Exploring Landforms and Water Bodies

What is a large body of salt water that covers most of Earth’s surface?

• River

• Ocean

• Lake

• Bay

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Ocean' because it refers to a large body of salt water that covers most of Earth's surface, unlike rivers, lakes, or bays which are smaller and have different characteristics.

A ______ is a body of water that is completely surrounded by land.

• River

• Ocean

• Lake

• Bay

Answer explanation

A lake is defined as a body of water that is entirely surrounded by land, distinguishing it from rivers, oceans, and bays, which are not enclosed by land.

What is a raised area of land that is **smaller** than a mountain?

• Plateau

• Hill

• Plain

• River

Answer explanation

A hill is a raised area of land that is smaller than a mountain, typically with a rounded top. In contrast, a plateau is flat and extensive, while a plain is flat and low-lying, and a river is a body of water.

Which landform is a large area of **flat land** with very few trees?

• Mountain

• Plateau

• Plain

• Valley

Answer explanation

A plain is defined as a large area of flat land with few trees, making it the correct answer. Mountains are elevated, plateaus are flat but raised, and valleys are low areas between hills.

What does a **map key** help you understand?

• How tall a mountain is

• What symbols and colors on a map mean

• How deep an ocean is

• The direction of the wind

Answer explanation

A map key, also known as a legend, explains what the symbols and colors on a map represent, helping users interpret the information accurately. This is essential for understanding the map's features.

A mountain is different from a hill because:

• It has trees on top

• It is much taller and steeper

• It has water surrounding it

• It is flat on top

Answer explanation

A mountain is defined as being much taller and steeper than a hill. This distinction in height and steepness is the primary factor that differentiates the two landforms.

What type of map shows **landforms** like mountains, rivers, and plateaus?

• Road map

• Political map

• Physical map

• Weather map

Answer explanation

A physical map displays landforms such as mountains, rivers, and plateaus, highlighting the Earth's natural features. In contrast, road maps focus on transportation, political maps show boundaries, and weather maps depict atmospheric conditions.

What is a **bay**?

• A small mountain

• A body of water partly surrounded by land

• A large moving river

• A flat area with no water

Answer explanation

A bay is defined as a body of water that is partly surrounded by land, making it distinct from other geographical features like mountains or rivers. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A body of water partly surrounded by land'.

A ________ is a large, moving body of water that flows into another body of water.

• River

• Ocean

• Lake

• Bay

Answer explanation

A river is defined as a large, moving body of water that flows into another body of water, such as a lake, ocean, or bay. The other options do not fit this definition, making 'river' the correct answer.

The Grand Canyon is an example of a **natural feature** because it was formed by ________.

• Earthquakes

• Volcanic eruptions

• Erosion

• Glaciers

Answer explanation

The Grand Canyon was formed primarily by erosion, where water from the Colorado River gradually wore away the rock layers over millions of years, creating this iconic natural feature.