Topography
A description of surface features of land.
Hurricanes
fierce tropical storms with strong winds
Weather
The condition of Earth's atmosphere at a particular time and place.
Climate
The average weather conditions in an area over a long period of time
Solstice
Either of the two times of the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator
Equinox
Each of the two times of the year when days and nights are of equal length
Ring of Fire
A circle of volcanoes surrounding the Pacific Ocean.
Ecosystem
A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Earthquakes
A sudden and violent shaking of the ground, sometimes causing great destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action
Volcanoes
an opening in the Earth's crust through which molten lava, ash, and gases are ejected.
Tornado Alley
An area east of the Rocky Mountains. It is mainly in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas that experiences the highest number of tornadoes per year.
Elevation
height above a given level, especially sea level.
Orographic Effect
The precipitation that occurs when moist air rises up the side of a mountain. As the air rises, it cools down and releases most of its moisture as rain or snow.
Ocean/Wind Currents
The patterns of movement that effect the climate
Climate Zones
climate zones are determined mainly by the location, or latitude, of the zone.