Geographical Terms And Understanding Flashcards
An imaginary circle around the middle of the earth halfway between the north and South Pole
Equator
Half of the globe
Hemisphere
An imaginary rod on which the earth rotates
Axis
A true representation of the shape of the earth
Globe
A key telling what symbols are used on a map to represent various features
Legend
Distance east or west of the prime meridian measured in degrees
Longitude
The parallel of the latitude that is 23°30’north of the equator
Tropic of Cancer
The meridian of 0° longitude that passes through Greenwich, England and from which other longitudes are measured east and west
Prime meridian
A map that shows the natural features of the earths surface
Physical map
A letter, picture, or sign that represents something on a map
Symbol
Distance north or south of the equator measured in degrees
Latitude
The parallel of latitude that is 23°30’ south of the equator
Tropic of Capricorn
An imaginary line where each calendar day begins running mostly along 180° longitude
International date line
A map that shows the boundaries of nations and other cultural natures
Political map
The relationship between a given distance on the earths surface and the same distance as represented on the map
Scale
An imaginary line that passes through all points on the same longitude
Meridian
The imaginary boundary of the north polar region at 66°30’ north latitude
Article circle
A series of 24 zones each 15° determined approximately by meridians within which the same standard time is used
Time zones
A map that shows elevations as well as the positions of points , often in color and with contour lines
Topographical map
A system comprised of parallels and meridians for locating places on the earths surface
Grid
An imaginary line on the earth connecting points of equal latitude
Parallel
The imaginary boundary of the south polar region at 66°30’ south latitude
Antarctic circle
The direction from the international date line that the next day begins
West
A map that employs different colors in a definite order to distinguish land at differing heights and water at varying depths
Relief map
Lines drawn on a map connecting all points that are the same altitude above the sea
Contour lines
The making and study of maps and charts
Cartography
Either end of the axis, located at 90° north latitude or 90° south
Poles
The system instituted by the U.S to take advantage of the extra hours of the daylight
Daylight savings
A cylindrical map projection in which the distortion of areas increases as it nears the poles, but is essential for marine navigation
Mercator projection map
Lines on a map that join all places having the same temperature
Isotherms
One of the seven great divisions of land on the earth
Continent
A body of land entirely surrounded by water
Island
A natural elevation of the earths surface rising high above the surrounding level
Mountain
A trembling of the earths surface caused by changes beneath the surface
Earthquake
The shallow portion of the sea bed bordering most continents and terminating in a slope which descends steeply into deeper water
Continental shelf
The level of the ocean, which is the same all over the world
Sea level
A narrow portion of land nearly surrounded by water
Peninsula
A raised part of the earths surface smaller than a mountain
Hill
A mountain or hill having an opening through which Milton rock, steam, and ashes are expelled from within
Volcano
A mountain ridge across a continent which separates streams flowing in opposite directions
Continental divide
The elevation of a place above sea level
Altitude
A point of land jutting out into the water
Cape
A long depression or hollow lying between hills and mountains
Valley
A break in the earths crust where the land on either side has moved up down or sideways along the break
Fault
The points at which the land drops sharply and rivers usually become unnavigable
Fall line
Land adjoining a sea or an ocean
Coast
A narrow strip of land connecting two larger portions of land
Isthmus
An area of mostly high, generally level land
Plateau
A long dry period caused by the absence of rain
Drought
A hollow or depression in the earths surface almost entirely surrounded by highlands
Basin
A large part of a continent that forms a section of its own
Subcontinent
A group of many islands
Archipelago
A broad area of flat or gently rolling land
Plain
The act of making lands suitable for human use
Reclaiming
A chain of mountains
Range
Not having an outlet to an ocean or a sea
Land locked
A ring-shaped coral reef island that surrounds a lagoon
Atoll
A deep narrow valley with steep sides
Canyon
Tiny sea animals who skeletal remains can build up to form a reef
Coral
A ridge of rock sand or coral at or near the surface of the water
Reef
