What are landforms?
Landforms are the natural shapes of the Earth's surface. There are many types of landform such as mountains, hills, highlands, plains and valleys. Landforms can be grouped into highland areas, which lie high above sea level, and lowland areas, which lie close to sea level. Each type of landform has a different shape and height, and these differences shape how people use the land.
Key idea
Main landforms: mountain, hill, highland (plateau), plain and valley.
Types of landform
- Mountain — very high land, usually above 600 m.
- Hill — high land but lower than a mountain.
- Highland (plateau) — high land that is flat on top.
- Plain — low, flat and wide land.
- Valley — low land between hills or mountains, often with a river.
Example
Cameron Highlands in Pahang is a highland area that is cool and suitable for growing vegetables and tea.
Why it matters
Landforms affect settlement and economic activity. Flat plains with fertile soil are suitable for farming, industry and building towns, which is why most people live in the lowlands. Cool highlands are suitable for resorts and temperate farming, while steep mountainous areas are difficult to live in and are usually sparsely populated.
Remember
A mountain range is a line of connected mountains, for example the Titiwangsa Range.