LANDSCAPE VOCABULARY

Valley: A low area of land between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it.

Example: The valley was lush and green, dotted with wildflowers in the spring.

Gorge: A narrow valley with steep, rocky walls, often formed by a river.

Example: The gorge was carved over millions of years by the rushing river below.

Canyon: A deep, narrow valley with steep sides, often formed by the erosion of a river.

Example: The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous canyons in the world.

Meadow: A field habitat characterized by grassland and flowering plants, often found in temperate climates.

Example: The meadow was alive with the sound of buzzing bees and chirping birds.

Glacier: A slow-moving mass of ice formed from compacted snow, often found in polar regions or high mountains.

Example: The glacier is slowly retreating due to climate change.

Cliff: A steep face of rock and earth, often found at the edge of a sea or river.

Example: The view from the cliff was stunning, with waves crashing against the rocks below.

Forest: A large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.

Example: The forest was dense and filled with the sounds of wildlife.

Prairie: A large open area of grassland, especially in North America, often with few trees.

Example: The prairie was home to herds of grazing bison.

Marsh: A wetland that is dominated by herbaceous rather than woody plant species.

Example: The marsh is an important habitat for migratory birds.

Rocky outcrop: A portion of bedrock or ancient rock that is exposed at the surface of the ground.

Example: The hikers rested on a rocky outcrop while enjoying the view.

Savanna: A mixed grassland ecosystem characterized by the trees being sufficiently small or widely spaced apart so that the canopy does not close.

Example: The savanna is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants and lions.

Sandbar: A long, narrow sandbank that is submerged at high tide and exposed at low tide, often found in rivers and coastal areas.

Example: The sandbar provided a perfect spot for picnics during low tide.

Fjord: A narrow inlet of the sea between high cliffs or steep slopes, formed by glacial erosion.

Example: The fjords of Norway are known for their stunning beauty and dramatic landscapes.