Geography Vocabulary Flashcard

Front

What is a large body of salt water that covers most of the Earth called?

Back

Ocean

Answer explanation

A large body of salt water that covers most of the Earth is called an ocean. Oceans are vast and play a crucial role in Earth's climate and ecosystems, unlike lakes, rivers, or bays, which are smaller bodies of water.

Front

Which term refers to a large area of flat or gently rolling land covered with grasses?

Back

Prairie

Answer explanation

The term 'prairie' refers to a large area of flat or gently rolling land covered with grasses, making it the correct choice. Other options like 'plateau' and 'mesa' refer to elevated landforms, while 'basin' is a low-lying area.

Front

What is a small, low island made of coral called?

Back

Atoll

Answer explanation

An atoll is a small, low island formed from coral reefs, typically encircling a lagoon. This distinguishes it from other geographical features like peninsulas, fjords, and sounds, which have different formations and characteristics.

Front

What is a large stream of water that flows across the land called?

Back

River

Answer explanation

A large stream of water that flows across the land is called a river. Rivers are significant bodies of water that can vary in size and are essential for ecosystems and human activities.

Front

What is a body of water smaller than a sea, partly enclosed by land?

Back

Gulf

Answer explanation

A gulf is a body of water that is smaller than a sea and is partially enclosed by land, making it the correct answer. Oceans are larger, lakes are inland, and rivers are flowing bodies of water.

Front

Which term describes a large mass of moving ice?

Back

Glacier

Answer explanation

A glacier is a large mass of moving ice formed from compacted snow. It flows slowly over land, unlike a volcano, geyser, or basin, which refer to different geological features. Thus, the correct term is glacier.

Front

What is a body of water separated from the sea by a sandbar or coral reef called?

Back

Lagoon

Answer explanation

A lagoon is a body of water that is separated from the sea by a sandbar or coral reef, making it distinct from other options like channel, strait, or gulf.

Front

What is an iceberg?

Back

A large mass of freshwater ice that has broken off from a glacier or ice shelf and is now floating freely in an ocean or lake.

Answer explanation

An iceberg is specifically defined as a large mass of freshwater ice that has broken off from a glacier or ice shelf and floats in oceans or lakes, making the first choice the correct answer.

Front

What is a sea?

Back

A division of the ocean that is enclosed or partly enclosed by land.

Answer explanation

A sea is defined as a division of the ocean that is enclosed or partly enclosed by land, distinguishing it from other geographical features like hills or hot springs.

Front

What is a basin?

Back

A depression, or dip, in the Earth's surface.

Answer explanation

A basin is defined as a depression or dip in the Earth's surface, making the first answer choice correct. The other options describe different geographical features, not the specific definition of a basin.