Definitions of Key Terms

Question 1

Landforms

Answer 1

• The shape (morphology) and character of the land surface that results from the interaction of physical processes
• e.g. dunes, canyons, beaches

Question 2

Landscapes

Answer 2

The visible features of an area include:
· natural elements of landforms (such as mountains, valleys, coastlines) and water bodies (such as rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans)
· living elements of land cover (including vegetation and wildlife)
· human elements (including different forms of land use, buildings, and structures)
· changeable elements (such as weather conditions).

Question 3

Geomorphology

Answer 3

• One of the important parts of geography involves the study of the interaction of the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere, and the shapes that make up the physical environment of the earth’s surface

Question 4

Erosion

Answer 4

The process by which the surface of the earth is worn and transported away by the action of water, ice, wind, and waves

Question 5

Geographical Processes

Answer 5

• The physical and human forces that work in combination to form and transform the world
• e.g. erosion, the water cycle, migration, or urbanization

Question 6

Spatial Distribution

Answer 6

The arrangement of particular phenomena or activities across the surface of the Earth

Question 7

Divergent

Answer 7

• Boundary between two plates that are moving apart or rifting
• e.g. Mid-ocean ridges, Rift valleys, Fissure volcanoes

Question 8

Convergent

Answer 8

• Boundaries between two plates that are colliding
• One plate will generally subduct under another.
• e.g. Volcanoes, Fold mountains, Underwater islands, Trenches

Question 9

Transform Fault

Answer 9

• The boundary between two plates that are sliding past each other

Question 10

Sediments

Answer 10

• Fine particles of rock, including mud, sand or silt, and gravel