Exploring Earth’s Surface

• Topography- shape of the land (flat, sloping, hilly, or mountainous)• Elevation- height above sea level• Relief- difference in elevation

between the highest and lowest area

Types of landforms• Landforms- features of the land

formed by the process that shape the Earth.• Landform region- large area with

one type of landform• Plain- flat land with low relief• Mountain- high elevation and high

relief

Types of landforms

• Mountain range- group of mountains closely related in shape, structure, or age

• Plateaus- high elevation and level surface

Earth’s Four Spheres

1. Lithosphere- solid, rocky outer layer2. Atmosphere- gases that surround

the planet3. Hydrosphere- oceans, lakes, rivers

and ice4. Biosphere- all living things

Homework

• Copy the following chart into your notebook. Fill in the blanks with a one word answer.

Landform Elevation Relief

Plain low

Mountain

high

• Equator• Longitude• Latitude• Prime Meridian