Advanced Vocabulary for TOEFL - Natural Phenomena and Environment

to rain lightly in fine, small drops

to cover a stretch of land with a lot of water

a weather phenomenon with an extensive circulation of winds around a central region of high barometric pressure that is connected with calm and fine weather

a large collection of islands or the sea surrounding them

a suspension of tiny particles or droplets in the air

a severe flood of water

the tiny water drops that form on cool surfaces during the night, caused by condensation

a small amount of rain, snow, etc. that moves in a quick and stormy way and lasts only for a short period of time

a drastic and sudden rush of wind

a long pointed piece of ice formed by the freezing of dripping water from a surface such as a roof

a type of light cloud that looks wispy formed at high altitudes

a type of cloud that is dark, grey, and large, often producing rain or snow

snow, rain, hail, etc. that falls to or condenses on the ground

a period during which the weather becomes warmer causing snow and ice to melt

a risk to human health or to the environment caused by a biological source, especially microorganisms

a sudden, violent natural disaster that drastically alters the earth's landscape

the act or process of making a substance or place dirty or polluted, especially by dangerous substances

liquid waste or sewage discharged into rivers, lakes, or the sea

the point on the surface of the earth vertically above the focus of an earthquake where its effects are felt most strongly

the calm area at the center of a storm, hurricane, or tornado

a small steep waterfall, usually one of several others

a long thick wall built in order to prevent water flooding onto a lower area, especially from the sea

a level path, typically beside the sea or a river, that is wide and open where people may walk by for pleasure

the part of a river that is wide and where it meets the sea

a deep narrow valley, typically with a stream running through it

a narrow piece of land with water on each side that connects two larger areas

a place on a river where boats dock

one of the imaginary lines between the North Pole and the South Pole, drawn on maps to help pinpoint a location

a muddy and wet piece of land in which it is possible to get stuck

an area of land that is flat and higher than the land surrounding it

a flat, wide area of land with no or very few trees in North America

a raised narrow mass of land that sticks out into the sea

an area in the Mediterranean coastal region of southern France and northern Italy that is known for its beauty, stylish resorts, and mild climate

a small rocky hill

a small or slight earthquake

the highest point that a certain celestial body reaches, directly above an observer

relating to or resembling twilight

connected with or produced by the heat inside the earth

related to or caused by an earthquake

relating to the movement and arrangement of the Earth's crust