landform

A landform is a natural feature of the Earth's surface with a recognizable shape, produced by a combination of geologic and geomorphic processes. Landforms include mountains, hills, plateaus, plains, valleys, deserts, dunes, river channels, and coastal features. They arise from the interaction of internal forces such as tectonic uplift and volcanism with external forces like weathering, erosion, deposition, and glaciation.

Formation processes involve several agents. Tectonic activity uplifts terrain and forms mountains and plateaus. Volcanism creates volcanic cones and lava plateaus. Erosion by water, ice, and wind carves out valleys, canyons, gorges, and channels, while deposition builds features such as deltas, alluvial fans, and sand dunes. Glacial processes shape landforms through carving and the deposition of till, producing moraines, drumlins, and fjords. Coastal processes create cliffs, arches, stacks, beaches, spits, and barrier systems.

Classification of landforms often follows origin and scale. Primary landforms derive mainly from tectonic and volcanic activity and include mountains and plateaus. Secondary landforms are shaped by erosion and deposition, such as valleys, canyons, dunes, and river terraces. Microforms describe small-scale features, while macroforms refer to large structures like major mountain belts or extensive plains.

Study and significance: The field of geomorphology examines how landforms form, change, and interact with climate, hydrology, and ecosystems. Landforms influence habitat distribution, resource availability, agriculture, and human settlement, and they guide navigation, engineering, and landscape management.