PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY Introduction C.J. Cox

Geo = earth graphy = to scribe, draw, or map GEOGRAPHY

the science of location the study of spatial relationships, (context &interconnectedness) an integrated science that uses knowledge from many disciplines

Physical Geography Geography: The study of where things are. Physical: Environmental or natural phenomenon Physical Geography: the study of the location of, context and interaction of environmental phenomenon

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF THE WORLD Climates Plants Animals Landforms

The Earth System System- a set of components that are interrelated. Earth’s Major Subsystems - atmosphere lithosphere hydrosphere biosphere

EARTH’S MAJOR SUBSYSTEMS

The Earth System Earth’s Major Subsystems - atmosphere blanket of air that surrounds the earth lithosphere sphere of the solid crust including rocks, landforms hydrosphere system of water including rivers, subsoil water and atmospheric water biosphere sphere of life including plants and animals

Closed/Open Systems Closed System- no material or energy enters or leaves the system (ie. Solar System) Open System - material or energy enters and leaves the system ( river system)

Key Terms Ecosystem - community of organisms functioning together in an interdependent relationship with the environment Dynamic Equilibrium -changing relationships among the variables of a system which produces a balance between the amounts of materials that enter or leave a system

Earth/Sun Relationships Revolution & Rotation Aphelion & Perihelion Angle of Inclination Plane of the Ecliptic & Equator Circle of Illumination Winter & Summer Solstices Spring & Fall Equinoxes

Revolution Around The Sun

91,000,000 miles94,000,000 miles Earth’s Elliptical Orbit Around The Sun January 3 July 3

EARTH’S ROTATION

Rotation or Spinning

Angle of Inclination

EARTH, How hot is it?

Insolation

What causes the seasons?