The Elements of Geography Introduction to Physical Geography

1. The world in spatial terms “Location” Spatial: Of or relating to space Spatial relations: The links that places and people have to one another because of their location Location: A specific place on Earth Can you guess the difference between these… Absolute location & Relative location

Absolute location Absolute location refers to something's exact location on earth. These can be helpful… Use of the grid system Equator South Pole North Pole Prime Meridian Latitude/longitude GPS/GIS

Absolute location

Relative location Relative location is a description of where a place is, related to other places. Example = The Empire State Building in New York City It is 365 kilometers (227 miles) north of the White House in Washington, D.C. It is also about 15 blocks from New York's Central Park. These are just two of the building's relative locations.

Relative location

2. Places and Regions Place - particular space with physical and human meaning Regions - Areas united by specific factors (3 types) Formal Regions – Typically defined by a government or administrative group for the purpose of defining boundaries. (The U.S.A., The Rocky Mountains) Functional Regions –  A specific function is present within the region (for example, an area covered by a particular sales force or a rail network). Perceptual Regions – Reflect human feelings and attitudes. (Philadelphia – Rude or Fast Paced)

3. Physical Systems Geographers analyze how certain natural phenomena, such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and floods shape the earth’s surface. How these physical features interact with plant and animal life to create, support, or change ecosystems Ecosystem - a community of plants and animals that depend upon one another and their surroundings for survival

3. Physical Systems

4. Human Systems Geographers examine how people shape the world How they settle the earth Form societies Create permanent features Compete or cooperate to change or control aspects of the world to meet their needs Movement-ongoing theme of Geography Migrants bring new ideas/practices

4. Human Systems

5. Environment and Society Human-environment interaction - study of the interrelationship between people and their physical environment How people use their environment. How and why they change it. Consequences that result from these changes. How the physical environment affects human activities.

5. Environment and Society

6. Uses of Geography The purpose of the sixth essential element of geography is to show how the knowledge of geography enables people to develop an understanding of the relationships between people, places, and environments over time -- that is, of Earth as it was, is, and might be…

6. Uses of Geography

What major event happened in the world on Jan 12, 2010?

Haitian Earthquake The devastating events of January 12th, 2010 significantly impacted the people of Haiti. Much was destroyed, many lives were lost, and the aftermath of the earthquake continues to be felt up into the present. We will examine these events to gain a better understanding of the 6 elements of geography. On the handout, using your computers/tablets/phones answer the questions on the following slides. Answer them as best you can, using complete sentences…