Ch. 1 - The Essentials of Geography

Question 1

What are the earth’s four spheres?

Answer 1

Atmosphere (gas surrounding earth)

Lithosphere (rocks, landforms)

Hydrosphere (water)

Biosphere (life, soil, fauna)

Question 2

What is the definition of “Geography?”

Answer 2

The Science that studies the relationships among natural systems, geographic areas, society, cultural activities, and the interdependence of all of these over spaces

Question 3

What is a “map scale”?

Answer 3

A map scale is used for determining size and distance on the earth’s surface

Question 4

The angular distance north or south of the equator

Spans from 90 degrees N, to 90 degrees S

Answer 4

Latitude

Question 5

Angular distance east or west of the prime meridian

Answer 5

Longitude

Question 6

How far is one degree of latitude at the poles (90 degrees)?

Answer 6

111.70km

Question 7

How far is one degree of latitude at the equator?

Answer 7

110.58km

Question 8

How far is one degree of longitude from the equator?

Answer 8

111.32km

Question 9

The earth bulges slightly outwards around the equator (the earth is not in fact a perfect sphere). This is known as a __________

Answer 9

Geoidal Bulge

Question 10

What is the tallest mountain on earth, if measured from the centre of the earth?

Answer 10

Mt. Chimborazo

Question 11

What are the three main Earth Systems Concepts?

Answer 11

Systems Theory

System feedback

System equilibrium

Question 12

What are the four principles that constitute a “system”?

Answer 12

1. Components are linked together
2. Systems always have boundaries
3. Systems have no randomness (Their outcome is known)
4. Operates within acceptable limits

Question 13

What are the three features or stages of an “Open System”?

Answer 13

Input

Actions

Output

(ex: Everything that comes along with using an automobile)

Question 14

What is a “Closed System”?

Answer 14

A system that is shut off from the surrounding environment so that it is self-contained

an example may be a Thermos

Question 15

If the feedback information discourages change in the system it is known as:

Answer 15

Negative Feedback

Question 16

If the feedback information encourages change in the system it is known as:

Answer 16

Positive Feedback

Question 17

What does Dynamic Equilibrium mean?

Answer 17

Increasing or decreasing operations in a system demonstrate a trend over time, a change in average conditions

System can jump to/fluctuate to a new stable average. There may be a “threshold” or “tipping point”

Question 18

What is “Steady-state” Equilibrium?

Answer 18

The condition that occurs in a system when the rates of input and output are equal and the amounts of energy and stored matter are nearly constant around a stable average

System fluctuates around a stable average and maintains the same operation level

Question 19

What does UTM stand for?

Answer 19

Universal Transverse Mercator

Question 20

Lines running North/South are called…?

Lines running East/West?

Answer 20

Northings

Eastings

Question 21

Refers to the technique of obtaining information from a distance

Answer 21

Remote Sensing

ex: Monitoring weather systems, Seismic activity

Question 22

a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data

Answer 22

Geographic Information System (GIS)

For example, using GIS, a single map could include sites that produce pollution, such as factories, and sites that are sensitive to pollution, such as wetlands and rivers. Such a map would help people determine where water supplies are most at risk. GIS applications include both hardware and software systems.