Identify Earth Features on Maps - 4th Grade Science

What do the letters N, S, E, and W on a map stand for?

North, South, East, and West. These are the four cardinal directions.
Identify the Earth's feature: a long chain or line of connected mountains.

Mountain range. Multiple peaks formed by the same geological process.
What is a landform defined as a wide, flat lowland area where a river flows into a larger body of water?

Delta. Deltas form from sediment deposited at river mouths.
What is a landform defined as a high area of land with steep sides and a peak?

Mountain. Mountains have high elevation and steep slopes.
What is a landform defined as a low area between hills or mountains, often with a river?

Valley. Valleys form between elevated landforms.
What is a landform defined as a high, flat area of land with steep sides?

Plateau. Plateaus are elevated flatlands with cliff-like edges.
Identify the Earth's feature: a large landmass that contains many countries and regions.

Continent. Earth has seven major continents like Africa and Asia.
Identify the Earth's feature: a body of water surrounded by land on all sides.

Lake. Contains fresh water and is completely enclosed by land.
What is the compass rose used for when reading a map to identify locations and features?

It shows directions such as north, south, east, and west. Essential for orientation and navigation on any map.
What is a landform defined as a body of water partly surrounded by land?

Bay. Land curves around it, creating a sheltered water area.
Identify the type of map that shows mountains, rivers, plains, and other natural features.

Physical map. It uses colors and symbols to show Earth's natural features.
Identify the Earth's feature: a high, raised area of land with a flat top.

Plateau. Elevated flatland formed by geological uplift or erosion.
Identify the Earth's feature: a place where a river begins, often in mountains or high land.

Source (headwaters). Rivers start at their highest point, often from springs or glaciers.
What do widely spaced contour lines on a topographic map indicate about the land?

A gentle slope (more flat land). Lines far apart indicate gradual elevation change.
What is a water feature defined as a large stream of flowing water that moves toward a lake or ocean?

River. Rivers flow downhill due to gravity.
Identify the Earth's feature: a large body of salt water that separates continents.

Ocean. Covers most of Earth's surface and contains salt water.
What do closely spaced contour lines on a topographic map indicate about the land?

A steep slope. Lines close together show rapid elevation change.
Which direction is directly opposite of north on a compass rose?

South. South and north are 180 degrees apart.
Identify the Earth's feature: a large area of land covered mostly by sand and receiving little rain.

Desert. Dry regions with less than 10 inches of rain annually.
Identify the Earth's feature: the place where a river empties into a lake, sea, or ocean.

Mouth. Rivers end by flowing into larger bodies of water.
Identify the Earth's feature: a narrow piece of land connecting two larger land areas.

Isthmus. Acts as a natural bridge between two larger land areas.
What is the map element that shows the four main directions (north, south, east, west)?

Compass rose. It indicates cardinal directions for orientation.
What is a landform defined as a large area of flat or gently rolling land?

Plain. Plains have minimal elevation change and gentle slopes.
What is the map feature that explains what each symbol or color on a map means?

Legend (map key). It decodes symbols and colors used to represent features.
What is a landform defined as land completely surrounded by water?

Island. Water surrounds it on all sides.
What is map scale used for when comparing distances between Earth's features?

It shows how map distance relates to real distance. Allows calculation of actual distances from map measurements.
Identify the Earth's feature: a wide, flat area of land with few trees and low elevation.

Plain. Low-lying flatlands ideal for farming and settlements.
Which map color most often represents water features such as oceans, lakes, and rivers?

Blue. Standard cartographic convention for water features worldwide.
What is the map element that shows the distance relationship between the map and real life?

Scale. It shows how map distances relate to actual distances.
What is a water feature defined as a large body of salt water that covers most of Earth?

Ocean. Oceans contain 97% of Earth's water.
Identify the type of map that shows cities, states, countries, and borders made by people.

Political map. It shows human-made boundaries and settlements.
Identify the Earth's feature: a low area between hills or mountains, often with a river.

Valley. Formed by erosion between elevated landforms over time.
Which direction is directly opposite of east on a compass rose?

West. West and east are 180 degrees apart.
Identify the Earth's feature: a large stream of moving water that flows to a lake or ocean.

River. Flows continuously downhill toward larger bodies of water.
What is a map legend (key) used for when identifying Earth's features on a map?

It explains what map symbols and colors mean. Map symbols need interpretation to understand what features they represent.
What is a water feature defined as a body of water completely surrounded by land?

Lake. Lakes are inland bodies of standing water.
Identify the Earth's feature: a large body of land surrounded by water.

Island. Smaller than a continent but completely surrounded by water.
What is a landform defined as a raised area of land that is lower and rounder than a mountain?

Hill. Hills are elevated but smaller than mountains.
Which direction is opposite of east on a standard map compass rose?

West. On a compass, directions are arranged opposite to each other.
What is a landform defined as a narrow piece of land that connects two larger land areas?

Isthmus. It acts as a land bridge between larger areas.

Study these flashcards