The Geographer’s World: Five Themes of Geography (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the notes on The Geographer’s World and the five themes of geography.

location

The position of a place on Earth, described as absolute location (exact coordinates) or relative location (in relation to other places).

absolute location

The exact spot on Earth where a place can be found, usually given by latitude and longitude.

latitude

Imaginary lines that run parallel to the equator, showing distance north or south of the equator.

longitude

Imaginary lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole, showing distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

relative location

A place’s position described in relation to other places (e.g., north of the United States or near a landmark).

place

The physical features (climate, landforms, bodies of water, plants, animals) and human characteristics (cities, culture, language) that make a location unique.

region

A group of places that share physical features or human characteristics, or both.

movement

The transfer of people, goods, ideas, and even physical features from one place to another.

human-environment interaction

The relationship between humans and their environment, including dependence, adaptation, and modification.

continent

A large landmass above water on Earth; there are seven continents.

Pangaea

The proposed supercontinent in Wegener’s theory, when all continents were joined.

tectonic plates

Giant slabs of Earth's lithosphere that move and cause continental drift, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains.

migrate

To move from one area to settle in another.

immigrate

To move into a country or region to live there.

emigrate

To leave one’s country or region to live somewhere else.

push factors

Problems in one place that push people to move elsewhere (poverty, overcrowding, lack of jobs, etc.).

pull factors

Attractions in another place that pull people to move there (higher living standards, jobs, rights, safety, etc.).

navigable

Deep and wide enough for boats to travel on.

Galápagos Islands

An archipelago off the coast of South America with unique species; often described as a living museum.

natural regions

Ten major global regions defined by distinct climate, plants, and animal life.

tropical rainforest

Hot and wet year-round, with high rainfall and biodiversity.

desert

Hot and dry climate with little rainfall; extreme temperatures.

tundra

Colder, treeless region with permafrost and limited vegetation.

prairies

Grassland regions with tall grasses and rolling plains.

open forests

Forests with trees but open spaces between them.

barrier to movement

Natural features such as mountains, canyons, and rivers that hinder migration or travel.

adaptation

Ways in which humans adjust to or modify their environment to meet needs.

pollution

Harmful substances or energy released into the environment by human activity.