Physical Geography

What is Geography? Geography is the study of the earth and the interaction between humans and their surroundings.

Geography There are two kinds of geography: What’s the difference? Physical Geography Human Geography What’s the difference?

Physical Geography Physical Geography includes: land features water features climate

Physical Geography Goal: To be able to identify physical features on maps and predict how physical geography affects living things. These features effect how we live every day. Can you think of 5 examples?

Physical Geography Hemispheres When we study the Earth is it helpful to break it up into smaller pieces. What are hemispheres? How do we decide where to divide up the Earth into hemispheres?

Physical Geography Hemispheres The equator is the imaginary line around the widest part of the Earth 26,000 miles around It separates the Northern and Southern hemispheres The Prime Meridian runs from pole to pole It separates the Eastern and Western hemispheres Where is the Prime Meridian located? Why is it located there?

Physical Geography The Earth The largest landforms on Earth are continents The largest bodies of water are oceans

Landforms The elevation and shape of the land on Earth What is elevation? How high the land is above the level of the ocean We use the term “sea level” to measure elevation. BCTHS -109.5 feet above sea level Mile High Stadium-Denver – 5,280 feet above sea level

Landforms Types of Landforms Archipelago – a group or chain of islands. Basin -  an area of land largely enclosed by higher land. Canyon – a long, narrow valley with steep sides, usually with a river running through it. Cape – a narrow point of land that extends into a large body of water. Delta – the triangular area around the mouth of a river where small islands have formed. Highland- an area of hills, plateaus, and mountains Hill – an area of raised land, lower and more rounded than a mountain. Island – a piece of land completely surrounded by water.

Landforms Types of Landforms Isthmus – a narrow strip of land that connects two larger pieces of land. Lowland-  an area of low and usually level land Mountain - high, rocky land, usually with steep sides and a pointed or rounded top, higher than a hill Mountain range - a long chain of mountains; a row of connected mountains Peninsula – piece of land that is surrounded by water on three sides. Plain – a broad area of mostly flat land that is close to sea level. Plateau – large area of high land that is flat or gently rolling. Valley - a narrow area of low land, between two higher pieces of land usually with a river running through it.

Landforms Effect of Landforms on People Our lives would be different if we lived in areas where the physical geography was different. Landforms are in two categories Lowlands Highlands Can you think of examples of each?

Effects of Landforms Lowlands Highlands More populated Better farmland Warmer climate Easier transportation Easier to invade Subject to flooding Highlands Less populated Land is rockier Not as good for farming but okay for ranching Transportation is harder Mining is easier Subject to landslides and avalanches Can have more earthquakes and volcanoes.

Landforms How are landforms made? Plate Tectonics The Earth’s crust is made up of giant plates that move around. When these plates collide they form highlands They can also pull apart and form canyons and valleys When these plates hit each other they also cause “seismic” activity. Seismic activity includes: Earthquakes Volcanoes Tsunamis - what’s a tsunami? A tidal wave caused by an underwater earthquake.

Bodies of Water Bay/Gulf – a body of saltwater partly enclosed by land. (Bays are usually smaller) Canal-  a man-made waterway connecting two bodies of water -designed to shorten travel or irrigate Delta – the triangular area around the mouth of a river where small islands have formed. Lake – a body of water, usually freshwater, surrounded by land. Mouth (of a river) - place where a river empties into a larger body of water; the end of a river Ocean – an extremely large body of salt water. River - a large flowing stream of water that empties into a large body of water. Sea – a large body of salt water, smaller than an ocean. Strait – a narrow channel of water that connects two larger bodies of water. Tributary – a river or stream that flows into a larger river.

Water Advantages of Water Most people on Earth live near bodies of water Why? Human consumption (drinking, bathing) Food (fish) Transportation (trading and travel) Farming and raising animals Industrial uses (factories use a lot of water) Recreation Power Moderates Climate – How?

Climate What is “Climate”? Climate is the temperature and precipitation patterns in a certain area over a long period of time. climagraph What is the difference between “climate” and “weather”? “weather” is short term, “climate” is long-term How would you describe the “climate” of Lower Bucks County? How does climate affect our lives?

Climate Types of Climate Tropical Moderate Dry Polar Rainforest - Warm year-round; humid and rainy year-round Savanna – Warm year round; wet season and dry season Moderate Subtropical – warm summers, mild winters; wet year round Mediterranean – hot summers, mild winters; dry summer, rainy winter Marine West Coast – warm summer, cool winter; wet winters Continental – warm summers, cold winters; wet year round Dry Desert – can be hot or cold; very dry all year Steppe – can be warm or cold; mostly dry with occasional rain Polar Subarctic–cool summers, very cold winters; snowy winters Ice Cap – very cold year round; very dry

Climate Climate Impact: The climate of an area affects every aspect of life Crops Animal life Occupations Styles of Housing Fashion Settlement Patterns Recreation Art Psychology