Maps Cartography
Globes Types of maps
Purpose Basic elements of a map
Title Legend

 

The science or art of making maps. A visual representation of an area, typically on a flat surface, used to convey geographical information.
Physical, political, topographic, thematic, climate, economic, resource, road, and more. Each type serves a different purpose. A spherical representation of Earth or other celestial body, showing the shapes of continents and oceans.
Title, legend, scale, north arrow, and projection are the basic elements of a map. The reason for creating a map. It could be for navigation, planning, or education.
A key that explains the symbols and colors used on a map. The name or label given to a map that describes its content.

 

Scale North arrow
Projection Reading maps
Interpreting maps mountains
valleys plateaus

 

A symbol on a map that points to the north direction. A ratio that compares the distance on a map to the actual distance on Earth.
The ability to comprehend and decipher the information presented on a map. It involves analyzing symbols, scales, legend, and other elements. The method used to flatten a three-dimensional globe onto a two-dimensional map.
Large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level The ability to use maps to answer questions and solve problems related to geography and other subjects.
A large flat area of elevated land that is higher than the surrounding land A low area of land between hills or mountains

 

rivers oceans
continents deserts
glaciers canyons
islands peninsulas

 

A very large expanse of salt water that covers most of the Earth's surface and surrounds its landmasses A large natural stream of water that flows into an ocean, a lake, or another river
A barren or desolate area, especially a region of little rainfall, sparse vegetation, and often high temperatures Any of the world's main continuous expanses of land (Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America)
A deep, narrow valley with steep sides, often with a stream or river flowing through it A slowly moving mass or river of ice formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow on mountains or near the poles
A piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water A piece of land surrounded by water, smaller than a continent and completely surrounded by water

 

volcanoes Weather
Climate Difference
Factors Temperature
Pressure Humidity

 

The condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time. A mountain or hill, typically conical, having a crater or vent through which lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gas are or have been erupted from the earth's crust
The distinction or contrast between weather and climate. The average weather conditions in a particular region over a long period of time.
A measure of the heat or coldness of an object or environment, usually measured in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. The elements that contribute to the weather and climate of a region.
The amount of moisture present in the air. The force exerted by the weight of the atmosphere due to the gravitational pull of the earth.

 

Wind Climate Change
Greenhouse gases Global warming
Impacts Water Cycle
Evaporation Condensation

 

The long-term alteration of the Earth's climate, especially a change caused by human activity. The movement of air from high pressure to low pressure areas.
The long-term trend of increasing average global temperatures due to human activity, predominantly the emission of greenhouse gases. Gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. The effects or consequences of climate change, such as rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and loss of biodiversity.
The process where water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid water. The process where water changes from liquid to gas due to heat from the sun.

 

Precipitation Transpiration
Surface Runoff Infiltration
Groundwater Aquifer
Hydrologic Cycle Ecosystem

 

The process where water vapor is released by plants into the atmosphere. The process where water droplets in the clouds combine and become heavy enough to fall to the ground.
The process where water seeps into the ground and becomes groundwater or enters aquifers. Water that flows over the land surface and into streams and rivers.
A porous rock formation underground that stores water and allows it to flow through. Water that is stored underground in soil and rock crevices known as aquifers.
A community of living and nonliving things that interact with each other in an environment. The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

 

Water Conservation Mountains
Plains Plateaus
Valleys Deserts
Beaches Islands

 

A landscape characterized by high elevation and steep slopes. The practice of using less water to reduce waste and conserve resources.
A landscape characterized by high elevation and relatively flat land on top. A landscape characterized by flat or gently rolling land.
A landscape characterized by low rainfall and sparse vegetation. A landscape characterized by low elevation and surrounded by higher terrain.
A landscape characterized by land surrounded by water. A landscape characterized by a strip of sand, pebbles, or rock along a body of water.

 

Canyons Peninsulas
Tundra Rainforests
Caves Weather
Climate Temperature

 

A landscape characterized by land surrounded by water on three sides. A landscape characterized by steep cliffs and narrow valleys carved by water.
A landscape characterized by high precipitation and dense vegetation. A landscape characterized by low temperatures, low vegetation, and permafrost.
The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, and wind. A landscape characterized by underground openings and passages.
A measure of how hot or cold something is, typically measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. The average weather conditions prevailing in an area over a long period of time.

 

Humidity Precipitation
Cloudiness Wind
Factors Patterns
Impact Human activities

 

Any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls to the ground. The amount of water vapor present in the air.
The natural movement of air. The fraction of the sky covered by clouds.
A discernible regularity in the world or in a manmade design. Anything that contributes causally to a result.
Actions undertaken by humans. The effect or influence of one thing on another.

 

Maps Graphs
Charts Weather
Climate Temperature
Precipitation Air Pressure

 

A diagram showing the relation between variable quantities, typically of two variables, each measured along one of a pair of axes at right angles. A representation of an area, such as on a flat surface, as it appears when viewed from above.
The short-term atmospheric conditions of a certain area or region. A graphical representation of data, in which symbols, such as bars, are used to represent data.
The measurement of the degree of heat in the air, water, or soil of a certain area or region. The long-term trends and patterns of atmospheric conditions in a certain area or region.
The weight of the atmosphere on a certain area or region, influenced by temperature, humidity, and altitude. The process of water falling from the atmosphere, often in the form of rain, snow, sleet or hail.

 

Humidity Wind
Elevation Topography
Latitude Ocean Currents
Global Warming climate change

 

The movement of air caused by differences in temperature and pressure in the atmosphere. Can have a significant impact on weather and climate. The amount of water vapor in the air of a certain area or region, influenced by temperature and precipitation.
The physical features of a certain area or region, including mountains, valleys, and bodies of water, which can impact weather and climate. The height of land above sea level in a certain area or region, impacting temperature and precipitation patterns.
The movement of ocean waters influenced by temperature and salinity, which can impact global climate patterns. The distance of a certain area or region from the equator, impacting temperature and precipitation patterns.
Refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other weather patterns that have been occurring over several decades or more due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The gradual increase in the Earth's average temperature due to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which can impact global weather patterns.

 

global warming greenhouse gases
climate feedbacks ocean acidification
sea level rise mitigation strategies
adaptation strategies carbon footprint

 

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to the greenhouse effect, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases are released into the atmosphere through human activities such as burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests. Refers specifically to the long-term warming of the planet's climate system, primarily due to the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere caused by human activities.
The process by which the pH of seawater decreases due to the absorption of excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, leading to negative impacts on ocean ecosystems. The many complex interactions within the earth's climate system that amplify or diminish the impacts of climate change, such as the melting of polar ice caps and increased evaporation due to warmer temperatures.
Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and reducing deforestation. The gradual increase in global sea levels due to the melting of ice caps and glaciers and the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms, which can lead to flooding and erosion of coastal areas.
The amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by an individual, organization, or activity, typically expressed as the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide released. Efforts to prepare for and minimize the impacts of climate change, such as building seawalls, restoring wetlands, and developing drought-resistant crops.

 

renewable energy sources energy efficiency
carbon capture and storage Extreme Weather Events
Natural Disasters Climate Change
Hurricane Tornado

 

The practice of using less energy to perform the same function, typically achieved through technological improvements and changes in behavior. Energy sources that can be replenished naturally and continuously, such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy.
Weather patterns that are severe or unusual and have the potential to cause significant damage and harm to society. A technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial facilities and stores them underground or in other long-term storage facilities.
Changes in the Earth's climate that are attributed to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Catastrophic events that are caused by natural phenomena such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes.
A violent spinning column of air that forms during a thunderstorm and can cause significant damage to structures and communities. A tropical storm with winds of at least 74 mph that can cause significant damage and flooding along the coast.

 

Flood Drought
Heat Wave Wildfire
Earthquake Storm Surge
Emergency Management Weather forecasting

 

A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall that can lead to crop failures, water shortages, and other economic and social impacts. An overflow of water that submerges land that is normally dry and can cause significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
An uncontrolled fire that occurs in vegetation and can cause significant damage to ecosystems and communities. A prolonged period of abnormally hot weather that can cause health problems, power outages, and other impacts on society.
An abnormal rise in sea level caused by a severe storm, such as a hurricane or cyclone. A sudden shaking of the Earth's crust that is caused by the movement of tectonic plates and can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
The use of science and technology to predict the state of the atmosphere for a future time and a given location. The process of organizing and coordinating resources and responses to disasters and other emergencies, with the goal of minimizing harm and restoring normalcy as quickly as possible.

 

Climate research Technologies
Weather patterns Planet
Emerging technologies Techniques
Evaluate Climate change

 

Tools or devices used to make weather forecasts or to gather data about weather patterns. The study of climate patterns over a long period of time, including factors such as temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric conditions.
The Earth, its atmosphere, and everything that exists on it or within it. The recurring conditions of the atmosphere in a particular place over time, such as temperature, precipitation, and humidity.
Methods or processes that are used to carry out weather forecasting or climate research. New tools or devices that are being developed to help scientists better understand and predict weather patterns.
Changes in the Earth's climate, including rising temperatures, changes in precipitation, and more frequent extreme weather events, that are largely caused by human activities. To assess the impact of climate change on weather patterns and ecosystems.

 

Ecosystems Atmosphere
Data Landform
Mountain Valley
Plain Plateau

 

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, held in place by gravity, which provides the air we breathe, protects us from the sun's harmful rays, and plays a crucial role in regulating the planet's temperature. A community of living organisms in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment, interacting as a system.
A natural feature of the earth's surface, such as mountains, valleys, plains, and plateaus. Facts, figures, or other information about weather patterns or climate conditions that can be collected, analyzed, and used to make forecasts or predictions.
A low area between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it. A landform that rises steeply (usually more than 1,000 feet) above its surrounding area.
A large elevated area of land that is flat, or gently sloping and is higher than the surrounding area. A large, flat area of land that has few trees and is often used for farming.

 

Canyon Island
Peninsula Isthmus
Delta Volcano
Glacier Erosion

 

A piece of land surrounded by water on all sides. A deep, narrow valley with steep sides, often with a river running through it.
A narrow strip of land connecting two larger land masses. A piece of land bordered by water on three sides.
A mountain or hill, typically conical, having a crater or vent through which lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gas are being or have been erupted from the Earth's crust. A fan-shaped deposit of sand and sediment at the mouth of a river.
The process of wearing down or washing away of the Earth's surface, including rock, soil, and vegetation, by the action of water, wind, or other geological or atmospheric factors. A large, slow-moving river of ice, formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow.

 

Weathering Deposition
Canyon Delta
Gorge Hill
Plateau Valley

 

The process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to landforms by wind, water, or ice. The physical, chemical, or biological breakdown of rocks, minerals, and soil over time.
A landform at the mouth of a river where it empties into an ocean, sea, or lake, characterized by sediment deposition and unique ecological features. A deep, narrow valley with steep sides, often with a stream or river running through it.
A rounded, elevated landform with sloping sides and a summit lower than a mountain. A deep, narrow valley with steep sides, usually carved by a river or stream.
A low area of land between hills or mountains, often created by erosion or the flow of a river. A large flat area of high elevation, often with steep sides, cut by rivers flowing through deep canyons.

 

Landslide Glacier
Sand Dunes Mountains
Plateaus Tectonic plates
Volcanic mountains Fold mountains

 

A large mass of ice, formed from compacted snow, that slowly flows downhill, eroding and shaping its surroundings. The movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope, often caused by erosion or heavy rainfall.
Large natural elevation of Earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level; generally greater in extent and height than a hill Hills of sand built by wind or water flow, often found at the beach or in deserts.
Massive slabs of solid rock that make up the Earth's crust Flat, elevated landform that rises sharply above the surrounding area on at least one side
Mountain formed by the folding of rock layers, typically due to tectonic activity Mountain formed by volcanic activity, including volcanic eruptions of hot magma and ash

 

Fault-block mountains Isostasy
Convergent boundaries Divergent boundaries
Transform boundaries Subduction
Continental drift Volcano

 

Equilibrium of the Earth's crust and upper mantle, which determines the level at which the Earth's surface will stand Mountain formed by the breaking and uplift of rock along a fault line
Tectonic plate boundary in which two plates move away from each other, resulting in the formation of rift valleys and mid-ocean ridges Tectonic plate boundary in which two plates collide, resulting in the formation of mountains or plateaus
Process by which one tectonic plate sinks beneath another, often resulting in the formation of mountains or volcanic activity Tectonic plate boundary in which two plates slide past each other, resulting in earthquakes and faults
A mountain or hill with a crater or vent from which lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gas are erupted from the Earth's crust. Hypothesis that suggests that the Earth's continents were once joined together in a single landmass and have since drifted apart

 

Magma Lava
Ash Crater
Caldera Shield volcano
Composite volcano Lahar

 

Molten rock material that has flowed onto the Earth's surface from a volcano or fissure. Molten rock material that is found beneath the Earth's surface or within a volcano and can be erupted as lava.
A bowl-shaped depression that forms at the summit of a volcano after an eruption. The residual product of volcanic eruptions that is composed of fine-grained fragments of volcanic glass, mineral crystals, or both.
A wide, gently sloping volcano with a broad base and low profile that is formed from layers of lava flows. A large volcanic crater that forms when a volcano collapses on itself after a major eruption or series of eruptions.
A volcanic mudflow or debris flow that can occur when snow and ice on a volcano melt during an eruption or when rain falls on loose volcanic material. A steep-sided volcano that is composed of layers of both lava and pyroclastic material, such as ash and tephra.

 

Pyroclastic flow Hotspot
Ring of Fire Climatic events
Landforms Erosion
Deposition Glaciers

 

A location on the Earth's surface where magma rises from the mantle to form a volcano. Hotspots are generally thought to be fixed relative to the overlying tectonic plates. A high-density mixture of hot ash, rock fragments, and gas that moves rapidly down the slopes of a volcano during an explosive eruption.
Occurrences such as temperature changes, droughts, floods, and storms that can affect the formation and erosion of landforms. A horseshoe-shaped ring of active volcanoes and tectonic activity that surrounds the Pacific Ocean basin.
The process by which wind, water, ice, and other natural agents wear away and remove soil and rock from the Earth's surface, changing the shape of landforms over time. Natural physical features on the Earth's surface such as mountains, hills, valleys, and plateaus.
Large masses of ice that form over time in cold regions of the world, slowly moving, carving out valleys, and shaping the landscape as they erode and deposit sediment. The process by which sediment, soil, and other natural materials are deposited or laid down in a new location, altering the shape and formation of landforms.

 

Deserts Coasts
Plate tectonics Climate change
Mitigation Adaptation
Ecosystems

 

The regions where land meets the sea, often characterized by cliffs, sandy beaches, dunes, and other distinctive landforms shaped by waves, tides, and other coastal processes. Dry, barren regions of the world that receive very little rainfall and are often characterized by sand dunes, rocky outcroppings, and other unique geological features.
The long-term shifts in global weather patterns and average temperatures that are believed to be caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The theory that the Earth's crust is made up of large plates that move over time, causing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other geologic events that can create or alter landforms.
The process of adjusting to the changes in landforms and ecosystems that result from climate change by developing new strategies and technologies, or by changing behavior and practices. The process of implementing measures to reduce or prevent the negative impacts of climate change on landforms and ecosystems.
The communities of living organisms that exist within a given environment, interacting with each other and with the landforms, climate, and other natural factors that shape their habitats.