GEO 105 Midterm Flashcards
The Great Systems
Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere, Geosphere
Open Systems
Receive inputs from outside their boundaries. Ex. Earth receives Sun’s energy.
Closed Systems
Does not receive input outside the system
Feedback
Change based on input/output in a system
Feedback Loop
Changes input/output based on the stock.
System (Geographical)
Interconnected set of elements that achieves something.
Elements in a System
The specialized/central functions in a system.
Stock
Foundation of all systems. Elements you can see/measure.
Dynamic Equilibrium
Levels in a system remain unchanged.
Balance in a System
Homeostasis, attempts to stay similar/status quo.
Positive Feedback Loop
Runaway feedback, builds on original change.
Negative Feedback Loop
Tends to balance the system. One aspect lessens, another increases.
Map Projections
Various types: Mercator, Conical, none are completely accurate.
Conical Projection
In a cone projection, good for mid-latitudes..
Mercator Projection
Good for navigation/coordination, Poles warped.
Cartesian Coordinate System
2D map with X/Y axis. X-independent Y-dependent.
Science
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.
Inductive Reasoning
Moves from specific instances into a generalized conclusion, not always true.
Deductive Reasoning
Moves from generalized principles that are thought to be true into a true and specific conclusion.
Global Coordinate System
Grid of lines running N-S and E-S across the globe for geographic purposes.
Parallels/Small Circles
East to West lines across the globe for latitude, all smaller than the Equator.
Latitude
Distance North or South of the Equator.
Meridians
Measure Longitude North to South from the poles.
Prime Meridian
The origin at 0 degrees in Greenwich, England for all meridians for longitude.
High/Middle/Low Latitudes
High- 90-66.5 degrees. Middle- 66.5-23.5 degrees. Low- 23.5-Equator.
Tropic of Cancer
23.5 parallel in the Northern hemisphere.
Tropic of Capricorn
23.5 parallel in the Southern hemisphere.
Scale
The relationship between distance on the map/distance on the Earth’s surface.
Small-Scale Maps
Cover large areas. 100 units.
Large-Scale Maps
Cover small areas. 10,000 units
Representative Fraction
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.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Computer mapping programs that utilize information to make accurate maps.
Resolution
Level of detail on a map.
Thematic Maps
Data is put in named categories in dots/shadings.
Choropleth Maps
Data measured on a scale relative to each other.
Isopleth Map
show the pattern/trend of numerical values in isolines.