Chapter 1 Flashcards
What is geography?
The science that studies spatial relationships between “things” (natural systems).
What are examples of topics of study within geography?
Countries & capital cities, rivers & oceans, analysis of traffic patterns, importation of economic goods, migration of ethnic groups, cost of gas, earthquake hazards.
What techniques/technologies do geographers use?
Computer models, GPS, maps, field study, interviews, satellite imagery, shovels.
What was geography in pre-historic times?
Hunter-gatherers were aware of their surroundings, the location/character of forests, streams, lakes, berries, animal herds, other civilizations, etc. This type of geographical awareness was essential and passed down by generation. Descriptive- focused on generalized location/character of places and features on the landscape.
What has geography evolved into?
Academic discipline with numerous specialized subfields (geology, meteorology, ecology, etc.). Split into human or physical geography.
What are the 5 themes that subfields of geography are based on?
- location
- movement
- place
- human/environment interaction
- region
What is spatial analysis?
A way to analyze data that includes information about the location of places and their defining characteristics.
In order words
Attempts to explain patterns or distributions of specific variables (environmental or cultural) across a physical space.
What is physical geography?
Involves the spatial analysis of the various physical components of the Earth (air, water, soil, rocks, vegetation).
What are examples of natural processes that are directly related to the flow of solar radiation?
Circulation of the atmosphere, distribution of vegetation, formation of soils, movement of water.
What is systems theory?
A holistic framework that analyzes/describes variables that together produce a definable result.
“Actions or mechanisms that operate on or between parts of a system.”
1. an ordered-interrelated set of things
2. linked by flows of energy & material
3. these systems serve some function
What is a closed system?
It has energy as both an input and output but it does not exchange matter with its surroundings.
ex. Earth - receives solar energy from the sun (input), and releases heat energy, but matter doesn’t leave the system
What is an open system?
It has both energy and matter as inputs and outputs across the boundaries of the system.
- most of Earths subsystems
- ex. river drainage basin (inputs: precipitation, sediment, energy, outputs: water flow, evaporation, heat energy)
What is Negative Feedback?
It is the feedback that reduces fluctuations in the system, reserving the output by promoting self-regulation and establishing equilibrium. Systems produce outputs to return to their ideal state.
What is Positive Feedback?
It is the feedback that amplifies or increases change in the same direction. Inputs into a system increase the change.
What are Earth’s 4 Spheres?
- Atmosphere
- Lithosphere
- Hydrosphere
- Biosphere
