Geography Flashcards
3 layers of Earth?
Crust, Mantle and Core
Describe Crust
Outermost solid part of the earth.
Brittle in nature
Oceanic crust is thinner than continental crust
Continental crust is thicker in Himalayan regions approx 70km thick
Continental crust is Made up of heavier rocks like granite
Oceanic crust is made up of basalt
Describe Mantle
Portion of interior below the crust.
Mohorovicic or Moho discontinuity separates the crust above from the mantle below.
Crust and upper part of mantle is called lithosphere. Its thickness ranges from 10-200km.
The upper portion of mantle is called asthenosphere and is the main source of magma.
Its density is higher than crust.
Mantle is in solid state.
Mantle is made up of silicate minerals rich in iron and magnesium.
Asthenosphere
Upper portion of the mantle
It is plastic or soft layer
Lithosphere
Crust + Cooler brittle upper part of the mantle
Composition of Mantle
Silicate minerals rich in iron and magnesium
Describe core
Outer core is in liquid state while inner core is in solid state.
Composed of NIFE layer
Weichert-Gutenberg discontinuity located at a depth of 2900 km is a core-mantle boundary. There is a sudden change of density here from 5.5g/cm3 of mantle to 10g/cm3
Weichert-Gutenberg discontinuity
Weichert-Gutenberg discontinuity located at a depth of 2900 km is a core-mantle boundary. There is a sudden change of density here from 5.5g/cm3 of mantle to 10g/cm3
Moho’s discontinuity
Between crust and mantle
Lithospheric plates
Because the asthenosphere is soft and plastic, the rigid lithosphere can easily move over it.
The lithospheric shell is divided into large pieces called lithospheric plates. A single plate can be as large as a continent and can move independently of the plates that surround it.
There are 7 major and 20 minor types of lithospheric plates
First order relief features
Continents and oceans
Who gave continental drift theory?
Alfred Wegener
Pangea
All the continents forming single continental mass is called pangea
Panthalassa
Mega-ocean surrounding pangea
Wegener’s continental drift theory?
According to Wegener, all the continents formed a single continental mass called Pangea surrounded by a mega ocean called Panthalassa. Around 20mya in the jurassic period, the super continent, Pangea began to split. pangea first broke into two large continental masses as Laurasia and Gondwanaland forming the northern and southern components respectively which continued to break into various smaller continents that exist today.
He proposed that continents are floating and constantly drifting on the Earth’s surface
His hypotheses later became the basis for plate tectonics
Evidences of existence of Pangaea?
- Jig-Saw-Fit (The Matching of Continents)- The shorelines of Africa and South America facing each other have a remarkable and unmistakable shore line.
- Radiometric dating shows that age of rocks of both the costs of Atlantic are identical. This suggests that the ocean did not exist prior to jurassic age
- Palaeoclimatic evidence- The evidences of carboniferous glaciations in the form Tillite rocks are found in Brazil, Falkland, S.Africa, Madagascar, India and Antarctica shows that these landmasses once had the same climate which was possible only if they were contiguous.
- paleontological evidence- the distribution of Glossopteris flora too matches with the above contiguous areas of Gondwana land
Tillite?
It is the sedimentary rock formed out of deposits of glaciers.
Composition of Earth’s interior?
SIAL, SIMA, and NIFE
SIAL is composed of granite and dominated by Silical and Aluminium. It floats over SIMA which is denser (3) and has Silica and Magnesium.
NIFE is composed of nickel and Iron and is found in Core
7 major lithospheric plates
Eurasian African Indo-Australian pacific north american South American Antarctic
Important minor plates
Cocos Nazca Arabian Philippines Caroline Fuji etc
Plate tectonics
Science of lithospheric plate motions is called plate tectonics.
It is not the continent that moved as believed by Wegener but plates of which continents are part
Plate margins
All tectonic activities occur along plate margins
Three types of Plate margins are:
1. Constructive margin or Divergent plate margins or Accreting plate boundaries
- Destructive plate margins or Convergent plates or Consuming plate boundaries
- Conservative plate margins or Transform Plate movements
Example of divergence on continent
East africa rift valley
Example of divergence in ocean
Atlantic ocean floor formed as the continent that included South America and Africa broke up and moved apart 2-5cm per year over millions of year
Constructive margin or Divergent plate margins
Constructive plate margins represent zones of divergence where there is continuous upwelling of lava. The lava spreads on the adjacent ocean floors thus creating new ocean floors
Eg mid oceanic ridges
Destructive plate margins or convergent plates
Movement if two plates towards each other, their collision, overriding of one plate by the edge of other plate and subduction and melting of overridden plate margin into the mantle.
The process in which one plate is carried beneath another is called subduction
Types of Collisions due to convergent plates?
- Ocean-ocean collision
- Ocean-continent collision
- Continent-Continent collision
Ocean-Ocean collision
Where oceanic crust lies on either side of a convergent plate boundary, the plate with the denser oceanic crust will subduct below the other plate. The heat and pressure of the mantle melt this sediment, and because it is less dense than the mantle rock, it begins to rise forming island arc -a chain of volcanoes paralleling the subduction trench on the -on the overriding plate
Eg Aleutian, Kuriles, Marianas are jsland arcs
It also forms deep ocean trenches such as Peru-chile trench, Japanese trench
As the subducting plate grinds downward, enormous friction is produced which explains the occurrence of major earthquakes
Ocean-Continent Collision
Where oceanic crust collides with continental crust, the oceanic crust which is denser is subducted beneath the less dense continental crust.
Eg- Nazca plate subducts beneath the South American plate
Juan de Fuca beneath North American platr
Pacific plate under Eurasian plate in Japan
This leads to formation of volcanic peaks like Mt. kotopaxi, Mt. Chimborazo of Andes
Rocks can also be squeezed and contorted between colliding plates, becoming uplifted and greatly deformed or metamorphosed. Eg Andes and Rockies
Continent-Continent collision
Continental crust converging with continental crust is termed continental collision, and causes two continents or major landmasses to fuse or join together, creating a new larger landmass.
Transform plate movements
Lithospheric plates slide past each other in opposite directions without diverging or converging
The two plates are in contact along a vertical fracture called a transform fault
Such a boundary exist along the San Andreas Fault Zone in California
Forces responsible for plate movement
Rising thermal convective currents originating in mantle
They are generated due to radiogenic heat released due to radioactive decay.
Where These currents ascend mid oceanic ridges are formed and where these descend lithospheric plate subducts
What are celestial bodies
The objects seen during the night that belong yo the sky are called as celestial bodies.
They are also called as Heavenly bodies.
Earth is also celestial body
Direction of revolution of planets
Counter-clockwise in elliptical orbits
Direction of rotation of Venus and Uranus
Clockwise
All other planets rotate in the same direction as they revolve
Define Latitude
Latitude is a measure of the angular distance of a given point from the equator. It is measured in degrees from the equator towards either pole. One degree is divided into sixty equal parts known as minutes. A minute is further divided into sixty equal parts known as seconds
Important Parallels of Earth?
Equator- 0° Tropic of cancer- 23.5°N Tropic of Capricon- 23.5°S Arctic circle- 66.5°N Antarctic Circle- 65.5°S
Torrid Zone
The mid-day sun is exactly overhead atleast once a year on all latitudes in between tropic of cancer and tropic of capricon. This area therefore receives maximum heat an is called torrid zone
Temperate zones?
Areas between tropic of cancer and Arctic circle, and also Areas between tropic of capricon and Antarctic circle because they have moderate temperatures due to inclined rays of sun throughout the year
Frigid Zones?
Areas between arctic circle and North pole; and also areas between Antarctic circle and South pole as the sun doesnt rise above horizon
Standard meridian of India?
82.5°E through Mirzapur
Inclination of the Earth’s axis?
23.5° from the perpendicular to the orbital plane i.e. 66.5° from orbital plane
African continent is separated from Europe and Asia by?
Mediterranean sea and Red sea respectively
Africa almost touches Eurasia at what 3 locations?
- At Straits of Gibralter in North west.
- At suez canal in north.
- At straits of Bab-el-Mandeb in the east.
Location of plateaus in Africa
Almost whole of Africa appears to be one huge plateau though it contains several plateaus. The higher plateaus are in the South and the East. Few volcanic peaks rise above the plateau in the eastern region near equator.
Highest peak of Africa
Mt. kilimanjaro
Great Rift Valley?
A rift valley is a long and deep valley formed due to cracks or rifts in the land. It is bounded by wall like steep slopes on both sides.
In Africa there is long chain of rift valleys running from the south of lake Malawi northward to the Red Sea and then through the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqfuaba to the Dead Sea. Hence known as Great Rift Valley
Largest lake in Africa
Lake Victoria.
It is also the source of river Nile which is the longest river in the world
River Nile?
Longest river in the world. It rises in the rainy equatorial region and flows northward. After a long joirney through the Sahara desert it reaches the Mediterranean sea.
Important rivers of Africa
Nile, Zaire, Niger, Zambezi, Orange
Victoria Falls?
It is on River Zambezi and is higher and wider than even the famous Niagra falls of North America
Deserts of Africa?
Sahara desert in the north is the largest desert of world.
Kalahari desert in Southern Africa is another great desert.
Equatorial type of climate of Africa
The belt lying along the equator on both sides has a hot, wet climate throughout the year. It rains almost daily and there is only one season, namely hot-wet summer. This is known as equatorial type of climate and has thick forests called TROPICAL RAIN-FORESTS. It had a varied wildlife.
Sudan type of climate?
To the north and south of the rain forests, there are regions of warm summers and mild winters. In these regions most of the rain occurs in summer. There is a distinct dry period. The vegetation is mostly grassy. The regions covered with tall and coarse grasses is known as Savanna. It is the homeland of variety of grass-eating animals and wild beasts that live by killing them.
Desert type of climate of Africa?
Beyond the savannas in both northern and southern parts lies extensive deserts: sahara in the north and kalahari in the south.
Temperature is very high and there is almost no rainfall. The climate is hot and dry. Vegetation is either wholly absent or includes only scrub and bushes.
Meditteranean type of climate?
The northern and southern coasts of Africa have mild and rainy winters and warm and dry summers known as mediterranean type of climate.
Soil of Africa?
In Africa, only 10% of the soil is suitable for crops. It includes volcanic soil of East Africa, alluvial soil of Nile valley, and certain soils of the Savanna lands.
Dams in Africa?
The Kariba dam on the Zambezi is the largest producer of water power in Africa. The Aswan dam on the Nile in Egypt is another very big dam.
Minerals in Africa?
It leads in production if diamond, gold, and platinum.
More than 95% of the world’s diamond, half of world’s gold comes from Africa.
South africa is the major producer of gold and platinum.
Africa also has large reserves of cobalt, chromium, copper, tin, bauxite, and uranium. But there is not much iron ore and coal in the continent.
South Africa leads world in production of chromium. Congo and South Africa are main producers of copper, bauxite, and uranium.
Petroleum is found in Nigeria, Libya and Angola
Forest produce of Africa?
Thick forests of central Africa give timber. They have many valuable trees like mahogany, ebony and kapok.
Africa exports rubber in large quantities
Coconut palm, date palm, and oil palm are found in Africa. Coconut palms are found in the tropical islands and along the equatorial coasts such as Tanzania. They yield Copra from which coconut oil is obtained. Oil palm, from which palm oil is obtained is common in west Africa. Nigeria exports a good deal of this oil. Date palms grows in the oases in the drier regions. Egypt exports a large amount of dates.
Cacao and kola are trees which provide beverages. Cocoa is obtained from cacao which grows well in equatorial lowlands. Ghana and Nigeria export cocoa.
Kola trees yield nuts which are used in preparing cold drinks and chewing gums.
Wealthiest and most progressive country of Africa?
Nigeria
Land of Nigeria?
Nigeria is a country of lowlands and plateaus. The coastal area in the south is lowland covered with rain forests. The surface of the land is undulating. Further north, lies the Plateau of Jos where woodlands give place to grasslands. The extreme north of the country merges with Sahara desert
Rivers Of Nigeria?
Niger is the most important river which drains the greater part of Nigeria before it falls into Gulf of Guinea. Rivers of north-eastern part of the country flows into Lake chad, thus forming an inland drainage system.
Climate of Nigeria?
Coastal Nigeria has equatorial type of climate and has rainfall throughout the year. In the interior there is marked dry season in summer. Hot and dust laden winds blow from the north-east during this season known as Harmattan
Mountains lying in north-western and south-eastern part of Africa?
Atlas and Drakensberg respectively
Minerals of Nigeria?
There are large reserves of tin and columbite. Nigeria also possesses iron, lead, zinc, manganese, and limestone. It is the only coal producing country of western Africa and one of the largest mineral oil producing countries.
Which is the important mountain range of South Africa?
Drakensberg
What is veld?
The plateau region covered with grasses in South Africa are called veld
Why does south Africa enjoy moderate climate?
It is surrounded on three sides by oceans. The great height of the plateaus is another reason for cool climate. It is further cooled by cold ocean currents along the west coast.
Rivers of South Africa?
The Orange and the Vaal rivers flow from the Drakensberg mountains westwards to the Atlantic ocean. The Limpopo river flows along the northern boundary of the country for some distance.
Which sheep of South Africa are famous for fine wool?
Merino sheep.
As an exporter of wool, south africa is next only to Australia.
Minerals of South Africa?
It is leading producer of Gold and Diamond. Gold mines are near Johannesburg. Diamond mining centre is Kimberley.
Platinum, manganese, uranium, copper, iron, asbestos, and coal are the other important minerals of the country.
Khamsin?
In Egypt, the hot dry and sand-laden winds blow from the south during early summer i.e. April and May. These are known as Khamsin
Most important cash crop of egypt?
Cotton.
It is famous for its quality
Regions comprising Latin America?
South America, Central America, Mexico, and West Indies
Largest country of South America?
Brazil
Land locked countries of South America?
Paraguay and Bolivia
Physical division of South America
- Western coastal strip.
- Western mountains.
- Eastern Highlands.
- Central Plains.
Andes mountains?
These are young fold mountains and are second highest to the Himalayas only. They run from Caribbean sea to the southern tip of South America. There are three main ranges in the Andes: two of them on the eastern side are very high. These ranges come closer at a few points and separate again. In between these ranges there are high plateaus. The BOLIVIAN PLATEAU is one of them. Lake TITICACA, one of the largest lake is located in this plateau. The Andes have several lofty peaks. Mount ACONCAGUA is the highest peak of the Andes (7,021m). The Andes have several volcanic peaks. COTOPAXI in Ecuador is the highest active volcano is the world.
Highest active volcano?
Cotopaxi in Ecuador
Largest lake of South America?
Lake Titicaca
Highest peak of Amdes
Mount Aconcagua
Important basins of Central Plains of South America?
The Orinoco, the Amazon, and the Plata
Largest river in the world
The Amazon river as it discharges the greatest amount if water. It rises in the Andes and after flowing through the entire width of Brazil falls into the Atlantic Ocean.
Composition of Eastern Highlands of South America?
The Guyana Highlands and the Brazilian Highlands
Highest waterfall of world
The Angel Falls, located in the south-eastern part of Venezuela.
Climate of Amazon basin
Amazon basin lies close to the equator, therefore has an equatorial type of climate. It is hot and wet throughout the year and the region is covered with equatorial rain forests locally known as the SELVAS.
Describe Lanos?
On either side of the Amazon forests lies the belt which has savanna type of climate i.e. The region of grasslands. In the north. In the orinoco river basin they are locally known as Llanos. In the south, in central brazil, they are known as Campos. In this region, there is a distinct dry period and the rain occurs mainly in summer.
Climate of Northern Argentina and Western Paraguay?
It is dry during winter and wet during summer. Rains are heavy. This region is covered with thick forests and grasslands and is locally known as GRAN CHACO
Climate of parts of Peru and Northern Chile?
It has a typical hot, desert type of climate. This region is known as the Atacama Desert
Climate of Central chile?
It has mediterranean type of climate i.e. Rainy winters and warm and dry summers. Its vegetation consists of evergreen forests with trees having thick and shining leaves, which are able to resist summer droughts. Oak, walnut, chestnut and fig are common trees found in this region.
Climate of Southern chile?
It has oceanic or marine type of climate. Rainfall occurs here all the year round. As the region lies in temperate zone, the climate is cool. It is a region of temperate, mixed forests where beech and pine are the valuable trees.
Describe pampas?
South of the tropical grasslands of southern Brazil lies the region of temperate grasslands. This region has warm climate with rain all through the year, although it rains more in summer than in winter. These grasslands in central Argentina are known as the Pampas
Climate of eastern side of Andes?
There lies the desert PATAGONIA. Its climate is dry because it lies in the Rain shadow area of the western mountains.
Important tree of Eastern Highlands of South America?
Yerba- its leaves are brewed like tea
Important tree of Gran Chaco?
Quebracho- meaning axebreaker. It is an important hardwood tree. It yields tannic acid used for tanning leather.
Describe montana?
Forests along eastern slopes of Andes are known as montana. They yield valuable softwoods
Yield from Amazon Forests?
- Hardwoods such as mahogany
- Lightest wood in the world- Balsa.
- The Carnauba palm trees from Brazil yield wax used for furniture polish, shoe polish, and candles
- cinchona bark used for medicines and quinine
- Chicle used for chewing gum
- Rubber
Minerals in Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago?
Mineral oils
Largest iron ore deposits of the world?
Brazil
Minerals from chile?
Copper, nitrates
Bolivia is the world’s fourth largest producer of?
Tin
Guano islands, on the coast of Peru are famous for?
Natural manure formed by droppings of seabirds
Fazenda?
A very large coffee estate or plantation in Brazil
Forest produce from Brazil?
Timber, Balsa (used for making lifeboats and a substitute for cork), parana pine (used for building purpose), cinchona, carnauba palm trees, rubber
Crops from Brazil?
Maize, rice, beans, cassava, potatoes, coffee, cotton, sugarcane, cocoa, and tobacco.
Brazil is largest producer and exporter of coffee in the world.
Minerals of Brazil?
The richest mining areas are in the state of Minas Gerais.
Brazil is rich in high quality iron ore and mica. It also produces manganese and quartz crystals.
Brazil lacks good quality coal but it is rich in water resources
Gauchos
People of mixed race of Europeans and American Indians who look after the cattle in a long pastoral farm
Main exports of Argentina?
Beef, wool, wheat, maize, and linseed
Major imports of Argentina?
Iron and steel, machinery and vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fuel and lubricating oil.
Major industries of Argentina?
Meat packing, food processing, flour milling, leather tanning, and making of leather goods
Southernmost island of Argentina?
Estados de los Island
Climate of Argentina?
It is generally temperate. Temperature decreases from North to South and rainfall decreases from east to west