This section focuses on developing your ability to recognize and pinpoint major landforms across the globe using world maps. Understanding the spatial distribution of these features is crucial for comprehending global geological processes and human-environment interactions.

Before we dive into landforms, it's essential to grasp how maps represent the Earth's curved surface. Map projections inevitably distort shape, area, distance, or direction. Understanding the type of projection used on a map helps in interpreting the accuracy of the landform representation. Similarly, map scale dictates the level of detail visible; a large-scale map shows a small area with great detail, while a small-scale map shows a large area with less detail.

Landforms can be broadly categorized based on their formation processes and characteristics. We will focus on identifying major examples of these categories on a global scale.

Mountains are large natural elevations of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level; a large steep hill. They are often formed by tectonic forces, volcanic activity, or erosion. Key mountain ranges to identify include the Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, Alps, and the Atlas Mountains.

Plateaus are elevated areas of land with a flat top and steep sides. They are often formed by volcanic activity or uplift. Prominent examples include the Tibetan Plateau, the Deccan Plateau, the Colorado Plateau, and the East African Plateau.

Plains are large areas of flat or gently sloping land with low relief. They are often formed by deposition of sediments by rivers, glaciers, or wind. Significant plains include the Great Plains of North America, the North European Plain, and the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

Valleys are low areas of land between hills or mountains, typically with a river or stream flowing through it. They are often carved by erosion from rivers or glaciers. Examples include the Great Rift Valley, the Rhine Valley, and the Yosemite Valley.

Deserts are barren or desolate areas, especially a dry, sandy region without vegetation. They are characterized by extreme temperatures and very low rainfall. Major deserts to locate are the Sahara Desert, Arabian Desert, Gobi Desert, and the Atacama Desert.

These include features found along coastlines, shaped by the interaction of land and sea. Key examples are peninsulas, islands, gulfs, and bays. Identifying major ones like the Iberian Peninsula, the Japanese archipelago, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Bay of Bengal is important.

To effectively locate these landforms, employ the following strategies:

1. Understand Contour Lines: Recognize how contour lines indicate elevation and slope. Closely spaced lines suggest steep slopes (mountains), while widely spaced lines indicate gentle slopes or plains.
2. Identify Relief Shading: Pay attention to shading that depicts elevation changes, making mountains and plateaus stand out.
3. Use Place Names: Familiarize yourself with common geographical suffixes and prefixes (e.g., '-mont', '-dale', '-plateau', 'Andes', 'Alps').
4. Contextualize: Consider the geological setting. For example, mountain ranges often occur along plate boundaries.

Consistent practice with various world maps is key. Use physical maps, political maps, and thematic maps to reinforce your understanding of landform locations and their relationship with human settlements and political boundaries.