What is the difference between a promontory and a peninsula

However, in general, peninsulas are wider and longer than capes. Moreover, we can find capes at the end of a peninsula. What is a Cape — Definition, Features, Examples 2. What is a Peninsula — Definition, Features, Examples 3. Cape, Peninsula. A cape is a large promontory of large size extending into a body of water, usually the sea.

Here, the promontory is a narrow piece of land that extends from the coastline to the open water. Also, we can note two main features in a cape. First, there is a large area of land that extends into a large body of water; then that area of land is different from the rest of the coastline in terms of its shape and direction. Generally, capes form through glaciers, volcanic activities, wave action, and changes in the sea level. In each of these methods, erosion plays a major role.

Since capes are prone to natural forms of erosion, they have relatively geological lifespans. Figure Cape of Good Hope. A peninsula is a landform mostly surrounded by water and connected to a larger landmass by a narrow isthmus. Peninsulas are located on coastlines and sometimes in small water bodies. For example, the Italian peninsula, Korean peninsula, Arabian peninsula and the state of Florida are examples of peninsulas.

Besides, water surrounds these lands on many sides. Oceanic islands are almost always formed due to volcanic activity or due to coral formation. Continental islands are inhabited whereas oceanic islands are not. Peninsulas are categorized into headland, cape, promontory, bill, point and split types. Headlands, cape and promontory are peninsulas that are high and steep, and often projecting out towards the water. These are hard rocky structures formed after erosion of the softer part land by the sea or ocean.

A point is a tapering piece of land extending into the ocean, and a spilt is a deposition landform and is often a type of beach. Continental islands are landmasses that broke off from the mainland a long time ago and drifted out into the sea. Oceanic islands formed due to volcanic eruptions and accumulation of lava above the surface of water, or due to accumulation of coral. Most commonly, peninsulas are formed due to increases rise of water level due to increased temperatures and typically where the land is at a low elevation.

Gradual rise in the water level leads the land to be surrounded by water on three sides, and develop into a peninsula. Though the largest known island is Australia, it is known as a continent island, and Greenland is classified as the largest island. The largest peninsula is the Arabian peninsula. Groups of islands are called archipelagos and the largest known archipelago is Indonesia comprising of islands.

Groups of islands are often favourite tourist destinations due to the moderate temperatures and scenic beauty associated with these landmasses. Share this comparison:. If you read this far, you should follow us:. Diffen LLC, n. Island vs. Comparison chart Island versus Peninsula comparison chart Island Peninsula Water surrounding the landmass On all sides On three sides Size Small or big Significant Types Continental and Oceanic Headland, cape, promontory, bill, point, split Access by Air and water Land, air and water Formation Continental island are formed through a gradual break and movement away from mainland.