Terrestrial land forms can be classified into the following hierarchy: first order land

forms, second order land forms, and third order land forms.
The first order landforms include the continents and ocean basins that comprise the
largest units of the earths relief. In the light of Plate Tectonic Theory (discussed in
Chapter 5 of this book), the continents are large masses that are rafted and rooted
in the mantle. As a consequence of this process new oceans are formed.
The second order landform includes the tectonic mountain belts, plateaus and
plains. Under the second order relief, the landscapes are characterised primarily by
their tectonic or structural unity. The second order relief is generally, created by
internal or endogenic earth processes driven by the energy source in the form of
volcanism and/or tectonic activity from deep inside the earth. The Himalaya
mountains and the Deccan Plateau are examples of the second order landforms.
The third order landform includes the features produced by erosion such as carved
mountains, hills and valleys. Atmospheric weathering and erosion are largely
responsible in giving rise to the landforms by destructional or erosional processes.
Complex series of reactions take place when rocks are exposed to water and air in
the planets gravitational field. The third order landforms are shaped by the external
or exogenic earth processes. External processes, driven by solar energy, act
through the atmosphere and oceans where air and water come in contact with the
lithoshpere.