Geography and Earth Science Terms

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Altitude

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The distance from sea level

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Atmosphere

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The layer of gas surrounding a planet that is held in place by gravity

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Atmospheric Circulation

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The large-scale movement of air around Earth

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Climate

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Average weather patterns for a particular region

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Coriolis Effect

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The apparent deflection of moving air, as seen by an observer on Earth, as a result of Earth’s rotation

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Latitude

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Geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on Earth’s surface

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Ocean Currents

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Directional movements of ocean water; surface currents result from steady winds over the ocean surface; deep currents result from density variations due to temperature and salinity differences

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Regional Geography

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The study of specific regions of Earth

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Rotation

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The spinning of Earth on its axis that causes day and night to occur

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Weather

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The day-to-day state of the atmosphere.