Physical features, also known as landforms, include topographical elements shown on relief maps as well as bodies of water. Examples of physical features are peninsulas, seas, mountain ranges, volcanoes, rivers, and plateaus. Physical features are natural geographical elements and do not include man-made structures or geographic regions like deserts or forests. The document provides tasks related to identifying physical features on different continents using an atlas.

1. Physical Features

2. Physical Features Topographical or relief maps show us the physical features on the earth. Physical features are otherwise known as landforms , although they do include bodies of water as well.

3. Examples of Physical Features or Landforms Peninsulas Seas Mountain Ranges Volcanoes Rivers Plateaus Can you think of any more?????

4. Physical Features are not… Man-made (ports, canals, many harbors) Geographic features (deserts, forests, grasslands)

5. Your Task Open to your MAP SKILLS page in your SS file, and create a subheading for Physical features. Use a classroom desk atlas to answer the following questions about physical features. Feel free to ask your table mates for help if you need it. We’ll review the answers together in 5-10 minutes. 

6. Questions Look at the front cover of your atlas. List all the physical features you can find (at least 6!). Use the World Reference Map on page 12-13 to find: Five physical features in North America Three physical features in South America Four physical features in Africa Five physical features in Asia