Geographical Terms

Sphere

A round shape like a ball; the Earth is a sphere.

Equator

An imaginary line around the middle of the Earth, dividing it into north and south.

Island

Land surrounded by water.

Peninsula

Land that is almost surrounded by water but still connected to land.

Oasis

A spot in the desert where there is water and plants.

Geography

The study of the Earth’s land, water, and people.

Prime Meridian

An imaginary line that divides the Earth into eastern and western halves.

Longitude

Lines on a map that go up and down and measure how far east or west a place is.

Latitude

Lines on a map that go sideways and measure how far north or south a place is.

Isthmus

A narrow strip of land that connects two larger areas of land.

Glacier

A large, slow-moving mass of ice.

Cartography

The science or art of making maps.

Astronomy

The study of stars, planets, and space.

Natural Resources

Things from nature that people use, like water, trees, or oil.