Mountain
A mountain is an elevated portion of the Earth's crust, generally with steep
sides that show significant exposed bedrock. Although definitions vary, a
mountain may differ from a plateau in having a limited summit area, and is
usually higher than a hill, typically rising at least 600 metres above the
surrounding land.
Plateau
In geology and physical geography, a plateau, also called a high plain or a
tableland, is an area of highland consisting of flat terrain that is raised
sharply above the surrounding area on at least one side. Often one or more
sides have deep hills or escarpments.
Hill
A hill is a landform that extends above the surrounding terrain. It often has a
distinct summit, and is usually applied to peaks which are above elevation
compared to the relative landmass, though not as prominent as mountains.
Hills fall under the category of slope landforms.
Desert
A desert is a landscape where little precipitation occurs and, consequently,
living conditions create unique biomes and ecosystems. The lack of
vegetation exposes the unprotected surface of the ground to denudation.
About one-third of the land surface of the Earth is arid or semi-arid.
Valley
A valley is an elongated low area often running between hills or mountains
and typically containing a river or stream running from one end to the other.
Most valleys are formed by erosion of the land surface by rivers or streams
over a very long period. Some valleys are formed through erosion by glacial
ice.
Plain
In geography, a plain, commonly known as flatland, is a flat expanse of land
that generally has few rapid or steep changes in elevation. Natural
vegetation in plains can include prairies/grasslands, forests, savanah,
tundra, and desert biomes, among others.
Landforms are caused by two main types of geological
forces: endogenic forces from within the Earth, such as tectonic
plate movement and volcanic activity, and exogenic forces acting
on the surface, like weathering, erosion, and deposition by agents
such as water, wind, ice, and waves. These forces sculpt the
Earth's surface over time, creating features like mountains, valleys,
and deltas.
Endogenic (Internal) Forces
Tectonic Plate Movement:
The slow, powerful movement of Earth's tectonic plates can push
land upwards to form mountains (folding) or cause land to crack
and move (faulting), creating uplifted areas and rift valleys.
Volcanic Activity:
Eruptions of magma and ash can build up landmasses, forming
volcanic mountains and plateaus.
Sudden Forces:
Catastrophic events like earthquakes and landslides, which
involve sudden movements of land, also contribute to altering the
Earth's surface.
Exogenic (External) Forces
Weathering:
The breakdown of rocks and minerals by physical or chemical
processes, often by agents like water and ice, prepares material to
be moved.
Erosion:
The wearing down and carrying away of rock and soil by agents
such as moving water, wind, and glaciers carves out features like
canyons and valleys.
Deposition:
The accumulation of eroded material, or sediment, forms new
landforms, such as deltas where rivers meet the sea or sand
dunes shaped by wind.
Other Influences
Biological Factors:
Vegetation can stabilize dunes and form salt marshes, while
corals and algae create coral reefs.
Climatic Events:
Past climate events can also play a significant role in shaping
landforms, as studied by geomorphologists.