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Physical Geography Midterm > GEO 105 Midterm > Flashcards

GEO 105 Midterm Flashcards

(91 cards)

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1
Q

The Great Systems

A

Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere, Geosphere

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2
Q

Open Systems

A

Receive inputs from outside their boundaries. Ex. Earth receives Sun’s energy.

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3
Q

Closed Systems

A

Does not receive input outside the system

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4
Q

Feedback

A

Change based on input/output in a system

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5
Q

Feedback Loop

A

Changes input/output based on the stock.

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6
Q

System (Geographical)

A

Interconnected set of elements that achieves something.

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7
Q

Elements in a System

A

The specialized/central functions in a system.

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8
Q

Stock

A

Foundation of all systems. Elements you can see/measure.

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9
Q

Dynamic Equilibrium

A

Levels in a system remain unchanged.

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10
Q

Balance in a System

A

Homeostasis, attempts to stay similar/status quo.

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11
Q

Positive Feedback Loop

A

Runaway feedback, builds on original change.

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12
Q

Negative Feedback Loop

A

Tends to balance the system. One aspect lessens, another increases.

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13
Q

Map Projections

A

Various types: Mercator, Conical, none are completely accurate.

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14
Q

Conical Projection

A

In a cone projection, good for mid-latitudes..

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15
Q

Mercator Projection

A

Good for navigation/coordination, Poles warped.

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16
Q

Cartesian Coordinate System

A

2D map with X/Y axis. X-independent Y-dependent.

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17
Q

Science

A

Advances/Changes to fit human need. 1. It’s understandable. 2. It’s ideas are subject to change. 3. Not all questions can be answered. 4. Scientific Knowledge builds on former knowledge.

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18
Q

Inductive Reasoning

A

Moves from specific instances into a generalized conclusion, not always true.

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19
Q

Deductive Reasoning

A

Moves from generalized principles that are thought to be true into a true and specific conclusion.

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20
Q

Global Coordinate System

A

Grid of lines running N-S and E-S across the globe for geographic purposes.

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21
Q

Parallels/Small Circles

A

East to West lines across the globe for latitude, all smaller than the Equator.

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22
Q

Latitude

A

Distance North or South of the Equator.

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23
Q

Meridians

A

Measure Longitude North to South from the poles.

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24
Q

Prime Meridian

A

The origin at 0 degrees in Greenwich, England for all meridians for longitude.

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25
High/Middle/Low Latitudes
High- 90-66.5 degrees. Middle- 66.5-23.5 degrees. Low- 23.5-Equator.
26
Tropic of Cancer
23.5 parallel in the Northern hemisphere.
27
Tropic of Capricorn
23.5 parallel in the Southern hemisphere.
28
Scale
The relationship between distance on the map/distance on the Earth's surface.
29
Small-Scale Maps
Cover large areas. 100 units.
30
Large-Scale Maps
Cover small areas. 10,000 units
31
Representative Fraction
1 unit is equally to X units on the Earth's surface. Ex. 1:50,000 means 1 unit is equally to 50,000 on Earth.
32
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Computer mapping programs that utilize information to make accurate maps.
33
Resolution
Level of detail on a map.
34
Thematic Maps
Data is put in named categories in dots/shadings.
35
Choropleth Maps
Data measured on a scale relative to each other.
36
Isopleth Map
show the pattern/trend of numerical values in isolines.
37
Topographic Contour Maps
Small scale maps by the USGS.
38
Energy
Ability to do work
39
Work
Application of force over distance.
40
Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)
All radiant energy, moves in waves across a spectrum. Small- Gamma, X-ray, Ultraviolet. Visible light. Long- Infrared, microwaves, radio waves.
41
Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse gas lets in solar radiation but holds back outgoing long-wave radiation.
42
Geocentric/Heliocentric
Geocentric- Earth center of universe. Heliocentric- Sun center of universe.
43
Perihelion/Aphelion
A- Earth's farthest point from the sun (July 5). P- Earth's closest point to the sun (Jan 3).
44
Plane of the Ecliptic
Common plane of orbit for the solar system.
45
Sun Angle
Degree of angle directly affects insolation. Equator- more direct insolation than poles. Explains seasonal changes based on axis tilt.
46
Open Energy System
Earth is an open system because the Sun's energy enters the system.
47
Conservation of Energy Principle
No absolute loss/gain of energy within systems, cannot be created/destroyed.
48
Seasons
Elliptical orbit and axis tilt in revolution. Rotation- Earth's daily spin.
49
Temperature
Indicator of a substance's heat content.
50
Heat
the actual energy content of the substance. No heat at all is equal to Absolute Zero.
51
Heat Capacity
Amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature one unit.
52
Temperature Scales
Fahrenheit- 32F freezing. Celsius- 0F freezing. Kelvin- based off of absolute zero.
53
Heat Reservoirs
1. Earth's interior. Core is 6000C hot, but not a good conductor of heat. Largest reservoir. 2. Oceans, get energy from ocean floor/sun. 3. Atmosphere, smallest one that gets from direct insolation absorption.
54
Composition of Air
Nitrogen- 78%. Oxygen- 21%, all other gas- less than 1%
55
Exchange Time
Time it takes to completely extract/renew the atmospheric reservoir/pool of gas.
56
Absorption
EMR waves taken up by a substance and transformed into heat energy. Like water becoming gas.
57
Reflection
EMR bouncing off a substance like water particles and reflected into the atmosphere.
58
Scattering
EMR reflected in a variety of directions.
59
Albedo
% of incoming solar radiation reflected by a surface.
60
Beam Radiation
Direct insolation
61
Diffuse Radiation
Indirect insolation
62
Net Solar Radiation
NS= Si-So.
63
Latent Heat
Energy stored in water as a result of phase changes. Evaporation as an example.
64
Sensible Heat
Energy conducted into the air when air molecules come in contract with warm ground and take on heat. Heat you can feel.
65
Transmission
Radiation goes through a substance and maintains its energy. Ex. Window.
66
Cloud Cover
Impacts amount of insolation reflected.
67
Earth's Energy Balance
Process by which the Earth has an energy budget and uses transmission, reflection, and absorption to maintain it.
68
Bowen Ratio
Ratio between energy given up as sensible heat and the amount by latent heat. Measures thermal performance.
69
Isotherms
lines marking temperature across the globe.
70
Marine vs Continental Climates
Marine- less extreme temperatures, more consistent. Due to waters slow heat transmission/heating. Continental- greater highs/lows in temperature, less moderation.
71
Elevation/Climate
Higher elevation means less pressure and lower temperatures.
72
Atmospheric Pressure
force exerted on a sq/meter of Earth's surface by the total mass of particles in the atmosphere.
73
Anticyclones/Cyclones
High and low pressure cells. Anti= force out air. Cyclone= draw in air.
74
Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
The tropical latitudinal zone from 23.5 degrees south and 23.5 north. Low pressure band.
75
Surface Currents
Created by wind and makes gyres of wind waves.
76
Thermohaline Circulation
Created by temperature and density differences. Cold and salt-dense water sinks, warm less dense water rises.
77
The Climate Engines
Tropical, Intertropical Convergence Zone, Midlatitude, and Maritime.
78
Koppen-Geiger System
Map of climates of the world based on temperature/moisture. A-E.
79
Human Adaptation to Climate
Igloos and Abode houses/clothing keep humans alive in extreme temperatures. Technology disconnects at times
80
Reasons for Climate Change
1. Increased C02 into the atmosphere. 2. Deforestation and soil erosion. 3. Desertification.
81
Earth as an Ecosystem
Systems and all things within them are connected. Ecosystems and cycles like Carbon/Phosphorus cycles help maintain balance. Food Chain/Energy Pyramid.
82
Major Biomes
Tropical Forest, Tropical Savanna, Temperate Forest, Boreal Forest, Desert, West Coast Forest, Mountain, Tundra.
83
Soil Systems
Have inputs/outputs with creation of parent material and erosion/weathering.
84
Soil Texture
% of by weight of sand/silt/clay in a soil.
85
Humus
decomposed organisms in a soil
86
Soil Types
Entisols (most recent), Inceptisols (young soil), Andisols, Aridisol, Mollisol (soft soil), Spodosol (ashy soil), Alfisol (moist/soft), Ultisol, Oxisol, Vertisol, Histosol (organic soil), Gelisol (permafrost)
87
Causes of Soil Erosion
Runoff and Wind
88
Eccentricity
Change in the Earth's Orbit
89
Obliquity
Variation in the Earth's axis tilt.
90
Precession
Change in the Aphelion/Perihelion.
91
Stokes Law
The settling rate of particles by their size.

Physical Geography Midterm (1 decks)

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