peneplain
Worn-down terrain
A peneplain is a nearly flat land surface produced by prolonged erosion, representing the theoretical end stage of a landscape worn down almost to sea level.
The term appears in geology and physical geography to describe regions where rivers and weathering have reduced former mountains or hills to gentle, rolling plains: The ancient peneplain now lies buried beneath younger sediments.
Removal of surface covering
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
- landscapeVisible features of terrain
- reliefEasing of distress
- geomorphologyStudy of terrain formation
Removal of surface covering
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
- abrasionShallow surface wound
- chemical weatheringRocks altered by reactions
- exfoliationShedding surface skin cells
regolith · runoff · watercourse · degradation · wearing down
Past mimics present processes
- deep timeImmense spans of Earth's history
- geochronologyStudy of geological ages
- base levelFundamental reference standard
- end stageFinal progression period
Raise emotionally or physically
- isostasyGravitational balance of landmasses
- orogenyGeological mountain formation
- subsidenceGradual ground sinking
- warpingBecoming bent or twisted
tilting · rejuvenation · monadnock · inselberg · unconformity · craton
denudation
Removal of surface covering
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
- landscapeVisible features of terrain
- reliefEasing of distress
geomorphology · plateau · shield · craton · pediment · old age · low relief
denudation
Removal of surface covering
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
- abrasionShallow surface wound
- chemical weatheringRocks altered by reactions
exfoliation · regolith · runoff · watercourse · degradation · wearing down
uniformitarianism
Past mimics present processes
- deep timeImmense spans of Earth's history
- geochronologyStudy of geological ages
- base levelFundamental reference standard
uplift
Raise emotionally or physically
- isostasyGravitational balance of landmasses
- orogenyGeological mountain formation
- subsidenceGradual ground sinking
warping · tilting · rejuvenation · monadnock · inselberg · unconformity · craton
peneplainmountain range
Series of connected peaks
mountains · mountainous terrain · highlands · rugged terrain · high relief