What are the different types of landforms and how are they formed?

Landforms are physical features on the Earth's surface that are formed by various natural processes such as erosion, weathering, volcanic activity, and tectonic movements. They are categorized based on their characteristics and the processes that form them. Here are some of the most common types of landforms:

• Mountains: High and steep landforms that are formed by tectonic plate movement, volcanic activity or erosion.
• Plateaus: Flat-topped landforms that are elevated above the surrounding area and formed by tectonic uplift or volcanic activity.
• Valleys: Low-lying landforms that are formed by erosion or tectonic activity and are usually located between two mountains or hills.
• Canyons: Deep and narrow landforms that are formed by erosion of a river or other body of water over time.
• Deserts: Large and dry landforms that are characterized by low rainfall and extreme temperatures.
• Islands: Landforms that are surrounded by water and formed by volcanic activity, erosion or deposition of sediment.

The formation of landforms is a complex process that can take millions of years. Some landforms are formed by tectonic plate movement, where plates collide, move apart or slide past each other. Others are formed by volcanic activity, where molten rock, ash and debris are ejected from a volcano. Erosion and weathering can also create landforms, where water, wind, ice or other agents slowly wear away the surface of the Earth, leaving behind unique and interesting shapes.