Geological and Earth Science Terms

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hill

Back

Landforms that are like mountains, but not as high.

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plain

Back

A large, flat landform with little relief.

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mesa

Back

A tall, flat-topped rock feature; a Spanish word meaning table.

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canyon

Back

A deep valley with steep sides.

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fault

Back

A break in Earth's crust.

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Barrier island

Back

A long, narrow pile of sand that helps protect the mainland from wave erosion.

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sandbar

Back

Land formed when the flow of a river slows, and sand settles.

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magnitude

Back

The amount of energy released in an earthquake.

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seismologist

Back

A scientist who studies earthquakes.

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seismograph

Back

A tool that records movements in Earth's crust; measures earthquakes.