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Landform Definition

Landforms are features on the Earth's surface, like mountains and valleys. Landforms are shaped by erosion.

View Lesson on Changing the Shape of Land
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Changing the Shape of Land

LESSON MATERIALSmove

Fun Facts

  • The Grand Canyon is a landform that was shaped by water erosion.
  • Wind and water erode landforms over very long periods of time (thousands and millions of years).
  • Different types of erosion can be seen in landforms close to your region!

Why Do We Need To Know About Landform

Learning about landforms helps you understand why it’s important to reduce damage from erosion. For example, farmers learn how water changes their land to keep their soil safe. People who take care of yards use mulch to stop soil from being washed away. Knowing about landforms is useful for growing food and taking care of homes.

Understanding landforms is important for protecting the environment. Planting plants helps keep soil in place and soak up water.  Learning about landforms is important for many jobs, from building roads and planning cities to managing disasters. It helps protect our environment and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can wind change the shape of the land?
Wind can carry soil across a distance, such as sand dunes forming or being blown away. This is called wind erosion.
How can water change the shape of the land?
Water can carry tiny pieces of the Earth’s surface downstream, like how the Grand Canyon was formed by the flowing water of the Colorado River.
What are some examples of erosion?
Wind breaking down rocks and carrying the particles away is an example of erosion. You can also see how over time a river carries soil downstream and makes rocks in the river smoother.
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