The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area constitutes its surface configuration. This encompasses variations in elevation, including hills, valleys, plains, and bodies of water. For example, the steep slopes of the Himalayas or the flat expanse of the Great Plains represent distinct examples of this. This greatly influences human activities.
Understanding the surface configuration is crucial for comprehending settlement patterns, agricultural practices, and transportation networks. Historically, it has dictated where populations could thrive, influencing the development of cities along rivers or in fertile valleys. Analyzing such features provides insights into resource distribution, climate patterns, and potential environmental hazards, all of which significantly shape human interactions with the environment.
