physical map

Type of map representing the Earth’s surface (topography, watercourses, aquatic areas) using various techniques (contour lines, colors).

ocean

Vast body of saltwater covering a large part of the Earth’s surface and separating the continents.

mountain mass

Group of closely spaced mountains.

river

Natural watercourse of minor or intermediate size that empties into another watercourse.

plateau

Vast expanse of relatively flat land, higher than the surrounding region and bounded by deep valleys with sheer cliffs.

gulf

Long curvature in a coastline; it reaches far inland and is more or less open.

cape

Massive elevated headland extending into the sea or a river estuary.

plain

Vast, relatively flat expanse of land, lower than the surrounding landscape; its valleys are wide and shallow.

river

Major watercourse fed by numerous smaller rivers; it empties into the sea.

isthmus

Narrow strip of land between two bodies of water; it connects two larger expanses of land.

peninsula

A piece of land connected to a larger body amd extending into water.

archipelago

Group of islands.

lake

Body of water completely surrounded by land; it varies in size and depth.

river estuary

Mouth of a river that is influenced by the tides; it forms an indentation in the coastline that varies in width and depth.

island

Expanse of land completely surrounded by water.

strait

Natural arm of a sea between two coasts; it connects two bodies of water.

sea

Vast body of saltwater at some distance inland; it is not as deep as an ocean.

bay

Indentation in a shoreline that reaches far inland and is delimited by two capes.

mountain range

A row of connected mountains characterized by high summits and deep valleys.

prairie

Vast expanse of relatively flat land that is characterized by grasses and is naturally devoid of trees.