Vocabulary
Compass Rose
shows the orientation of a map
These lines run parallel to the equator
Latitude
What is Geography?
study of the location and distribution of physical features and living things on Earth’s surface, and how they relate to each other
What is physical geography?
study of Earth’s natural features, including water, landforms, vegetation (plant life), and climate.
What is human geography?
studying human activities as they relate to Earth
Map
gives you direction, tells you where you are and how to get to where you want to go
What is relative location?
the general position of where something is in relation to other things
What is a mental map?
a map in a person’s mind that contains his or her knowledge of an area or people.
interconnection of living and nonliving things
Human migration
movement from one place to another
Intermediate Direction
Southwest, Southeast, Northwest, Northwest
What is absolute location?
the exact spot on Earth where something exists
What is region?
A area that shares a common characteristic.
How do geographers study physical geography?
plot these elements on maps and globes to understand their patterns of distribution throughout the world
elevation maps and complex tools such as computer modeling to understand the unique physical features of a region.
vertical line from the North Pole to the South Pole and divides Earth into east and west halves.
Prime Meridian
Cardinal Direction
East, West, North, South
These imaginary lines run north and south across Earth
Longitude
What does a map scale do?
helps readers calculate distance, or the amount of space between two locations.
T/F
Physical Geography is one of the main branches of geography
True
T/F
geographers make forecasts about what will happen to our planet in the years ahead
True
Equator
imaginary reference line that circles Earth
What are the elements in reading a map?
Map, Compass Rose, Legend, scale
branch of geography analyzes how people interact with the environment
Human Geography
Peninsula
The number of years it takes the population to double in size based on the current population growth
Doubling time