Essential Geographical and Meteorological Terms
Classified in Geology
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Fundamental Earth Science Terminology
Map Scale
The relationship between a measured length on a map and the corresponding length in reality.
Topographical Map
A type of base map representing the physical and human aspects of an area, making them more prominent.
Solstice
A time in Earth's orbit when the Sun is perpendicular to the Tropics.
Equinox
A time in Earth's orbit when the Sun is perpendicular to the Equator.
Meseta
A very large, flat surface elevated above sea level.
Socket
Paleozoic platform rocks forming the basis of the relief.
Cordillera (or highlight skiing)
A high-elevation mountain range that emerged during the Tertiary Orogeny.
Sedimentary Basin (or depression)
A depressed zone formed during the Tertiary period and filled with sediments.
Relief Karst
A moderate range of forms on limestone that dissolves easily with rainwater through striking cracks or joints.
Falla
A break in the Earth's crust that separates fractured blocks.
Estuary (Drowned Valley)
A river valley that has been occupied by the sea.
Delta
A coastal landform created when a river deposits more sediment than the sea can redistribute, typically occurring in quiet bodies of water without strong currents or waves.
Estuary (River Mouth)
The mouth of a river characterized by a wide opening where the sea penetrates inland.
Barometer
An instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure, which is the force exerted by the air on a unit area.
Anticyclone
A high-pressure area surrounded by lower pressure zones.
Borrasca or Barometric Depression
A low-pressure area surrounded by higher pressure zones.
Isobars
Lines on weather maps that connect points of equal barometric pressure.
Polar Front
An area that separates tropical and polar air masses.
Current Jet (Jetstream)
A strong current of wind that circulates in a tabular structure from west to east between 9 and 11 km altitude, influencing surface weather.
Precip
Water falling to Earth's surface from clouds, either in liquid form (rain) or solid form (snow and hail).
Isohyets
A line connecting points that receive the same amount of rainfall.
Rainfall Regime
The cyclical rhythm or oscillation of rainfall throughout the year.
Heat Stroke
The amount of solar radiation received by the Earth's surface.
Temperature Range
The difference between the average temperature of the warmest month and the coldest month.
Thermal Regimes
The cyclical rhythm or oscillation of temperatures throughout the year.
Magra
The period during which a river reaches its lowest flow.
Watershed
The land area whose water drains into a main river and its tributaries.
Headwaters of a River
The upper area of a river valley.
Fluvial System
The seasonal variation in river flow, which depends on rainfall distribution and the importance of snowy precipitation.
Torrente
An intermittent watercourse that flows during periods of heavy rain or rapid thawing.
Rambla
The bed of a stream that is dry for much of the year.
Trasvase River
An inter-basin transfer of water from an area of surplus to an area of deficit.
Glacier Lake
A mass of water collected in depressions formed by ice in a glacial cirque or valley.