Mapping the Earth's Surface

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to mapping Earth's surface features, including definitions and terms associated with topography, elevation, and geographical measurements.

Elevation

The measurement of vertical distance away from sea level.

Topography

The study of elevation and the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area.

Relief

The difference in highest and lowest elevations between points.

Topographic Map

A map that uses contour lines to indicate elevation.

Relief Map

A type of map that shows the difference in elevation within a landscape.

Latitude

The horizontal lines on a map/globe that run side-to-side and are measured north and south of the Equator.

Longitude

The vertical lines on a map/globe that run up-and-down and are measured east and west of the Prime Meridian.

Contour Line

A line on a topographic map that connects points of equal elevation.

Index Contour

Contour lines that are labeled with a measured elevation and are often bolder than other lines.

Contour Interval

The measured difference from one contour line to the next.

Landform

An area of common elevation that creates a topographic feature.

Mountain

A landform characterized by high elevation and high relief.

Plateau

A landform characterized by high elevation, high relief, but a relatively flat surface.

Plain

A landform characterized by very little relief over a large area.

Crater

A circular depression in the surface created by a force acting on the Earth.

Valley

A long depression in the Earth's surface formed by erosional processes.

Geographic North Pole

The point located at 90° North latitude.

Geographic South Pole

The point located at 90° South latitude.

G.P.S.

Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system for determining locations.

Time Zones

Regions of the Earth that have the same standard time.

Prime Meridian

The line of 0° longitude from which other longitudes are measured.

Equator

The line of 0° latitude that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Tropic of Cancer

The circle of latitude at 23.4° North where the Sun is directly overhead during the June solstice.

Tropic of Capricorn

The circle of latitude at 23.4° South where the Sun is directly overhead during the December solstice.