Mrs. Degl 1

Landscapes

Let’s compare this map with page 3 in your ESRT’s.

Mrs. Degl 2

Landscapes are divided into 3 groups:

1. Mountains/Highlands – areas of steep gradient and high elevation. These areas have thin, steep rivers/streams with a very high velocity. They also have thin soil and areas of exposed bedrock.

Mrs. Degl 3

2. Plateaus/Uplands - areas of high elevation, that have a horizontal (flat) surface. These areas are surrounded by steep slopes. The rivers/streams on plateaus/uplands flow slower than the rivers/streams in the mountains because the land is flatter. Soils are thicker on plateaus.

Mrs. Degl 4

3. Plains/Lowlands – areas that are completely flat or have only small hills. The streams/rivers have low velocities because there are no slopes. The streams and rivers also tend to meander (curve). The soils in the plains are very thick and support a lot of farming.

Mrs. Degl 5

There are 2 types of natural forces that influence the rate at which landscapes develop:

1. Uplifting forces – forces that cause the Earth’s crust to raise up. Mountain formations and volcanic eruptions are examples of uplifting forces.

2. Leveling forces – forces that breakdown and lower the surface of the Earth. Weathering and erosion are examples of leveling forces (weather breaks down the Earth). Gravity is also a leveling force.

Leveling forces are always at work on the Earth’s surface. However, uplifting forces are not always occurring.

Mrs. Degl 6

Label the diagram with the following terms: Highlands, Uplands, or Plains & Youthful, Mature, or Old Age