World Geography Unit Review Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards reviewing essential concepts, definitions, tools, and landforms for World Geography.

Political Map

Shows boundaries such as countries, states, cities, and other political units.

Physical Map

Shows natural features such as mountains, rivers, deserts, and plains.

Thematic Map

Shows one specific topic or pattern, such as population, climate, or rainfall.

Reference Map

Provides general location information and multiple types of geographic features.

Topographic Map

Shows elevation and the shape of Earth's surface, often using contour lines.

Mental Map

A person's internal picture or understanding of a place or area.

GPS — Global Positioning System

Uses satellites to determine the location of a receiver on or near Earth.

GIS — Geographic Information System

Computer-based technology used to collect, store, analyze, and display geographic data.

GPS vs. GIS

GPS helps determine where something is; GIS helps organize, analyze, and display location-based information.

Primary Source

Original evidence created during or close to the time being studied, such as a diary, photograph, map, interview, letter, or government record.

Secondary Source

A later source that interprets, explains, or analyzes information from primary sources, such as a textbook, documentary, or encyclopedia article.

Source Check

Ask: Who created it? When? Why? What evidence does it provide? Could it contain bias?

Latitude

Measures distance north or south of the Equator. Lines run east–west and are called parallels.

Longitude

Measures distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. Lines run north–south and are called meridians.

Equator

$0^\top$ latitude; divides Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Prime Meridian

$0^\top$ longitude; divides Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

Coordinates

Latitude is normally given first, followed by longitude. Example: $29^\top\text{ N}, 95^\top\text{ W}$.

Location

Where is it? Absolute location uses exact coordinates; relative location describes where something is in relation to something else.

Place

What is it like? Includes physical and human characteristics.

Human–Environment Interaction

How do people depend on, adapt to, and modify their environment?

Movement

How do people, goods, ideas, and information move from one place to another?

Region

An area sharing one or more common characteristics.

Formal Region

An area with one or more measurable, shared characteristics, such as political boundaries or climate.

Functional Region

An area organized around a central point or function, such as a city and its surrounding service area.

Perceptual (Vernacular) Region

An area defined by people's beliefs or perceptions, such as 'the South' or 'the Midwest.'

Mountain

A large, steep natural elevation of Earth's surface.

Hill

A raised area of land that is generally lower and less steep than a mountain.

Plateau

A relatively flat, elevated area of land.

Plain

A broad area of mostly level or gently rolling land.

Valley

A low area between higher areas, often formed or shaped by rivers or glaciers.

Canyon / Gorge / Ravine

Deep, narrow valleys or cuts in the landscape, commonly formed by erosion.

Mesa / Butte

Isolated elevated landforms with flat tops; a mesa is generally broader than a butte.

Delta

Landform created where a river deposits sediment as it enters a slower-moving body of water.

Dune

A mound or ridge of sand formed by wind.

Volcano

An opening or landform through which magma, ash, and gases can reach Earth's surface.

Biosphere

All living organisms and the areas where life exists.

Hydrosphere

All of Earth's water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, ice, and water vapor.

Lithosphere

Earth's rigid outer layer, including the crust and uppermost mantle; it forms the solid land and ocean floor.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Climate

The long-term pattern of weather in a place, usually considered over many years.

Weather vs. Climate

Weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions; climate describes long-term patterns.

Climate Factors

Important factors include latitude, elevation, proximity to large bodies of water, ocean currents, and prevailing winds.

Latitude (Climate Impact)

Places near the Equator generally receive more direct solar energy and tend to be warmer than places at higher latitudes.

Elevation (Climate Impact)

As elevation increases, temperature generally decreases.