Surface Features in the Geosphere

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Topography Noun

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[tuh-PAWG-ruh-fee]

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Topography

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The shape of the land, which is described by its unique combination of elevation, relief, and various landforms.

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Example: The image shows how contour lines represent elevation on a map, demonstrating the shape of the land.

Front

Landform Noun

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[LAND-form]

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Landform

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A natural physical feature of the Earth's surface, such as a mountain, dune, valley, or coastline.

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Example: The image shows different landforms like mountains, valleys, and islands, labeled for easy identification.

Front

Mountain Noun

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[MOUN-tin]

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Mountain

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A large landform that rises prominently above its surroundings, characterized by both high elevation and high relief.

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Example: This image shows a mountain with high elevation and relief, illustrating its prominence in the geosphere.

Front

Coastline Noun

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[KOHST-line]

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Coastline

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The boundary or line where a large body of water, such as an ocean or lake, meets the land.

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Example: The image shows a rocky coastline with labeled zones, explaining where land meets water.

Front

Dune Noun

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[doon]

Back

Dune

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A mound or hill of sand that has been piled up and shaped by the action of the wind.

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Example: The image shows how wind shapes a sand dune, with sand moving down the slipface.

Front

River Noun

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[RIV-er]

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River

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A natural, flowing stream of water that moves toward another body of water like an ocean, sea, or lake.

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Example: The image shows a river's journey from source to mouth, highlighting key features like tributaries and delta.

Front

Delta Noun

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[DEL-tuh]

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Delta

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A triangular landform created by the buildup of sediment that is deposited at the mouth of a river.

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Example: A delta forms where a river deposits sediment at its mouth, creating a triangular landform.

Front

Surveying Noun

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[sur-VAY-ing]

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Surveying

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The process of determining distances and elevations of points on land using instruments and principles of geometry.

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Example: Surveying uses instruments like a tripod and rods to measure land elevations and distances.

Front

Model Noun

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[MOD-uhl]

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Model

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A simplified representation of an object, system, or concept that is used to help understand how it works.

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Example: This model of the solar system shows how planets orbit the sun, helping students understand the concept of a model as a simplified representation.

Front

Elevation Noun

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[el-uh-VAY-shun]

Back

Elevation

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The height of a specific point on Earth's surface as measured from the average sea level.

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Example: Elevation is shown as the height from sea level to a point on a mountain.