Landforms
Mountains
Definition: A land form that
extends above surrounding
terrain. A mountain generally
steeper than a hill.
Some well known
mountains include the Rocky
Mountains and the Himalaya
Mountains.
Advantages: Natural protection from
invaders, cleaner air and water,
Disadvantages: Less land for planting crops,
difficulty transporting good,
Valleys
Canyon
Definition: A deep valley with steep,
rocky sides. Usually has a river running
through it.
Some well known
canyons include the Grand
Canyon and the Copper Canyon
Advantages: Natural protection from
invaders, river is a source of fresh water and food.
Disadvantages: very dry land that is
unable to be farm.
Island
Definition: A piece of land that is
completely surrounded by water.
Some well known
islands are the Hawaiian Islands
and Maui.
Advantages: The water surrounding
the island is a natural barrier for protection, the
water also provides a natural source of food.
Disadvantages: Less land to farm, you are
isolated from the rest of society.
Definition: A low area of land
between mountains or hills.
Some well known valleys include Douro Valley
in Portugal, and Cerce Valley in France.
Advantages: Soil is great for farming,
They provide good land for settling.
Disadvantages: They can flood very easily, usually there is a lot of rainfall.
Hills
Definition: A raised area, or
a mound of land.
Some well known hills include: Capitol Hill,
and 7 Hills of Rome.
Advantages: Natural barrier for protection,
does not flood like a valley.
Disadvantages: Harder to farm, harder
to build a shelter.
Plains
Definition: A large area of flat
land with only small changes in elevation.
Some well known plains include the Great Plains
in North America, and the Pampas in South America.
Advantages: Great for farming, easy to
build shelter for settling.
Disadvantages: If near a river will easily flood,
no natural barriers for protection.
Lake
Definition: A large body of water surrounded
by land on all sides.
Some well known lakes include Lake Superior, Lake
Michigan, and Lake Erie.
Advantages: Access to water for farming,
fresh water can be used for drinking.
Disadvantages: can easily flood, takes up
space that could be used for farming,
Plateau
Definition: A large flat area of land higher
than the land around it.
Some well known plateaus are Island In The Sky,
and the Columbia Plateau.
Advantages: easy to build shelter on the flat surface,
a natural barrier for protection.
Disadvantages: usually very dry so you
cannot farm.
River
Definition: A large flowing body
of water that usually empties into
a bay or sea.
Some well known
mountains include the Mississippi
River and the Nile River.
Advantages: Natural supply of water and
food, can be used for transportation,
creates fertile soil.
Disadvantages: They can flood very easily, can
have dangerous animals living in them.
