5 Themes of Geography Chapter 1 Objective: Identify the 5 themes of geography and their significance to the field of study.

Geography Study of the distribution and interaction of physical and human features on the earth

5 Themes-Location “Where is it?” Absolute-exact based on geographic grid coordinates Relative-comparative (situation)

5 Themes- Place “What is it like?” Physical-landforms, climate (site-physical characteristics only) Cultural-religion, traditions

5 Themes-Region “How are places similar?” DFW North Texas

5 Themes- Human-Environment Interaction “How do people interact with the environment?” Depend-rivers Modify-roads Adapt-clothes

5 Themes- Movement “How do people, goods, and ideas move from place to place?” Technology is important factor

Diffusion Diffusion is the process by which a characteristic spreads across one place to another over time. Relocation Diffusion-the spread of an idea through physical movement of people. Expansion Diffusion- the spread of a feature from one place to another in a snowballing process.

Expansion Diffusion Expanded! Types of Expansion Diffusion Hierarchical Cause: expansion from a person or node of authority or power Examples: urban to rural; a law is passed; popular icon does something good or bad Contagious Cause: expansion catches on quickly and is hard to stop Examples: flu epidemic of 1918, AIDS in Africa, AIDS treatment in the US Stimulus Cause: the underlying principle expands specific characteristics do not Examples: the MacIntosh mouse

Equator An imaginary line that divides the earth into northern and southern halves Objective: Identify elements of maps and the globe and explain how they are useful

Prime meridian Imaginary line dividing the earth into eastern and western halves

Hemisphere Half of the earth Northern, southern, eastern, western

Globe 3-Dimensional representation of earth Not portable

Cartographer Person who makes maps Maps are 2-D, distort landmasses, and are portable Maps and map projections are created for scientific explanation and inquiry not as artistic representations of the world.

Topographic Map Shows natural and man-made features on the earth

Thematic Map Emphasizes specific information like climate or vegetation or population

GIS-Geographic Information System A system that uses digital map information to create a databank Can add or remove different layers to highlight certain information

Discussion Is the theme of place more closely associated with longitude or latitude? Defend your response with evidence. How is the term “site” related to the geographic theme of “place”?

Discussion With your group, apply each of the five themes of geography to Colleyville, Texas.