Geographical Landforms and Bodies of Water

basin

A bowl-shaped depression, or hollow, in the Earth's surface.

plain

A broad and flat or gently rolling area usually low in elevation.

desert

A dry, barren region that may be sandy and without trees.

oasis

A fertile place in the desert where there is water and some vegetation.

glacier

A huge mass of ice that moves slowly down a mountain.

ocean

A large body of saltwater that covers 71% of the earth's surface.

sea

A large body of saltwater wholly or partly surrounded by land.

lake

A large body of water surrounded by land.

valley

A lowland between hills or mountains.

fjord

A narrow inlet of the sea bordered by steep cliffs.

isthmus

A narrow strip of land with water on both sides, connecting two larger areas of land.

strait

A narrow waterway connecting two bodies of water.

cape

A point of land extending into a body of water.

plateau

A raised area of land, such as a hill or mountian, with a flat top.

river system

A river and tributaries that run into it.

mountain range

A row of connected mountains.

mesa

A small, high plateau or flat tableland with steep sides.

source

A spring, fountain, etc., that is the starting point of a river.

tributary

A stream or river that flows into a large stream or river.

delta

A triangular deposit of sand and soil that collects at the jmouth of some rivers.

island

An area of land completely surrounded by water.

coast

Land alongside the sea.

peninsula

Land surrounded by water on all sides but one.

continent

One of the main, large areas of the earth--the mainland.

gulf

Part of an ocean extending into the land; larger than a bay.

bay

Part of an ocean or lake extending into the land.