chapter 1: introduction to geography; physical geography Flashcards
What are the four main spheres of physical geography? (4m)
Atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere
Define atmosphere. (2m)
The layer of gases and tiny particles that surrounds the earth
List three gases that make up the atmosphere. (3m)
- Nitrogen
- Oxygen
- Carbon dioxide
How many layers is the atmosphere divided into? (1m)
Five layers
Name the five layers of the atmosphere. (5m)
- Troposphere (0-10km)
- Stratosphere (10-50km)
- Mesosphere (50-80km)
- Thermosphere (80-700km)
- Exosphere (>700-190000km)
What is the condition of the atmosphere at a given time and place called? (1m)
Weather
What does weather include? (4m)
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Rainfall
- Wind
Define hydrosphere. (2m)
All water found on the earth and in the atmosphere
What states of water does the hydrosphere include? (3m)
- Solid state
- Liquid state
- Gaseous state
What is the hydrological cycle? (2m)
The continuous movement of water between the earth’s surface, atmosphere, and underground
Define lithosphere. (2m)
The solid layer of rock that forms the earth’s surface
How thick can the lithosphere be? (2m)
Up to several hundreds of kilometres
What landforms are created by movements within the lithosphere? (2m)
- Mountains
- Valleys
What was the supercontinent known as millions of years ago? (2m)
Pangaea
What caused Pangaea to break up? (2m)
Movements within the lithosphere
Define biosphere. (2m)
All living things on the earth, including plant and animal life
What does the biosphere depend on? (1m)
The physical environment
What are the three environments that the biosphere consists of? (3m)
- Terrestrial (land environment)
- Aquatic (freshwater, e.g. rivers, lakes)
- Marine (saltwater, e.g. sea, ocean)
Fill in the blank: The layer of gases surrounding the Earth is called the ____. (1m)
Atmosphere
True or False: The hydrosphere only includes water in its liquid state. (1m)
False
