How Geographers look at the World
The three major ways the round Earth is presented on a flat map
Planar projection, cylindrical projection and conic projection
What does Earth’s lithosphere consist of?
uppermost layer of the earth that includes the crust, continents and ocean basins
Equinox
a day on which the sun is directly over the Equator
El Niño
a phenomenon in which the pattern of ocean currents and water temperatures in the mid-Pacific region reverse
Explain why the Earth experiences seasons
Because of the earth's relationship to the sun and the tilt of the earth
How has computer technology affected cultural change in recent decades?
Computers allow information like ideas and traditions to spread quickly, accelerating cultural change
What is the grid system used to map locations on Earth’s surface called?
Lines of longitude and latitude
Which of Earth’s three structural layers is the hottest?
The core
rain shadow
a phenomenon that causes dry areas to develop on the leeward sides of mountain ranges
Solstice
a day on which the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer or the Tropic of the Capricorn
Describe what is taking place in the Northern Hemisphere during the summer solstices (on or around June 21).
Direct rays of sun hit the Tropic of Cancer, and it is the longest day of the year
What do you call the spread of culture traits, both material and non-material, from one culture to another?
cultural assimilation
What do latitude lines measure?
The distance north and south of the Equator
What do secular scientists think caused Pangaea to separate?
Continental Drift
Coriolis effect
causes winds to blow to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere
Greenhouse gas
a substance such as methane or carbon dioxide that traps heat in the atmosphere
Why are the Tropics of Cancer & Capricorn significant?
They are the parts of the earth that get the most sunlight.
What is the scientific study of populations by examining trends such as birthrates and death rates?
Demography
What do longitude lines measure?
The distance east and west of the Prime Meridian
How does the sun activate the water cycle?
By evaporating water from the surfaces of bodies of water.
Permafrost
permanently frozen soil beneath the ground’s surface
Biome
a regional ecosystem with distinct plants and animals
Approximately how fast is the Earth spinning on its axis?
Approximately 1,000 miles per hour
What is the doubling time? Typically, how long, compared to less developed countries, does the doubling time take in more developed countries?
Doubling time is the amount of time it takes a population to double in size. It is typically longer in more developed countries.
What must geographers do to properly understand places?
Focus broadly on culture, politics, history, and economics
Most of Earth’s freshwater found where?
Frozen is glaciers and ice caps
Steppe
a dry grassland that has warm summers and harsh, cold winters
Dessert
an extremely dry area which supports very few plants or animals
Describe what is taking place during the spring/fall equinox?
The sun is directly over the equator. Day and night are equal.
What do levels of development refer to?
The country's economic prospects and standard of living