CH 1 Flashcards
What is geography?
The study of space or place, literally meaning ‘to describe the Earth.’
What are the three main questions geographers ask?
1) WHERE is it located? 2) WHY is it located there? 3) WHO should care?
What do geographers study?
The location/distribution of Earth’s surface features, human activity, and the natural environment.
What relationships do geographers examine?
Relationships among states and nations, culture and conflict, resources and living standards.
Is geography considered a social or physical science?
Geography is both a social and a physical science.
Fill in the blank: Geography literally means _______.
to describe the Earth.
True or False: Geographers only study physical features of the Earth.
False
What can you do as a geographer?
Work at exciting careers related to geography.
What are maps?
Maps are a generalization of the Earth’s surface.
Maps represent geographical information in a simplified manner.
What is scale in mapping?
Scale refers to the relationship between distance on the map and actual distance on the ground.
What is the difference between larger scale and smaller scale maps?
Larger scale maps show more detail for a smaller area, while smaller scale maps show less detail for a larger area.
For example, a 1:10,000 scale is larger than a 1:1,000,000 scale.
What are map projections?
Map projections take us from 3D to 2D.
They involve transforming the Earth’s spherical surface onto a flat plane, which can cause distortion.
What is a Geographic Information System (GIS)?
GIS is a program that allows presentation and analysis of spatial data.
GIS integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, and analyzing geographic information.
What is cartography?
Cartography is both the art and science of making maps.
It encompasses the design, layout, and interpretation of maps.
What key elements do maps require?
Maps require:
* Data
* Layout and design
* Interpreting patterns
These elements help in effectively communicating geographical information.
What are latitude and longitude?
Latitude and longitude are coordinates used to determine the location of points on the Earth’s surface.
Latitude measures north-south position, while longitude measures east-west position.
What is the lie with which every map begins?
Every map begins with a lie about the accuracy of representation.
This refers to the inherent distortions that occur when translating a 3D surface to a 2D plane.
What causes distortion in maps?
Distortion in maps is caused by the projection process of converting the Earth’s 3D surface into a 2D format.
Different projections will distort shape, area, distance, or direction.
What are Geographic Realms?
Large units based on physical and/or human criteria.
Geographic realms are broad geographic areas that encompass various regions defined by unique physical and cultural characteristics.
What is a Transition zone?
An area of gradual change between two different regions or realms.
Transition zones can exhibit characteristics of both adjacent realms, making them complex and dynamic.
What is a Region?
A geographical area with common characteristics. All regions have area, boundaries, and location.
Can all regions be precisely located on a map?
No, not all regions can be precisely located on a map.
Some regions may have fuzzy boundaries or overlapping characteristics that complicate precise mapping.
What is the difference between absolute location and relative location?
Absolute location refers to a specific point on the Earth’s surface, while relative location describes a place in relation to other locations.
Absolute location is often expressed using coordinates, while relative location can use landmarks or distances.
What is a hinterland?
The area surrounding a city or port that is influenced by it economically.
Hinterlands are crucial for understanding trade and economic relationships between urban centers and their surrounding regions.
What does regional geography integrate?
Integrates information from many sources to create an overall image of the world.
This field combines data from physical geography, human geography, and other disciplines to analyze and understand spatial patterns.
What are Tectonic plates?
Large pieces of Earth’s lithosphere that move and interact with each other.
What was Pangaea?
A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras.
What is the difference between climate and weather?
Climate refers to long-term atmospheric conditions, while weather describes short-term variations.
What is global climate change?
Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.
What are the two criteria most often used to classify world climates on the Köppen-Geiger map?
Temperature and precipitation.
Where are humans primarily found?
Humans are found in areas with favorable environmental conditions such as access to water, fertile land, and temperate climates.
These conditions support agriculture and settlements.
What is a cultural landscape?
A cultural landscape is a geographic area that has been shaped by human activity and reflects cultural practices and values.
It often includes elements such as buildings, agricultural fields, and roads.
What is the current population of the world?
Approximately 8 billion people.
This number is constantly changing due to births and deaths.
What is the population of the U.S.?
Approximately 331 million people.
This figure is based on recent estimates.
What is the population of Nebraska?
Approximately 1.9 million people.
Nebraska’s population is smaller compared to other U.S. states.
What are the three major population clusters in the world?
- East Asia
- South Asia
- Europe
These clusters account for a significant portion of the global population.
In what year did the Earth reach a population of 1 billion?
This milestone marked a significant point in human demographic history.
What percent of the world currently lives in urban places?
Approximately 55%.
This percentage is expected to increase as urbanization continues.
What is a megacity?
A megacity is an urban area with a population of over 10 million people.
Examples include Tokyo, New York City, and Mumbai.
What is a nation?
A nation is a group of people who share a common identity, culture, language, or history.
Nations can exist without formal political boundaries.
What is sovereignty?
Sovereignty is the authority of a state to govern itself or another state.
It includes the ability to make laws and control resources.
What is the European state model?
The European state model is a political framework where states are defined by clear territorial boundaries and recognized sovereignty.
It emphasizes the concept of nation-states.
How many major language families are there worldwide?
At least 15 major language families
These families have shared but distant origins.
What is the most widely distributed language family?
Indo-European
Examples include English, French, Spanish, Russian, Persian, and Hindi.
What is a lingua franca?
A common second language used in government, commerce, and higher education.
What has led to the primacy of the English language?
Colonization and globalization.
True or False: Religion has no significant influence on world civilizations and history.
False
There is a strong connection between realms and religion.
What is a state?
A political entity with a defined territory and government.
What is a nation-state?
A state whose territory corresponds to that occupied by a particular nation.
How many countries currently exist in the world?
195 countries.
What is nationalism?
A political ideology that emphasizes the interests of a particular nation.
What is meant by nationality?
The identity of a group of people who share a common culture, language, or heritage.
What do nationalists generally want?
To promote the interests and culture of their nation.
True or False: Modern states are challenged by the European Union and ethnic minorities.
True.
What is development?
Development is a process that leads to improvements in living standards, economic growth, and social progress.
Development is often measured through indicators like GDP, education levels, and health outcomes.
How is development measured?
Development is measured using various indicators such as GDP, GNI, literacy rates, and life expectancy.
These indicators provide insights into economic performance and social welfare.
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
It emphasizes environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity.
What is inclusive development?
Inclusive development is a process that ensures all individuals and communities have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from economic growth.
It focuses on reducing inequalities and promoting social inclusion.
What are the differences between the global core and global periphery?
The global core consists of developed countries with advanced economies, while the global periphery includes developing countries with less economic power.
The core-periphery relationship implies that resources, wealth, and power are unevenly distributed globally.
What is implied by the core-periphery relationship?
The core-periphery relationship implies a dynamic where the core exploits resources from the periphery, leading to economic disparities.
This relationship can influence trade patterns, migration, and development policies.
How has globalization changed the world?
Globalization has made the world more connected and interdependent through trade, technology, and communication.
It facilitates the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures across borders.
How are people and places better connected today than 50 years ago?
People and places are better connected today due to advancements in technology, transportation, and communication, allowing for instant interaction and global trade.
This connectivity has transformed social and economic relationships on a global scale.
Is globalization a good thing?
Globalization has both positive and negative aspects; it can lead to economic growth but may also result in cultural homogenization and inequality.
The overall impact of globalization is debated among scholars and policymakers.
How does globalization affect cultural and commercial differences?
Globalization reduces cultural and commercial differences in consumption patterns, leading to more uniformity in what people eat, wear, watch, and listen to.
This can lead to the loss of local cultures and traditions.
Why has migration increased worldwide?
Migration has increased due to factors like economic opportunities, conflict, climate change, and globalization.
Migration is a sensitive topic due to its social, economic, and political implications.
What does GNI stand for?
GNI stands for Gross National Income.
It measures income earned from all goods and services produced by a country within or outside its borders during the year.
Fill in the blank: GNI measures income earned from all goods and services produced by a country _______ its borders during the year.
within or outside
