Mountains are the tallest landforms on earth. They are characterized by their pyramidlike shape that peaks at the top and is taller than the surrounding area. Mountains were created by the shifting of the tectonic plates and disturbances beneath and above the earth's surface. Some mountains are so high that their peaks reach into the colder layers of atmosphere and collect snow. The tallest mountain on earth is Mount Everest in Nepal, whose height is over 29,000 feet.
Plains are large stretches of land that are lower in elevation than the land around them. They are either level or gently rolling. Prairies, steppes and grasslands are types of plains. Plains are covered by grass, shrubs, forest, sand or stones and are found in valleys or along the coast. They have been formed by the erosion of surrounding mountains, lava under the earth's surface or by the ocean. Their flat land is perfect for animals to graze, and the fertile soil is rich with nutrients that support agriculture.
Plateaus are large land formations that look like flat-topped mountains. Also known as tablelands, plateaus are formed by geographic uplifts, lava under the earth's surface and erosion. Plateaus are found in many countries on every continent on earth. Some are habitable, and others have harsh living conditions. The Tibetan Plateau is the largest plateau on earth. Its nickname is "The Roof of the World."
Canyons are deep cuts in the earth's surface, created by erosion over thousands of years from rivers, wind and glaciers. Canyons are characterized by steep, rigid edges and a narrow valley below. The river that created the canyon is usually found in the valley at the bottom of the canyon. Also called a gorge, canyons are awe-inspiring sights. The most famous canyons are the Grand Canyon in Arizona and the Tsangpo Gorge in Tibet.
