Landscapes and Landforms Basics
What is a landscape?
This is the visible part of the Earth’s surface made up of landforms, such as mountains, plains and deserts.
What is aesthetic value?
This type of value describes how beautiful or visually appealing a landscape is.
What is 'deforestation'?
Deforestation is the permanent clearing of forests to convert the land for non-forest uses, such as agriculture, urbanisation (cities/towns), or mining.
What is liveability?
This term describes how suitable or comfortable a place is for people to live in.
What are services and facilities?
Hospitals, schools, and transport systems are examples of these things that improve people’s wellbeing and quality of life.
What is a landform?
This geographical feature is a single natural formation that makes up part of a landscape.
What is spiritual value?
A landscape or landform that has spiritual and religious significance to a group of people.
What is land degradation?
The loss of healthy, fertile soil, usually due to overgrazing, deforestation or farming.
What is one environmental factor that can impact liveability?
Climate, geomorphic hazards, and access to natural resources
What might be one service or facility that is important to a family?
Schools, hospitals, childcare centres, supermarkets, parks, or public transport.
What is erosion? Explain the process of erosion.
Erosion is the process by which wind, water, or ice wear away and transport rock or soil from one place to another.
Give one example of a landscape/landform that has spiritual value to a specific group of people
Uluru is sacred to the Anangu people because it holds this kind of deep, traditional meaning.
Name one practice Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities might use to protect the Australian landscape.
Traditional Aboriginal practices like cultural burning help manage and protect the environment by reducing this natural hazard.
What is one human factor that can impact liveability?
Income, safety, culture, crime rates and employment opportunities are all examples of human factors impacting liveability.
Why are green spaces or parks important facilities to a neighbourhood?
They improve mental and physical health, encourage social connection, and make the area more attractive and environmentally healthy.
What are geomorphic hazards?
These are natural processes such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis that pose danger to people and the environment. Examples include: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides.
What is cultural value? Provide one example of a place that might have cultural value to Australia.
When a landscape has significant value to a specific culture. Uluru, The Great Barrier Reef, or The Blue Mountains are all landscapes/landforms with strong cultural significance to many Australians.
What is a tsunami
This geomorphic hazard is caused by undersea earthquakes and can lead to massive coastal flooding. Describe one way a country can prepare for or manage this hazard.
Why are perceptions of liveability different depending on who you ask?
Because people have different values, needs, and experiences. For example, a teenager might value entertainment and internet access, while an older person might prioritise healthcare and peace and quiet.
What is the difference between rural and urban areas?
Rural areas are in the countryside with low population density and lots of open space, while urban areas are cities or towns with high population density and built environments.
What is deposition?
Deposition occurs when eroded materials are swept up and moved to new locations (e.g through rain, rivers, or wind) , creating landforms such as deltas or sand dunes.
Explain how the Great Barrier Reef has economic value
Tourists spending money to visit the Great Barrier Reef is an example of this type of value. The Reef also creates millions of jobs for Australians.
Name one way a country like Japan could help manage the damage/risks of a tsunami
Japan can introduce early warning systems/alarms, evacuation plans, tsunami education programs, or building sea walls to reduce damage.
What is the difference between objective and subjective factors?
Objective factors are measurable and fact-based.
Subjective factors are based on personal opinions or feelings.
How can a lack of access to services or facilities decrease a place’s liveability?
If people don’t have access to essential services like healthcare, education, public transport, or shops, their quality of life decreases. It can make daily life harder, reduce opportunities, and lead to inequality or isolation.