Hills

Hills are natural elevations that rise above the surrounding terrain, typically lower and less rugged than mountains. They often have rounded profiles and moderate slopes and occur in a wide range of landscapes, from plateaus to coastlines, upland plateaus to river valleys. Hills may form as isolated features or as elements of larger upland systems.

Hills originate through several processes. Tectonic uplift can raise blocks of crust, while weathering and erosion wear down highlands into smoother, rounded shapes. Volcanic activity can form cone-shaped hills, and glacial action can carve valleys and leave erosional remnants such as drumlins. In some regions, wind-blown dunes and sediment deposition create hill-like mounds. The result is a landscape of varying relief and drainage patterns.

Classification and human context: There is no universal height boundary between hills and mountains; regional usage determines the distinction. In many places, a hill is a natural elevation that is smaller or less rugged than a mountain. Hills support diverse habitats and soils, from pastures and woodland to heath and scrub, and are often central to cultural landscapes. Human use includes agriculture, settlement, forestry, recreation, and tourism. Hills influence local climate, affect drainage, and provide viewpoints that shape settlement and land management. Notable hill regions include the Chiltern Hills and Malvern Hills in England, the Piedmont hills in Italy, and similar upland areas around the world.