Unit 1: Physical Geography

4. All the water on Earth’s surface, underground, and in the air, including oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and groundwater.
7. The long-term average weather patterns of a region, including temperature and precipitation.
10. A type of map that uses contour lines to show elevation, landforms, and physical features in detail.
11. Global Positioning System, a satellite-based tool that determines exact location on Earth.
13. The process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces by wind, water, ice, or plants.
16. A type of map that shows general information like political boundaries, cities, and landforms.
17. Large regions with specific climates, plants, and animals, such as deserts, forests, or grasslands.
18. The movement of rock, soil, or sand from one place to another by wind, water, or ice.

1. Natural materials such as water, soil, forests, and minerals that people use to survive and develop.
2. A type of map that shows specific information about one topic, such as climate, population, or trade.
3. The solid outer layer of Earth, including rocks, mountains, and the crust where landforms develop.
5. The imaginary horizontal lines that measure distance north or south of the Equator.
6. The layer of gases surrounding Earth, including oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, that supports life and weather.
8. The imaginary vertical lines that measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.
9. Plates Large pieces of Earth’s crust that move slowly, creating mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, and trenches.
12. The part of Earth where all living organisms exist, including plants, animals, and humans.
14. Geographic Information System, a computer tool that analyzes and displays maps and data about locations on Earth.
15. The regions of Earth near the Equator between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, known for warm climates.