Vocabulary Unit 2 Soc.Sci.

1. Hemisphere: One half of the Earth, divided either horizontally (Northern and Southern Hemispheres) or vertically (Eastern and Western Hemispheres).

2. Equator: An imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.

3. Latitude: The distance in degrees north or south of the Equator, used to measure locations on Earth.

4. Longitude: The distance in degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian, used to measure locations on Earth.

5. Prime Meridian: An imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Eastern Hemisphere and the Western Hemisphere.

6. Compass Rose: A figure on a map that shows the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west) and sometimes intermediate directions (northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest).

7. Scale: A small ruler-like tool on a map that helps determine distances between places.

8. Legend: A list of symbols or colors used on a map to represent different features or elements.

9. Cartographer: A person who makes maps.

10. Elevation: The height of a location above or below sea level.

11. Topography: The physical features and characteristics of an area, including its elevation, landforms, and terrain.

12. Continent: One of the large landmasses on Earth, including  EUROPE, AFRICA, ASIA, AMERICA, OCEANIA AND ANTARCTICA

13. Island: A piece of land surrounded by water.

14. Peninsula: A piece of land that is almost entirely surrounded by water but connected to the mainland by an isthmus.

15. Archipelago: A group or chain of islands clustered together.

Vocabulary Text:

Representation of the Earth

Vocabulary Words Included: Hemisphere, Equator, Latitude, Longitude, Prime Meridian, Compass Rose, Scale, Legend, Cartographer, Elevation, Topography, Continent, Island, Peninsula, Archipelago

The Earth is a fascinating planet with diverse landforms and bodies of water. To accurately represent the Earth's features, cartographers use various tools and techniques. Let's explore some key concepts related to the representation of the Earth.

One important reference line on maps is the Equator. The Equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into two equal halves, known as hemispheres. The Northern Hemisphere lies above the Equator, while the Southern Hemisphere lies below it.

Latitude and longitude are coordinates used to locate specific points on the Earth's surface. Latitude lines run parallel to the Equator and measure distances north or south. On the other hand, longitude lines run from the North Pole to the South Pole and measure distances east or west. The Prime Meridian, located in Greenwich, London, is the starting point for measuring longitude.

A compass rose is a symbol on a map that shows cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. It helps us determine the orientation of a map and find our way.

Scale and legend are essential elements on a map. The scale indicates the ratio between distances on the map and actual distances on the Earth. The legend, often represented by symbols, explains what different markings on the map represent.

Cartographers, the people who create maps, play a crucial role in representing the Earth accurately. They study and analyze various data sources to create detailed and informative maps for different purposes.

When looking at a map, we can observe the elevation and topography of different areas. Elevation refers to the height of a landform above sea level, while topography refers to the physical features and contours of the land.

The Earth is divided into continents, which are large landmasses surrounded by water. Each continent has its own unique features and characteristics. An island is a smaller landmass completely surrounded by water, while a peninsula is a land area surrounded by water on three sides. An archipelago is a group of islands clustered together.

Understanding the representation of the Earth is crucial for interpreting maps and gaining knowledge about our planet's diverse geography. By learning about these concepts and vocabulary words, we can explore and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the Earth's features.