Vocabulary Words - Geography

1. map-a drawing of a place
2. globe-a model of the Earth
3. compass rose-a map symbol showing the directions north, south, east, and west
4. continent-a large body of land
5. ocean-a large body of salt water

Vocabulary Words - Geography

6. Equator-an imaginary line around the middle of the Earth that helps divide the planet into northern and southern halves
7. Prime Meridian-an imaginary line that helps divide the Earth into eastern and western halves
8. latitude-an imaginary line, or parallel, measuring distance north or south of the Equator
  1. longitude–an imaginary line, or meridian, measuring distance east or west of the Prime Meridian

10. geographic feature-a shape on the Earth’s surface

Vocabulary Words - Geography

11. geographic region-a large area of land with common features
12. topography-the physical features of the land’s surface; how the Earth’s surface is shaped
13. coastal-along theocean (sea); where the land meets the water’s edge
14. plain-a large area of flat land
15. elevation-the height of land above sea level

Vocabulary Words - Geography

16. peninsula-a body of land nearly surrounded by water
17. harbor-deep water close to the land; a good place for ships to dock
18. tributary-a smaller river or waterway that flows into a larger river or waterway
19. highland/mountain-
20. erosion-worn away because of wind, water, or glacial ice

Vocabulary Words - Geography

21. lake-a body of water completely surrounded by land
22. port city-a city where ships load and unload cargo
23. jagged-having sharp, uneven edges
24. Continental Divide-located in the Rocky Mountains, it determines the direction of the flow of rivers on North America
25. valley-an area of lowland between hills or mountains

Vocabulary Words - Geography

26. basin-a bowl-shaped landform surrounded by higher land
27. range (ridge)-a row or chain of mountains
28. plateau-an area of elevated flat land
29. desert-a sandy, rocky, dry area with little rain
30. Death Valley-the lowest point in North America

Vocabulary Words – Geography

31. fertile-soil that is good for growing crops
32. forest-a large area thickly covered with trees and plants
33. arteries-main highways or waterways used for transportation
34. mouth-the place where a river empties into a larger body of water
35. gulf-part of the ocean (or sea) that is partly surrounded by land

Vocabulary Words – Geography

36. bay-part of an ocean or lake that extends deeply into the land
37. strait-a narrow waterway that connects two larger bodies of water
38. island-a body of land completely surrounded by water
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Vocabulary Words – Geography/American Indians

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43. archaeologist- a person who studies artifacts to learn about past human behavior and culture
44. artifact-a human-made object
45. migrate-to move from one country or region to live in another