Ch. 1 - The Essentials of Geography Flashcards
What are the earth’s four spheres?
Atmosphere (gas surrounding earth)
Lithosphere (rocks, landforms)
Hydrosphere (water)
Biosphere (life, soil, fauna)
What is the definition of “Geography?”
The Science that studies the relationships among natural systems, geographic areas, society, cultural activities, and the interdependence of all of these over spaces
What is a “map scale”?
A map scale is used for determining size and distance on the earth’s surface
The angular distance north or south of the equator
Spans from 90 degrees N, to 90 degrees S
Latitude
Angular distance east or west of the prime meridian
Longitude
How far is one degree of latitude at the poles (90 degrees)?
111.70km
How far is one degree of latitude at the equator?
110.58km
How far is one degree of longitude from the equator?
111.32km
The earth bulges slightly outwards around the equator (the earth is not in fact a perfect sphere). This is known as a __________
Geoidal Bulge
What is the tallest mountain on earth, if measured from the centre of the earth?
Mt. Chimborazo
What are the three main Earth Systems Concepts?
Systems Theory
System feedback
System equilibrium
What are the four principles that constitute a “system”?
- Components are linked together
- Systems always have boundaries
- Systems have no randomness (Their outcome is known)
- Operates within acceptable limits
What are the three features or stages of an “Open System”?
Input
Actions
Output
(ex: Everything that comes along with using an automobile)
What is a “Closed System”?
A system that is shut off from the surrounding environment so that it is self-contained
an example may be a Thermos
If the feedback information discourages change in the system it is known as:
Negative Feedback
If the feedback information encourages change in the system it is known as:
Positive Feedback
What does Dynamic Equilibrium mean?
Increasing or decreasing operations in a system demonstrate a trend over time, a change in average conditions
System can jump to/fluctuate to a new stable average. There may be a “threshold” or “tipping point”
What is “Steady-state” Equilibrium?
The condition that occurs in a system when the rates of input and output are equal and the amounts of energy and stored matter are nearly constant around a stable average
System fluctuates around a stable average and maintains the same operation level
What does UTM stand for?
Universal Transverse Mercator
Lines running North/South are called…?
Lines running East/West?
Northings
Eastings
Refers to the technique of obtaining information from a distance
Remote Sensing
ex: Monitoring weather systems, Seismic activity
a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data
Geographic Information System (GIS)
For example, using GIS, a single map could include sites that produce pollution, such as factories, and sites that are sensitive to pollution, such as wetlands and rivers. Such a map would help people determine where water supplies are most at risk. GIS applications include both hardware and software systems.
