topography; geomorphology
Academic term for the study of landforms and the processes that shape them. In geography and earth science contexts, both 'topography' and 'geomorphology' are used, with 'geomorphology' emphasizing process-oriented study.
He is majoring in geomorphology at university.
We research the geomorphological features of this region.
地理学 is the broader field of geography, which includes human and physical geography. 地形学 is a subfield focusing specifically on landforms.
Compound of 地形 (terrain, landform) and 学 (study, -ology). A straightforward modern academic term.