Unit 1 key terms Flashcards
Physical Geography
study of natural processes and distribution of features in environment, ex: landforms, plants, animals, and climate
Human Geography
study of events and processes that have shaped how humans understand, use and alter Earth.
Spatial Perspective
where something occurs
Ecological perspective
relationship between living things and their environment
Location
position that a point occupies the earth.
2 types of location
Absolute and relative
Absolute location
Exact location. Expressed in coordinates and latitude and longitude.
Relative location
description in relation to other places or features
Place
location on Earth that is distinguished by physical and human characteristics.
Site
absolute location as well as physical characteristics.
Situation
a place’s location in relation to other places or its surrounding features.
Space
area between 2 or more things on Earth’s surface
Distributed
arranged within a given space.
Density
number of people, animals or objects in an area.
Pattern
how things are arranged in a particular space.
Environmental Determinism
human behavior is controlled by physical environment. A region’s climate and soil fertility dictate how a society develops and adapts.
Possibilism
Humans can alter the environment based on their needs and/or adapt to it.
Sustainability
use of resources in a way that they won’t deplete.
Scale
area of the world being studied
Region
area with certain characteristics that make it different.
Formal Region
area that has one or more shared traits. (physical, climate, cultural or combination) Has defined boundaries
Functional Region
area organized by its focal point or center (node).
Perceptual Region/Vernacular Region
reflects people’s feelings and attitudes about a place.
Globalization
expansion of economic, cultural, and political processes worldwide
World System Theory
explain history of uneven economic development among countries, and why certain regions held onto political and economic power over time.
Core countries
wealthier countries with higher education rates and advanced technology.
Periphery countries
low wealth countries with low education levels and less advanced technology.
Semi-periphery countries
both core and periphery qualities. In the process of industrializing.
Sustainable development
meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
