C2nounformalnaturescience
US/təˈpɑː.ɡrə.fi/
UK/təˈpɒɡ.rə.fi/
the shape and physical features of an area of land, such as hills, valleys and rivers
In context
The steep topography of the north makes flash floods especially dangerous.
Laser scanners on planes can map the topography hidden under the jungle.
Scientists study the topography of the seabed to predict how tsunamis will travel.
Words that go with topography
adjective + noun
- local topographyRainfall here depends heavily on the local topography.
- rugged topographyThe rugged topography made the railway expensive to build.
- complex topographyWeather is hard to forecast in areas with complex topography.
- natural topographyThe new park follows the natural topography of the hill.
noun + preposition
- topography ofThe topography of Mars includes the tallest volcano in the solar system.