Physical features are the natural characteristics of the Earth's surface. They are also known as landforms and exist independently of human influence.
Examples of Physical Features:
Here are some examples categorized for clarity:
Landforms:
- Mountains: Giant landforms that rise significantly above the surrounding terrain. Examples include the Himalayas and the Rockies.
- Hills: Elevated landforms, smaller than mountains.
- Plains: Flat, expansive areas of land.
- Plateaus: Elevated, flat landforms.
- Valleys: Low-lying areas between hills or mountains.
- Rivers: Natural waterways flowing across the land. The Amazon and Nile are prominent examples.
- Lakes: Bodies of freshwater or saltwater surrounded by land. The Great Lakes and Lake Victoria are examples.
- Oceans: Vast expanses of saltwater covering most of the Earth's surface. The Atlantic and Pacific are well-known examples.
- Seas: Large bodies of saltwater, often partially enclosed by land. The Mediterranean Sea is a classic example.
- Deserts: Arid regions with minimal precipitation. The Sahara and Arabian deserts are examples.
- Glaciers: Large masses of ice that slowly move over land.
- Cliffs: Steep rock faces.
- Waterfalls: Points where a river or stream falls from a height.
Other Natural Features:
- Caves: Natural underground spaces.
- Canyons: Deep gorges carved by rivers. The Grand Canyon is a well-known example.
- Volcanoes: Landforms created by volcanic eruptions.
It's important to note that human-made structures like roads, buildings, and bridges are not considered physical features in this geographical context. These are considered human-made features. However, the concept of "physical features" can also extend to the physical attributes of living things, such as human characteristics (hair color, height, etc.) or those of animals. The context is key to the precise meaning.
