abandoned to leave something behind
aborigine a member of the native or earliest known population of a region
absolute location the precise point where a place is located on Earth
abstract existing as an idea without physical form
accompaniment a musical or vocal background that supports a piece of music
adaptation a change in a way of life to suit new conditions
adapted to change to fit a new situation
adapting to change in order to adjust to a new condition or environment
adobe a type of brick that is made of clay mixed with straw and dried in the sun
Age of Exploration a period of European exploration and discovery that lasted from about 1418 to 1620
air quality the condition of the air based on the amount of pollution in it
alliance a group of countries, city-states, or other entities who agree to work together, usually for common defense or trade
alpine found in high mountains; also describes the mountain vegetation zone between the tree line and the snow line
alternative a choice that differs from another option
altitudinal zonation the division of land into zones based on elevation, which in turn helps determine climate and vegetation
Antarctic Circle the line of latitude at 66°33’S that marks the boundary of the southern polar zone
aqueduct a pipe or channel built to transport water from one place to another
Arctic Circle the line of latitude at 66°33’N that marks the boundary of the northern polar zone
Arid dry or lacking rainfall; also a climate or climate zone that is hot and dry all year with very little rain
asset anything owned to which a market value can be assigned
asset allocation a method of dividing investment assets among different types of investments, such as stocks, bonds, and cash
atmosphere the layer of air that surrounds Earth
axis an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole through the center of Earth
ayllus an Incan clan (group of related families), the basic unit of Incan society.
Aztecs a Mesoamerican people who built an empire in central Mexico that flourished from 1428 to 1519 C.E.
bank a business whose main purpose is to receive deposits and make loans
banknote an early form of paper currency, issued by banks to clients who made deposits of gold or silver; these notes could be exchanged for gold or silver “upon demand”
barter conducting trade by exchanging goods or services instead of money
basin a bowl-shaped depression, or hollow, in Earth’s surface
bear market a prolonged period of falling stock prices, accompanied by widespread investor pessimism
biodiversity the variety of plants and animals living in one area. The term can also mean the great variety of all living things on Earth.
bond an investment that represents a loan to a government or corporation and guarantees the lender a fixed rate of interest over the term of the loan, with repayment of the principal at the end of the term
brain drain the loss of well-educated people such as doctors or engineers to another country
broadleaf evergreen forest a vegetation zone of a vegetation zone of refers to the type of vegetation in this zone
brokerage a company that buys and sells stocks and bonds for investors
budget a plan for spending and saving
bull market a prolonged period of rising stock prices, accompanied by widespread investor confidence
calorie a measure of the amount of energy in food
canopy the thick layer of overlapping tree branches that make up the top layer of a forest
capital city a city that is the governmental center of a country or region
capitalism an economic system based on investment of money for profit
captured to take control of a person or thing by force
carbon-oxygen cycle the process by which carbon and oxygen cycle among plants, people and animals, and the environment
cardinal directions the four main directions on a compass rose: north, south, east, and west
cartography the science and art of making maps
cash crop a crop that is grown to be sold rather than to be consumed by the farmers and their families
causeways a solid earthen roadway built across water or low ground
ceremonial center a large plaza in a city center, surrounded by temples and palaces, where religious rituals and other public ceremonies took place
chaparral a vegetation zone of mainly small trees and bushes adapted to a Mediterranean climate; also refers to the type of vegetation in this zone
check a signed form instructing a bank to pay a specified amount to the person or business named on it
checkable deposits money in bank checking accounts
check clearing the transfer of funds from one bank or account to another as a result of cashing a check
civil war a war between groups living in the same country
clear-cut to cut down all of the trees in an area
climagraph a graph that shows the average temperature and precipitation in a place over a year
climate pattern of weather over a long period of time
climates the pattern of weather over a long period of time
climate zone a large area of Earth with a particular pattern of weather
climate zones a large area of Earth with a particular pattern of weather
cloud forest a type of high-altitude, tropical forest that is usually covered by clouds or mist
colonies a territory, often very large, under the political and economic control of another country
colony a new settlement or territory established and governed by a country in another land
Columbian Exchange the exchange of plants, animals, diseases, and people across the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and the Americas
commercial farming raising crops for sale, often on large farms
commercial loan money borrowed by a business to pay expenses
commodity-backed money currency that can be exchanged for a specific commodity, such as gold or silver; bank notes are an example
commodity money any good used as a medium of exchange; examples include gold, silver, and salt
communal shared by a community or group
communal land land that is held in common by a group of people
compass rose a diagram on a map that shows directions such as north, south, east, and west
compounding the ability of an investment to generate earnings that can be reinvested to produce still more earnings
compound interest interest paid not only on the original amount deposited in an account but also on all interest earned by those savings
condense to lose heat and change from a vapor or gas into a liquid. Moisture, or water vapor, in the air condenses to form rain.
conformity uniform behavior according to a set of social or cultural rules or beliefs
conifer tree with needles and cones, such as a pine tree
coniferous forests a vegetation zone of mainly evergreen trees with needles and cones; also refers to the type of vegetation in this zone
conquistadors Spanish soldier-explorers, especially those who conquered the native peoples of Mexico and Peru
conservationist someone who works to protect the beauty and natural resources of the environment from destruction
considerable a large amount
consumer loan money borrowed by an individual to make major purchases
consumption the using up of goods and services. This term is also used to describe the purchase and use of goods and services by consumers.
continent the seven largest areas of land on Earth
Continental Divide a series of mountain ridges in North America that separate the streams and rivers that flow west into the Pacific Ocean from those that flow east into the Arctic and Atlantic oceans
convection the movement, or transfer, of heat through a gas or liquid
convert to change a person’s religious beliefs so they accept a different or new religion
coordinates a set of numbers that together describe the exact location of something, such as a place on a map
Coriolis effect the curving pattern of wind and ocean currents caused by Earth’s rotation
corporate bond a bond issued by a corporation to raise money for its operations
cottage industry a small-scale business in which people produce goods at home
coureurs de bois French fur trappers who learned many skills from the American Indians with whom they worked and lived
credit an arrangement that allows a person to buy something with borrowed money and pay for it later or over time
credit card a card authorizing the user to buy goods and services with funds borrowed from the bank, store, or other business that issued the card
credit history the record of a person’s borrowing and repayment of loans
cultural region an area in which a group of people share a similar culture and language
culture a people’s way of life, including beliefs, customs, food, dwellings, and clothing
currency bills and coins circulating in the economy
current the steady movement of air or water due to convection
debit card a card authorizing the user to access his or her own funds on deposit in a bank account; a debit card can be used to buy goods and services or to withdraw money directly from an account
dedicated assigned to a particular purpose
deforestation removing or clearing away the trees from a forest. Deforestation is often done to clear land for farming or ranching.
desert a geographic region with too little rainfall to support much plant life; also a vegetation zone
deserts a geographic region with too little rainfall to support much plant life; also a vegetation zone
Desert scrub a vegetation zone of mainly small trees, bushes, and other plants adapted to a dry climate; also refers to the type of vegetation in this zone
detrimental something that does harm or damage
developed countries a wealthy country with an advanced economy. Developed countries have many industries and provide a comfortable way of life for most of their people.
developing countries a poorer country with a less advanced economy. In general, developing countries are trying to increase their industries and improve life for their people.
dialects a regional variety of a language
dictators a leader who governs by force, without the consent of the people
diffusion the spreading and mixing of cultures
digital divide the difference in opportunities available to people who have access to computers and the Internet and those who do not
dispute disagreement
distortion a change in the shape, size, or position of a place when it is shown on a map
diversification a method of lowering risk by investing in a wide variety of financial assets
dividend a portion of a firm’s profits paid to owners of the firm’s stock
divine related to or coming from a god or gods
domesticated plants or animals that live and breed in a human environment; tame
dominated to be most noticeable within a group
drastic extreme or severe
drought an unusually long period in which little or no rain falls
economic activities any action that relates to the making, buying, and selling of goods and services
economic activity any action that relates to the making, buying, and selling of goods and services
ecosystem a community of all the living things in an area and the environment in which they live
ecotourism a form of tourism that brings people to unique ecosystems while trying to avoid damage to these special places
ecumene a geographic region that is well suited for permanent settlement by people. Areas not included in the ecumene are generally too dry, too cold, or too rugged for permanent human settlement.
elevated to raise
elevation the height of the land above sea level
El Niño a warm ocean current that flows off the west coast of South America every few years. An El Niño event changes weather patterns around the world. It may also cause extreme weather in some regions.
emancipated to free
emigrate to move from a country. People who leave a country are called <em>emigrants</em>.
empire a group of territories, peoples, or nations ruled by a single authority
enormous very large
environment all of the physical surroundings in a place, including land, water, animals, plants, and climate
environmentalist a person who works to protect the natural world
epidemics an outbreak of a contagious disease that spreads quickly and over a wide geographic area
equator the line of latitude that circles Earth exactly midway between the North and South Poles
estate a sizable area of privately owned property with a large house
ethnic group a group of people in a country who share a unique culture and identity
evergreen a plant or tree that has foliage that remains green throughout the year
extreme weather severe or unusual weather conditions, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards
eye the calm area at the center of a hurricane or other tropical cyclone
eye wall the ring of thunderstorms that surrounds the eye, or center, of a hurricane or other tropical cyclone
fauna all the animal life in a particular region
fiat money currency not backed by gold or silver; all paper money today is fiat money
financial institution a firm that deals mainly with money, as opposed to goods and services; example include banks and stock brokerages
financial intermediary a business, such as a bank, that brings together savers (sellers) and borrowers (buyers) in financial markets
flora all the plant life in a particular region
food chain a series of plants and animals, each of which depends on the one below it for food. A food chain usually forms part of a much larger food web.
food web all of the feeding relationships within an ecosystem. Each living thing in a food web provides food energy to other living things within that ecosystem.
forest floor the bottom layer, or ground, of a forest
forestry the planting, growing, and harvesting of trees
fossil fuel any fuel, such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas, that is made from the remains of prehistoric plants and animals
fractional reserve banking a system in which banks keep a portion of deposits in reserve and make loans with the rest
freshwater made up of water that is fresh, not salty; also describes creatures that live in fresh water, such as freshwater fish
genocide the elimination of a group of people based on race, religion, or some other factor
geography the study of features on Earth’s surface including landforms, water bodies, climate, plants, animals, and peoples
geyser a spring that throws a jet of hot water or steam into the air
glacier a large mass of ice found near Earth’s poles (continental glacier) or in a high, cold mountain valley (alpine glacier)
glaciers a large mass of ice found near Earth’s poles (continental glacier) or in a high, cold mountain valley (alpine glacier)
global grid the system of imaginary lines (called parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude) used to divide the surface of Earth on maps and globes
glyphs a symbol for a word, idea, or sound in a hieroglyphic system of writing
gross domestic product the total value of goods and services produced in a country in a year
habitat the natural environment in which a plant or animal lives
hemisphere one half of a sphere. Earth can be divided into eastern and western hemispheres or into northern and southern hemispheres.
hereditary passed on from parent to child; inherited
hieroglyphic writing that uses pictures as symbols
highlands a mountainous part of a country; a climate zone where temperature and precipitation vary with latitude and elevation; a vegetation zone where the mix of plants varies with latitude and elevation; also refers to the type of vegetation in this zone
human geography the study of how people have spread across Earth
humid continental a climate or climate zone with warm, rainy summers and cool, snowy winters
humid subtropical a climate or climate zone with hot, rainy summers and mild winters with some rain
hurricanes the name for a tropical cyclone that begins in the Atlantic Ocean
hydroelectric power electricity that is generated from the power of moving water
ice cap a climate or climate zone that is very cold all year with permanent ice and snow; also a permanent, dome-shaped covering of ice over a large area; also a vegetation zone that is too cold to support plant life
immigrate to move to a country. People who move to another country are called <em>immigrants</em>.
impact to have a direct effect on a person or thing
impressive causing admiration or awe
Incas people of a culture in the Andes Mountains of South America that arose in the 1400s C.E. and lasted until 1532
indigenous peoples natives of an area who have been conquered or dominated by others who came later. Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and Navajo, are indigenous peoples.
infill the process of filling in empty or run-down parts of a city with new development
Inflation a rise in prices, often due an increase in the supply of money
ingenious especially intelligent, creative, or clever
installment loan borrowed money that is typically paid back in equal monthly payments
interest a periodic payment for the use of borrowed funds; interest is paid on a loan
intermediate directions the directions on a compass rose, such as southeast, that are located between the cardinal directions
International Date Line the meridian of longitude located at 180º. By international agreement, the date is one day earlier to the east of this line.
invasive species nonnative plants and animals that invade an ecosystem
investing using money with the intention of making a financial gain
Irrigation a system for bringing water to farmland by artificial means, such as using a dam to trap water and ditches to channel it to fields
isthmus a narrow strip of land that links two larger landmasses
junk bond a low-quality corporate bond that earns a relatively high rate of interest based on its higher risk
landform any natural feature of Earth’s surface that has a distinct shape. Landforms include major features such as continents, plains, plateaus, and mountain ranges. They also include minor features such as hills, valleys, canyons, and dunes.
landmass a very large, unbroken area of land
landmasses a very large, unbroken area of land
landscape a large area with a particular kind of scenery, such as a desert landscape
land use the ways in which people use a particular area of Earth’s surface; for example, for farming, development, or preservation
land use conflict disagreement over how to use a particular area of land
lava molten, or liquid, rock that flows out of a volcano
legal tender currency that must be accepted as money for purchases and as payment for debts
liquid assets items of value that can be used as cash or easily converted into cash; examples include traveler’s checks and money deposited in bank checking accounts
liquidity the ease with which assets can be converted into cash
livestock raising raising animals for food, milk, wool, or other products
loan a transaction in which a lender gives money to a borrower, who agrees to repay the money at some point in the future
lower story the middle layer of a forest, consisting of shrubs and trees
lowland an area of land that is flatter or lower than nearby areas
M1 money circulating in the economy that includes cash and assets that can be easily converted into cash
M2 money circulating in the economy that includes M1 plus less liquid deposits in various kinds of accounts or funds
map grid a system of imaginary lines that divides up the space on a map
map key another name for map legend
map legend a box or other display on a map that explains the meaning of the symbols used on the map
map projection a way of representing the spherical Earth on a flat surface
map scale an element of a map that shows how a unit of distance on the map (such as an inch) relates to actual distance on the surface of Earth
marine west coast a climate or climate zone with warm summers, cool winters, and rainfall all year
market economy an economy in which prices are determined by the buying and selling decisions of individuals in the marketplace
market index a way of measuring changes in the value of a group of stocks, bonds, or other investments
Maya the people of an important Mesoamerican civilization that lasted from about 2000 B.C.E. to 1500 C.E.
mercantilism an economic policy by which nations try to gather wealth by establishing colonies and controlling trade
mercenaries a professional soldier who is paid to fight for another country or group
meridians of longitude an imaginary line between the North and South poles that crosses the equator at right angles
Mesoamerica the region extending from modern Mexico through Central America
meteorology the scientific study of climate and weather patterns
metropolitan area a major population center made up of a large city and the smaller suburbs and towns that surround it
Mexicanos Spanish-speaking people who, in the 1800s, lived in parts of the United States that previously belonged to Mexico
migrant worker a person who moves regularly in order to find work, especially in harvesting crops
migrated to move from one place and establish a home in a new place. A move of a large number of people is called a migration, and the people who move are called migrants.
migration stream the constant flow of migrants from one country into another country. The largest migration stream into the United States today is from Mexico.
missionaries a person who travels to a territory or community in order to make converts to his or her religion
mixed forest a type of vegetation or vegetation zone that includes both coniferous and deciduous trees
mixed-use development development that combines housing and businesses in one area
money supply the total amount of money in the economy
mortgage money borrowed to buy a house, an office building, land, or other real estate
motives something that causes a person or people to act
municipal bond a bond issued by a state or local government to raise funds for public projects
mutual fund a collection of securities chosen and managed by a group of professional fund managers
national park a large area of land that a government has set aside in order to preserve it in its natural state
natural disaster great destruction or loss of life caused by natural forces rather than by human actions
natural resource a useful material that is found in nature, such as water, wood, coal, or oil
natural resources useful material found in nature, including water, vegetation, animals, and minerals
navigable lake lake that is large and deep enough for big ships
near-money an asset similar to money, such as a savings account, that serves as a store of value but cannot be used to buy things directly
non-point-source pollution pollution that does not come from a single location, but rather from many sources such as runoff from farms
nutrient a substance that provides nourishment, such as one of the elements in soil that make it fertile
oracle a person through whom a god or spirit is believed to speak about the future
parallels of latitude an imaginary line around Earth that runs parallel to the equator
per capita by or for each person. A per capita figure is calculated by dividing the total amount of something by the number of people in a place.
persecution unfair treatment of others because of who they are or what they believe
personal saving rate the proportion of a household’s income that its members save each year
physical feature any natural characteristic of Earth’s surface, such as landforms and bodies of water
physical geography the study of natural features on the surface of Earth
pictographs a drawing that stands for a word, phrase, or name
plantation a large farm, especially in a hot area
plantations a large farm, especially in a hot area
plateau a raised area of land, such as a hill or mountain, with a flat top
plateaus a raised area of land, such as a hill or mountain, with a flat top
plaza an open square or marketplace
plural society a society in which different cultural groups keep their own identity, beliefs, and traditions
point-source pollution water pollution from a single place, such as a discharge pipe at a plant that treats sewage
polar zone the area between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole or between the Antarctic Circle and the South Pole, where the climate is generally cold
policy an overall plan, especially of a government
pollutant something that pollutes, or damages, air, soil, or water
pollution damage to the natural environment caused by harmful substances; also refers to harmful substances
polygamy having more than one spouse at one time
population density the average number of people who live in a unit of area, such as a square mile. Population density measures how crowded an area is.
precipitation moisture that falls from the sky as rain, snow, sleet, or hail
prevailing winds winds that usually blow in a certain direction
prime meridian the meridian of longitude labeled 0 degrees, from which all other degrees of longitude are measured. The prime meridian passes through Greenwich, England.
principal the amount of money borrowed, or the amount of money still owed on a loan, apart from the interest
procession a group of people moving in an slow, orderly way
prospectus a legal document that provides information about a security offered to investors
public transit a public transportation system for moving people
public transit system a network of buses, trains, and other vehicles used for moving passengers
pull factor something that encourages people to move to a new place
purchasing power the value of a unit of money in terms of what it can buy
push factor something that encourages people to leave a place behind
rainband a band of dense clouds that swirls around the eye wall of a hurricane
rainforests type of thick evergreen forest found in areas of heavy rainfall
rate of return the ratio of the money gained or lost by an investment relative to the amount invested; often expressed as the percentage gained or lost in a year
real rate of return the ratio of the money gained or lost by an investment relative to the amount invested, adjusted for the effects of inflation
rebellious opposing or disobeying authority
recycling the process of collecting used materials that would otherwise be thrown away and turning them into raw materials for new uses
reforestation the replanting of trees in a formerly forested area by people or by nature
refugee someone who seeks safety by going to another country. Refugees may be escaping political unrest or war. Or they may fear being attacked because of their beliefs.
region an area defined by one or more natural or cultural haracteristics that set it apart from other areas
relative location where a place is located in relation to another place
remittance a payment of money sent by an immigrant to a relative in his or her home country
reserves areas that have been set aside for a specific purpose
resourceful good at finding ways to solve problems
revise to change in order to improve
revolt a violent action in opposition to a government or law
revolution one complete trip by Earth around the sun
risk the chance of losing money or of failing in some way
ritual a set of actions performed as part of a ceremony
rotation the spinning motion of Earth around its axis
rule of 72 a method of calculating how long it will take to double the value of an investment; the number 72 is divided by the investment’s annual rate of return to determine its doubling time
runoff water from rainfall that is not absorbed into the soil and instead flows into streams or lakes
rural found in or living in areas that are not close to cities
rural decline worsening economic conditions in the countryside, including rising unemployment and growing poverty. Rural decline drives migration to cities.
rural fringe the small towns, farms, and open spaces that lie just beyond a city’s suburbs
sacrifice a gift of an animal for slaughter to honor the gods
Saffir-Simpson scale a classification system used to measure and rate a hurricane's strength
sanitation the systems that keep an area free of filth and germs that can cause disease
saving setting aside a portion of income for use in the future
securities investments, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, that give their holders the right to receive some sort of return, or profit
sediment bits of soil left in a place by moving water
semiarid dry, with little rainfall; also a climate or climate zone with hot, dry summers and cool, dry winters
semidivine half-human and half-god
sewage solid and liquid waste from homes and other buildings that is carried away by sewers or drains
shareholder an investor who buys shares of a company’s stock
shield the large core of very old rock that lies at the base of each continent
slash-and-burn agriculture a farming technique in which vegetation is cut away and burned to clear land for growing crops
slash-and-burn method a way of clearing land for farming that involves cutting down and burning trees and other plants
Slavery the treatment of people as property. People who are denied freedom in this way are said to be enslaved.
slum an overcrowded, dirty area of a city where the housing is usually in very poor condition
smog a haze in the air caused by pollution, especially the exhaust from cars and other vehicles
snow line the lowest elevation on mountains where snow remains year-round
social pyramid a social structure in the shape of a pyramid, with layers representing social classes of different rank
solar energy energy from the sun that can be converted into heat or electricity
solar year the time it takes Earth to travel once around the sun
spatial relating to the space or position of things
spatial inequality the unequal distribution of wealth or resources in a geographic area, so that some places are richer than others
standard of living the overall level of comfort and well-being of a group or a country. People in developed countries generally have a higher standard of living than people in developing countries.
starving to suffer or die from lack of food
steles a vertical stone slab or pillar with carvings or inscriptions
stock an investment that represents ownership in a business
stockbroker a person who buys and sells stocks and bonds for investors
stock market the market in which stocks and bonds are bought and sold
storm surge a wall of water that is pushed ashore by a storm
strait a narrow passage of water connecting two large bodies of water
subarctic a climate or climate zone with cold, snowy winters and cool, rainy summers
subsistence farming farming carried out mainly to provide food for farm families, with little surplus for sale to others
suburb a developed area at the edge of a city that is mainly homes. Many suburbs also have stores and businesses.
suspension bridges a bridge held up by cables anchored at each end
sustain to support or provide nourishment for
sustainable development using resources in ways that meet the needs of people today without hurting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This means finding ways to use resources without using them up.
techniques a specialized method used to achieve a desired result
technology the creation and use of tools to meet practical needs; also refers to the tools themselves
temperate moderate or mild, without extremes of hot or cold
temperate grassland vegetation or a vegetation zone of mainly grasses and scattered trees adapted to a tropical wet and dry climate
temperate grasslands vegetation or a vegetation zone of mainly grasses and scattered trees adapted to a tropical wet and dry climate
temperate zone the area between Earth’s tropical zones and polar zones, where the climate is relatively mild
temporary for a limited, often short-term, period of time
tenement a rundown apartment building
Tenochtitlán the capital city of the Aztec Empire
terracing the creation of flat areas on mountain slopes for the purpose of farming
thematic map a map that shows a particular theme, or topic
topographic map a map that uses contour lines and symbols to show a region’s physical and human features. These features may include hills, valleys, rivers, lakes, roads, trails, and buildings.
tornado a violent, spinning windstorm that appears as a funnel-shaped cloud
tourism travel for pleasure rather than business or necessity; also, the business of organizing such travel
toxic chemical a chemical that is poisonous to humans or other living things
toxic waste waste materials from industry that are poisonous to humans or other living things
tradition an inherited or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior
traditional culture customs and ways of life handed down from ancestors
traveler’s checks checks that can be used like cash by travelers to pay for goods and services
tree line the highest elevation where trees grow on a mountain
trephination a type of surgery in which a hole is made in the skull
tropical cyclone a severe storm with high winds that spiral around a calm center. Depending on where they form, tropical cyclones are called <em>hurricanes</em>, <em>typhoons</em>, or <em>cyclones</em>.
tropical depression a storm near the equator with winds moving in a circle at speeds of up to 38 miles per hour
tropical disturbance a cluster of thunderstorms near the equator that moves with the prevailing winds
tropical grasslands vegetation or a vegetation zone of mainly grasses and scattered trees adapted to a tropical wet and dry climate
tropical rainforest a broadleaf evergreen forest found in wet and hot regions near the equator
tropical rainforests a broadleaf evergreen forest found in wet and hot regions near the equator
tropical storm a storm near the equator with winds moving in a circle at speeds of 39 to 73 miles per hour
tropical wet a climate or climate zone that is hot and rainy all year
tropical wet and dry a climate or climate zone that is hot all year with rainy and dry seasons
tropical zone the area between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer and between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, where the climate is generally hot
Tropic of Cancer the northernmost line of latitude where the sun’s rays ever beat straight down. This line marks the northern limit of the tropical zone.
Tropic of Capricorn the southernmost line of latitude where the sun’s rays ever beat straight down. This line marks the southern limit of the tropical zone.
tundra a vast, treeless plain in the arctic regions with very cold winters, cold summers, and little rain or snow
unemployment joblessness
urban found or living in a city
urban core the older part of a big city. Often the urban core serves as the downtown or central business district of a city.
urban fringe the ring of small towns and suburbs that surround a big city
urban growth boundaries a legal border that separates an area where development is permitted from an area where development is forbidden
urbanization the movement of people from rural to urban areas, resulting in the growth of urban areas
urban sprawl the rapid, often poorly planned spread of development from an urban area outward into rural areas
vegetation all the plants and trees in an area
vegetation zone a large area of Earth with a certain mix of plants and trees that are adapted to similar conditions
vertical trade the trading of crops between lowland and highland areas
vital necessary for the existence of something
vocabulary a collection of words that make up a language
Volcanic islands an island formed when an underwater volcano builds up enough lava and ash to rise above sea level
volcano a break in Earth’s crust where magma and other material erupts from Earth’s interior
volcanoes a break in Earth’s crust where magma and other material erupts from Earth’s interior
ward a political unit within a city, often a neighborhood
watershed a geographic area that includes all of the land and waterways that drain into a body of water. Sometimes a watershed is also called a drainage basin.
wetland an area where the soil is usually wet or covered with water
yield the income return on an investment, such as interest paid on a bond or dividends paid on a stock
aborigine a member of the native or earliest known population of a region
absolute location the precise point where a place is located on Earth
abstract existing as an idea without physical form
accompaniment a musical or vocal background that supports a piece of music
adaptation a change in a way of life to suit new conditions
adapted to change to fit a new situation
adapting to change in order to adjust to a new condition or environment
adobe a type of brick that is made of clay mixed with straw and dried in the sun
Age of Exploration a period of European exploration and discovery that lasted from about 1418 to 1620
air quality the condition of the air based on the amount of pollution in it
alliance a group of countries, city-states, or other entities who agree to work together, usually for common defense or trade
alpine found in high mountains; also describes the mountain vegetation zone between the tree line and the snow line
alternative a choice that differs from another option
altitudinal zonation the division of land into zones based on elevation, which in turn helps determine climate and vegetation
Antarctic Circle the line of latitude at 66°33’S that marks the boundary of the southern polar zone
aqueduct a pipe or channel built to transport water from one place to another
Arctic Circle the line of latitude at 66°33’N that marks the boundary of the northern polar zone
Arid dry or lacking rainfall; also a climate or climate zone that is hot and dry all year with very little rain
asset anything owned to which a market value can be assigned
asset allocation a method of dividing investment assets among different types of investments, such as stocks, bonds, and cash
atmosphere the layer of air that surrounds Earth
axis an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole through the center of Earth
ayllus an Incan clan (group of related families), the basic unit of Incan society.
Aztecs a Mesoamerican people who built an empire in central Mexico that flourished from 1428 to 1519 C.E.
bank a business whose main purpose is to receive deposits and make loans
banknote an early form of paper currency, issued by banks to clients who made deposits of gold or silver; these notes could be exchanged for gold or silver “upon demand”
barter conducting trade by exchanging goods or services instead of money
basin a bowl-shaped depression, or hollow, in Earth’s surface
bear market a prolonged period of falling stock prices, accompanied by widespread investor pessimism
biodiversity the variety of plants and animals living in one area. The term can also mean the great variety of all living things on Earth.
bond an investment that represents a loan to a government or corporation and guarantees the lender a fixed rate of interest over the term of the loan, with repayment of the principal at the end of the term
brain drain the loss of well-educated people such as doctors or engineers to another country
broadleaf evergreen forest a vegetation zone of a vegetation zone of refers to the type of vegetation in this zone
brokerage a company that buys and sells stocks and bonds for investors
budget a plan for spending and saving
bull market a prolonged period of rising stock prices, accompanied by widespread investor confidence
calorie a measure of the amount of energy in food
canopy the thick layer of overlapping tree branches that make up the top layer of a forest
capital city a city that is the governmental center of a country or region
capitalism an economic system based on investment of money for profit
captured to take control of a person or thing by force
carbon-oxygen cycle the process by which carbon and oxygen cycle among plants, people and animals, and the environment
cardinal directions the four main directions on a compass rose: north, south, east, and west
cartography the science and art of making maps
cash crop a crop that is grown to be sold rather than to be consumed by the farmers and their families
causeways a solid earthen roadway built across water or low ground
ceremonial center a large plaza in a city center, surrounded by temples and palaces, where religious rituals and other public ceremonies took place
chaparral a vegetation zone of mainly small trees and bushes adapted to a Mediterranean climate; also refers to the type of vegetation in this zone
check a signed form instructing a bank to pay a specified amount to the person or business named on it
checkable deposits money in bank checking accounts
check clearing the transfer of funds from one bank or account to another as a result of cashing a check
civil war a war between groups living in the same country
clear-cut to cut down all of the trees in an area
climagraph a graph that shows the average temperature and precipitation in a place over a year
climate pattern of weather over a long period of time
climates the pattern of weather over a long period of time
climate zone a large area of Earth with a particular pattern of weather
climate zones a large area of Earth with a particular pattern of weather
cloud forest a type of high-altitude, tropical forest that is usually covered by clouds or mist
colonies a territory, often very large, under the political and economic control of another country
colony a new settlement or territory established and governed by a country in another land
Columbian Exchange the exchange of plants, animals, diseases, and people across the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and the Americas
commercial farming raising crops for sale, often on large farms
commercial loan money borrowed by a business to pay expenses
commodity-backed money currency that can be exchanged for a specific commodity, such as gold or silver; bank notes are an example
commodity money any good used as a medium of exchange; examples include gold, silver, and salt
communal shared by a community or group
communal land land that is held in common by a group of people
compass rose a diagram on a map that shows directions such as north, south, east, and west
compounding the ability of an investment to generate earnings that can be reinvested to produce still more earnings
compound interest interest paid not only on the original amount deposited in an account but also on all interest earned by those savings
condense to lose heat and change from a vapor or gas into a liquid. Moisture, or water vapor, in the air condenses to form rain.
conformity uniform behavior according to a set of social or cultural rules or beliefs
conifer tree with needles and cones, such as a pine tree
coniferous forests a vegetation zone of mainly evergreen trees with needles and cones; also refers to the type of vegetation in this zone
conquistadors Spanish soldier-explorers, especially those who conquered the native peoples of Mexico and Peru
conservationist someone who works to protect the beauty and natural resources of the environment from destruction
considerable a large amount
consumer loan money borrowed by an individual to make major purchases
consumption the using up of goods and services. This term is also used to describe the purchase and use of goods and services by consumers.
continent the seven largest areas of land on Earth
Continental Divide a series of mountain ridges in North America that separate the streams and rivers that flow west into the Pacific Ocean from those that flow east into the Arctic and Atlantic oceans
convection the movement, or transfer, of heat through a gas or liquid
convert to change a person’s religious beliefs so they accept a different or new religion
coordinates a set of numbers that together describe the exact location of something, such as a place on a map
Coriolis effect the curving pattern of wind and ocean currents caused by Earth’s rotation
corporate bond a bond issued by a corporation to raise money for its operations
cottage industry a small-scale business in which people produce goods at home
coureurs de bois French fur trappers who learned many skills from the American Indians with whom they worked and lived
credit an arrangement that allows a person to buy something with borrowed money and pay for it later or over time
credit card a card authorizing the user to buy goods and services with funds borrowed from the bank, store, or other business that issued the card
credit history the record of a person’s borrowing and repayment of loans
cultural region an area in which a group of people share a similar culture and language
culture a people’s way of life, including beliefs, customs, food, dwellings, and clothing
currency bills and coins circulating in the economy
current the steady movement of air or water due to convection
debit card a card authorizing the user to access his or her own funds on deposit in a bank account; a debit card can be used to buy goods and services or to withdraw money directly from an account
dedicated assigned to a particular purpose
deforestation removing or clearing away the trees from a forest. Deforestation is often done to clear land for farming or ranching.
desert a geographic region with too little rainfall to support much plant life; also a vegetation zone
deserts a geographic region with too little rainfall to support much plant life; also a vegetation zone
Desert scrub a vegetation zone of mainly small trees, bushes, and other plants adapted to a dry climate; also refers to the type of vegetation in this zone
detrimental something that does harm or damage
developed countries a wealthy country with an advanced economy. Developed countries have many industries and provide a comfortable way of life for most of their people.
developing countries a poorer country with a less advanced economy. In general, developing countries are trying to increase their industries and improve life for their people.
dialects a regional variety of a language
dictators a leader who governs by force, without the consent of the people
diffusion the spreading and mixing of cultures
digital divide the difference in opportunities available to people who have access to computers and the Internet and those who do not
dispute disagreement
distortion a change in the shape, size, or position of a place when it is shown on a map
diversification a method of lowering risk by investing in a wide variety of financial assets
dividend a portion of a firm’s profits paid to owners of the firm’s stock
divine related to or coming from a god or gods
domesticated plants or animals that live and breed in a human environment; tame
dominated to be most noticeable within a group
drastic extreme or severe
drought an unusually long period in which little or no rain falls
economic activities any action that relates to the making, buying, and selling of goods and services
economic activity any action that relates to the making, buying, and selling of goods and services
ecosystem a community of all the living things in an area and the environment in which they live
ecotourism a form of tourism that brings people to unique ecosystems while trying to avoid damage to these special places
ecumene a geographic region that is well suited for permanent settlement by people. Areas not included in the ecumene are generally too dry, too cold, or too rugged for permanent human settlement.
elevated to raise
elevation the height of the land above sea level
El Niño a warm ocean current that flows off the west coast of South America every few years. An El Niño event changes weather patterns around the world. It may also cause extreme weather in some regions.
emancipated to free
emigrate to move from a country. People who leave a country are called <em>emigrants</em>.
empire a group of territories, peoples, or nations ruled by a single authority
enormous very large
environment all of the physical surroundings in a place, including land, water, animals, plants, and climate
environmentalist a person who works to protect the natural world
epidemics an outbreak of a contagious disease that spreads quickly and over a wide geographic area
equator the line of latitude that circles Earth exactly midway between the North and South Poles
estate a sizable area of privately owned property with a large house
ethnic group a group of people in a country who share a unique culture and identity
evergreen a plant or tree that has foliage that remains green throughout the year
extreme weather severe or unusual weather conditions, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards
eye the calm area at the center of a hurricane or other tropical cyclone
eye wall the ring of thunderstorms that surrounds the eye, or center, of a hurricane or other tropical cyclone
fauna all the animal life in a particular region
fiat money currency not backed by gold or silver; all paper money today is fiat money
financial institution a firm that deals mainly with money, as opposed to goods and services; example include banks and stock brokerages
financial intermediary a business, such as a bank, that brings together savers (sellers) and borrowers (buyers) in financial markets
flora all the plant life in a particular region
food chain a series of plants and animals, each of which depends on the one below it for food. A food chain usually forms part of a much larger food web.
food web all of the feeding relationships within an ecosystem. Each living thing in a food web provides food energy to other living things within that ecosystem.
forest floor the bottom layer, or ground, of a forest
forestry the planting, growing, and harvesting of trees
fossil fuel any fuel, such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas, that is made from the remains of prehistoric plants and animals
fractional reserve banking a system in which banks keep a portion of deposits in reserve and make loans with the rest
freshwater made up of water that is fresh, not salty; also describes creatures that live in fresh water, such as freshwater fish
genocide the elimination of a group of people based on race, religion, or some other factor
geography the study of features on Earth’s surface including landforms, water bodies, climate, plants, animals, and peoples
geyser a spring that throws a jet of hot water or steam into the air
glacier a large mass of ice found near Earth’s poles (continental glacier) or in a high, cold mountain valley (alpine glacier)
glaciers a large mass of ice found near Earth’s poles (continental glacier) or in a high, cold mountain valley (alpine glacier)
global grid the system of imaginary lines (called parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude) used to divide the surface of Earth on maps and globes
glyphs a symbol for a word, idea, or sound in a hieroglyphic system of writing
gross domestic product the total value of goods and services produced in a country in a year
habitat the natural environment in which a plant or animal lives
hemisphere one half of a sphere. Earth can be divided into eastern and western hemispheres or into northern and southern hemispheres.
hereditary passed on from parent to child; inherited
hieroglyphic writing that uses pictures as symbols
highlands a mountainous part of a country; a climate zone where temperature and precipitation vary with latitude and elevation; a vegetation zone where the mix of plants varies with latitude and elevation; also refers to the type of vegetation in this zone
human geography the study of how people have spread across Earth
humid continental a climate or climate zone with warm, rainy summers and cool, snowy winters
humid subtropical a climate or climate zone with hot, rainy summers and mild winters with some rain
hurricanes the name for a tropical cyclone that begins in the Atlantic Ocean
hydroelectric power electricity that is generated from the power of moving water
ice cap a climate or climate zone that is very cold all year with permanent ice and snow; also a permanent, dome-shaped covering of ice over a large area; also a vegetation zone that is too cold to support plant life
immigrate to move to a country. People who move to another country are called <em>immigrants</em>.
impact to have a direct effect on a person or thing
impressive causing admiration or awe
Incas people of a culture in the Andes Mountains of South America that arose in the 1400s C.E. and lasted until 1532
indigenous peoples natives of an area who have been conquered or dominated by others who came later. Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and Navajo, are indigenous peoples.
infill the process of filling in empty or run-down parts of a city with new development
Inflation a rise in prices, often due an increase in the supply of money
ingenious especially intelligent, creative, or clever
installment loan borrowed money that is typically paid back in equal monthly payments
interest a periodic payment for the use of borrowed funds; interest is paid on a loan
intermediate directions the directions on a compass rose, such as southeast, that are located between the cardinal directions
International Date Line the meridian of longitude located at 180º. By international agreement, the date is one day earlier to the east of this line.
invasive species nonnative plants and animals that invade an ecosystem
investing using money with the intention of making a financial gain
Irrigation a system for bringing water to farmland by artificial means, such as using a dam to trap water and ditches to channel it to fields
isthmus a narrow strip of land that links two larger landmasses
junk bond a low-quality corporate bond that earns a relatively high rate of interest based on its higher risk
landform any natural feature of Earth’s surface that has a distinct shape. Landforms include major features such as continents, plains, plateaus, and mountain ranges. They also include minor features such as hills, valleys, canyons, and dunes.
landmass a very large, unbroken area of land
landmasses a very large, unbroken area of land
landscape a large area with a particular kind of scenery, such as a desert landscape
land use the ways in which people use a particular area of Earth’s surface; for example, for farming, development, or preservation
land use conflict disagreement over how to use a particular area of land
lava molten, or liquid, rock that flows out of a volcano
legal tender currency that must be accepted as money for purchases and as payment for debts
liquid assets items of value that can be used as cash or easily converted into cash; examples include traveler’s checks and money deposited in bank checking accounts
liquidity the ease with which assets can be converted into cash
livestock raising raising animals for food, milk, wool, or other products
loan a transaction in which a lender gives money to a borrower, who agrees to repay the money at some point in the future
lower story the middle layer of a forest, consisting of shrubs and trees
lowland an area of land that is flatter or lower than nearby areas
M1 money circulating in the economy that includes cash and assets that can be easily converted into cash
M2 money circulating in the economy that includes M1 plus less liquid deposits in various kinds of accounts or funds
map grid a system of imaginary lines that divides up the space on a map
map key another name for map legend
map legend a box or other display on a map that explains the meaning of the symbols used on the map
map projection a way of representing the spherical Earth on a flat surface
map scale an element of a map that shows how a unit of distance on the map (such as an inch) relates to actual distance on the surface of Earth
marine west coast a climate or climate zone with warm summers, cool winters, and rainfall all year
market economy an economy in which prices are determined by the buying and selling decisions of individuals in the marketplace
market index a way of measuring changes in the value of a group of stocks, bonds, or other investments
Maya the people of an important Mesoamerican civilization that lasted from about 2000 B.C.E. to 1500 C.E.
mercantilism an economic policy by which nations try to gather wealth by establishing colonies and controlling trade
mercenaries a professional soldier who is paid to fight for another country or group
meridians of longitude an imaginary line between the North and South poles that crosses the equator at right angles
Mesoamerica the region extending from modern Mexico through Central America
meteorology the scientific study of climate and weather patterns
metropolitan area a major population center made up of a large city and the smaller suburbs and towns that surround it
Mexicanos Spanish-speaking people who, in the 1800s, lived in parts of the United States that previously belonged to Mexico
migrant worker a person who moves regularly in order to find work, especially in harvesting crops
migrated to move from one place and establish a home in a new place. A move of a large number of people is called a migration, and the people who move are called migrants.
migration stream the constant flow of migrants from one country into another country. The largest migration stream into the United States today is from Mexico.
missionaries a person who travels to a territory or community in order to make converts to his or her religion
mixed forest a type of vegetation or vegetation zone that includes both coniferous and deciduous trees
mixed-use development development that combines housing and businesses in one area
money supply the total amount of money in the economy
mortgage money borrowed to buy a house, an office building, land, or other real estate
motives something that causes a person or people to act
municipal bond a bond issued by a state or local government to raise funds for public projects
mutual fund a collection of securities chosen and managed by a group of professional fund managers
national park a large area of land that a government has set aside in order to preserve it in its natural state
natural disaster great destruction or loss of life caused by natural forces rather than by human actions
natural resource a useful material that is found in nature, such as water, wood, coal, or oil
natural resources useful material found in nature, including water, vegetation, animals, and minerals
navigable lake lake that is large and deep enough for big ships
near-money an asset similar to money, such as a savings account, that serves as a store of value but cannot be used to buy things directly
non-point-source pollution pollution that does not come from a single location, but rather from many sources such as runoff from farms
nutrient a substance that provides nourishment, such as one of the elements in soil that make it fertile
oracle a person through whom a god or spirit is believed to speak about the future
parallels of latitude an imaginary line around Earth that runs parallel to the equator
per capita by or for each person. A per capita figure is calculated by dividing the total amount of something by the number of people in a place.
persecution unfair treatment of others because of who they are or what they believe
personal saving rate the proportion of a household’s income that its members save each year
physical feature any natural characteristic of Earth’s surface, such as landforms and bodies of water
physical geography the study of natural features on the surface of Earth
pictographs a drawing that stands for a word, phrase, or name
plantation a large farm, especially in a hot area
plantations a large farm, especially in a hot area
plateau a raised area of land, such as a hill or mountain, with a flat top
plateaus a raised area of land, such as a hill or mountain, with a flat top
plaza an open square or marketplace
plural society a society in which different cultural groups keep their own identity, beliefs, and traditions
point-source pollution water pollution from a single place, such as a discharge pipe at a plant that treats sewage
polar zone the area between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole or between the Antarctic Circle and the South Pole, where the climate is generally cold
policy an overall plan, especially of a government
pollutant something that pollutes, or damages, air, soil, or water
pollution damage to the natural environment caused by harmful substances; also refers to harmful substances
polygamy having more than one spouse at one time
population density the average number of people who live in a unit of area, such as a square mile. Population density measures how crowded an area is.
precipitation moisture that falls from the sky as rain, snow, sleet, or hail
prevailing winds winds that usually blow in a certain direction
prime meridian the meridian of longitude labeled 0 degrees, from which all other degrees of longitude are measured. The prime meridian passes through Greenwich, England.
principal the amount of money borrowed, or the amount of money still owed on a loan, apart from the interest
procession a group of people moving in an slow, orderly way
prospectus a legal document that provides information about a security offered to investors
public transit a public transportation system for moving people
public transit system a network of buses, trains, and other vehicles used for moving passengers
pull factor something that encourages people to move to a new place
purchasing power the value of a unit of money in terms of what it can buy
push factor something that encourages people to leave a place behind
rainband a band of dense clouds that swirls around the eye wall of a hurricane
rainforests type of thick evergreen forest found in areas of heavy rainfall
rate of return the ratio of the money gained or lost by an investment relative to the amount invested; often expressed as the percentage gained or lost in a year
real rate of return the ratio of the money gained or lost by an investment relative to the amount invested, adjusted for the effects of inflation
rebellious opposing or disobeying authority
recycling the process of collecting used materials that would otherwise be thrown away and turning them into raw materials for new uses
reforestation the replanting of trees in a formerly forested area by people or by nature
refugee someone who seeks safety by going to another country. Refugees may be escaping political unrest or war. Or they may fear being attacked because of their beliefs.
region an area defined by one or more natural or cultural haracteristics that set it apart from other areas
relative location where a place is located in relation to another place
remittance a payment of money sent by an immigrant to a relative in his or her home country
reserves areas that have been set aside for a specific purpose
resourceful good at finding ways to solve problems
revise to change in order to improve
revolt a violent action in opposition to a government or law
revolution one complete trip by Earth around the sun
risk the chance of losing money or of failing in some way
ritual a set of actions performed as part of a ceremony
rotation the spinning motion of Earth around its axis
rule of 72 a method of calculating how long it will take to double the value of an investment; the number 72 is divided by the investment’s annual rate of return to determine its doubling time
runoff water from rainfall that is not absorbed into the soil and instead flows into streams or lakes
rural found in or living in areas that are not close to cities
rural decline worsening economic conditions in the countryside, including rising unemployment and growing poverty. Rural decline drives migration to cities.
rural fringe the small towns, farms, and open spaces that lie just beyond a city’s suburbs
sacrifice a gift of an animal for slaughter to honor the gods
Saffir-Simpson scale a classification system used to measure and rate a hurricane's strength
sanitation the systems that keep an area free of filth and germs that can cause disease
saving setting aside a portion of income for use in the future
securities investments, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, that give their holders the right to receive some sort of return, or profit
sediment bits of soil left in a place by moving water
semiarid dry, with little rainfall; also a climate or climate zone with hot, dry summers and cool, dry winters
semidivine half-human and half-god
sewage solid and liquid waste from homes and other buildings that is carried away by sewers or drains
shareholder an investor who buys shares of a company’s stock
shield the large core of very old rock that lies at the base of each continent
slash-and-burn agriculture a farming technique in which vegetation is cut away and burned to clear land for growing crops
slash-and-burn method a way of clearing land for farming that involves cutting down and burning trees and other plants
Slavery the treatment of people as property. People who are denied freedom in this way are said to be enslaved.
slum an overcrowded, dirty area of a city where the housing is usually in very poor condition
smog a haze in the air caused by pollution, especially the exhaust from cars and other vehicles
snow line the lowest elevation on mountains where snow remains year-round
social pyramid a social structure in the shape of a pyramid, with layers representing social classes of different rank
solar energy energy from the sun that can be converted into heat or electricity
solar year the time it takes Earth to travel once around the sun
spatial relating to the space or position of things
spatial inequality the unequal distribution of wealth or resources in a geographic area, so that some places are richer than others
standard of living the overall level of comfort and well-being of a group or a country. People in developed countries generally have a higher standard of living than people in developing countries.
starving to suffer or die from lack of food
steles a vertical stone slab or pillar with carvings or inscriptions
stock an investment that represents ownership in a business
stockbroker a person who buys and sells stocks and bonds for investors
stock market the market in which stocks and bonds are bought and sold
storm surge a wall of water that is pushed ashore by a storm
strait a narrow passage of water connecting two large bodies of water
subarctic a climate or climate zone with cold, snowy winters and cool, rainy summers
subsistence farming farming carried out mainly to provide food for farm families, with little surplus for sale to others
suburb a developed area at the edge of a city that is mainly homes. Many suburbs also have stores and businesses.
suspension bridges a bridge held up by cables anchored at each end
sustain to support or provide nourishment for
sustainable development using resources in ways that meet the needs of people today without hurting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This means finding ways to use resources without using them up.
techniques a specialized method used to achieve a desired result
technology the creation and use of tools to meet practical needs; also refers to the tools themselves
temperate moderate or mild, without extremes of hot or cold
temperate grassland vegetation or a vegetation zone of mainly grasses and scattered trees adapted to a tropical wet and dry climate
temperate grasslands vegetation or a vegetation zone of mainly grasses and scattered trees adapted to a tropical wet and dry climate
temperate zone the area between Earth’s tropical zones and polar zones, where the climate is relatively mild
temporary for a limited, often short-term, period of time
tenement a rundown apartment building
Tenochtitlán the capital city of the Aztec Empire
terracing the creation of flat areas on mountain slopes for the purpose of farming
thematic map a map that shows a particular theme, or topic
topographic map a map that uses contour lines and symbols to show a region’s physical and human features. These features may include hills, valleys, rivers, lakes, roads, trails, and buildings.
tornado a violent, spinning windstorm that appears as a funnel-shaped cloud
tourism travel for pleasure rather than business or necessity; also, the business of organizing such travel
toxic chemical a chemical that is poisonous to humans or other living things
toxic waste waste materials from industry that are poisonous to humans or other living things
tradition an inherited or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior
traditional culture customs and ways of life handed down from ancestors
traveler’s checks checks that can be used like cash by travelers to pay for goods and services
tree line the highest elevation where trees grow on a mountain
trephination a type of surgery in which a hole is made in the skull
tropical cyclone a severe storm with high winds that spiral around a calm center. Depending on where they form, tropical cyclones are called <em>hurricanes</em>, <em>typhoons</em>, or <em>cyclones</em>.
tropical depression a storm near the equator with winds moving in a circle at speeds of up to 38 miles per hour
tropical disturbance a cluster of thunderstorms near the equator that moves with the prevailing winds
tropical grasslands vegetation or a vegetation zone of mainly grasses and scattered trees adapted to a tropical wet and dry climate
tropical rainforest a broadleaf evergreen forest found in wet and hot regions near the equator
tropical rainforests a broadleaf evergreen forest found in wet and hot regions near the equator
tropical storm a storm near the equator with winds moving in a circle at speeds of 39 to 73 miles per hour
tropical wet a climate or climate zone that is hot and rainy all year
tropical wet and dry a climate or climate zone that is hot all year with rainy and dry seasons
tropical zone the area between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer and between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, where the climate is generally hot
Tropic of Cancer the northernmost line of latitude where the sun’s rays ever beat straight down. This line marks the northern limit of the tropical zone.
Tropic of Capricorn the southernmost line of latitude where the sun’s rays ever beat straight down. This line marks the southern limit of the tropical zone.
tundra a vast, treeless plain in the arctic regions with very cold winters, cold summers, and little rain or snow
unemployment joblessness
urban found or living in a city
urban core the older part of a big city. Often the urban core serves as the downtown or central business district of a city.
urban fringe the ring of small towns and suburbs that surround a big city
urban growth boundaries a legal border that separates an area where development is permitted from an area where development is forbidden
urbanization the movement of people from rural to urban areas, resulting in the growth of urban areas
urban sprawl the rapid, often poorly planned spread of development from an urban area outward into rural areas
vegetation all the plants and trees in an area
vegetation zone a large area of Earth with a certain mix of plants and trees that are adapted to similar conditions
vertical trade the trading of crops between lowland and highland areas
vital necessary for the existence of something
vocabulary a collection of words that make up a language
Volcanic islands an island formed when an underwater volcano builds up enough lava and ash to rise above sea level
volcano a break in Earth’s crust where magma and other material erupts from Earth’s interior
volcanoes a break in Earth’s crust where magma and other material erupts from Earth’s interior
ward a political unit within a city, often a neighborhood
watershed a geographic area that includes all of the land and waterways that drain into a body of water. Sometimes a watershed is also called a drainage basin.
wetland an area where the soil is usually wet or covered with water
yield the income return on an investment, such as interest paid on a bond or dividends paid on a stock