the study of the earth's physical and cultural features

Location, Place, Human-Environment Interaction, Movement, Region

half of the earth

distance north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees; lines run east and west and are parallel to the equator; lines are called parallels

distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured in degrees; lines run north and south; lines are called meridians

Map projection is particularly useful for navigation because it maintains accurate direction. These projections are famous for their distortion in area that makes landmasses at the poles appear oversized.

Map projection that attempts to balance several possible projection errors. It does not maintain completely accurate area, shape, distance, or direction, but it minimizes errors in each.

Map projection with correct proportions and locations; direction and distance are not proportionate; bad ocean information so cannot be used to navigate

a large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level; a large steep hill.

a large raised area of mostly level land

land with no hills, valleys, or mountains

an area of low land between hills or mountains

A stream or river that flows into a larger river

the land drained by a river system

the theory that the lithosphere is broken up into large plates that move and then rejoin; considered the unifying theory of geology

the theory that the continents have not always been in their present locations but have moved there over millions of years

The breaking down of rocks and other materials on the Earth's surface.

The process by which wind, water, ice, or gravity transports soil and sediment from one location to another

the movement of water through the biosphere

The change of state from a gas to a liquid. Water in the vapor form is cooled, and condenses, so the molecules of gas get closer, and form liquid. Creates clouds.

The change of a substance from a liquid to a gas; water on the earth's surface is heated by the sun and changes state escaping into the air.

Any form of water that falls from clouds and reaches Earth's surface.

a region having little rainfall because it is sheltered from prevailing rain-bearing winds by a range of hills.

Overall weather in an area over a long period of time

A climate zone that is both very warm and very wet year-round; located near the tropics; includes tropical wet zones and tropical rainforests.

a climate in which the yearly precipitation is less than the potential loss of water by evaporation

Found close to the poles; too cold to support much life despite sufficient precipitation

Moderate rainfall, temperatures that rarely fall below freezing.

Thinner air with less thermal energy is typical of this climate.

A group of ecosystems that share similar climates and typical organisms

trees form a continuous canopy over the ground; grasses and shrubs may grow beneath the cover

land biome characterized by moderate rainfall, fields of grasses, and few trees

a biome where the land is BARREN because of low precipitation (desert, tundra)

A mixture of gases that surrounds a planet or moon; the air

A rigid layer made up of the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust (ground)

All the water at and near the surface of the earth, 97% of which is in oceans

high-latitude, cold regions around the north and south poles; 60-90 degrees latitude

Hottest Region, closest to the equator; 0-30 degrees latitude

region from 30 to 60 degrees latitude, weather changes with seasons