Comprehensive Geography & Atmosphere: Earth's Features, Map Skills, and Weather Processes

Geography

The study of Earth's physical features, places, people, and how humans interact with the environment.

Physical geography

The study of Earth's natural features and processes.

Human geography

The study of people, cultures, populations, and how humans interact with places.

Topography

The shape and elevation of Earth's surface.

Landform

A natural feature of Earth's surface.

Continent

A large continuous landmass.

Ocean

A huge body of salt water covering much of Earth's surface.

Equator

The imaginary line at 0° latitude dividing Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Prime Meridian

The line at 0° longitude used as the starting point for measuring longitude.

Latitude

Distance north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees.

Longitude

Distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured in degrees.

Hemisphere

Half of Earth.

Map scale

The relationship between distance on a map and actual distance on Earth.

Legend/Key

A guide explaining symbols used on a map.

Compass rose

A map feature showing directions.

Cardinal directions

North, South, East, and West.

Intermediate directions

Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest.

Elevation

The height of a location above sea level.

Sea level

The average level of the ocean used as a reference for measuring elevation.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Nitrogen

The most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, making up about 78%.

Oxygen

The second most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, making up about 21%.

Argon

A gas making up about 0.93% of Earth's atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide

A greenhouse gas present in small amounts that is important for photosynthesis and Earth's climate.

Water vapor

Water in its gaseous form; an important component of weather and the water cycle.

Atmospheric pressure

The force exerted by the weight of air.

Air pressure

Another term for atmospheric pressure.

Air density

The amount of air mass within a given volume.

Altitude

The height above Earth's surface or sea level.

How does air pressure change with altitude?

Air pressure generally decreases as altitude increases.

How does air density change with altitude?

Air density generally decreases as altitude increases.

Wind

The movement of air from areas of higher pressure toward areas of lower pressure.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor in the air.

Relative humidity

The amount of water vapor in the air compared with the maximum amount the air can hold at that temperature.

Dew point

The temperature at which air becomes saturated and water vapor begins to condense.

Condensation

The change of water vapor into liquid water.

Evaporation

The change of liquid water into water vapor.

Precipitation

Water that falls from clouds to Earth's surface, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.