Definitions Flashcards
What is the definition of a scale?
A scale is the ratio of the size of objects on a map compared to their size in the real world.
What are the 3 ways that you can display a scale?
- In words; ex. 1cm to 30 cm
- As a ratio; ex. 1:30 (say it was 1cm to 30cm)
- As a line divided into cm, and then labeled.
Where is the scale marked, and what is it used for?
It is always marked on a plan, so that people can tell the size of an object in real life.
What are grid references?
They are a set of numbers, or numbers and letters, that tells you where to find something on a map.
What are contour lines?
Contour lines are lines that join all of the places at the same height above sea level. The number on a line shows the height in metres.
What are spot heights?
They are dots that give the exact height of a spot, in metres above sea level.
What are reliefs?
A relief is shown on maps 3 main ways:
- contour lines
- spot heights
- colour shading
What is a population?
It is the number of people living in a place.
What is a population density?
The average number of people living in a place per square kilometre.
What is a source?
The source is where the river starts. It could be a spring, lake, a melting glacier, or a hollow where a lot of rain collects.
What is a V-shaped valley?
A river runs in a valley: an area with higher land on each side.
What is a tributary?
Smaller rivers join the main one. They are called tributaries.
What is a confluence?
The point where two rivers join.
What is a floodplain?
The flat land beside the river, which may flood when a river overflows, is called a floodlain.
What is a watershed?
The watershed is the dividing line between one river basin and the next. It is usually a ridge of higher land.
What is a river basin?
Rain falling in the rivershed feeds the river. This line is called the river basin.
What is the river mouth?
The mouth is where the river flows into the sea.
What is erosion?
It is the wearing away of the river’s bed and banks.
