

Desert

An area of land that is very dry and receives very little rainfall.

Glaciers

A thick mass of ice resulting from compacted snow.

Canyons

A deep valley with steep sides, often with a stream flowing through it.

Lakes

A body of fresh or salt water surrounded by land.

Rivers

A natural stream of water of fairly large size flowing in a definite direction.

Deltas

A flat open flood plain at the mouth of a river.

Isthmus

Narrow strip of land connecting two larger pieces of land.

Straight

Narrow strip of water connecting two larger bodies of water.

Peninsula

Land surrounded by water on three sides.

Island

Small piece of land completely surrounded by water.