Unit 1: Introduction to Physical Geography

Question 1

Define Geography

Answer 1

The science that studies relationships among geographical areas, natural systems, society, cultural activities, and the interdependence of all these over space.

Question 2

What are the 3 branches of geography?

Answer 2

Human, Techniques(geomatics), and physical.

Question 3

Define human geography

Answer 3

The study of the interaction between humans and their environments across different spatial scales, communities, cultures, economies, and landscapes.

Question 4

Define techniques

Answer 4

The science of acquiring and analyzing data about the surface of the earth, focusing on spatial component or geographical referenced information.

Question 5

Define physical geography

Answer 5

The study of systems and cycles that produce natural features on earths surface operating at various scales. Includes the study of land formation, climate, ocean currents, distribution of flora and fauna.

Question 6

List and define the two types of scales

Answer 6

Spatial scale: physical space occupied by a process or thing. (global scale:10,000kms; continental:1000kms; regional:10kms; local:kms; individual:ms and lower)
Temporal scale: length of time used to examine a process. (short-term: days-minutes; long-term: 100s-1000s of years)

Question 7

What is energy?

Answer 7

The capacity to do work on or change the state of matter.

Question 8

What are the 4 types of energy talked about in physical geography?

Answer 8

1. radiant: (most important) energy that travels by waves or particles and comes from the sun. Drives most of earths processes. When absorbed it is turned into heat.
2. chemical: energy that is stored in the bonds of chemical compounds and released in a chemical reaction. (biomass, fossil fuels, batteries)
3. geothermal: generated and stored in the earth.
4. Photosynthesis: biochemical process where green plants convert energy and carbon dioxide into oxygen and carbohydrates. It is a food source for animals.

Question 9

What is matter?

Answer 9

Any physical substance that has mass, occupies space, and has a fixed volume.

Question 10

What are the 3 types of mass?

Answer 10

1. Solid: molecules are bonded to create a fixed structure, has a constant volume, and cannot break.
2. Liquid: Flows freely but is a constant volume, molecular bonds form and break continuously.
3. Gas: expands freely to fill any space and has no fixed volume, molecules are not bonded, and is a fluid substance.

Question 11

What is a system?

Answer 11

Set of interacting parts of processes that function as a unit.

Question 12

All systems have 4 components, what are they?

Answer 12

Input, output, power source, and pathways.

Question 13

What are the 2 types of systems?

Answer 13

1. Open flow systems: there is an input and output of energy or matter that are external to the system.
2. Closed flow system: no separate inputs of outputs, energy or matter flows in a series of endless loops or paths. Like a cycle.

Question 14

What does it mean to be anthropogenic?

Answer 14

To be created or influenced by people.

Question 15

Define feedback

Answer 15

Response to an action or process that influences the operation of the system.

Question 16

What is the difference between negative and positive feedback?

Answer 16

Negative: Used to stabilize a system, further production of the process decreases growth of the system.
Positive: Used to destabilize the system, further production of the process increases or stimulates the system. It would continue until an external thing stops it.

Question 17

What are the earths spheres?

Answer 17

1. Atmosphere: part that surrounds the earth, made up of gases/vapours, is fluid, has a mass, consists of various layers.
2. Hydrosphere: part that is made up of water in all of its forms, continuously flows through various spheres.
3. Cryosphere: component of the hydrosphere focusing on water in solid form.
4. Lithosphere: made up of rocks and minerals, consisting of the upper most layers of the earth. (the ground)
5. Biosphere: living organisms, plants, animals, bacteria, is dynamic and constantly changing.

Question 18

In terms of maps, what is the difference between large scale and small scale perspective?

Answer 18

Large scale: geographic features are large and have more detail. (zoomed in)
Small scale: geographic features are small and cover a large region. (zoomed out)