Geography Glossary - M
macroscale
Looking at or investigating a feature globally. See mesoscale and microscale
magma
Molten rock that lies beneath the surface of the earth; once exposed, magma becomes lava
map
A graphic representation of the earth's surface
map projection
A mathematical formula which assists in representing the curved surface of the earth onto the flat surface of a map
map scale
The relationship between distance on a map and the distance on the earth's surface
maquiladoras
Manufacturing plants in Mexico that producing parts for assembly in the United States; also maquilladores
mass wasting
The (rapid and spontaneous) downward movement of rock material caused by gravity but often helped by water
meanders
The winding bends and curves of a river
megalopolis
Several adjacent metropolitan areas with form a huge urban area. Conurbation
mental map
A map which represents the perceptions and knowledge a person has of an area
meridian
A line of longitude
mesa
A large flat-topped but steep-sided landform; they shrink to become buttes
mesoscale
Looking at or investigating a feature regionally. See macroscale and microscale
mesoscale
Looking at or investigating a feature locally, such as within a town or a city block. See mesoscale and macroscale
meteorology
The scientific study of the atmosphere
microclimate
The climate of a very small area
micropolitan
A county with a central city with a population of more than 15,000 and a total county population of more than 40,000 but the county is not part of a metropolitan area
microstate
A tiny country.
monsoon
A wind system in Southeast Asia which changes direction seasonally, creating wet and dry seasons
moraine
A ridge of unsorted and unconsolidated glacial deposits
morphology
The shape of a state or nation