1
to move around something
orbit
imaginary line that runs through the earth's center from the North Pole to the South Pole
axis
a complete trip around the sun
revolution
thin layer of gases that envelope the earth
atmosphere
beginning of summer
solstice
large, continuous mass of land
continent
a region of reduced rainfall on one side of a high mountain
rain shadow
water deposited on the earth in the from of rain, snow, hail sleet or mist
precipitation
when day and night in both hemispheres are the same length
equinoxes
average weather conditions in a region or area over a longer period
climate
giant ocean wave caused by volcanic eruptions or movement of the earth under the ocean floor
tsunami
the result when rocks on one side or both sides of a crack in earth's crust are moved with forces within earth
fault
16 enormous pieces that make up earth's crust
tectonic plates
caused by plate movements along fault lines
earthquakes
long, narrow band of volcanoes
Ring of Fire
process by which earth's surface is worn away by forces such as wind, rain, chemicals and the movement of ice and flowing water
weathering
process by which weathered bits of rock are moved elsewhere by water, wind or ice
erosion
can be flat or have a gentle roll and can be found along coastlines or far inland
plains
land that rises above surrounding land
plateau
narrow strip of land connecting two larger pieces of land
isthmus
earth's recycling system for water
water cycle
area where sand, silt, clay or gravel is deposited at the mouth of a river
delta
water contained inside the earth's crust
groundwater
long, narrow, steep-sided cut in the ground or the ocean floor
trench
underwater plain that borders a continent
continental shelf