4-1 1 Earth’s Surface

1. Landforms

Landforms are the different shapes and features that make up the Earth's surface. They include mountains, valleys, plains, and hills. Landforms are created by natural processes like erosion, weathering, and volcanic activity.

Imagine landforms as the wrinkles and folds on a piece of paper. Just as wrinkles can create different shapes, natural processes create different landforms on Earth.

2. Bodies of Water

Bodies of water are large areas of water on the Earth's surface, such as oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and ponds. They cover about 71% of the Earth's surface and are essential for life, providing habitats for many organisms and resources for humans.

Think of bodies of water as the blue paint on a painting of Earth. Just as blue paint covers a large part of the canvas, bodies of water cover a large part of our planet.

3. Natural Resources

Natural resources are materials that come from the Earth and are useful to humans. They include minerals, forests, water, and soil. Natural resources are used to make things we need, like buildings, tools, and food.

Imagine natural resources as the ingredients in a recipe. Just as ingredients are needed to make a dish, natural resources are needed to make the things we use every day.

4. Climate and Weather

Climate is the average weather conditions in a particular area over a long period of time, while weather is the day-to-day conditions of the atmosphere. Climate and weather affect the Earth's surface, influencing plant growth, animal behavior, and human activities.

Think of climate as the overall pattern of the seasons in a year, while weather is like the different outfits you wear each day depending on the temperature and rain.