Physical Geography Keywords Flashcards
Plate Tectonics
the theory that Earth’s outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, the rocky inner layer above the core.
Subduction
When one tectonic plate is dragged down beneath another
Erosion
Erosion is defined as the removal of rocks and soil by wind, water, ice and gravity.
Climate
Weather conditions at a certain place or region averaged over a long period of time
Prevailing Winds
a pattern of wind created by high and low-pressure belts
Latitude
an imaginary line that circles the Earth, parallel to the Equator
Condensation
the change of water vapour into liquid water (causing precipitation).
Climatograph
special type of graph that displays the average annual distribution of temperature and precipitation in any location
Lithosphere
the solid outer part of the Earth
Ring of Fire
An area surrounding the Pacific Plate with a high frequency of volcanic activity and earthquakes.
Landform Region
a part of the Earth with a unique set of physical features that people often use to meet their needs.
Weather
The daily condition of temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity and clouds in the atmosphere.
Westerlies
Canada’s prevailing winds that blow from west to east
Longitude
an imaginary line that runs from pole to pole, either East or West of the Prime Meridian.
Windward Side
the side of a height of land that faces the wind which receives more rain and snow.
Renewable Resources
Resources that can be regenerated if used carefully.
Continental Drift
is a theory that explains how continents shift position on Earth’s surface.
Seismic Waves
Earthquake waves which cause the most damage
Transition Zone
Areas between landforms which share characteristics of both.
Air Mass
A large volume of air that takes on the climatic conditions of the area in which it forms
Jet Stream
`a current of fast-moving air located above the polar front
Air Pressure
the weight of the atmosphere pressing down on the earth
Leeward Side
the side of a height of land sheltered from the wind. It gets less precipitation and is also called the rain shadow.
Non-renewable Resource
Resources that are limited and cannot be replaced once they are used up.
Convection Currents
Movements within the Earth’s mangle caused by the heat of the core which cause the tectonic plates to move.
