Glossary of Geography Terms: Climate, Weather, and Ecosystems
Glossary of Geography Terms
Atmospheric Phenomena
Anticyclone
A field of high atmospheric pressure represented on a map by closed, concentric isobars with pressures above 1013 mbar. Characterized by stability, clear skies, dryness, summer heat, and low winter temperatures.
Depression (Gale)
An area of low atmospheric pressure represented on a map by closed isobars with pressures below 1013 mbar. Associated with instability, cloudiness, and precipitation.
Atmospheric Pressure
The weight exerted by the air above the Earth’s surface. Average sea level pressure is 1013 millibars, the boundary between high and low pressures.
Condensation
The transition from vapor to liquid or solid by cooling.
Evaporation
The transition from liquid to vapor by heating.
Humidity
The amount of water vapor in the air. Air is saturated when it can hold no more water vapor.
Precipitation
Water from the atmosphere that falls onto the Earth’s surface.
Wind
Moving air, named after the direction from which it originates.
Climate and Weather
Climate
The long-term, stable atmospheric conditions of a location over a period of more than 20 or 30 years.
Continental Climate
The effect on land masses of decreased rainfall and increased temperature variation due to distance from the sea.
Elements of Weather
The conditions of the atmosphere (temperature, humidity, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, and wind) in a specific area over a long period.
Climatic Factors
External factors (latitude, distance to sea, altitude) that influence the elements of weather.
Impact of Solar Radiation
The action and pattern of sunlight falling on Earth. It can be vertical or inclined.
Exposure
The amount of sunlight that falls on a specific location on Earth’s surface.
Isotherms
Lines connecting points on a map with the same temperature values.
Latitude
The distance of any point on Earth from the Equator (0ยบ parallel).
Air Mass
A distinct sector of air in the troposphere, characterized by its temperature, pressure, and humidity.
Temperature
The degree of air heating due to solar radiation.
Weather
The state of the atmosphere at a particular time (from a few hours to a few days) and in a certain place.
Equinox
The two moments each year (Spring, March 21st, and Autumn, September 23rd) when the sun is directly perpendicular to the Equator at noon, resulting in equal day and night lengths worldwide.
Solstice
The two moments each year with the greatest difference in day and night length. The Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere) occurs around June 21st, and the Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere) occurs around December 21st.
Ecosystems and Habitats
Deciduous Forest
Composed of tall trees with smooth trunks and large leaves that fall in autumn. Characteristic trees include oak, beech, chestnut, linden, ash, elm, and hazel.
Evergreen Forest
Composed of medium-height trees with thick, rough bark and globular crowns that shade the ground. Characteristic trees include oak and cork oak.
Dehesa
An agricultural system with mixed agricultural and livestock use on large land holdings of mediocre quality.
Desert
Uninhabited land due to drought and extreme temperature variations between day and night.
Endemic
Living beings found only in specific areas.
Estepa
Low scrubland with oaks, palms, and esparto grass.
Garriga (Scrub)
Scrubland composed of thyme, broom, and heather.
Habitat
The natural environment of a species.
Landa
Scrub vegetation consisting of heather, juniper, and broom.
Landscape
A distinct geographical area with unifying characteristics.
Humanized Landscape
Natural landscapes modified by human activity.
Natural Landscape
A landscape composed of physical and biological factors: soil, climate, water, vegetation, and fauna.
Environmental Heritage
The richness and variety of plant and animal life in a particular landscape.
Concentrated Habitat
Housing units grouped together to form a town.
Dispersed Habitat
Housing units distributed individually or in small groups across the land.
Prado
A large expanse of grassland in oceanic landscapes.
Savannah
Tropical vegetation with tall grasses and scattered trees adapted to seasonal drought.
Forest
A term often applied to equatorial forests, which are very dense.
Tundra
Vegetation in the polar zone, consisting of mosses and lichens.