geomorphology
Earth surface science
Geomorphology is the study of landforms and the processes that shape them—how mountains, valleys, rivers, coastlines, and other physical features of Earth's surface form and change over time.
The field combines geology and geography, examining forces like erosion, volcanic activity, and tectonic movement.
The geomorphology of the Grand Canyon reveals millions of years of river erosion.
Physical feature mapping
- cartographyCreating geographic representations
- contourBounding line of shape
- GISSpatial data framework
- satelliteOrbiting celestial body
aerial · surveying · geospatial · elevation · relief · bathymetry · slope · aspect
Atmospheric breakdown of materials
- erosionGradual wearing away
- abrasionShallow surface wound
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- sedimentParticles settling in liquid
fluvial · aeolian · glaciation · uplift · subsidence · denudation · degradation · creep
Flat highland area
- valleyLow ground between heights
- mountainTall natural landmass
- canyonDeep river-cut gorge
- deltaSymbol denoting variation
volcano · fjord · glacier · dune · mesa · butte · cave · gully
Hard outer layer
- lithosphereCrust plus upper mantle
- continentalOf a continent
- oceanicOf the sea
- bedrockSolid stone underground
regolith · soil · sedimentary · metamorphic · igneous · minerals · strata · outcrop
Study of geological deposits
- stratigraphyStudy of rock layers
- volcanologyStudy of erupting mountains
- hydrologyScience of water distribution
- glaciologyStudy of ice masses
topography
Physical feature mapping
- cartographyCreating geographic representations
- contourBounding line of shape
- GISSpatial data framework
satellite · aerial · surveying · geospatial · elevation · relief · bathymetry · slope · aspect · terrain analysis
weathering
Atmospheric breakdown of materials
- erosionGradual wearing away
- abrasionShallow surface wound
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
sediment · fluvial · aeolian · glaciation · uplift · subsidence · denudation · degradation · creep · slumping
plateau
Flat highland area
delta · volcano · fjord · glacier · dune · mesa · butte · cave · gully · ravine
crust
Hard outer layer
- lithosphereCrust plus upper mantle
- continentalOf a continent
- oceanicOf the sea
bedrock · regolith · soil · sedimentary · metamorphic · igneous · minerals · strata · outcrop · watershed
sedimentology
Study of geological deposits
- stratigraphyStudy of rock layers
- volcanologyStudy of erupting mountains
- hydrologyScience of water distribution
glaciology · pedology · geophysics · geochemistry · biogeography
geomorphologypetrology
Scientific study of rocks
mineralogy · geochemistry · volcanology · seismology · petrography