Term | Definition |
globe | a spherical model of the earth (most accurate) |
latitude | lines that run from East to West, but measure from North to South |
grid system | network of lines that are formed by crossing one another |
absolute location | the exact location formed by latitude and longitude |
human/environment interaction | how and why people change their surroundings |
elevation | height above sea level |
core | center of the earth |
crust | this layer of the earth includes the continents and ocean floors |
GIS | computer software used to map the earth |
region | group of places/areas united by one or more common characteristic |
weather | unpredictable changes in the air that take place over a short period of time |
climate | usual predictable pattern of weather in an area over a long period of time |
greenhouse effect | buildup of gasses in the atmosphere that prevent warm air from rising |
hurricane | violent tropical storm system that form over the Atlantic Ocean |
tornado | funnel-shaped windstorms that form during severe thunderstorms |
nonrenewable resources | resources that cannot be replaced; oil, coal, natural gas |
civilization | a highly developed culture |
ethnic group | groups of people who share common culture, language, or society |
renewable resources | resources that cannot be used up or can be replaced naturally; wind, sun, trees |
immigrants | people who move to a new country as a permanent home |
canopy | topmost layer of the rain forest |
inflation | overall increase in the prices of goods across the entire economy |
island | land completely surrounded by water |
peninsula | body of land surrounded by water on three sides |
plateau | flat or rolling land at high elevation |
archipelago | group of islands |
lake | sizable inland body of water |
mountain | land with steep sides that rises sharply from the surrounding area |
valley | area of low land between hills or mountains |
harbor | sheltered place along the shoreline where ships can anchor safely |