Geography
Geography
Geography
Geography
Geography
100

Absolute location

The precise point where a place is located on Earth.

100

Compass Rose

A diagram on a map that shows directions such as north, south, east, and west.

100

Global Grid

The system of imaginary lines (called parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude) used to divide the surface of Earth on maps and globes.

100

Map Key

Another name for map legend.

100

Parallels Of Latitude

An imaginary line around Earth that runs parallel to the equator.

200

Antarctic Circle

The line of latitude at 66°33’S that marks the boundary of the southern polar zone.

200

Continent

The seven largest areas of land on Earth.

200

Hemisphere

One half of a sphere. Earth can be divided into eastern and western hemispheres or into northern and southern hemispheres.

200

Map Legend

A box or other display on a map that explains the meaning of the symbols used on the map.

200

Polar Zone

The area between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole or between the Antarctic Circle and the South Pole, where the climate is generally cold.

300

Arctic Circle

The line of latitude at 66°33’N that marks the boundary of the northern polar zone.

300

Coordinates

A set of numbers that together describe the exact location of something, such as a place on a map.

300

International Date Line

The meridian of longitude located at 180º. By international agreement, the date is one day earlier to the east of this line.

300

Map projection

A way of representing the spherical Earth on a flat surface.

300

Prime Meridian

The meridian of longitude labeled 0 degrees, from which all other degrees of longitude are measured. The prime meridian passes through Greenwich, England.

400

Axis

An imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole through the center of Earth.

400

Distortion

A change in the shape, size, or position of a place when it is shown on a map.

400

Landmass

A very large, unbroken area of land.

400

Map Scale

An element of a map that shows how a unit of distance on the map (such as an inch) relates to actual distance on the surface of Earth.

400

Relative Location

Where a place is located in relation to another place.

500

Cardinal Directions

The four main directions on a compass rose: north, south, east, and west.

500

Equater

The line of latitude that circles Earth exactly midway between the North and South poles.

500

Map Grid

A system of imaginary lines that divides up the space on a map.

500

Meridians Of Longitude

An imaginary line between the North and South poles that crosses the equator at right angles.

500

Revaloution

One complete trip by Earth around the sun.

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