Chapter 2 Section 1 Key Terms

solstice

• the point at which the sun is farthest north or south of the equator, the beginning of fall and winter

• the point at which the sun is farthest west or southeast of the equator, the beginning of summer and spring

• the point at which the sun is farthest north or south of the equator, the beginning of summer and winter

• the point at which the moon is farthest north or south of the equator, the beginning of summer and winter

equinox

• when night and night are of equal length; occurs twice a year on March 21 or 22 and September 2 or 1

• when day and night are of equal length; occurs twice a year on March 21 or 22 and September 21 or 22

• when day and night are of equal length; occurs twice a year on March 21 or 22 and June 21 or 22

• when day and night are not of equal length; occurs twice a year on March 21 or 22 and September 21 or 22

tectonic plate

• a section of Earth's crust that sinks on Earth's core

• a section of Earth's moon crust that floats on Earth's mantle

• a section of Earth's ocean that floats on Earth's mantle

• a section of Earth's crust that floats on Earth's mantle

continental drift

• the fast movement of continents on tectonic plates

• the slow movement of continents on tectonic plates

• the slow movement of oceans on tectonic plates

• the slow movement of states on tectonic tables

plain

• A elevated area on Earth's surface

• A non-level area on Earth's coast

• A level area on Earth's surface

• A level area on Earth's ocean floor

plateau

• a plain low below sea level that usually has a cliff on all sides

• a plain high above sea level that usually has a cliff with no sides

• a plain high above sea level that usually has a cliff on all sides

• a plain above seashore that usually has a rock on 2 sides

butte

• a hill or mountain with steep sides and a flat top

• a mountain with steep side and a sharp op

• a hill or mountain with low sides and a pointy top

• a plain with steep sides and a flat top

continental shelf

• the surface of a ocean that extends under water into the land

• the edge of a moon that extends under water into the sea

• the edge of a continent that extends under water into the sea

• the edge of a continent that stops under land into the desert.

erosion

• the process by which clouds and rocks slowly break apart and are worn away

• the process by which stars, rocks, and soil slowly break apart and are thrown away

• the process by which rock and soil quickly break apart and are go away to form a bridge

• the process by which rock and soil slowly break apart and are worn away

earthquake

• shaking of the earth's ocean generally caused by the collision or sliding of tectonic waves

• shaking of the earth's crust generally caused by the collision or sliding of tectonic plates

• stillness of the earth's crust generally caused by the collision or sliding of tectonic plates

• shaking of the earth's crust generally not been caused by the collision or sliding of tectonic plates