Physical features are naturally occurring aspects of the Earth's surface, while cultural features are aspects of a place shaped by human activity.
Physical Features Explained
Physical features are the naturally occurring elements of a landscape. These features are not created by humans and evolve over geological timescales. Because they are natural, they are generally less influenced by an observer's perspective and change much more slowly than cultural features.
- Examples:
- Mountains (e.g., the Himalayas)
- Rivers (e.g., the Amazon River)
- Lakes (e.g., the Great Lakes)
- Deserts (e.g., the Sahara Desert)
- Forests (e.g., the Amazon Rainforest)
- Oceans (e.g., the Pacific Ocean)
- Climate
- Soil types
- Vegetation
Cultural Features Explained
Cultural features are elements of a landscape that have been created or significantly altered by humans. These features reflect the beliefs, practices, technologies, and traditions of the people who inhabit a region. They can change more rapidly than physical features and are influenced by cultural and social perspectives.
- Examples:
- Cities (e.g., Tokyo)
- Roads and infrastructure
- Agricultural land (farms, fields)
- Bridges
- Dams
- Religious buildings (e.g., Churches, Mosques)
- Language
- Government structures
- Cuisine
- Clothing and fashion
- Music
- Art
- Political boundaries
In essence, physical features are nature-made, and cultural features are human-made. These two types of features interact to shape the environment and landscape where we live.
