Physical Geography

climate

Overall weather in an area over a long period of time

weather

the state of the atmosphere at a place and time as regards heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.

Ring of Fire

the chain of volcanoes that lines the Pacific Rim

Erosion

The process by which wind, water, ice, or gravity transports soil and sediment from one location to another

Glaciation

the changing of landforms by slowly moving glaciers

Monsoon

a seasonal wind; when the southwestern monsoon blows, bringing heavy rains

plate tectonics

A theory stating that the earth's surface is broken into plates that move.

Tsunami

A giant wave usually caused by an earthquake beneath the ocean floor.

Polder

A piece of land that is created by draining water from an area.

Desertification

the gradual transformation of habitable land into desert

deforestation

The removal of trees faster than forests can replace themselves.

flood

an overflowing of water in a normally dry area

irrigation

The process of supplying water to areas of land to make them suitable for growing crops.

canal

long and narrow strip of water made for boats or for irrigation

reservoir

a large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply.

agricultural terracing

process in which people make mountainous areas into flat land to farm on

hurricane

A severe storm that develops over tropical oceans; in the Atlantic Ocean

typhoon

A tropical cyclone occurring in the western Pacific or Indian oceans

Adapt

to adjust or change to fit conditions

modify

change environment to meet the needs of the people

geographic barriers

Natural features that make travel, trade, communication more difficult.