noun
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.
彼は大学で地形学を専攻している。
He is majoring in geomorphology at university.
この地域の地形学的特徴について研究する。
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.