Vocabulary #1

Question 1

The height of a land surface above the level of the sea

Answer 1

Elevation

Question 2

The part of a continent that extends out underneath the ocean that is fairly flat, but then drops sharply to the ocean floor.

Answer 2

Continental Shelf

Question 3

A portion of land nearly surrounded by water

Answer 3

Peninsula

Question 4

A narrow strip of land that connects 2 larger land areas

Answer 4

Isthmus

Question 5

A process that makes salt water safe to drink

Answer 5

Desalination

Question 6

A thick layer of hot dense rock surrounding the earth’s core

Answer 6

Mantle

Question 7

One of the largest pieces of the Earth’s crust that floats on the mantle

Answer 7

Tectonic plate

Question 8

An extended break in a body of rock, marked by movement of rock on either side

Answer 8

Fault

Question 9

When the ground shakes/trembles because of a collision of tectonic plates

Answer 9

Earthquake

Question 10

The process of wearing away or breaking down rocks into smaller pieces

Answer 10

Weathering

Question 11

Process when weathered bits of rock are moved elsewhere by water, wind, or ice

Answer 11

Erosion

Question 12

The condition of the atmosphere in one place during a short time

Answer 12

Weather

Question 13

A complete trip of Earth around the Sun

Answer 13

Revolution

Question 14

Weather patterns typical for an area over a long period

Answer 14

Climate

Question 15

An imaginary line that runs through the center of the Earth between the poles

Answer 15

Axis

Question 16

1 of 2 days of the year when the sun reaches its northernmost or southernmost point

Answer 16

Solstice

Question 17

1 of 2 days each year when the sun is directly above the equator

Answer 17

Equinox

Question 18

The water that falls on the ground as rain, snow, sleet, hail, or mist

Answer 18

Precipitation

Question 19

An area that receives reduced rainfall, because it is on the side of a mountain facing away from the ocean

Answer 19

Rain Shadow