Geography-chapter 6 key words

keywords

climate

The average weather in a region over a period of thirty to forty years.

continental climate

Climate with an average temperature below −3°C in the coldest month.

deciduous forest zone

Area within the temperate zone that contains deciduous trees, such as oaks and beeches.

Gulf Stream

Ocean current that brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to the west coast of Europe.

high latitude

Part of the Earth’s surface that is far from the equator (over 60°).

ice age

A cold period in which the land is covered by vast ice sheets.

latitude

Distance in degrees from the equator.

leeward side

The side of a mountain that is away from the wind; there is very little precipitation there.

lowland

Area with an elevation lower than 200 metres.

Mediterranean climate

Climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

offshore wind

Wind that blows from the land towards the sea.

onshore wind

Wind that blows from the sea towards the land. Also called sea breeze.

rain shadow

The leeward side of a mountain, where there is little to no precipitation.

relief

Differences in elevation in a landscape.

relief rainfall

Rain caused by air that rises against a mountain range.

taiga

Part of the temperate zone where coniferous forests grow. The average temperature in winter is lower than -3°C. Also known as the coniferous forest zone.

tropics

Warm climate zone near the equator between 23½°N and 23½°S.

low shrubs.

tundra climate

Cold climate in which the average daytime temperature is below 10°C in summer.

windward side

The side of a mountain that faces the wind; there is a lot of precipitation there.