GEO 105 Midterm Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

The Great Systems

A

Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere, Geosphere

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Open Systems

A

Receive inputs from outside their boundaries. Ex. Earth receives Sun’s energy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Closed Systems

A

Does not receive input outside the system

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Feedback

A

Change based on input/output in a system

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Feedback Loop

A

Changes input/output based on the stock.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

System (Geographical)

A

Interconnected set of elements that achieves something.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Elements in a System

A

The specialized/central functions in a system.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Stock

A

Foundation of all systems. Elements you can see/measure.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Dynamic Equilibrium

A

Levels in a system remain unchanged.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Balance in a System

A

Homeostasis, attempts to stay similar/status quo.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Positive Feedback Loop

A

Runaway feedback, builds on original change.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Negative Feedback Loop

A

Tends to balance the system. One aspect lessens, another increases.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Map Projections

A

Various types: Mercator, Conical, none are completely accurate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Conical Projection

A

In a cone projection, good for mid-latitudes..

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Mercator Projection

A

Good for navigation/coordination, Poles warped.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Cartesian Coordinate System

A

2D map with X/Y axis. X-independent Y-dependent.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Science

A

Advances/Changes to fit human need. 1. It’s understandable. 2. It’s ideas are subject to change. 3. Not all questions can be answered. 4. Scientific Knowledge builds on former knowledge.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Inductive Reasoning

A

Moves from specific instances into a generalized conclusion, not always true.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Deductive Reasoning

A

Moves from generalized principles that are thought to be true into a true and specific conclusion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Global Coordinate System

A

Grid of lines running N-S and E-S across the globe for geographic purposes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Parallels/Small Circles

A

East to West lines across the globe for latitude, all smaller than the Equator.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Latitude

A

Distance North or South of the Equator.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Meridians

A

Measure Longitude North to South from the poles.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Prime Meridian

A

The origin at 0 degrees in Greenwich, England for all meridians for longitude.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

High/Middle/Low Latitudes

A

High- 90-66.5 degrees. Middle- 66.5-23.5 degrees. Low- 23.5-Equator.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Tropic of Cancer

A

23.5 parallel in the Northern hemisphere.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Tropic of Capricorn

A

23.5 parallel in the Southern hemisphere.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Scale

A

The relationship between distance on the map/distance on the Earth’s surface.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Small-Scale Maps

A

Cover large areas. 100 units.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Large-Scale Maps

A

Cover small areas. 10,000 units

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Representative Fraction

A

1 unit is equally to X units on the Earth’s surface. Ex. 1:50,000 means 1 unit is equally to 50,000 on Earth.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

A

Computer mapping programs that utilize information to make accurate maps.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Resolution

A

Level of detail on a map.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Thematic Maps

A

Data is put in named categories in dots/shadings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Choropleth Maps

A

Data measured on a scale relative to each other.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Isopleth Map

A

show the pattern/trend of numerical values in isolines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Topographic Contour Maps

A

Small scale maps by the USGS.

38
Q

Energy

A

Ability to do work

39
Q

Work

A

Application of force over distance.

40
Q

Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)

A

All radiant energy, moves in waves across a spectrum. Small- Gamma, X-ray, Ultraviolet. Visible light. Long- Infrared, microwaves, radio waves.

41
Q

Greenhouse Effect

A

Greenhouse gas lets in solar radiation but holds back outgoing long-wave radiation.

42
Q

Geocentric/Heliocentric

A

Geocentric- Earth center of universe. Heliocentric- Sun center of universe.

43
Q

Perihelion/Aphelion

A

A- Earth’s farthest point from the sun (July 5). P- Earth’s closest point to the sun (Jan 3).

44
Q

Plane of the Ecliptic

A

Common plane of orbit for the solar system.

45
Q

Sun Angle

A

Degree of angle directly affects insolation. Equator- more direct insolation than poles. Explains seasonal changes based on axis tilt.

46
Q

Open Energy System

A

Earth is an open system because the Sun’s energy enters the system.

47
Q

Conservation of Energy Principle

A

No absolute loss/gain of energy within systems, cannot be created/destroyed.

48
Q

Seasons

A

Elliptical orbit and axis tilt in revolution. Rotation- Earth’s daily spin.

49
Q

Temperature

A

Indicator of a substance’s heat content.

50
Q

Heat

A

the actual energy content of the substance. No heat at all is equal to Absolute Zero.

51
Q

Heat Capacity

A

Amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature one unit.

52
Q

Temperature Scales

A

Fahrenheit- 32F freezing. Celsius- 0F freezing. Kelvin- based off of absolute zero.

53
Q

Heat Reservoirs

A
  1. Earth’s interior. Core is 6000C hot, but not a good conductor of heat. Largest reservoir. 2. Oceans, get energy from ocean floor/sun. 3. Atmosphere, smallest one that gets from direct insolation absorption.
54
Q

Composition of Air

A

Nitrogen- 78%. Oxygen- 21%, all other gas- less than 1%

55
Q

Exchange Time

A

Time it takes to completely extract/renew the atmospheric reservoir/pool of gas.

56
Q

Absorption

A

EMR waves taken up by a substance and transformed into heat energy. Like water becoming gas.

57
Q

Reflection

A

EMR bouncing off a substance like water particles and reflected into the atmosphere.

58
Q

Scattering

A

EMR reflected in a variety of directions.

59
Q

Albedo

A

% of incoming solar radiation reflected by a surface.

60
Q

Beam Radiation

A

Direct insolation

61
Q

Diffuse Radiation

A

Indirect insolation

62
Q

Net Solar Radiation

A

NS= Si-So.

63
Q

Latent Heat

A

Energy stored in water as a result of phase changes. Evaporation as an example.

64
Q

Sensible Heat

A

Energy conducted into the air when air molecules come in contract with warm ground and take on heat. Heat you can feel.

65
Q

Transmission

A

Radiation goes through a substance and maintains its energy. Ex. Window.

66
Q

Cloud Cover

A

Impacts amount of insolation reflected.

67
Q

Earth’s Energy Balance

A

Process by which the Earth has an energy budget and uses transmission, reflection, and absorption to maintain it.

68
Q

Bowen Ratio

A

Ratio between energy given up as sensible heat and the amount by latent heat. Measures thermal performance.

69
Q

Isotherms

A

lines marking temperature across the globe.

70
Q

Marine vs Continental Climates

A

Marine- less extreme temperatures, more consistent. Due to waters slow heat transmission/heating. Continental- greater highs/lows in temperature, less moderation.

71
Q

Elevation/Climate

A

Higher elevation means less pressure and lower temperatures.

72
Q

Atmospheric Pressure

A

force exerted on a sq/meter of Earth’s surface by the total mass of particles in the atmosphere.

73
Q

Anticyclones/Cyclones

A

High and low pressure cells. Anti= force out air. Cyclone= draw in air.

74
Q

Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

A

The tropical latitudinal zone from 23.5 degrees south and 23.5 north. Low pressure band.

75
Q

Surface Currents

A

Created by wind and makes gyres of wind waves.

76
Q

Thermohaline Circulation

A

Created by temperature and density differences. Cold and salt-dense water sinks, warm less dense water rises.

77
Q

The Climate Engines

A

Tropical, Intertropical Convergence Zone, Midlatitude, and Maritime.

78
Q

Koppen-Geiger System

A

Map of climates of the world based on temperature/moisture. A-E.

79
Q

Human Adaptation to Climate

A

Igloos and Abode houses/clothing keep humans alive in extreme temperatures. Technology disconnects at times

80
Q

Reasons for Climate Change

A
  1. Increased C02 into the atmosphere. 2. Deforestation and soil erosion. 3. Desertification.
81
Q

Earth as an Ecosystem

A

Systems and all things within them are connected. Ecosystems and cycles like Carbon/Phosphorus cycles help maintain balance. Food Chain/Energy Pyramid.

82
Q

Major Biomes

A

Tropical Forest, Tropical Savanna, Temperate Forest, Boreal Forest, Desert, West Coast Forest, Mountain, Tundra.

83
Q

Soil Systems

A

Have inputs/outputs with creation of parent material and erosion/weathering.

84
Q

Soil Texture

A

% of by weight of sand/silt/clay in a soil.

85
Q

Humus

A

decomposed organisms in a soil

86
Q

Soil Types

A

Entisols (most recent), Inceptisols (young soil), Andisols, Aridisol, Mollisol (soft soil), Spodosol (ashy soil), Alfisol (moist/soft), Ultisol, Oxisol, Vertisol, Histosol (organic soil), Gelisol (permafrost)

87
Q

Causes of Soil Erosion

A

Runoff and Wind

88
Q

Eccentricity

A

Change in the Earth’s Orbit

89
Q

Obliquity

A

Variation in the Earth’s axis tilt.

90
Q

Precession

A

Change in the Aphelion/Perihelion.

91
Q

Stokes Law

A

The settling rate of particles by their size.