Basic Concepts of Geography
What are the two main branches of geography?
Physical geography and human geography.
Which theme of geography helps us pinpoint an exact place on Earth, either by using coordinates or describing its relation to other places?
Location.
The Earth's crust is divided into large pieces that move slowly over the mantle. What is the name of the theory that explains this movement and causes geological events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?
Plate Tectonics
What process involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces by wind, water, or chemical reactions?
Weathering.
What does GPS stand for?
Global Positioning System.
What branch of geography focuses specifically on human activities, cultures, and how they interact with and influence the physical environment?
Human Geography
When we talk about people migrating, products being shipped globally, or ideas spreading through media, which theme of geography are we referring to?
Movement.
At which type of plate boundary do two tectonic plates collide, often forming mountains or causing one plate to be forced under another?
Convergent boundary
Rivers, wind, and glaciers wear away at the Earth’s surface, moving sediment from one place to another. What is this process called?
Erosion
The science or practice of drawing maps is known as..?
Cartography
What are the three types of regions used in geography?
Formal, functional, and perceptual regions.
ome areas are known for specific features or functions, such as the Sun Belt in the U.S. or Silicon Valley. Which theme of geography helps us classify these areas?
Region.
When energy is suddenly released along a fault line, causing the ground to shake, what natural event occurs?
Earthuake
What natural force is responsible for forming canyons and valleys by wearing away rock over time?
Water Erosion
What type of map shows governmental boundaries, such as countries or states?
Political Map.
What is the term for studying the spatial patterns and distributions of things on Earth's surface?
The spatial perspective.
Farmers adapt to dry climates by using irrigation, while cities deal with pollution from industrial activities. Which theme of geography examines these relationships between humans and their environment?
Human-environment interaction.
When magma rises through the Earth's crust and erupts as lava, gases, and ash, what natural feature forms?
Volcano
After materials are eroded, they are carried away and eventually dropped in a new location, forming features like deltas or sand dunes. What is this process called?
Deposition
What type of map would you use to show elevation and landforms?
Topographic Map
Which advanced geographic tool is used to collect, store, analyze, and display spatial data, allowing users to layer information such as roads, population, and weather patterns on a map?
GIS (Geographic Information System).
How do the physical and human characteristics of a place work together to shape its identity?
Physical features like landforms and climate, combined with human elements such as culture, architecture, and economy, shape a place’s identity.
What process inside the Earth causes the slow movement of tectonic plates, driven by heat from the core?
Mantle Convection
What reactions alter the composition of minerals and rocks?
Chemical Weathering
Explain how a thematic map is different from a topographic map.
A thematic map focuses on specific themes like population or climate, while a topographic map shows elevation and physical features.