Social studies dictionary
- 1. Savannah Sinclair 9/18/09 Mrs.Blanc Period 1 Waterways Ocean- a vast body of salt water that covers almost three fourths of the earth's surface. Gulf-a portion of an ocean or sea partly enclosed by land. Coral Reef- a reef composed mainly of coral and other organic matter of which parts have solidified into limestone. River- a natural stream of water of fairly large size flowing in a definite course or channel of diverging Lake- a body of fresh or salt water of considerable size, surrounded by land. Strait-a narrow passage of water connecting two large bodies of water. Bay- a body of water forming an indentation of the shoreline, larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf. Sea- the salt waters that cover the greater part of the earth's surface. Harbor- a part of a body of water along the shore deep enough for anchoring a ship and so situated with respect to coastal features, whether natural or artificial, as to provide protection from winds, waves, and currents and has docks. Tributaries-a stream that flows to a larger stream or other body of water. Landforms Archipelago- a large group or chain of islands Peninsula- an area of land almost completely surrounded by water except for an isthmus connecting it with the mainland.
- 2. Isthmus- a narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land. Delta - a n early flat plain of alluvial deposit between diverging branches of the mouth of a river Island- a tract of land completely surrounded by water, and not large enough to be called a continent. Wetland- land that has a wet and spongy soil, as a marsh, swamp, or bog. Sinkhole- a hole formed in soluble rock by the action of water, serving to conduct surface water to an underground passage. Forest- a large tract of land covered with trees and underbrush; woodland. Plain- an area of land not significantly higher than adjacent areas and with relatively minor differences in elevation Dune- a sand hill or sand ridge formed by the wind, usually in desert regions or near lakes and oceans. Hill- natural elevation of the earth's surface, smaller than a mountain. Volcano- a vent in the earth's crust through which lava, steam, ashes, etc., are expelled, either continuously or at irregular intervals. Canyon- a deep valley with steep sides, often with a stream flowing through it. Coast- a hill or slope down which one may slide on a sled. Valley- an elongated depression between uplands, hills, or mountains. One following the course of a stream.
- 3. Mountain- a natural elevation of the earth's surface rising more or less abruptly to a summit, and attaining an altitude greater than that of a hill. Glacier- an extended mass of ice formed from snow falling and accumulating over the years and moving very slowly, either descending from high mountains, as in valley glaciers, or moving outward from centers of accumulation, as in continental glaciers. Oasis- a small fertile or green area in a desert region, usually having a spring or well. Desert- any area in which few forms of life can exist because of lack of water, permanent frost, or absence of soil. Plateau- a land area having a relatively level surface considerably raised above adjoining land on at least one side, and often cut by deep canyons.