The creation, production, and study of maps. Cartography is a subdiscipline of geography and involves not only science but also mathematics, technology, and even art.
The change in the observed frequency of a wave when the source of the wave is moving with respect to the observer.
A region of space in which it is possible to define the physical properties of each point in the region at any given moment in time.
An area of geophysics devoted to the measurement of Earth's shape and gravitational field.
A social science concerned with the description of physical, biological, and cultural aspects of Earth's surface and with the distribution and interaction of these features. Compare with geology.
A surface of uniform gravitational potential covering the entire earth at a height equal to sea level.
A map showing the rocks beneath Earth's surface, including their distribution according to type as well as their ages, relationships, and structural features.
The study of the solid earth, in particular, its rocks, minerals, fossils, and land formations.
A branch of the earth sciences that combines aspects of geology and physics. Geophysics addresses the planet's physical processes as well as its gravitational, magnetic, and electric properties and the means by which energy is transmitted through its interior.
A term referring to the magnetic properties of Earth as a whole, rather than those possessed by a single object or place on Earth.
A method of representing relief (elevation) on a map by shading in short lines in the direction of the slopes.
An area surrounding Earth, reaching far beyond the atmosphere, in which ionized particles (i.e., ones that have lost or gained electrons so as to acquire a net electric charge) are affected by Earth's magnetic field.
An area of historical geology devoted to studying the direction and intensity of magnetic fields in the past, as discerned from the residual magnetization of rocks.
The study of fossilized plants and animals, or flora and fauna.
The use of aerial photographic data to make determinations regarding the geologic characteristics of an area.
A subdiscipline of geography concerned with the exterior physical features and changes of Earth.
Position in a field, such as a gravitational force field.
The bending of light as it passes at an angle from one transparent material into a second transparent material.
The gathering of data without actual contact with the materials or objects being studied.
The study of rock layers, or strata, beneath Earth's surface.
An area of applied mathematics devoted to measuring and mapping areas of land.
A technique in surveying whereby the third side of a triangle can be determined from measurements of the other two sides and angles.
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