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36 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Geography
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The science that studies the relationships of natural systems and cultural activities of humans over space on Earth
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What is the difference between physical and human geography?
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Physical = studies geographic systems and energies
Human = societies and areas |
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Why is geography in a perfect position to study environmental problems as compared to other disciplines?
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It is connected to all other factors of the geosystem
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Why is geography a science?
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because it follows the scientific method
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Difference between geography and geology?
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Geography = uses skills in spatial analysis and critical thinking
Geology = a body of knowledge |
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In terms of physical matter, earth is a ____ system
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closed
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In terms of energy, earth is a ____ system
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open
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Different systems in the geosystem
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Atmosphere = gases surrounding earth
lithosphere = the earth's surface hydrosphere = earth's water biosphere = portion of earth where life exists |
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Draw earth, indicate important characteristics
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geoidal shaped
slightly squashed at the poles because of spinning |
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a system is :
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an ordered, interrelated set of things and their attributes, linked by flows of energy and matter, distinct from the surrounding and it always seeks to be in equilibrium
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What is a map projection?
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a 2d represenation of the surface of the earth
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Equilibrium: system remains balanced over time
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Steady-state: values fluctuate around a steady average
Dynamic: values of the average may themselves change Metastable: results from an abrupt change from one state to another |
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Geography is
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- a method, not a body of knowledge
- Holistic and eclectic - integrates many sciences |
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physical geography is
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the spatial analysis of all the physical elements and processes that make up the environment
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systems theory
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Ordered, interrelated set of things and their attributes, linked by flows of energy and matter, distinct from the surrounding
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longitude is measured by time
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the Earth rotates ¼ degree (15 minutes of longitude) in 1 minute of time
If you know what time it is in a place of known longitude, and you know what time it is where you are, you can know your longitude This requires very accurate clocks |
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find the equator
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Count number of lines of latitudes from equator to the pole (N/S)
Divide 90° by the number of lines of latitudes. This is the latitude per line (parallel) |
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find prime meridian
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Count number of lines of longitude that that divides the pole
Divide 360° by the number of lines of longitudes. This is the longitude per line (meridian) |
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formula for standard time
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D (time difference) = Z (home) – Z (away)
time difference: the number that you add to change the time |
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projection
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process of transferring spherical earth to flat map
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map
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A map is a graphic representation of all or part of the earth’s surface, drawn to scale on a 2-dimensional surface
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map scale
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Map scale is the relationship or ratio of ground distance (real world) to map distance (paper)
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converting to angular measurements
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DMS to DD (divide minutes by 60)
43o40’ 79o24’ DD to DMS (multiply decimals by 60) 15.50o 89.25o |
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Active remote sensing
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The instrument sends out its own energy, which is reflected back to it
Most common: RaDAR, LiDAR |
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passive remote sensing
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The instrument receives reflected solar energy or emitted energy
Most common: visible light, near and middle infrared energy, thermal energy |
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
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GIS systems combine spatial (where it is) and attribute (what it is) data
Databases can contain multiple data layers: Physical features Cultural features Layers can be added to create composite overlays Different maps can be made by choosing how to combine data layers. |
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conversion of units
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Any quantity can be measured in several different units
Important to convert from one unit to another When converting between units, write down the units explicitly in the calculations and treat them like any algebraic quantity Remember: multiplying or dividing by a factor of 1 does not alter the equation In any conversion, if the units do not combine algebraically to give the desired result, the conversion has not been carried out properly Only quantities with the same units can be added or subtracted |
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unit conversion
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Number in old units x conversion factors = new number in new units
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the ultimate purpose of science is to
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predict
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open or closed systems
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does input flow into the system or is the system shut off from the environment?
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positive feedback
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- enhances the original change (differs)
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negative feedback
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- diminishes original change
- preserves starting state |
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Equator
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0 degrees north-south
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tropic of capricorn
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23.5 degrees south
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international date line
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on other side of prime meridian
0 degrees east-west |
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rotation of the earth
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counter clockwise
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