Lesson #1 Flashcards
Physical Systems
This is the area of geography that considers how physical processes shape the pattern of the earths surface. Some examples include weather and water, volcanic or earthquake activity. The study of the earth’s ecosystems is also part of the physical systems element.
The world in spatial terms
This means using maps and other geography tools as well as understanding and analyzing the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on the earth’s surface.
Environment and society
The ways that human actions modify the physical environment.
Considers the affect that physical systems (landforms and weather) have on human systems.
Also include the study of natural resources, including distribution.
Places and regions
Refers to the physical and human characteristics of places.
Considers the ways that people create regions to interpret the earths complexity.
How people’s experiences affect the way they see the world.
Human systems
Considers human aspects, like the characteristics of different populations
How people are distributed on the earth and why they live where they do
Why people move from one place to another
Politics, cultures, and economics
The uses of Geography
Use of geographic knowledge to interpret the past to understand the present and plan for the future.
Physical geography
The study of the physical features of the earth’s surface and the natural processes that shape the earths surface. (Volcanoes, rivers and forests).
Can include study of the weather.
Human geography
The study of the patterns and processes that shape human interaction with the environment, including political, cultural, economic and social aspects. (State boundaries, location of religious groups).
Latitude
Distance north or south from the equator measured in degrees. Equidistant from each other
Horizontal rungs on a ladder(“ladder-tude”)
Longitude
Distance measured by degrees or time east or west from the prime meridian.
Begin and end at the poles
Vertical and long
“Long dude”
Equator
An imaginary circle around the center of the earth equally distant from the North and South poles.
Parallel
Any of the imaginary circles around the earth running parallel to the equator and marking latitude.
Meridian
Any of the imaginary circles around the earth and passing through the North and South Pole and marking longitude.
Prime meridian
The Meridian of 0 degrees longitude from which other longitudes are calculated
Degrees
A unit of measure that identifies latitude and longitude lines.
