the physical environment Flashcards
what is the most used classification system for the physical environment
4 interrelated spheres: lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere
what is lithosphere
made up of rocks ( igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary )
what is atmosphere
are manifested by the earths surface by typical distribution of climate
what is biosphere
flora and fauna
what is hydrosphere
subdivided by its chemical constituents: fresh water, saline water or by the condition or phase of water so solid, ice, vapour.
what are ecosystems
suites of characteristics are combined in a particular areas
how can ecosystems be classified
in many ways but one is using the amount of organic matter or biomass produced per year
what are the main factors determining productivity of ecosystems
Availability of nutrient, climate and diversity
what does latitudinal gradient mean?
mean biogeographic patterns that define the way in which component change
morphoclimatic regions are combination of..
vegetation and climate
name 8 morphoclimatic region
tundra, desert, the temperate forest, coniferous forest, the tropical rain forest, savanna, temperate grass land, maquis or Mediterranean
what is tundra
absence of tree, largely grasses and other herbs, poor nutriment and poor precipitation, cold so rate of biological process low ( 20% of world surface, Artic circle )
what is the temperate forest
shedding leaves exclusively in northern hemisphere ( Europe )
what is Coniferous forest ( boreal forest or taiga )
narrow shape, don’t shedd, adapted for snow and cold, periodic fires and polliated by wind like temperate )
what is the tropical rain forest
copious rainfall and warm temperatures all year, trees always green, polliated by animals, a lot of animal