Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
GLOSSARY
Ablation zone
The part of the glacier where there is a net loss of mass
annually.
Active layer
The layer of the ground above permafrost that is season-
ally frozen and thawed.
Aeolian transport
The movement of a substance by the wind.
Aerosols
Microscopic particles contained within the atmosphere that
interfere with the Earth's incoming energy from the Sun and the out-
going energy being emitted from the Earth's surface. Aerosols can
result in either cooling or warming of the Earth's climate.
Albedo
The proportion of incoming energy from the Sun that is
reflected by a surface. Snow has a high albedo, whereas tarmac has a
low albedo.
Aquifer
Rock that is porous enough to absorb and retain water and
permeable enough to allow groundwater to pass through it freely.
Arête
A narrow mountain ridge between two adjacent cirques.
Atoll
An oceanic feature consisting of a central lagoon surrounded by a
coral reef.
Baseflow
The stable portion of a river's discharge that is fed by
groundwater.
Bases
Substances that have a pH higher than 7 and release hydroxide
ions (OH¯).
Berm
The limit of the swash zone at the back of the beach, which
exhibit a steep slope and a flat top.
Biodiversity
The number and variety of different plant and animal
species within an ecosystem.
Biogeography
The study of spatial patterns and processes associated
with life on Earth.
Biomass
The amount of soil and above-ground vegetation containing
living organisms and plant roots.
