GEOGRAPHIC PATTERNS OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT CHAPTER 2

INTRODUCTION Every region is based on the criteria used to define it. Every region is based on the criteria used to define it. One could theoretically superimpose an infinite number of regional schemes on North America. One could theoretically superimpose an infinite number of regional schemes on North America. The authors choose to subdivide North America based on the regions depicted on the map on page 6. The authors choose to subdivide North America based on the regions depicted on the map on page 6. Primarily based on human criteria Primarily based on human criteria Maps on pages 19, 27, 29, 31, and 33 are based on physical criteria - AND ARE JUST AS VALID!!! Maps on pages 19, 27, 29, 31, and 33 are based on physical criteria - AND ARE JUST AS VALID!!!

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF NORTH AMERICA Topography Topography Extremely large topographic regions (map on page 19). Extremely large topographic regions (map on page 19). Based on physical relief Based on physical relief Regions are generally oriented north-south. Regions are generally oriented north-south. Impacts Impacts Barriers to movement Barriers to movement Canalize transportation networks Canalize transportation networks Source of natural resources Source of natural resources

PHYSIOGRAPHY

E. J. PALKA

CLIMATE Climate Climate Patterns are indicated on the map on page 29. Patterns are indicated on the map on page 29. Based on "Koppen Classification,” the most widely used climate classification system. Based on "Koppen Classification,” the most widely used climate classification system. Vegetation types are a direct response to climate. Vegetation types are a direct response to climate. Regional boundaries in his scheme delineate the temperature and precipitation association with vegetation limits. Regional boundaries in his scheme delineate the temperature and precipitation association with vegetation limits.

CLIMATE PATTERNS

CLIMATE Geographic controls Geographic controls Latitude Latitude Relationship between land and water Relationship between land and water Continentality Continentality Maritime influence Maritime influence Topography Topography Impact of air masses and wind systems Impact of air masses and wind systems

CLIMATE (CONTINUED) Latitude Latitude Temperature is a function of an area's exposure to the direct rays of the sun. Temperature is a function of an area's exposure to the direct rays of the sun. Exposure is maximized at the equator and minimized at the poles. Exposure is maximized at the equator and minimized at the poles. Consider the earth-sun relationship during the course of the year and its effects on various latitudes in the form of seasonality. Consider the earth-sun relationship during the course of the year and its effects on various latitudes in the form of seasonality.

CLIMATE (CONTINUED) Relationship Between Land and Water Relationship Between Land and Water Land tends to heat and cool more rapidly than water. Land tends to heat and cool more rapidly than water. Large bodies of water > moderating effect on climate Large bodies of water > moderating effect on climate Compare the annual temperature ranges Compare the annual temperature ranges Coastal locations versus the interior of the continent Coastal locations versus the interior of the continent Continentality Continentality Non-equatorial places far from large bodies of water experience greater seasonal extremes of temperature than do coastal communities. Non-equatorial places far from large bodies of water experience greater seasonal extremes of temperature than do coastal communities. Maritime influence Maritime influence Locations close to large bodies of water experience minimal fluctuations in temp range. Locations close to large bodies of water experience minimal fluctuations in temp range.

CLIMATE (CONTINUED) Topography (specifically elevation) Topography (specifically elevation) Higher elevations are cooler than lower elevations. Higher elevations are cooler than lower elevations. Adiabatic cooling rate of rising air: 5.5º per 1,000 ft. Adiabatic cooling rate of rising air: 5.5º per 1,000 ft. Impact of Air Masses and Wind Systems Impact of Air Masses and Wind Systems Prevailing wind patterns across the U.S. provide distinct climatic patterns. Prevailing wind patterns across the U.S. provide distinct climatic patterns. North American Pattern North American Pattern Western U.S. - topography is the key control Western U.S. - topography is the key control East - latitude is significant in determining variations in temperature and precipitation. East - latitude is significant in determining variations in temperature and precipitation.

KEY TERMS Orographic Rainfall Orographic Rainfall Precipitation that results when moist air is lifted over a topographic barrier, such as a mountain range Precipitation that results when moist air is lifted over a topographic barrier, such as a mountain range Leaching Leaching A process of soil nutrient removal through the erosive movement and chemical action of water A process of soil nutrient removal through the erosive movement and chemical action of water Tree line Tree line Either the latitudinal or elevational limit of normal tree growth Either the latitudinal or elevational limit of normal tree growth Beyond this limit, climatic conditions are too severe for such growth. Beyond this limit, climatic conditions are too severe for such growth.

VEGETATION North's America's regions (map on page 31) North's America's regions (map on page 31) Climax vegetation Climax vegetation The final stage in the succession of a vegetative community The final stage in the succession of a vegetative community Stable climate and soil conditions and protection from human disturbance Stable climate and soil conditions and protection from human disturbance Prairie wedge Prairie wedge An unusual and controversial eastward extension of the grasslands across Illinois and into western Indiana An unusual and controversial eastward extension of the grasslands across Illinois and into western Indiana The use of fire by Native Americans?? The use of fire by Native Americans??

VEGETATION PATTERNS

SOILS North American soil types (map on page 33) North American soil types (map on page 33) Soil Soil A mixture of weathered rock and organic matter A mixture of weathered rock and organic matter Shaped & altered by the physical environment over time Shaped & altered by the physical environment over time Described in terms of distinguishing properties… Described in terms of distinguishing properties… color color texture texture structure structure ability to hold water and air ability to hold water and air degree of acidity or alkalinity degree of acidity or alkalinity Where soils are well developed, vertical zonation may occur, producing distinct layers or soil horizons. Where soils are well developed, vertical zonation may occur, producing distinct layers or soil horizons.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

BRYCE CANYON UTAH

MINERAL RESOURCES  Metallic Minerals - see map on page 38 Fossil Fuels - include oil, gas and coal Fossil Fuels - include oil, gas and coal Oil and Gas Fields - see map on page 35 Oil and Gas Fields - see map on page 35 Coal - see map on page 36 Coal - see map on page 36  Major Fields  Appalachian  Eastern Interior  Western Interior  Western

FOSSIL FUELS

TYPES/GRADES OF COAL  Anthracite  Hardest and lowest in moisture content  Appalachian Field  Home heating  Bituminous  Coke for use in steel-making & burning in power plants  Overwhelming percentage of the coal presently mined  Lignite  A soft, brownish coal  Much less economic value than either anthracite or bituminous  Peat  Softest and highest in water content

GEOGRAPHIC PATTERNS OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT CHAPTER 2