Physical geography

Physical geography

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Physical geography

Circum-pacific belt

Geography; Physical geography

A zone circling the edge of the Pacific Ocean basin where tectonic subduction causes the formation of volcanoes and trenches. Also called the ring of fire.

Climatology

Geography; Physical geography

Scientific study of the Earth's climate over long time spans (greater than several days). May also involve the investigation of climate's influence on the biotic and the abiotic environment.

Climatic optimum

Geography; Physical geography

Warmest period during the Holocene epoch. This period is dated from about 5,000 to 3,000 BC. During this time average global temperatures were 1 to 2° Celsius warmer than they are today.

Clastic sedimentary rock

Geography; Physical geography

Sedimentary rocks that are formed by the lithification of weathered rock debris that has been physically transported and deposited.

Cirrus clouds

Geography; Physical geography

High altitude cloud composed of ice crystals. The appearance of these clouds is white feather like patches, filaments or thin bands. Found in an altitude range from 5,000 to 18,000 meters.

Desert

Geography; Physical geography

(1) Biome that has plants and animals adapted to survive severe drought conditions. In this habitat, evaporation exceeds precipitation and the average amount of precipitation is less than 25 ...