the unequal distribution of wealth or resources in a geographic area
Spatial inequality
the overall level of comfort and well-being of a group or a country
Standard of living
the movement of people from rural to urban areas, resulting in the growth of urban areas
Urbanization
worsening economic conditions in the countryside, including rising unemployment and growing poverty
Rural decline
natives of an area that have been dominated by people who came later
Indigenous people
customs and ways of life handed down from ancestors
Traditional culture
severe of unusual weather such as hurricanes, blizzards or tornadoes
Extreme weather
great destruction or loss of life caused by natural forces rather than human actions that humans make
Natural disaster
the area between the equator and the tropic of cancer and Capricorn where the climate is hot
Tropical zones
a severe storm with high winds that spiral around a calm center
Tropical cyclone
the scientific study of climate and weather patterns
Meteorology
a warm ocean current that flows off the west coast of South America every few years
El Nino
a broadleaf evergreen forest found in wet and hot regions near the equator
Tropical rainforest
disagreement over how to use a particular area of land
Land use conflict
the variety of plants and animal living on one area, or on earth
Biodiversity
removing or clearing away trees of a forest, often done to clear land for farming or ranching
Deforestation
using resources in ways that meet the needs of people today without hurting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Sustainable development
the process by which carbon and oxygen cycle among plants, people, and animals, and the environment
Carbon-oxygen cycle
a form of tourism that bring people to unique ecosystems while trying to avoid damage to the special places
Ecotourism
the replanting of trees in a formerly forested area by people or by nature
Reforestation
the division of land into zones based on elevation, which in turn helps determine climate and vegetation
Altitudinal zonation
the lowest elevation on mountains where snow remains year round
Snow line
the creation of flat areas on mountain slopes for the purpose of farming
Terracing
the highest elevation where trees grow year round
Tree line
the trading of crops between lowland and highland areas
Vertical trade
farming carried out mainly to provide food for farm families, with little surplus for sale to others.
Subsistence farming
a change in a way of life to suit new conditions.
Adaptation