Social Studies - Geography Vocabulary

latitude

an imaginary line that runs parallel to the equator, measuring degrees north or south of it. (also known as a parallel)

longitude

an imaginary line that runs north and south and measures distances east and west of the Prime Meridian

equator

the line of latitude that runs halfway between the North Pole and the South Pole (0 degrees latitude)

Prime Meridian

an imaginary line on the Earth that is used as the starting point for measuring distances east and west

continent

a large landmass on Earth

map key (legend)

a guide on a map that tells you what each symbol stands for

cardinal directions

north, south, east, west

compass rose

directional arrow that shows cardinal and or intermediate directions

insert map

a smaller map set within the border of a larger one

hemisphere

half the earth

degrees

units of latitude and longitude

coordinates

the latitude and longitude address of a place on a map (kind of like (X,Y) in math)

axis

an imaginary line that passes through the center of the Earth, halfway between the North and south Poles on which the Earth ROTATES

ocean

large body of salt water

climate map

shows information about the climate of an area. shows things like specific climatic zones of an area based on the temperature, amount of snow, or average of cloudy days. Use colors to show different climatic areas

Historical map

modern maps that show an event, place, or era from the past. These maps help us visualize locations and events from long ago. Shows multiple aspects of history: migrations patterns, ancient boundaries, political changes, etc.

Landform map (aka Physical Map)

shows the locations of landforms in a place. often use colors to show mountains, hills, plateaus, plains, and more. Also major bodies of water

landforms

natural physical features of the Earth's surface, including mountains, valleys, plateaus, and plains.

climate

the long-term average of weather conditions in a specific area, including temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns.

population

the type of people and number of people who live in an area

culture

the beliefs, customs, arts, and social practices of a particular group of people.

economics

natural resources, agricultural products, income

temperatures are _____ at higher elevation

colder