Physical Geography Keywords

Question 1

Plate Tectonics

Answer 1

the theory that Earth’s outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, the rocky inner layer above the core.

Question 2

Subduction

Answer 2

When one tectonic plate is dragged down beneath another

Question 3

Erosion

Answer 3

Erosion is defined as the removal of rocks and soil by wind, water, ice and gravity.

Question 4

Climate

Answer 4

Weather conditions at a certain place or region averaged over a long period of time

Question 5

Prevailing Winds

Answer 5

a pattern of wind created by high and low-pressure belts

Question 6

Latitude

Answer 6

an imaginary line that circles the Earth, parallel to the Equator

Question 7

Condensation

Answer 7

the change of water vapour into liquid water (causing precipitation).

Question 8

Climatograph

Answer 8

special type of graph that displays the average annual distribution of temperature and precipitation in any location

Question 9

Lithosphere

Answer 9

the solid outer part of the Earth

Question 10

Ring of Fire

Answer 10

An area surrounding the Pacific Plate with a high frequency of volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Question 11

Landform Region

Answer 11

a part of the Earth with a unique set of physical features that people often use to meet their needs.

Question 12

Weather

Answer 12

The daily condition of temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity and clouds in the atmosphere.

Question 13

Westerlies

Answer 13

Canada’s prevailing winds that blow from west to east

Question 14

Longitude

Answer 14

an imaginary line that runs from pole to pole, either East or West of the Prime Meridian.

Question 15

Windward Side

Answer 15

the side of a height of land that faces the wind which receives more rain and snow.

Question 16

Renewable Resources

Answer 16

Resources that can be regenerated if used carefully.

Question 17

Continental Drift

Answer 17

is a theory that explains how continents shift position on Earth’s surface.

Question 18

Seismic Waves

Answer 18

Earthquake waves which cause the most damage

Question 19

Transition Zone

Answer 19

Areas between landforms which share characteristics of both.

Question 20

Air Mass

Answer 20

A large volume of air that takes on the climatic conditions of the area in which it forms

Question 21

Jet Stream

Answer 21

`a current of fast-moving air located above the polar front

Question 22

Air Pressure

Answer 22

the weight of the atmosphere pressing down on the earth

Question 23

Leeward Side

Answer 23

the side of a height of land sheltered from the wind. It gets less precipitation and is also called the rain shadow.

Question 24

Non-renewable Resource

Answer 24

Resources that are limited and cannot be replaced once they are used up.

Question 25

Convection Currents

Answer 25

Movements within the Earth’s mangle caused by the heat of the core which cause the tectonic plates to move.