Geographic terms help us describe landforms and bodies of water.

Here is a list of the geographic terms that we will learn Here is a list of the geographic terms that we will learn! How many do you know? ocean sea gulf lake river source mouth tributary mountain range plains cape peninsula island valley delta

Sea-A sea is a body of salt water smaller than an ocean. The Dead Sea is a sea that is located in Asia in a region called the Middle East. It is a sea because it is smaller than an ocean, but is salt water. In fact, it is the saltiest body of water in the world. 8 times saltier than the ocean.

Gulf-A gulf is when a sea or an ocean cuts into land. We have a gulf in North America, do you know where it is? A bay is like a gulf, but usually is smaller. Has anyone heard of a bay in America?

Lake-A lake is a body of fresh water surrounded by land. This is a picture of a lake in Seattle, Washington called Lake Union.

Rivers Every river has a source and a mouth. The river source is where the river starts. Rivers often start at the tops of mountains. Do you have an idea why?

River Mouth and Delta The river mouth is where the river empties out into a larger body of water, usually at a lower elevation. A delta is the land surrounding a river mouth.

Tributary-A tributary is a smaller stream that feeds into a river.

Mountain Range-A row of connected mountains. The Rocky Mountain range spans many states in the Western U.S.

Plains-plains are land that is mostly flat Here is a picture of plains in the state of Nebraska.

Peninsula-A peninsula is land that is surrounded by water on 3 sides Does anyone recognize this peninsula?

Cape-A cape is similar to a peninsula, but usually thinner.

Island-An island is completely surrounded by water. In movies, pirates often bury their treasure here.

Valley-a valley is an area between hills or mountains.

The End Now team up with a partner for another Geography Challenge on p. 4 of your ISN. The map can be confusing, so use p. 16 in your textbook if you get stuck.