Physical Features
Definition
Physical features refer to the natural characteristics of the Earth's surface, such as mountains, rivers, valleys, deserts, and oceans.
Analogy
Think of physical features like the different facial features on a person. Just as each person has unique characteristics like eye color, nose shape or hair type that make them distinct, the Earth also has its own unique set of physical features that differentiate one region from another.
Related terms
Mountain Range: A series of connected mountains grouped together in a line or extended area.
River Basin: The land that water flows across or under on its way to a river. It is essentially the drainage area for rainwater.
Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert typically due to drought, deforestation or inappropriate agriculture.
"Physical Features" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (9)
What term refers to the study of physical features of the earth's surface?
What kind of map presents the physical features of an area such as mountains, rivers, and lakes?
Which type of map would best display the physical features of a country like mountains, rivers, and valleys?
What type of map would be best to use if you want to understand the physical features such as mountains, rivers and lakes?
What is the greatest weakness of using physical features as internal boundaries?
What term refers to a region's unique physical features, climate conditions, flora & fauna?
Which term defines the physical features such as mountains or bodies of water that influence human activities and migration patterns?
Which of these physical features acts as a political boundary between the United States and Mexico?
Which type of boundary uses physical features like rivers or mountains?
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.