Landforms are categorized by characteristic physical attributes such as their creating process, shape, elevation, slope, orientation, rock exposure, and soil type.
Landforms by process [ edit ] Landforms organized by the processes that create them.
Aeolian landform – Landforms produced by action of the winds include:
Dry lake – Area that contained a standing surface water bodySandhill – Type of ecological community or xeric wildfire-maintained ecosystemVentifact – Rock that has been eroded by wind-driven sand or ice crystalsYardang – Streamlined aeolian landformCoastal and oceanic landforms [ edit ] Coastal and oceanic landforms include:
Abyssal fan – Underwater geological structures associated with large-scale sediment depositionAbyssal plain – Flat area on the deep ocean floorArchipelago – Collection of islandsAtoll – Ring-shaped coral reefArch – Arch-shaped natural rock formationAyre – Shingle beaches in Orkney and ShetlandBarrier bar – Natural submerged sandbank that rises from a body of water to near the surfacePages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Barrier island – Coastal dune landform that forms by wave and tidal action parallel to the mainland coastBay – Recessed, coastal body of water connected to an ocean or lakeBaymouth bar – Russian name for the sandbar which forms an estuary lagoonPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Beach – Area of loose particles at the edge of a body of waterRaised beach – Emergent coastal landformBeach cusps – Shoreline formations made up of various grades of sediment in an arc patternBeach ridge – Wave-swept or wave-deposited ridge running parallel to a shorelineBight – Shallowly concave bend or curve in a coastline, river, or other geographical featureBlowhole – Hole at the top of a sea-cave which allows waves to force water or spray out of the holeChannel – Narrow body of waterCape – Large headland extending into a body of water, usually the seaCalanque – Narrow inlet on the Mediterranean coastCliff – Tall, near vertical rock faceCoast – Area where land meets the sea or oceanContinental shelf – Coastal and oceanic landformCoral reef – Outcrop of rock in the sea formed by the growth and deposit of stony coral skeletonsCove – Small sheltered bay or coastal inletCuspate foreland – Geographical features found on coastlines and lakeshoresDune system – Hill of loose sand built by aeolian processes or the flow of waterEstuary – Partially enclosed coastal body of brackish waterFirth – Scottish word used for various coastal inlets and straitsFjard – Glacially formed, broad, shallow inletFjord – Long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by glacial activityGeo – Inlet, a gully or a narrow and deep cleft in the face of a cliffGulf – Recessed, coastal body of water connected to an ocean or lakePages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Headland – Landform extending into a body of water, often with significant height and dropInlet – Indentation of a shorelineIsland – Piece of subcontinental land surrounded by waterIslet – Very small islandIsthmus – Narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areasLagoon – Shallow body of water separated from a larger one by a narrow landformMachair – Fertile low-lying grassy plainMarine terrace – Emergent coastal landformMid-ocean ridge – Basaltic underwater mountain system formed by plate tectonic spreadingOceanic basin – Geologic basin under the seaOceanic plateau – Relatively flat submarine region that rises well above the level of the ambient seabedOceanic ridge – An underwater mountain system formed by plate tectonic spreadingOceanic trench – Long and narrow depressions of the sea floorPeninsula – Land featureRia – Coastal inlet formed by the partial submergence of an unglaciated river valleyRiver delta – Silt deposition landform at the mouth of a riverSalt marsh – Coastal ecosystem between land and open saltwater that is regularly floodedSea cave – Cave formed by the wave action of the sea and located along present or former coastlinesSeamount – Mountain rising from the ocean seafloor that does not reach the water's surfaceSeamount chains – Mountain rising from the ocean seafloor that does not reach the water's surfacePages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Shoal – Natural submerged sandbank that rises from a body of water to near the surfaceShore – Area where land meets the sea or oceanPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Sound – Long, wide body of water, connecting two larger bodiesSpit – Coastal bar or beach landform deposited by longshore driftStrait – Waterway that connects two larger bodies of waterStrandflat – Type of landform found in high-latitude areasStack – Geological landform consisting of a steep and often vertical column or columns of rock, and stumpSubmarine canyon – Steep-sided valley cut into the seabed of the continental slopeSurge channel – Type of coastal landformTessellated pavement – Flat rock surface subdivided by fracturesTidal marsh – Marsh subject to tidal change in waterTide pool – Rocky pool on a seashore, separated from the sea at low tide, filled with seawaterTombolo – Deposition landform in which an island is connected to the mainland by a sandy isthmusVolcanic arc – Chain of volcanoes formed above a subducting plateWave-cut platform – Narrow flat area created by erosionCryogenic landforms [ edit ] Landforms produced by or in low-temperatures include:
Blockfield – Surface covered by irregular rocksCryoplanation terrace – Formation of plains, terraces and pediments in periglacial environmentsEarth hummocks – Small knoll or mound above groundPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Kurum – Mantle of loose rocks moving by creeping on gentle slopesLithalsa – Frost-induced raised land form in permafrost areasNivation hollow – Geomorphic processes associated with snow patchesPalsa – Low frost heave in polar and subpolar climatesPermafrost plateau – Low frost heave in polar and subpolar climatesPingo – Mound of earth-covered iceRock glacier – Glacial landformSolifluction lobes and sheets – Freeze-thaw mass wasting slope processesPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Thermokarst – Irregular land surface of marshy hollows and small hummocks formed when permafrost thawsLandforms produced byerosion andweathering usually occur in rocky or fluvial environments, and many also appear under those headings.
Arête – Narrow ridge of rock which separates two valleysBadlands – Type of heavily eroded terrainBornhardt – Large, dome-shaped, steep-sided, bald rockButte – Isolated hill with steep, often vertical sides and a small, relatively flat topCanyon – Deep chasm between cliffsCave – Natural void under a planetary surfaceCirque – Amphitheatre-like valley formed by glacial erosionCliff – Tall, near vertical rock faceChink , regional term inCentral Asia for steep chalk and limestone escarpments and cliffs of height up to 350m, often around flat-top elevationsCryoplanation terrace – Formation of plains, terraces and pediments in periglacial environmentsCuesta – Hill or ridge with a gentle slope on one side and a steep slope on the otherDanxia – Erosive landform found in ChinaDissected plateau – Plateaus area that has been severely eroded so that the relief is sharpErg – Broad area of desert covered with wind-swept sandEtchplain – Plain where the bedrock has been subject to considerable subsurface weatheringExhumed river channel – Ridge of sandstone that remains when the softer flood plain mudstone is eroded awayFjord – Long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by glacial activityFlared slope – Rock-wall with a smooth transition into a concavity at the foot zoneFlatiron – Steeply sloping triangular landformGulch – Deep V-shaped valley formed by erosionGully – Landform created by running water and/or mass movement eroding sharply into soilHogback – Long, narrow ridgeHoodoo – Tall, thin spire of relatively soft rock usually topped by harder rockHomoclinal ridge – Ridge with a moderate sloping backslope and steeper frontslopeInselberg , also known as Monadnock – Isolated, steep rock hill on relatively flat terrainInverted relief – Landscape features that have reversed their elevation relative to other featuresLavaka – Type of gully, formed via groundwater sappingLimestone pavement – Natural karst landform consisting of a flat, incised surface of exposed limestoneMesa – Elevated area of land with a flat top and sides, usually much wider than buttesMushroom rock – Mushroom-shaped rock formationNatural arch – Arch-shaped natural rock formationPaleoplain - A buried erosion plain; a particularly large and flat erosion surfacePediment – Very gently sloping inclined bedrock surfacePediplain – Extensive plain formed by the coalescence of pedimentsPeneplain – Low-relief plain formed by protracted erosionPlanation surface – Large-scale land surface that is almost flatPotrero – Long mesa that at one end slopes upward to higher terrainRidge – Long, narrow, elevated landformRôche moutonnée – Rock formation created by the passing of a glacierPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets List of rock formations Strike ridge – Ridge with a moderate sloping backslope and steeper frontslopeStructural bench – Long, relatively narrow land bounded by distinctly steeper slopes above and belowStructural terrace – Step-like landformTepui – Table-top mountain or mesa in the Guiana Highlands of South AmericaTessellated pavement – Flat rock surface subdivided by fracturesTruncated spur – Ridge that descends towards a valley floor or coastline that is cut shortTor – Large, free-standing rock outcrop on a gentle hill summitValley – Low area between hills, often with a river running through itWave-cut platform – Narrow flat area created by erosionWind gap – Topographic gap made by a former waterwayFluvial – Natural flowing freshwater streamPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets landforms include:
Ait – Small river islands (British English)Alluvial fan – Fan-shaped deposit of sedimentAnabranch – Part of a river or stream that diverts from and rejoins the main channelArroyo – Dry watercourse with flow after rainAsymmetric valley – Valley that has steeper slopes on one sideBackswamp – Environment on a floodplain where deposits settle after a floodBajada – Compound alluvial fanBar – Natural submerged sandbank that rises from a body of water to near the surfaceBayou – Body of water in flat, low-lying areasBench – Long, relatively narrow land bounded by distinctly steeper slopes above and belowBraided channel – Network of river channelsCanyon – Deep chasm between cliffsCave – Natural void under a planetary surfaceCliff – Tall, near vertical rock faceCut bank – Outside bank of a water channel, which is continually undergoing erosionCrevasse splay – Sediment deposited on a floodplain by a stream which breaks its leveesConfluence – Meeting of two or more bodies of flowing waterDrainage basin – Land area where water converges to a common outletDrainage divide – Elevated terrain that separates neighbouring drainage basinsEndorheic basin – Closed drainage basin that has no outflowEntrenched meander – One of a series of curves in a channel of a matured streamPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Epigenetic valley – Valley created by erosion and with little or no sympathy for bedrock structureEsker – Long, winding ridge of stratified sand and gravel associated with former glaciersExhumed river channel – Ridge of sandstone that remains when the softer flood plain mudstone is eroded awayFloodplain – Land adjacent to a water body which is flooded during periods of high waterFluvial island – Exposed landmass within a riverFluvial terrace – Elongated terraces that flank the sides of floodplains and river valleysGorge – Deep chasm between cliffsGully – Landform created by running water and/or mass movement eroding sharply into soilLevee – Ridge or wall to hold back waterMarsh – Low-lying and seasonally waterlogged landMeander – One of a series of curves in a channel of a matured streamMisfit stream – River too large or too small to have eroded the valley or cave passage in which it flowsNarrows – Restricted land or water passageOxbow lake – U-shaped lake or pool left by an ancient river meanderPoint bar – Landform related to streams and riversPlunge pool – Depression at the base of a waterfallPothole – Natural bowl-shaped hollow carved into a streambedRapids – River section with increased velocity and turbulenceRiffle – Shallow landform in a flowing channelRiver – Natural flowing freshwater streamRiver delta – Silt deposition landform at the mouth of a riverRiver island – Exposed landmass within a riverRock-cut basin – Cylindrical depression cut into stream or river bedsShut-in – Type of rock formation found in Ozarks streamsThalweg – Line of lowest elevation in a watercourse or valleyTowhead – Exposed landmass within a riverShoal – Natural submerged sandbank that rises from a body of water to near the surfaceSpring – A point at which water emenges from an aquifer to the surfaceStrath – Large valleyStream – Body of surface water flowing down a channelStream pool – Deep and slow-moving stretch of a watercourseSwamp – Forested wetlandValley – Low area between hills, often with a river running through itVale – Low area between hills, often with a river running through itWadi – Hydrological featureWaterfall – Point in a river or brook where water flows over a vertical dropWatershed – Land area where water converges to a common outletYazoo stream – Hydrologic termV-shaped valley – Low area between hills, often with a river running through itPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Landforms created byextraterrestrial impacts – Collision of two astronomical objects – include:
Central peak – Large impact craters with uplifted centresPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Complex crater – Large impact craters with uplifted centresCratered landscape Ejecta blanket – Layer of material thrown out of an impact craterImpact crater – Circular depression in a solid astronomical body formed by the impact of a smaller objectImpact crater lake – Lake formed within an impact craterSimple crater – Circular depression in a solid astronomical body formed by the impact of a smaller objectPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Lacustrine landforms [ edit ] Lacustrine – associated with lakes – landforms include:
Beach – Area of loose particles at the edge of a body of waterRaised beach – Emergent coastal landformCarolina bay – Elliptical depressions concentrated along the Atlantic seaboard of North AmericaPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Dry lake – Area that contained a standing surface water bodyChott – Dry lake in the Saharan area of AfricaEndorheic basin – Closed drainage basin that has no outflowLacustrine plain – Lakes filled by sedimentLacustrine terraces – Step-like landformLake – Large inland body of relatively still waterOasis – Fertile area in a desert environmentOxbow lake – U-shaped lake or pool left by an ancient river meanderParallel Roads of Glen Roy – Nature reserve in the Highlands of Scotland with ancient shoreline terracesPond – Relatively small body of standing waterProglacial lake – Lake formed by the action of iceSalt pan , also known as salt flat – Flat expanse of ground covered with salt and other mineralsPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Mountain and glacial landforms [ edit ] Mountain andglacial landform – Landform created by the action of glaciers – include:
Arête – Narrow ridge of rock which separates two valleys formed by glacial movementCirque – Amphitheatre-like valley formed by glacial erosionCol – Lowest point on a mountain ridge between two peaksCrevasse – Deep crack, or fracture, in an ice sheet or glacierCorrie – Amphitheatre-like valley formed by glacial erosion or cwmCove (mountain) – Small valley in the Appalachian Mountains between two ridge linesDirt cone – Depositional glacial feature of ice or snow with an insulating layer of dirtDrumlin – Elongated hill formed by glacial action anddrumlin field – Elongated hill formed by glacial actionPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Esker – Long, winding ridge of stratified sand and gravel associated with former glaciersFjord – Long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by glacial activityFluvial terrace – Elongated terraces that flank the sides of floodplains and river valleysFlyggberg – Isolated, steep rock hill on relatively flat terrainGlacier – Persistent body of ice that moves downhill under its own weightGlacier cave – Cave formed within the ice of a glacierGlacier foreland – Area between the leading edge of a glacier and the moraines of latest maximumHanging valley – A tributary valley that meets the main valley above the valley floorHighland – Area of high elevation such as a mountainous region or elevated mountainous plateauHill – Landform that extends above the surrounding terrainInselberg , also known as monadnock – Isolated, steep rock hill on relatively flat terrainKame – Mound formed on a retreating glacier and deposited on landKame delta – Glacial melt water landformKettle – Depression formed by glaciers or floodwatersMoraine – Glacially formed accumulation of debrisRogen moraine , also known as Ribbed moraines – Landform of ridges deposited by a glacier or ice sheet transverse to ice flowMoulin – Shaft within a glacier or ice sheet which water enters from the surfaceMountain – Large natural elevation of the Earth's surfaceMountain pass – Route through a mountain range or over a ridgeMountain range – Geographic area containing several geologically related mountainsNunatak – Landform within an ice field or glacierProglacial lake – Lake formed by the action of icePyramidal peak , also known as Glacial horn – Angular, sharply pointed mountainous peakOutwash fan – Type of sediment deposition by a melting glacierOutwash plain – Plain formed from glacier sediment transported by meltwaterRift valley – Linear lowland created by a tectonic rift or faultRôche moutonnée – Rock formation created by the passing of a glacierPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Sandur – Plain formed from glacier sediment transported by meltwaterSide valley – Valley with a tributary to a larger riverSummit – Point on a surface with a higher elevation than all immediately adjacent pointsTrim line – Clear line on the side of a valley marking the most recent highest extent of the glacierTruncated spur – Ridge that descends towards a valley floor or coastline that is cut shortTunnel valley – Glacial-formed geographic featureValley – Low area between hills, often with a river running through itU-shaped valley – Valleys formed by glacial scouringSlope landforms include:
Bluff – Tall, near vertical rock faceButte – Isolated hill with steep, often vertical sides and a small, relatively flat topCanyon – Deep chasm between cliffsCliff – Tall, near vertical rock faceCol – Lowest point on a mountain ridge between two peaksCuesta – Hill or ridge with a gentle slope on one side and a steep slope on the otherDale – Low area between hills, often with a river running through itDefile – Narrow pass or gorge between mountains or hillsDell – Small secluded hollowDoab , also known as interfluve – Land between two converging, or confluent, riversDraw – Long area of downward-sloping low groundEscarpment , also known as scarp – Steep slope or cliff separating two relatively level regionsFlat (landform) – Relatively level surface of land within a region of greater reliefGlen – Name for valley commonly used in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of ManGully – Landform created by running water and/or mass movement eroding sharply into soilHill – Landform that extends above the surrounding terrainHillock , also known as Knoll – Small hillMesa – Elevated area of land with a flat top and sides, usually much wider than buttesMountain pass – Route through a mountain range or over a ridgePlain – Expanse of land that is mostly flatPlateau – Highland area, usually of relatively flat terrainRavine – Small valley, often due to stream erosionRidge – Long, narrow, elevated landformRock shelter – Shallow cave-like opening at the base of a bluff or cliffSaddle – Land connecting two high pointsScree – Rock fragments weathered from larger massSolifluction lobes and sheets – Freeze-thaw mass wasting slope processesPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Strath – Large valleySummit – Point on a surface with a higher elevation than all immediately adjacent pointsTerrace – Step-like landformTerracette – Small natural step-arranged soil ridges on hillsidesVale – Low area between hills, often with a river running through itPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Valley – Low area between hills, often with a river running through itValley shoulder – Low area between hills, often with a river running through itPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Landforms created by tectonic activity include:
Asymmetric valley – Valley that has steeper slopes on one sideDome – Geological deformation structureFaceted spur – Ridge that descends towards a valley floor or coastline that is cut shortFault scarp – Small vertical offset on the ground surfaceGraben – Depressed block of planetary crust bordered by parallel normal faultsHorst – Raised fault block bounded by normal faultsMid-ocean ridge – Basaltic underwater mountain system formed by plate tectonic spreadingMud volcano – Landform created by the eruption of mud or slurries, water, and gasesOceanic trench – Long and narrow depressions of the sea floorPull-apart basin – Type of basin in geologyRift valley – Linear lowland created by a tectonic rift or faultSand boil – Cone formed by the ejection of sand on a surface from a central pointVolcanic landforms include:
Caldera – Cauldron-like volcanic feature formed by the emptying of a magma chamberCinder cone – Steep hill of pyroclastic fragments around a volcanic ventComplex volcano – Landform of more than one related volcanic centreCryptodome – Roughly circular protrusion from slowly extruded viscous volcanic lavaCryovolcano – Volcano that erupts gases and volatile materialDiatreme – Volcanic pipe associated with a gaseous explosionDike – Sheet of rock that is formed in a fracture of a pre-existing rock bodyFissure vent – Linear volcanic vent through which lava eruptsGeyser – Natural explosive eruption of hot waterGuyot – Flat-topped underwater mountainHornito – Conical structure built by lava ejected through the crust of a lava flowKīpuka – Area of land surrounded by one or more younger lava flowsLava – Molten rock expelled by a volcano during an eruptionLava dome – Roughly circular protrusion from slowly extruded viscous volcanic lavaLava coulee – Roughly circular protrusion from slowly extruded viscous volcanic lavaLava field , also known as lava plain – Large, mostly flat area of lava flowsLava lake – Molten lava contained in a volcanic craterLava spine – Vertical growth of solid volcanic lavaLava tube – Natural conduit through which lava flows beneath the solid surfaceMaar – Low-relief volcanic craterMalpais – Rough and barren landscape of relict and largely uneroded lava fieldsMamelon – Rock formation created by eruption of relatively thick or stiff lava through a narrow ventMid-ocean ridge – Basaltic underwater mountain system formed by plate tectonic spreadingPit crater – Depression formed by collapse of the surface into a voidPyroclastic shield – Shield volcano formed mostly of pyroclastic and highly explosive eruptionsResurgent dome – Volcanic landformRootless cone , also known as pseudocrater – Volcanic landformSeamount – Mountain rising from the ocean seafloor that does not reach the water's surfaceShield volcano – Low-profile volcano usually formed almost entirely of fluid lava flowsStratovolcano – Type of conical volcano composed of layers of lava and tephraSomma volcano – Volcanic caldera that has been partially filled by a new central coneSpatter cone – Landform of ejecta from a volcanic vent piled up in a conical shapeVolcanic crater lake – Lake formed within a volcanic craterSubglacial mound – Volcano formed when lava erupts beneath a thick glacier or ice sheetSubmarine volcano – Underwater vents or fissures in the Earth's surface from which magma can eruptSupervolcano – Volcano that has had an eruption with a volcanic explosivity index (VEI) of 8Tuff cone – Landform of ejecta from a volcanic vent piled up in a conical shapeTuya – Flat-topped, steep-sided volcanoVolcanic vent – Rupture in a planet's crust where material escapesPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Volcanic cone – Landform of ejecta from a volcanic vent piled up in a conical shapeVolcanic crater – Roughly circular depression in the ground caused by volcanic activityVolcanic dam – Natural dam produced directly or indirectly by volcanismVolcanic field – Area of Earth's crust prone to localized volcanic activityVolcanic group – Collection of related volcanoes or volcanic landformsVolcanic island – Island of volcanic originVolcanic plateau – Plateau produced by volcanic activityVolcanic plug – Volcanic object created when magma hardens within a vent on an active volcanoVolcano – Rupture in a planet's crust where material escapesWeathering landforms [ edit ] Weathering landforms include:
Bornhardt – Large, dome-shaped, steep-sided, bald rockEtchplain – Plain where the bedrock has been subject to considerable subsurface weatheringFlared slope – Rock-wall with a smooth transition into a concavity at the foot zoneFlute Honeycomb weathering – Form of cavernous weathering and subcategory of tafoniInselberg – Isolated, steep rock hill on relatively flat terrainKarst – Topography from dissolved soluble rocksNubbin – Small hill of bedrock with rounded residual blocksPanhole – Depression or basin eroded into flat or gently sloping cohesive rock (Weathering pit)Tafoni – Small to large indentations in vertical to steeply sloping granular rockTor – Large, free-standing rock outcrop on a gentle hill summitBornhardt – Large, dome-shaped, steep-sided, bald rockCinder cone – Steep hill of pyroclastic fragments around a volcanic ventCryptodome – Roughly circular protrusion from slowly extruded viscous volcanic lavaPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Dome – Geological deformation structureDrumlin – Elongated hill formed by glacial actionGranite dome – Rounded hills of bare granite formed by exfoliationHillock – Small hillInselberg – Isolated, steep rock hill on relatively flat terrainLava dome – Roughly circular protrusion from slowly extruded viscous volcanic lavaLava spine – Vertical growth of solid volcanic lavaMesa – Elevated area of land with a flat top and sides, usually much wider than buttesMogote – Steep-sided residual hill of limestone, marble, or dolomite on a flat plainNubbin – Small hill of bedrock with rounded residual blocksPalsa – Low frost heave in polar and subpolar climatesPingo – Mound of earth-covered icePyroclastic shield – Shield volcano formed mostly of pyroclastic and highly explosive eruptionsResurgent dome – Volcanic landformSeamount – Mountain rising from the ocean seafloor that does not reach the water's surfaceShield volcano – Low-profile volcano usually formed almost entirely of fluid lava flowsStratocone – Type of conical volcano composed of layers of lava and tephraPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Stratovolcano – Type of conical volcano composed of layers of lava and tephraTor – Large, free-standing rock outcrop on a gentle hill summitTower karst – Tall structures of soluble rockTuya – Flat-topped, steep-sided volcanoVolcanic cone – Landform of ejecta from a volcanic vent piled up in a conical shapeVolcanic island – Island of volcanic originCaldera – Cauldron-like volcanic feature formed by the emptying of a magma chamberCave – Natural void under a planetary surfaceCenote – Natural pit or sinkhole that exposes groundwater underneathCirque – Amphitheatre-like valley formed by glacial erosionCrevasse – Deep crack, or fracture, in an ice sheet or glacierDeflation hollow – Depressions in a sand dune ecosystem caused by the removal of sediments by windPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Doline – Geologically-formed topological depressionGnamma – Depression or basin eroded into flat or gently sloping cohesive rockPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Graben – Depressed block of planetary crust bordered by parallel normal faultsHoneycomb weathering – Form of cavernous weathering and subcategory of tafoniImpact crater – Circular depression in a solid astronomical body formed by the impact of a smaller objectJoint valley Kettle – Depression formed by glaciers or floodwatersLagoon – Shallow body of water separated from a larger one by a narrow landformLake – Large inland body of relatively still waterLava lake – Molten lava contained in a volcanic craterMaar – Low-relief volcanic craterNivation hollow – Geomorphic processes associated with snow patchesOxbow lake – U-shaped lake or pool left by an ancient river meanderPanhole – Depression or basin eroded into flat or gently sloping cohesive rockPothole – Natural bowl-shaped hollow carved into a streambedPlunge pool – Depression at the base of a waterfallPond – Relatively small body of standing waterPull-apart basin – Type of basin in geologyQuarry – Place where geological material has been excavatedRift – Part of a volcano where a set of linear cracks formSea cave – Cave formed by the wave action of the sea and located along present or former coastlinesSinkhole – Geologically-formed topological depressionSor – Closed drainless depression characteristic of the Central Asian desertsTafoni – Small to large indentations in vertical to steeply sloping granular rockThermokarst – Irregular land surface of marshy hollows and small hummocks formed when permafrost thawsVolcanic crater – Roughly circular depression in the ground caused by volcanic activityVolcanic dam – Natural dam produced directly or indirectly by volcanismAbyssal fan – Underwater geological structures associated with large-scale sediment depositionAbyssal plain – Flat area on the deep ocean floorBench – Long, relatively narrow land bounded by distinctly steeper slopes above and belowButte – Isolated hill with steep, often vertical sides and a small, relatively flat topCoastal plain – Area of flat, low-lying land adjacent to a seacoastContinental shelf – Coastal and oceanic landformCryoplanation terrace – Formation of plains, terraces and pediments in periglacial environmentsDissected plateau – Plateaus area that has been severely eroded so that the relief is sharpEtchplain – Plain where the bedrock has been subject to considerable subsurface weatheringFloodplain – Land adjacent to a water body which is flooded during periods of high waterFluvial terrace – Elongated terraces that flank the sides of floodplains and river valleysInselberg plain – Isolated, steep rock hill on relatively flat terrainLacustrine terrace – Step-like landformLava field , also known as lava plain – Large, mostly flat area of lava flowsOceanic basin – Geologic basin under the seaOceanic plateau – Relatively flat submarine region that rises well above the level of the ambient seabedOutwash fan – Type of sediment deposition by a melting glacierOutwash plain – Plain formed from glacier sediment transported by meltwaterPaleoplain - A buried erosion plain; a particularly large and flat erosion surface Pediplain – Extensive plain formed by the coalescence of pedimentsPeneplain – Low-relief plain formed by protracted erosionPlain – Expanse of land that is mostly flatPlanation surface – Large-scale land surface that is almost flatPlateau – Highland area, usually of relatively flat terrainPolje – Type of large plain found in karst regionsRaised beach , also known as Marine terrace – Emergent coastal landformRiver delta – Silt deposition landform at the mouth of a riverSalt marsh – Coastal ecosystem between land and open saltwater that is regularly floodedSalt pan – Flat expanse of ground covered with salt and other mineralsPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Sandur – Plain formed from glacier sediment transported by meltwaterStrandflat – Type of landform found in high-latitude areasStrath – Large valleySwamp – Forested wetlandTable – Raised landform with a flat topPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Tidal marsh – Marsh subject to tidal change in waterTepui – Table-top mountain or mesa in the Guiana Highlands of South AmericaVolcanic plateau – Plateau produced by volcanic activityWave-cut platform – Narrow flat area created by erosion[ edit ] Abîme – Geographical term referring to vertical shaft in cavesAbyssal fan – Underwater geological structures associated with large-scale sediment depositionAbyssal plain – Flat area on the deep ocean floorAit – Small river islands (British English)Alluvial fan – Fan-shaped deposit of sedimentAnabranch – Part of a river or stream that diverts from and rejoins the main channelArch – Arch-shaped natural rock formationArchipelago – Collection of islandsArête – Narrow ridge of rock which separates two valleysArroyo – Dry watercourse with flow after rainAtoll – Ring-shaped coral reefAyre – Shingle beaches in Orkney and ShetlandBadlands – Type of heavily eroded terrainBajada – Compound alluvial fanBar – Natural submerged sandbank that rises from a body of water to near the surfaceBarchan – Crescent-shaped duneBarrier bar – Natural submerged sandbank that rises from a body of water to near the surfaceBarrier island – Coastal dune landform that forms by wave and tidal action parallel to the mainland coastBay – Recessed, coastal body of water connected to an ocean or lakeBaymouth bar – Russian name for the sandbar which forms an estuary lagoonPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Bayou – Body of water in flat, low-lying areasBeach – Area of loose particles at the edge of a body of waterBeach cusps – Shoreline formations made up of various grades of sediment in an arc patternBeach ridge – Wave-swept or wave-deposited ridge running parallel to a shorelineBench – Long, relatively narrow land bounded by distinctly steeper slopes above and belowBight – Shallowly concave bend or curve in a coastline, river, or other geographical featureBlowhole – Hole at the top of a sea-cave which allows waves to force water or spray out of the holeBlowout – Depressions in a sand dune ecosystem caused by the removal of sediments by windBluff – Tall, near vertical rock faceBornhardt – Large, dome-shaped, steep-sided, bald rockBraided channel – Network of river channelsButte – Isolated hill with steep, often vertical sides and a small, relatively flat topCalanque – Narrow inlet on the Mediterranean coastCaldera – Cauldron-like volcanic feature formed by the emptying of a magma chamberCanyon – Deep chasm between cliffsCape – Large headland extending into a body of water, usually the seaCarolina bay – Elliptical depressions concentrated along the Atlantic seaboard of North AmericaPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Cave – Natural void under a planetary surfaceCenote – Natural pit or sinkhole that exposes groundwater underneathChannel – Narrow body of waterCirque – Amphitheatre-like valley formed by glacial erosionCorrie – Amphitheatre-like valley formed by glacial erosion or cwmCliff – Tall, near vertical rock faceCoast – Area where land meets the sea or oceanCoastal plain – Area of flat, low-lying land adjacent to a seacoastCol – Lowest point on a mountain ridge between two peaksComplex crater – Large impact craters with uplifted centresComplex volcano – Landform of more than one related volcanic centreConfluence – Meeting of two or more bodies of flowing waterContinental shelf – Coastal and oceanic landformCoral reef – Outcrop of rock in the sea formed by the growth and deposit of stony coral skeletonsCove – Small sheltered bay or coastal inletCove (mountain) – Small valley in the Appalachian Mountains between two ridge linesCrater – Depression caused by an impact or geologic activityCrevasse splay – Sediment deposited on a floodplain by a stream which breaks its leveesCrevasse – Deep crack, or fracture, in an ice sheet or glacierCryovolcano – Volcano that erupts gases and volatile materialCuesta – Hill or ridge with a gentle slope on one side and a steep slope on the otherCuspate foreland – Geographical features found on coastlines and lakeshoresCut bank – Outside bank of a water channel, which is continually undergoing erosionDale – Low area between hills, often with a river running through itDefile – Narrow pass or gorge between mountains or hillsDell – Small secluded hollowDepression – Landform sunken or depressed below the surrounding areaDelta, River – Silt deposition landform at the mouth of a riverDesert pavement – Type of desert earth surfaceDiatreme – Volcanic pipe associated with a gaseous explosionDike – Sheet of rock that is formed in a fracture of a pre-existing rock bodyDirt cone – Depositional glacial feature of ice or snow with an insulating layer of dirtDissected plateau – Plateaus area that has been severely eroded so that the relief is sharpDoab – Land between two converging, or confluent, riversDoline – Geologically-formed topological depressionDome – Geological deformation structureDrainage basin – Land area where water converges to a common outletDrainage divide – Elevated terrain that separates neighbouring drainage basinsDraw – Long area of downward-sloping low groundDrumlin – Elongated hill formed by glacial actionDry lake – Area that contained a standing surface water bodyDune – Hill of loose sand built by aeolian processes or the flow of waterDune system – Hill of loose sand built by aeolian processes or the flow of waterEjecta blanket – Layer of material thrown out of an impact craterEndorheic basin – Closed drainage basin that has no outflowErg – Broad area of desert covered with wind-swept sandEscarpment – Steep slope or cliff separating two relatively level regions (scarp)Esker – Long, winding ridge of stratified sand and gravel associated with former glaciersEstuary – Partially enclosed coastal body of brackish waterExhumed river channel – Ridge of sandstone that remains when the softer flood plain mudstone is eroded awayFaceted spur – Ridge that descends towards a valley floor or coastline that is cut shortFault scarp – Small vertical offset on the ground surfaceFirth – Scottish word used for various coastal inlets and straitsFissure vent – Linear volcanic vent through which lava eruptsFjard – Glacially formed, broad, shallow inletFjord – Long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by glacial activityFlat – Relatively level surface of land within a region of greater reliefFlatiron – Steeply sloping triangular landformFloodplain – Land adjacent to a water body which is flooded during periods of high waterFoothills – Hills before a mountain rangeFluvial island – Exposed landmass within a riverFluvial terrace – Elongated terraces that flank the sides of floodplains and river valleysFoiba – Type of deep natural sinkholeGeo – Inlet, a gully or a narrow and deep cleft in the face of a cliffGeyser – Natural explosive eruption of hot waterGlacial horn – Angular, sharply pointed mountainous peakGlacier cave – Cave formed within the ice of a glacierGlacier foreland – Area between the leading edge of a glacier and the moraines of latest maximumGlacier – Persistent body of ice that moves downhill under its own weightParallel Roads of Glen Roy – Nature reserve in the Highlands of Scotland with ancient shoreline terracesGlen – Name for valley commonly used in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of ManGorge – Deep chasm between cliffsGraben – Depressed block of planetary crust bordered by parallel normal faultsGulch – Deep V-shaped valley formed by erosionGulf Gully – Landform created by running water and/or mass movement eroding sharply into soilGuyot – Flat-topped underwater mountainHanging valley – A tributary valley that meets the main valley above the valley floorHeadland – Landform extending into a body of water, often with significant height and dropHighland – Area of high elevation such as a mountainous region or elevated mountainous plateauHill – Landform that extends above the surrounding terrainHillock – Small hillHogback – Long, narrow ridgeHomoclinal ridge – Ridge with a moderate sloping backslope and steeper frontslopeHoodoo – Tall, thin spire of relatively soft rock usually topped by harder rockHorst – Raised fault block bounded by normal faultsImpact crater – Circular depression in a solid astronomical body formed by the impact of a smaller objectInlet – Indentation of a shorelineInterfluve – Land between two converging, or confluent, riversInverted relief – Landscape features that have reversed their elevation relative to other featuresIsland – Piece of subcontinental land surrounded by waterIslet – Very small islandIsthmus – Narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areasKame delta – Glacial melt water landformKame – Mound formed on a retreating glacier and deposited on landKarst – Topography from dissolved soluble rocksKarst fenster – Unroofed portion of a cavern which reveals part of a subterranean riverPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Karst valley – Topography from dissolved soluble rocksKettle – Depression formed by glaciers or floodwatersKīpuka – Area of land surrounded by one or more younger lava flowsKnoll – Small hillLacustrine plain – Lakes filled by sedimentLagoon – Shallow body of water separated from a larger one by a narrow landformLake – Large inland body of relatively still waterLava dome – Roughly circular protrusion from slowly extruded viscous volcanic lavaLava – Molten rock expelled by a volcano during an eruptionLava lake – Molten lava contained in a volcanic craterLava field , also known as lava plain – Large, mostly flat area of lava flowsLava spine – Vertical growth of solid volcanic lavaLava tube – Natural conduit through which lava flows beneath the solid surfaceLavaka – Type of gully, formed via groundwater sappingLevee – Ridge or wall to hold back water, naturalLimestone pavement – Natural karst landform consisting of a flat, incised surface of exposed limestoneLoess – Sediment of accumulated wind-blown dustLacustrine terraces – Step-like landformMaar – Low-relief volcanic craterMachair – Fertile low-lying grassy plainMalpaís – Rough and barren landscape of relict and largely uneroded lava fieldsMamelon – Rock formation created by eruption of relatively thick or stiff lava through a narrow ventMarine terrace – Emergent coastal landformMarsh – Low-lying and seasonally waterlogged landMassif – Principal mass of a mountainMeander – One of a series of curves in a channel of a matured streamMesa – Elevated area of land with a flat top and sides, usually much wider than buttesMid-ocean ridge – Basaltic underwater mountain system formed by plate tectonic spreadingMogote – Steep-sided residual hill of limestone, marble, or dolomite on a flat plainMonadnock – Isolated, steep rock hill on relatively flat terrainMoraine – Glacially formed accumulation of debrisMoulin – Shaft within a glacier or ice sheet which water enters from the surfaceMountain – Large natural elevation of the Earth's surfaceMountain pass – Route through a mountain range or over a ridgeMountain range – Geographic area containing several geologically related mountainsMud volcano – Landform created by the eruption of mud or slurries, water, and gasesMushroom rock – Mushroom-shaped rock formationNatural arch – Arch-shaped natural rock formationNunatak – Landform within an ice field or glacierOasis – Fertile area in a desert environmentOceanic basin – Geologic basin under the seaOceanic plateau – Relatively flat submarine region that rises well above the level of the ambient seabedOceanic ridge – An underwater mountain system formed by plate tectonic spreadingOceanic trench – Long and narrow depressions of the sea floorOutwash fan – Type of sediment deposition by a melting glacierOutwash plain – Plain formed from glacier sediment transported by meltwaterOxbow lake – U-shaped lake or pool left by an ancient river meanderPaleoplain - A buried erosion plain; a particularly large and flat erosion surface Panhole – Depression or basin eroded into flat or gently sloping cohesive rockPediment – Very gently sloping inclined bedrock surfacePediplain – Extensive plain formed by the coalescence of pedimentsPeneplain – Low-relief plain formed by protracted erosionPeninsula – Land featurePingo – Mound of earth-covered icePit crater – Depression formed by collapse of the surface into a voidPlain – Expanse of land that is mostly flatPlateau – Highland area, usually of relatively flat terrainPlaya lake – Area that contained a standing surface water bodyPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Plunge pool – Depression at the base of a waterfallPoint bar – Landform related to streams and riversPolje – Type of large plain found in karst regionsPond – Relatively small body of standing waterPothole – Natural bowl-shaped hollow carved into a streambedPotrero – Long mesa that at one end slopes upward to higher terrainProglacial lake – Lake formed by the action of icePseudocrater – Volcanic landformPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Pull-apart basin – Type of basin in geologyQuarry – Place where geological material has been excavatedRaised beach – Emergent coastal landformRapids – River section with increased velocity and turbulenceRavine – Small valley, often due to stream erosionRia – Coastal inlet formed by the partial submergence of an unglaciated river valleyRidge – Long, narrow, elevated landformRiffle – Shallow landform in a flowing channelRift valley – Linear lowland created by a tectonic rift or faultRiver – Natural flowing freshwater streamRiver delta – Silt deposition landform at the mouth of a riverRiver island – Exposed landmass within a riverRôche moutonnée – Rock formation created by the passing of a glacierPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Rogen moraine – Landform of ridges deposited by a glacier or ice sheet transverse to ice flowRock formations Rock shelter – Shallow cave-like opening at the base of a bluff or cliffRock-cut basin – Cylindrical depression cut into stream or river bedsSaddle – Land connecting two high pointsSalt marsh – Coastal ecosystem between land and open saltwater that is regularly floodedSalt pan – Flat expanse of ground covered with salt and other mineralsPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets (salt flat)Sand boil , also known as sand volcano – Cone formed by the ejection of sand on a surface from a central pointSandhill – Type of ecological community or xeric wildfire-maintained ecosystemSandur – Plain formed from glacier sediment transported by meltwaterScowle – Type of landscape featureScree – Rock fragments weathered from larger massSea cave – Cave formed by the wave action of the sea and located along present or former coastlinesSeamount – Mountain rising from the ocean seafloor that does not reach the water's surfaceShield volcano – Low-profile volcano usually formed almost entirely of fluid lava flowsShoal – Natural submerged sandbank that rises from a body of water to near the surfaceShore – Area where land meets the sea or oceanPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Shut-in – Type of rock formation found in Ozarks streamsSide valley – Valley with a tributary to a larger riverSinkhole – Geologically-formed topological depressionSound – Long, wide body of water, connecting two larger bodiesSpit – Coastal bar or beach landform deposited by longshore driftSpring – A point at which water emenges from an aquifer to the surfaceStack – Geological landform consisting of a steep and often vertical column or columns of rock and stumpStrait – Waterway that connects two larger bodies of waterStrandflat – Type of landform found in high-latitude areasStrath – Large valleyStratovolcano – Type of conical volcano composed of layers of lava and tephraStream pool – Deep and slow-moving stretch of a watercourseStream – Body of surface water flowing down a channelStrike ridge – Ridge with a moderate sloping backslope and steeper frontslopeStructural bench – Long, relatively narrow land bounded by distinctly steeper slopes above and belowStructural terrace – Step-like landformSubglacial mound – Volcano formed when lava erupts beneath a thick glacier or ice sheetSubmarine canyon – Steep-sided valley cut into the seabed of the continental slopeSubmarine volcano – Underwater vents or fissures in the Earth's surface from which magma can eruptSummit – Point on a surface with a higher elevation than all immediately adjacent pointsSupervolcano – Volcano that has had an eruption with a volcanic explosivity index (VEI) of 8Surge channel – Type of coastal landformSwamp – Forested wetlandTepui – Table-top mountain or mesa in the Guiana Highlands of South AmericaTerrace – Step-like landformTerracette – Small natural step-arranged soil ridges on hillsidesTessellated pavement – Flat rock surface subdivided by fracturesThalweg – Line of lowest elevation in a watercourse or valleyTidal marsh – Marsh subject to tidal change in waterTide pool – Rocky pool on a seashore, separated from the sea at low tide, filled with seawaterTombolo – Deposition landform in which an island is connected to the mainland by a sandy isthmusTor – Large, free-standing rock outcrop on a gentle hill summitTower karst – Topography from dissolved soluble rocksTowhead – Exposed landmass within a riverTrim line – Clear line on the side of a valley marking the most recent highest extent of the glacierTruncated spur – Ridge that descends towards a valley floor or coastline that is cut shortTunnel valley – Glacial-formed geographic featureTurlough – Type of seasonal or periodic lake found in limestone areas of IrelandTuya – Flat-topped, steep-sided volcanoU-shaped valley – Valleys formed by glacial scouringUvala – Toponym for a closed karst depressionVale – Low area between hills, often with a river running through itPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Valley – Low area between hills, often with a river running through itValley shoulder – Low area between hills, often with a river running through itPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Ventifact – Rock that has been eroded by wind-driven sand or ice crystalsVolcanic arc – Chain of volcanoes formed above a subducting plateVolcanic cone – Landform of ejecta from a volcanic vent piled up in a conical shapeVolcanic crater – Roughly circular depression in the ground caused by volcanic activityVolcanic crater lake – Lake formed within a volcanic craterVolcanic dam – Natural dam produced directly or indirectly by volcanismVolcanic field – Area of Earth's crust prone to localized volcanic activityVolcanic group – Collection of related volcanoes or volcanic landformsVolcanic island – Island of volcanic originPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Volcanic plateau – Plateau produced by volcanic activityVolcanic plug – Volcanic object created when magma hardens within a vent on an active volcanoVolcanic vent – Rupture in a planet's crust where material escapesPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Volcano – Rupture in a planet's crust where material escapesWadi – Hydrological featureWaterfall – Point in a river or brook where water flows over a vertical dropWatershed – Land area where water converges to a common outletWave-cut platform – Narrow flat area created by erosionWetland – Ecosystem that is flooded or saturated with waterYardang – Streamlined aeolian landformHargitai H., Kereszturi Á. (eds): Encyclopedia of Planetary Landforms. Springer.https://link.springer.com/referencework/10.1007/978-1-4614-3134-3
