Geomorphology

Mr. SkirbstEarth Science

Topic 27

GeomorphologyGeo – earth

GeomorphologyGeo – earth

Morph – form

GeomorphologyGeo – earth

Morph – form

Geomorphology – “earth forms”or “landforms”

GeomorphologyTopography

GeomorphologyTopography

the shape of Earth’s surface

GeomorphologyTopography

the shape of Earth’s surfaceit’s determined by landforms

Geomorphology3 Main Landform Types:

Geomorphology3 Main Landform Types:1. Mountain – high elevations

Geomorphology3 Main Landform Types:1. Mountain – high elevations2. Plain – flat, close to sealevel

Geomorphology3 Main Landform Types:1. Mountain – high elevations2. Plain – flat, close to sealevel3. Plateau – flat, high elevation

Maps

MapsMeridian (longitude)

MapsMeridian (longitude)

lines from North to South poles

MapsMeridian (longitude)

lines from North to South polesmeasure distances East / West

MapsMeridian (longitude)

lines from North to South polesmeasure distances East / Westmeasured in 180o from Prime

MapsMeridian (longitude)

lines from North to South polesmeasure distances East / Westmeasured in 180o from Primemeasured as E or W longitude

MapsParallel (latitude)

MapsParallel (latitude)

lines parallel to Equator

MapsParallel (latitude)

lines parallel to Equatormeasures distance North/South

MapsParallel (latitude)

lines parallel to Equatormeasures distance North/Southmeasured from 0 to 90o

MapsParallel (latitude)

lines parallel to Equatormeasures distance North/Southmeasured from 0 to 90o

measured as North/South latitude

Topographic Maps

Topographic MapsShow the relief of the land

Topographic MapsShow the relief of the landRelief (topography) shown with

contour lines

Topographic MapsShow the relief of the landRelief (topography) shown with

contour linesContour lines – lines of equal

elevation

Local Landforms

Rivers, streams, drainage areas

Local Landforms

Rivers, streams, drainage areasMountains, hills, mounds

Local Landforms

Rivers, streams, drainage areasMountains, hills, moundsValleys, depressions, quarries

Local Landforms

Rivers, streams, drainage areasMountains, hills, moundsValleys, depressions, quarriesPonds, swamps

Local Landforms

Rivers, streams, drainage areasMountains, hills, moundsValleys, depressions, quarriesPonds, swamps, wetlandsFlood plains, steep slopes

Interpreting Topographic MapsBasic Rules: Contour lines …..1. … never cross

Interpreting Topographic MapsBasic Rules: Contour lines …..1. … never cross2. … close together = steep slope

Interpreting Topographic MapsBasic Rules: Contour lines …..1. … never cross2. … close together = steep slope3. … far apart = gentle slope

Interpreting Topographic MapsBasic Rules: Contour lines …..1. … never cross2. … close together = steep slope3. … far apart = gentle slope4. … form loops around hills / holes

Interpreting Topographic MapsBasic Rules: Contour lines …..1. … never cross2. … close together = steep slope3. … far apart = gentle slope4. … form loops around hills / holes5. … form “V’s” in valleys and point

upstream (or uphill)