Physical Geography Flashcards

Flashcards covering key definitions related to physical geography.

What is a landform?

A natural, physical feature on the Earth’s surface created by constructive and destructive processes.

What is a landscape?

The visible features of an area of land made up of its landforms.

What defines a mountain?

A steep, naturally elevated area of land, around 300 metres taller than the surrounding area, possibly with a rounded or pointed top.

What is a plateau?

A large, elevated flat area.

What is a valley?

A low area of land between two hills or mountains, often with streams flowing through it.

What is an island?

A body of land surrounded by water such as oceans, lakes, and rivers.

What is considered a hill?

A rounded, naturally elevated area of land.

What defines a desert?

Arid land, generally receiving less than 25 centimeters of precipitation a year.

What is a peninsula?

A body of land that sticks out into a body of water, mostly surrounded by water and connected to a larger landmass on one side.

What is a glacier?

A slowly moving mass or river of ice formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow on mountains or near the poles.

What is a plain?

A large area of flat land with few trees.

What defines a river?

A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river.

What is a lake?

A stagnant or non-flowing body of surface water, although it may have water flowing into/out of it.

What is an ocean?

Vast bodies of salt water, including the Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, Indian, and Southern Oceans.

What is a beach?

Gradually sloping land along the edge of a body of water, can be covered in sand.

What is a delta?

A landform of deposited sediments where a river or stream meets the ocean.

What is a volcano?

A mountain or hill with a crater through which lava is projected.