Unit 1 Basic Geography and the Geography of North Carolina

Unit 1 Vocabulary

• Latitude -- imaginary lines that run east to west
• Longitude -- imaginary lines that run north to south
• Legend -- a map key that explains symbols of a map
• Compass -- shows directions on a map
• Prime Meridian -- Longitude Line that measures 0 degrees.
• Equator -- Latitude line that measures 0 degrees.
• Tropic of Cancer -- Tropic line at 23 ½ degrees North
• Tropic of Capricorn -- Tropic line at 23 ½ degrees South
• Geographic Region -- An area of land that has a common set of features.
• Piedmont -- Region of NC characterized by its rolling hills, clay soil, and large cities.
• Coastal Plain -- Region of NC characterized by its flat lands with loam soil. Contains the Outerbanks.
• Mountains Region -- Region of NC characterized by its rocky soil and mountainous terrain.
• Cape -- A large mass of land extending into the water.
• Loam -- Black acidic soil that is good for growing.
• Environment -- The surroundings in which we live.
• Natural Resources -- materials or substances such as minerals, forests, water, and fertile land that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain.
• Outer Banks -- Barrier islands off the eastern coast of NC.
• Fall Line --Narrow zone that makes the distinction in elevation between two areas.
• Primary Source -- An artifact or writing that provides a first hand knowledge of history.