Climate and Weather Vocabulary

These flashcards cover key vocabulary relating to climate, weather, and geographic features.

surface

The outermost layer or boundary of an object.

earth

The planet on which we live; the third planet from the Sun.

covered in/with

To be overlaid or enveloped by something.

temperature

A measure of heat or cold; indicates the thermal state of an object.

degree

A unit of measurement for angles or temperature.

minus

Indicates a negative value, especially in temperature.

cave

A natural underground space large enough for a human to enter.

canal

An artificial waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or ships.

waterfall

A place where water flows over a vertical drop or cliff.

rainforest

A dense forest in a tropical area with high rainfall.

ocean

A vast body of saltwater that covers almost three-quarters of the earth's surface.

consists of

Is made up of; contains.

region

An area or division, especially a part of a country or the world.

contrast

The state of being strikingly different from something else.

landscape

The visible features of an area of land.

climate

The weather conditions prevailing in an area over a long period.

distance

The amount of space between two points.

south

One of the four cardinal directions, opposite of north.

north

One of the four cardinal directions, opposite of south.

east

One of the four cardinal directions, opposite of west.

north-west

The direction between north and west.

north-east

The direction between north and east.

south-west

The direction between south and west.

south-east

The direction between south and east.

fog

A thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere.

foggy

Characterized by the presence of fog; having reduced visibility.

cloud

A visible mass of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere.

cloudy

Covered with clouds; lacking sunshine.

the cold

The state of having a low temperature; lack of warmth.

cold

Having a low temperature.

ice

Frozen water; a solid state of H₂O.

icy

Covered with or consisting of ice.

sun

The star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system.

sunny

Bright with sunlight.

shining

Giving out or reflecting light; bright.

wind

Air in motion relative to the surface of the Earth.

windy

Characterized by a lot of wind.

blowing

To move air or cause something to move by the force of air.

snow

Precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice.

snowy

Characterized by or experiencing snow.

rain

Precipitation in the form of water droplets.

wet

Covered with liquid; damp.

the sun came out

A phrase describing when the sun becomes visible after being obscured.

thick fog

A dense concentration of fog, reducing visibility.

heavy rain

A substantial amount of rainfall.

light rain

A small amount of rainfall.

strong wind

A significant wind speed.

blown

Moved by air currents; past participle of blow.

clear sky

A sky without clouds; bright and sunny conditions.

extremely

In an extreme manner; to a very high degree.

pour

To flow or cause to flow in a steady stream.

shower

A brief, intense period of rain.

storm

A turbulent atmospheric condition characterized by strong winds and usually rain.

thunderstorm

A storm with thunder and lightning.

humid

Characterized by high moisture levels in the air.

thunder

The sound caused by the rapid expansion of air surrounding a lightning strike.

rush hour

The periods during the day when traffic is at its heaviest.

in a hurry

Moving or acting with speed; not having enough time.

get stuck

To be unable to move or to be trapped.

traffic jam

A situation in which a number of vehicles are unable to move freely.

nowhere

In no place; not anywhere.

car park

A designated area where vehicles can be parked.

stressful

Causing mental or emotional stress.

exhausted

Very tired; drained of energy.

nightlife

Social activities and entertainment available at night.

advantage

A condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable position.

lively

Full of life and energy; energetic.

variety

A range of different things.

culture

The social behavior and norms found in human societies.

cultural activities

Events and practices that reflect a group's culture.

crowded

Full of people; not enough space.

dirty

Unclean; soiled.

dangerous

Able or likely to cause harm or injury.

pollution

The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance that has harmful or poisonous effects.

crime rate

The number of crimes committed per unit of population.

at night

During the nighttime.

value for money

Providing good quality or service in relation to the amount of money paid.

mix

A combination of different substances or elements.

go on

To continue or proceed.

countryside

Land that is not urban; rural areas.

surrounded

To be all around something.

banks

The land alongside a river or stream.

woods

An area with many trees; a small forest.

pick

To select or gather.

seasons

Divisions of the year marked by changes in weather.

scenery

The natural features of a landscape considered in terms of their appearance.

open spaces

Unbuilt areas of land; fields or countryside.

fresh air

Air that is clean and not polluted.

branch

A part of a tree that grows out from the main stem.

roots

The underground part of a plant that absorbs water and nutrients.

ground

The solid surface of the earth.

farm

An area of land used for growing crops or raising animals.

keep

To maintain possession of.

grow

To develop from a seed or a small plant.

crops

Plants that are grown for food or profit.

farming

The activity of growing crops and raising animals.

hill

A naturally raised area of land.

valley

A low area of land between hills or mountains.

tractor

A powerful motor vehicle used for pulling farm machinery.

field

An area of open land, especially one planted with crops or pasture.