2. Earth’s Four Spheres
Atmosphere: gaseous part of
Earth
Hydrosphere: liquid part of
the Earth
Biosphere: living part of
Earth
Lithosphere: solid part of
Earth
We will spend the next few
months on Geology!
3. The Shape of the Land
Topography: the shape of the
land
The ground looks like it does
because of internal and external
forces constantly changing its
shape.
Think about the “shape” of
Shaler…. Why does it look this
way?
Topography is determined by
three different things…
4. Topography Characteristics
Elevation: height above sea
level
Relief: difference between
high and low points
Landforms: features of
topography that shape the
land
Topographic Map
5. 3 Types of Landforms
Plains
Low elevation
Low relief
Two types of
Plains
Coastal
Interior
6. 3 Types of Landforms (continued)
Mountains
High elevation
High relief
Mountains are
arranged into:
Ranges
Systems
Belts
7. 3 Types of Landforms (continued)
Plateaus
High elevation
Low relief
Canyons form
on plateaus
8. Lewis and Clark
In 1804, an expedition set
out from St. Louis to
explore the land between
the Mississippi River and
the Pacific Ocean.
The United States had just
purchased a part of this vast
territory, called Louisiana,
from France.
(The Louisiana Purchase)
9. Lewis and Clark (continued)
The purpose of the expedition was to map America’s
interior. They saw many unique landforms along the way.
11. Landforms Review:
Using the words High and Low, describe the following landforms.
Plains have _____ elevation
and _____ relief.
Plateaus have_____ elevation
and _____ relief.
Mountains have_____
elevation and _____ relief.
12. This is your country… it is important that you can identify and
label the location of the major landforms in the United States!
Directions: Label and shade in the following landforms on the provided map
and then answer the seven questions.
