Unit 4: Landforms Created by Wind and Water

Archipelago

A chain of islands that is usually volcanic.

Bay

Part of an ocean or lake extending into land. (Usually smaller than a gulf)

River

A large stream of water that flows into a lake, ocean or another body of water

Delta

A triangular deposit of sand and soil that collects at the mouth of some rivers.

Lake

A large body of water surrounded by land.

Mesa

A broad, flat-topped landform with steep sides; smaller than a plateau

Mouth

The end of the river where its waters flow into another body of water

Channel

A narrow deep waterway

connecting two bodies of water

Valley

low land between hills and mountains

Cape

A point of land extending into a body of water

Gulf

Part of an ocean extending into land and usually larger than a bay

Mountain Range

A row of connected mountains

Peninsula

A piece of land surrounded by water on three sides

Canyon

A narrow chasm with steep cliff walls, cut into the earth by running water

Volcano

An opening in the earth's surface through which steam an ashes and lava are forced out

Strait

A narrow waterway connecting two larger bodies of water

Tributary

A stream or river that flows into a larger stream or river

Desert

An area that receives very little rainfall

Isthmus

A narrow strip of land with water on both sides connecting two larger areas of land

Plain

A broad and flat or gently rolling area usually low in elevation

Plateau

Flat highlands that are separated from the surroundings due to steep slopes.

Basin

A large depression of land surrounded by elevated land on all sides

Oasis

A fertile place in a desert where there is water and vegetation

Fjord

A steep-sided inlet from the ocean carved by glaciers

Glacier

A huge mass of ice that moves very slowly.

Harbor

A sheltered area of water where ships can anchor safely.

Dune

A hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind

Cliff

A high, steep face of rock or earth

Source

The starting point of a river. This image is of Lake Itasca, the ___________ of the Mississippi River.

Sea

A large body of saltwater that is connected to one of the larger oceans in some way.

Cave

A large underground chamber, typically of natural origin, in a hillside or cliff.

Butte

Araised, flat area of land with steep cliffs, smaller than a mesa

Arch

A natural arch, natural bridge, or (less commonly) rock arch is a natural landform where an arch has formed with an opening underneath.