Physical Features are natural things we see on the surface of the earth
They show how the land looks like
Examples of physical features
Rivers
Lakes
Mountains
Plains
Valleys
Swamps
Plateaus
Springs
Hills
Oceans
RIVERS
A river is a natural flow of water in a valley
Rivers flow throughout the year are called permanent rivers
Rivers flowing only during wet season are called seasonal rivers
An area where the river starts is called a source
Small streams that join the main river are called Tributaries
A point where two or more rivers meet is called a confluence
Where the river drains forms its mouth
Examples of Rivers in our County
1) River Subukia
2) River Amalo in Olenguruone
3) River Molo
4) River Chawai in Mau forest
5) River Chinga in Subukia
6) River Kabazi
7) River Chania in Bahati
8) Shrine stream
Some Seasonal Rivers
1) River Nyarugu in Njoro
2) River Bagaria
3) River Lolderi
4) River Kirimu
WATERFALLS
It is the flow of a river over a very high place to the ground
Some examples of water falls in our county
Bagaria water falls along R.Bagaria
Songongo water falls along R.Chewai
Glory and along the Subukia escarpment
LAKES
It is a large depression on the surface of the earth that is filled with water
Examples
Lake Nakuru
Lake Elementaita
Lake Naivasha
Lake Oloidien
HILLS
It is an area that is higher than the surrounding land
Hills are smaller than mountains
Examples
1) Hyrax hills
2) Lions hills
3) Man hills
4) Eburu hills
5) Kerugue hills
6) Gilgil hills
7) Jogoo hills
8) Lesirwa hills
9) Jumatatu hills
10) Kasambara hills
11) Kianjoya hills at miti mingi
12) Elge wood hills
13) Arashi hills
14) Kerima Ndege hills in mbogoini
15) Gitunga hills
16) Mwiteithia hills in Mbogoini lower subukia
17) Honeymoon hill in Nakuru National Park
MOUNTAINS
It is a large part of the earth surface that is much higher than its surrounding
Examples
Mt. Menengai
Mt. Longonot
Mt. Suswa
The highest mountain in Nakuru County is MT. Longonot near Maai – Mahiu, Naivasha Sub County
PLAINS
It is a large low land that is generally flat
Elementaita plains
Kigio plains
Rongai- boror – ngata plains
VALLEYS
• It is a depression between two areas that are high or raised
• Valleys that rivers flow through them are called Valley Rivers
Examples
Great rift valley
Nyatoru valley in Kiambogo
Subukia valley
SWAMPS
Are lowlands filled with water and covered by swamps Examples
Kiptungar swampsnear Mau forest
Sasumua swamp near Muchorwe moto
Wila swamp in kuresoi
Silbwet swamp in keringet in kuresoi
SPRINGS
It forms where water flows out of the ground from an underground source
Examples
Lake Elementaita springs
Lake Nakuru springs
Labere Springs
Oljorai Springs
Kariandusi Springs
Chamuka Springs
PLATEAUS
It is a raised piece of land that is flat at the top
Examples
Metha plateau
Kiambogo – Ndabibi area near Nyatoru valley
OCEANS
Are very large areas of water where water from different rivers collect.
Examples
Indian Ocean
Importance of Physical Features
Water for domestic and industrial use
Home for wildlife
Used for irrigation
Tourist attraction
Used for transport
Clay collected at the riverbanks is used for modeling
Rivers act as boundaries
Plains are good grazing grounds
Valleys are good for farming
Conserving Physical Features
Physical features can be conserved by
Plating more trees
Not cutting down trees
Prevent overuse and deforestation of forest.
Avoid pollution of water bodies.
Educate people on importance of physical features.
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