geopgraphy review 2

Question 1

Physical Geography

Answer 1

The branch of geography dealing with natural features and processes of the Earth.

Question 2

System:

Answer 2

A set of interrelated components that function together.

Question 3

Open System:

Answer 3

Exchanges energy and matter with its surroundings.

Question 4

Closed System:

Answer 4

Only exchanges energy, not matter, with its surroundings.

Question 5

Map Projection:

Answer 5

A method of representing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map.

Question 6

Scale:

Answer 6

The ratio between distances on a map and actual distances on Earth.

Question 7

Geoid:

Answer 7

The irregular shape of the Earth due to variations in gravitational forces.

Question 8

Remote Sensing:

Answer 8

Collecting information about Earth’s surface from a distance using satellites or aircraft.

Question 9

GIS (Geographic Information System):

Answer 9

A computer-based tool for mapping and analyzing spatial data.

Question 10

Spectral Band:

Answer 10

A specific wavelength range used in remote sensing to capture data.

Question 11

Insolation:

Answer 11

Incoming solar radiation received by Earth.

Question 12

Albedo:

Answer 12

The percentage of solar radiation reflected by a surface.

Question 13

Equinox:

Answer 13

The time of year when day and night are approximately equal in length.

Question 14

Troposphere:

Answer 14

The lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs.

Question 15

Ozone Layer:

Answer 15

A layer in the stratosphere containing ozone, which absorbs harmful UV radiation.

Question 16

Greenhouse Effect:

Answer 16

The trapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases.

Question 17

Conduction:

Answer 17

Transfer of heat through direct contact between materials.

Question 18

Convection:

Answer 18

Transfer of heat by the movement of fluids (air or water).

Question 19

Latent Heat:

Answer 19

Heat energy absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance.

Question 20

Urban Heat Island:

Answer 20

Urban areas that are warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities.

Question 21

Isotherm:

Answer 21

A line on a map connecting points of equal temperature.

Question 22

Coriolis Effect:

Answer 22

The deflection of moving objects caused by Earth’s rotation.

Question 23

Jet Stream:

Answer 23

High-speed winds in the upper atmosphere that influence weather patterns.

Question 24

Relative Humidity:

Answer 24

The ratio of actual water vapor content to the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature.

Question 25

Adiabatic Lapse Rate:

Answer 25

The rate of temperature change of an air parcel as it rises or descends without exchanging heat.

Question 26

Air Mass:

Answer 26

A large body of air with uniform temperature and moisture characteristics.

Question 27

Fog:

Answer 27

A cloud that forms at ground level.

Question 27

Orographic Lift

Answer 27

Air rising and cooling as it is forced over a mountain range.

Question 28

Cyclone:

Answer 28

A system of winds rotating inward to an area of low pressure.

Question 29

Cold Front:

Answer 29

A boundary where a cold air mass replaces a warmer air mass.

Question 30

Köppen Climate Classification:

Answer 30

A system used to classify the world’s climates based on temperature, precipitation, and vegetation.

Question 30

Thunderstorm:

Answer 30

A storm with lightning and thunder caused by rapidly rising air.

Question 31

Mesothermal Climate:

Answer 31

A moderate climate with warm summers and mild winters.

Question 32

Paleoclimatology:

Answer 32

The study of past climates using geological and biological evidence.

Question 33

Milankovitch Cycles:

Answer 33

Long-term variations in Earth’s orbit and tilt that influence climate.

Question 34

Hydrologic Cycle:

Answer 34

The movement of water through the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.

Question 35

Field Capacity:

Answer 35

The maximum amount of water soil can hold after excess water drains.

Question 36

Aquifer:

Answer 36

A layer of permeable rock or sediment that holds and transmits groundwater.

Question 37

Water Table:

Answer 37

The upper surface of groundwater where soil is fully saturated.

Question 38

Erosion:

Answer 38

The process of wearing away Earth’s surface by water, wind, or ice.

Question 39

Deposition:

Answer 39

The process by which sediments are laid down in new locations.

Question 40

Meander:

Answer 40

A curve or bend in a river channel.

Question 41

Floodplain:

Answer 41

Flat land near a river that floods during high discharge.

Question 42

Chemical Weathering:

Answer 42

The breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions (e.g., oxidation, hydrolysis).

Question 43

Mass Movement:

Answer 43

The downslope movement of soil and rock under the influence of gravity.

Question 44

Moraine:

Answer 44

A ridge or mound of debris deposited by a glacier.

Question 45

Till:

Answer 45

Unsorted glacial sediment deposited directly by ice.