Physical Geography

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.