Unit 1: Introduction Geography

Define: Geography The study of people, their environment, and their resources

The 5 basic themes of geography are: Location Place Interactions between people and their environment Movement Region

Location Exact Location: Definition: Absolute point of reference; never changes Definition: Position of a place on the earth’s surface

Definitions Define Latitude: Map reference lines which measure distances North or South of the equator Define Equator: Zero degrees latitude. Map reference that divides the earth into North and South hemispheres

Definitions Define Longitude: Map reference lines which measure distance East or West of the prime meridian Define Prime Meridian: Zero degrees longitude. Map reference line which divides the earth in East and West hemispheres

Relative Location: The description of a place in terms of another place Described in terms of physical and human characteristics Physical – landforms, climate, soil Human – way of life, activities, language Region: An area in the world with its own unifying characteristics physical, cultural, economical

Maps Define Cartography: The science or art of map making Define Map Projections: Ways of showing the curved earth on a flat surface

All map projections have distortion – Why? When going from a curved to a flat surface; area, shape and distance do not remain constant

Political maps show… Man made features such as borders, cities, and schools Physical maps show… Natural features such as mountains, lakes, and rivers Some examples of specialized maps are: maps that emphasize one area or one view over another

Climate Define Climate: The average weather of a place over 20-30 years Anything shorter is “weather” The two factors which determine a region’s climate are: Elevation 2. Location

Define Desert/Arid: Hot and dry Less than 5 inches of rain per year

Define Rainforest/Tropical: Hot and humid About 100 inches of rainfall per year

Define Temperate: Moderate climate Warm summers Cool winters

Define Wet/Dry: Hot, wet summers Warm, dry winters About 50 inches of rainfall per year

Define Polar/Arctic: Cold all year About 8 inches of rainfall per year

Define Topography: The physical features of a place or region

Mountains: High, steep, rugged land area that rises sharply above the surrounding landscape

Hill: Area of raised land that is lower and more rounded than a mountain

Plain: Broad area of fairly level land that is usually close to sea level

Plateau: Large area of high land that is flat and gently rolling

Bay: Part of a body of water that is partly enclosed by land

Cape: Narrow body/point of land that extends into a body of water

Delta: Area formed by soil deposited at the mouth of a river

Isthmus: Narrow strip of land joining two large land areas or joining a peninsula to a mainland

Lake: Body of water surrounded by land

Peninsula: Piece of land that is surrounded by water on three sides

Strait: Narrow channel that connects two larger bodies of water

Island: Area of land surrounded by water on all sides

Archipelago: Chain of islands