geography
process by which oceanic plates dive beneath continental plates, often causing mountains to form on land
Subduction
process of cracking that occurs when the folded land cannot be bent any further
Faulting
in astronomy, the Earth’s yearly trip around the sun, taking 365¼ days
Revolution
being in or facing the direction from which the wind is blowing
Windward
the physical characteristics of the surface of the land
Terrain
slow process in which an oceanic plate slides under a continental plate, creating debris that can cause continents to grow
Accretion
the removal of salt from seawater to make it usable for drinking and farming
Desalination
one of two days (about March 21 and September 23) on which the sun is directly above the Equator, making day and night equal in length
Equinox
being in or facing the direction toward which the wind is blowing
Leeward
the average of the daily high temperature and the overnight low; often used for comparison across climate regions
Average daily temperature
process by which magma wells up between oceanic plates and pushes the plates apart
Spreading
underground water-bearing layers of porous rock, sand, or gravel
Aquifer
one of two days (about June 21 and December 22) on which the sun’s rays strike directly on the Tropic of Cancer or Tropic of Capricorn, marking the beginning of summer or winter
Solstice
result of a process by which dry areas develop on the leeward sides of mountain ranges
Rain shadow
small area in a desert where water and vegetation are found
Oasis
a bend in layers of rock, sometimes caused by plate movement
Fold
weather patterns typical for an area over a long period of time
Climate
a frequently windless area near the Equator
Doldrums
major type of ecological community defined primarily by distinctive plant and animal groups
Biome
an inland grassland area
Prairie
a crack or break in Earth’s crust
Fault
an imaginary line that runs through the center of the Earth between the North and South Poles
Axis
a periodic reversal of the pattern of ocean currents and water temperatures in the mid-Pacific region
El Nino
plant life that grows in a certain area if people have not changed the natural environment
Natural vegetation
referring to vegetation having cones and needle shaped leaves, including many evergreens, that keep their foliage throughout the winter
Coniferous